The white color RAL 9002 is particularly suitable in medical environments, as it allows the prompt identification of any dust or dirt traces. Psychologically it gives operators and patients a sense of sterility and cleanliness.
]]>The ELESA CLEAN LINE of hardware is a necessary requirement when cleanliness is critical.
The white color RAL 9002 is particularly suitable in medical environments, as it allows the prompt identification of any dust or dirt traces. Psychologically it gives operators and patients a sense of sterility and cleanliness.
Stainless steel inserts are available for applications where corrosion-resistant materials are mandatory. Compact shapes with smooth surfaces and a gloss finish prevent any dust, dirt, or machining residues.
You can see the ELESA CLEAN LINE products exclusively at Steel City Supply HERE
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EMKA small quarter turns (Series 1022) could be the answer for small enclosures and panel doors when the larger standard quarter turn hardware will not suffice in your application.
EMKA's small quarter turn program (series 1022) includes wing knobs and compression latches that provide reassurance and practicality of a robust security device with an insert or key mechanism.
You can find EMKA small quarter turn locks exclusively at Steel City Supply HERE
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The quality of the locks, gaskets, and hinges you select can determine the efficiency of your overall design. Compromising on the material and quality of these articles can cost your client thousands of dollars in product loss or container replacement, which can damage your reputation. Choosing attachments that fit your clients’ needs is therefore a crucial part of the design process that requires you to choose parts can handle the work they need to do.
Here are three factors you should consider when choosing the right hardware for your design:
External factors can directly compromise the integrity of the locks, hinges, and gaskets that help give your product value as a secure container. When considering a design, take into account the weather conditions that your product may need to withstand:
Selecting attachments that can endure extreme and everyday weather conditions can make the difference between a product that lasts a lifetime and a product that needs to be frequently replaced.
A piece of hardware that’s used a hundred times a day demands a particularly high level of quality. Frequent and repetitive use requires an attachment with moving parts, such as a hinge, to stand up to additional friction. The fastening tools that secure the object to the container need to be structurally sound as well – over time, the repeated impact of a lock or latch clicking in and out of place can jar it loose.
Hardware without moving parts can also be structurally compromised by frequent use. A freezer door gasket, for example, might wear down as the door opens and closes dozens of times per day over the years. Its sealing capabilities could then decrease, resulting in increased energy costs to maintain the internal temperature or even a loss of product if the temperature rises too much.
Just as a frequently used product can risk deterioration, a product that sits untouched for weeks, months, or even years at a time can fail as well. Articles in high-moisture environments are at particular risk for corrosion, which can reduce the mobility of hinges, locks, and other attachments with moving parts. In extreme cases, an increase in corrosion or rust over time can cause the article to break, compromising both the contents within the container and the container itself. Consider using attachments made of stainless steel or high-performance plastics, which are more resistant to the damage caused by lack of use.
After considering the functional needs of your design, prioritize the selection of durable, easy-to-use hardware to help your product reach its full potential. Choosing high-quality hinges, gaskets, and locks can help you create a design that withstands any elements it encounters.
Contact us today to discover how durable attachments can add value to your product.
]]>The ELESA HCX series flow indicators allow for easy visual evidence that equipment lubrication is being well maintained.
The HCX series visual flow indicators are designed to visually show the passage of a fluid in a tube. They are normally used in lubrication, refrigeration, heating and water treatment systems in chemical, food and pharmaceutical applications.
Elesa flow indicators can be installed either vertically or horizontally to control transparent viscous liquid, free of impurities.
This and other quality ELESA products are sold exclusively at Steel City Supply.
Look HERE for more information.
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The EMKA 1087-U1 Door Stop is an essential inclusion into any design that safely securing cabinet doors is a requirement.
This door stop, made of zinc plated steel has the following product features . . .
This and other quality EMKA products are sold exclusively at Steel City Supply.
Look HERE for information or click the ADD TO CART button below
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The EMKA 1053-U1 slam latch is a necessary addition to any light weight cabinet or enclosure that requires an economical, but high quality, closing latch.
This slam latch is constructed of zinc plated mild steel that is light weight but durable. For design purposes, this latch can be used inside or outside of the door gasket and can be used in either right or left hand applications.
This and other quality EMKA products are sold exclusively at Steel City Supply.
Look HERE for information or click the ADD TO CART button below
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The ELESA EPR series flush pull handles make for quick installation with their snap-in design.
The EPR series is made with a polyamide based technopolymer and have a modern design thanks to its compact shape. The internal profile of the cavity offers a safe, comfortable and ergonomic grip.
The polyurethane foam packing ring assures protection against water droplets and dust and offers good resistance to weak acid or basic detergent solutions, mineral oils and derivatives.
These and other quality ELESA products are sold exclusively at Steel City Supply.
Look HERE for more information.
