This new DIRAK compression latch from FDB Panel Fittings meets a common need for a flush latch with compression/anti-vibration characteristics often found in slightly special applications. The 7-086 and 7-087 provide discrete closure with visual indicator especially suited to these vibration-prone environments such as specialist road and off-road vehicles, railway rolling stock, agricultural vehicles. Compression characteristics are also often needed in industrial applications requiring especial levels of gasket compression, e.g. on electrical enclosures and cabinets, for storage cupboards or closets with large infrequently operated doors.
The team at DIRAK explains that “rail transport is subject to peak requirements in design, function and material. Our challenge was to combine the advantages of a flush-mounted quarter-turn with those of a compression latch while ensuring easy, tool-less adjustment of the cam.” The solution was to develop flush-mounted compression latches made of stainless steel with different housing lengths with a fixed cam or tool-less adjustable with a knurled wheel.
All versions provide a precise compression combined with a flat surface. Both variants offer 6mm of gasket compression in a corrosion-resistant stainless-steel mechanism which accommodates 1.8 to 22mm thickness doors dependent on choice of two housing lengths. This permits use of doors in steel, wood, fiberglass, synthetics and compound sandwich materials to match the style of panelling or other decorative features.
Stainless steel was obviously the material of choice for rugged performance and longevity of service – ensuring high value for money with hard-wearing operation on both the 7-086 which allows for cam depth adjustment by use of selected cranked cams, and the 7-087 which provides for additional depth adjustment of the tab by virtue of a toolless knurled knob on a threaded shaft – thus enabling cam adjustment to accommodate especially deep frames.
Interchangeable inserts (to specification) mean that standard industrial key/closure methodologies may be employed without the need to carry yet another key, while providing an appropriate level of access security for many types of installation. These inserts may be selected from all common options including square, triangular, double bar, conical square, in various sizes to suit corporate convention.
Depth adjustment of the body to accommodate various panel thicknesses enables custom fitting with perfectly smooth external appearance and no external projections, while the depth adjustable cam allows installers to make changes and detail alignments during the commissioning process and maintenance or re-fit, for an optimum location and rattle-free service. Rear door mounting ensures that internal fixings may be selected – or where “drill-through” mounting is required, then blind or security screws may be easily utilised. The final installation is therefore safe, even for escape routes, and exactly fitted.
FDB Panel Fittings and sister company FDB Electrical share their online shopping website at www.fdbonline.co.uk. Further information on FDB products and services may be found at: www.fdb.co.uk. Find the latest information and news on the FDB blog – www.fdbnews.co.uk, or follow them on twitter: www.twitter.com/fdbpanelfitting – also see www.youtube.com/fdbpanelfittings.
FDB Panel Fittings
Tel: 0208 568 1616
www.fdb.co.uk
www.fdbonline.co.uk
www.fdbnews.co.uk