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The replacement key center maintains a large inventory of replacement keys for cabinet manufacturers like APC, Hoffman, Hubbell-Wiegmann, and Rittal, to hardware lock and latch manufacturers like EMKA, Dirak, and Fath.
These replacement keys are offered in both dimensional shape and keyed versions, manufactured in either zinc die cast with black powder coating, or black polyamide.
Look HERE for more information about our replacement center keys, or to purchase.
]]>This ELESA (VCT.40 p series) lobe knob has a 1/4-20 x 1/2" threaded stud. It is manufactured out of a resilient polypropylene based (PP) technopolymer that makes it resistant to: solvents, oils, greases and other chemical agents.
These and other quality ELESA lobe knobs are sold exclusively at Steel City Supply.
Look HERE for more information, or click the ADD TO CART button
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When designing for fire resistance, the materials you choose spell the difference between a product that goes up in flames and one that withstands the environment—no matter how high the temperatures climb. Oftentimes, picking the right materials is a difficult task, as there are multiple national, international, and industry standards for fire resistance.
Fire resistance is typically measured by the amount of time a product can withstand a standard fire test. While different authoritative bodies hold different test standards and measurement techniques, this much is consistent: The aim is to ensure the product withstands heat and flames until the fire source is extinguished.
Just as the fire resistance tests vary by authoritative body, so do fire resistance ratings. Although all ratings are slightly different, they also have a consistent theme: The higher the rating (whether it’s numerical or alphabetical), the greater the ability to withstand high temperatures for longer periods of time.
The authoritative body will vary depending on jurisdiction and the intended use of the product. For example, a government body may have certain fireproofing requirements in all new buildings, while a regulatory body may require certain fireproofing materials in transportation vehicles. Knowing the jurisdiction and regulatory laws behind your product will significantly increase product success.
There are many fire-resistant materials on the market. Some of the most common:
When these materials are used as a coating on a product, that product’s resistance to heat and flame increases significantly—potentially making it a valuable selection in an overall design.
Even if a product is marketed as “fireproof,” it can be damaged by fire. In fact, all materials will eventually burn, smolder, or melt under intense heat.
When designing with fire resistance in mind, it’s not only the immediate environment that matters. Although the facility you’re designing for may encounter intense heat levels, take into account potential heat sources from nearby structures as well. In a worst-case scenario, what other nearby flammable materials could ignite to present even higher heat levels in your design?
Chemicals like magnesium and thermite burn at extremely high temperatures that can quickly consume everything around them. If you’re working on a custom design, know what’s in the vicinity when selecting fire-resistant materials so that you can ensure the products can withstand the potential heat levels.
By maintaining a firm grasp on fire resistance and fire-resistant products, you can ensure your designs withstand whatever hazards they face.
Contact me today to learn how the fire-resistant materials used in select EMKA, Elesa, and Ganter products will impact the durability of your final design. ]]>In a previous EMI discussion, we explored common use cases for EMI gaskets in protecting nearby equipment. To properly incorporate EMI gaskets into a design, however, the designer must understand the EMI gasket materials and the final use case for each gasket.
EMI gaskets are available in a variety of materials, each of which delivers its own benefits and drawbacks. Some of the most common:
Knowing the materials available to your design is half the challenge in battling EMI. The other half is generating answers to these critical design questions:
1. What regulations do you need to comply with?
Different companies are beholden to different regulations, both from the government and industry watchdogs. When custom-designing a product or facility, it’s crucial to understand which regulations you must comply with.
2. What environmental conditions will be present?
The requirements for the EMI gasket will vary depending on the environmental demands. Important factors to consider:
The answers to these questions and similar concerns will help determine the type of EMI gasket required.
3. Are there space and weight limitations?
Depending on your space and weight requirements, some gasket materials will be more valuable than others. Take cell phones, for example. Cell phones need to be lightweight and compact, so there are no opportunities for heavy gaskets inside of them. These same considerations must be made in all other EMI applications.
4. What are the device’s operating frequencies? What external frequencies may the device be exposed to?
Higher frequencies can easily slip through small openings in the EMI shielding. The higher the frequencies involved, the tighter the overall design must be. In some cases, this will require different EMI shielding material.
5. Should you account for compression set?
When compression is a factor, your gasket may deform, especially in applications like doors and access panels. As the gasket is compressed over time, it will require higher compression to achieve the same EMI shielding levels as when the gasket material was new. In the absence of higher compression, you may leave space for EMI frequencies to slip through.
By keeping these questions top of mind during the design phase, you’ll ultimately settle on the ideal EMI gasket regardless of the application.
Contact me for more information about EMI gaskets considers for your next design.]]>When designing enclosures, it’s crucial to know exactly how much security the end user requires. That single detail will determine which products—including locks—you must use for the ideal user experience. Choosing the wrong lock for the required security level will create hazards for the end user that could be detrimental.
When you’re designing for a low-threat environment, you may only require a mechanism for keeping doors closed against wind and similar factors without the use of a key. Mechanisms like those found in standard slam locks work well for when the end goal is simply to keep a container door from opening suddenly. Composed of a latch and a spring, this simple, economic design only requires a single swipe of the latch to open the door. The slam locks are also available in screw-on and weld-on models, granting your design additional versatility.
In a normal security environment, you’ll have containers and enclosures requiring limited access, such as closets, lockers, and storage sheds. This sort of security requires a key, so you’ll likely want a door handle-lock combination. Take note that each lock comes with a limited set of keys. The end user may need to purchase extra keys for any personnel requiring access to the container.
So many keys can become a nuisance, however, so there are ways to circumvent them. Some handles have two locking features: a combination lock and a traditional keyhole. Though more expensive than the slam locks or the traditional keyed handles, these locks provide end users with a couple of different access choice, and users can decide to only use one locking feature at a time.
Because of this, the lock may be better suited in low traffic environments or locations already under strong security. Combinations are easy to share, and if everyone knows the combination, the combination lock isn’t very useful.
These combination locks can work well in high-security environments, however. By activating both the combination lock feature and the keyed featured, you can use the combination locks in high-security environments. End users will need both the combination and the key to get through the lock, creating an extra hurdle for intruders. However, it’s still not as secure as our next option.
For environments that need extra security, use locking mechanisms that require twice the number of keys. Some locks incorporate the standard keyhole, but also feature a hook to accommodate a third-party padlock over the handle, granting additional security. With such a locking system installed, users can’t stumble upon a single key in the area and get through the lock—they’ll also need a key to the padlock to open the lock with the handle.
Contact me today to learn more about how EMKA, APC, and Tripp Lite locks can add additional value to your design. ]]>Industrial designers have plenty to think about for every project they work on. Each environmental element present and every substance handled by employees will impact the design’s longevity, so you must ensure all components, including your handles, are properly selected for the end use. That requires taking a close look at the material makeup of your handles. Without the right blend of ingredients to match a demanding environment, a handle could crumble over time.
There are many environmental factors to consider when you’re selecting handles for a design, including:
If any of these will be used around the handles, or if the handles are used in a facility where these hazards are present, the handles could wear faster than expected, which spirals into not only maintenance costs but potential safety risks as well. Because of that, it’s important to understand the common materials used in the handles themselves.
Resistant Against:
Combining glass fiber with plastic results in a durable, heavy-duty plastic commonly used in industrial handles. Technopolymer handles can withstand repeated physical abuse from impacts and abrasions while also warding off damage from harsh elements. This makes them ideal across many different industrial settings, especially where solvents and chemicals are present.
Resistant Against:
Closely related to formica and bakelite, phenolic-based Duroplast is a durable plastic used in everything from cars to industrial handles. Duroplast offers a sturdy, slip-resistant grip and a ton of resistance to numerous environmental factors. Whether you’re designing for use in a laboratory or an oil field, you won’t need to worry about the handle breaking down without routine cleaning.
Resistant Against:
With high corrosion resistance and high heat resistance, chrome plating is terrific in hot, steamy environments. There are many polyamide-based handles available today that feature a chrome plating for both appearance and durability.
Resistant Against:
Stainless steel’s durability makes it perfect for environments where the handle will undergo rigorous physical demands. In addition to simply being tough, stainless steel is corrosion-resistant. The caveat here is that the steel must remain exposed to oxygen and free from dirt. As a result, stainless steel will require routine cleaning to maintain its strength. Avoid using stainless steel in aqueous environments, especially locations that are exposed to saltwater or chlorine.
Resistant Against:
Powder coatings are a relatively new technology that continues to grow in popularity. Their durability, however, is relatively low. If you’re designing for environments under heavy sunlight, avoid using powder coatings as they’ll break down under UV light. Though they’re not as tough as steel-plated or other plastics-based options, powder coatings do have a few surface advantages that help them under heavy wear and tear.
Resistant Against:
Most aluminum handles are anodized, which means they’ve undergone a type of oxidation to achieve a finish that’s more corrosion-resistant than steel. With an optional plastic coating, some aluminum-based handles can provide durability against chemicals as well.
Contact me today to learn how the materials used in EMKA, Elesa, and Ganter handles will impact the durability of your final design.]]>Here’s what high-quality edge protection can contribute to your design:
A truly effective enclosure protects its users just as it protects its contents. Neglecting to implement edge profiling into your design, however, can put personnel at risk for both mild injuries such as scrapes and serious wounds that may require hospitalization.
Rather than subjecting workers to sharp corners and edges, including edge profiling in your design can ensure that the risk of bodily harm they incur from bumping up against the sharper parts of the enclosure is reduced or eliminated. Profiling made from PVC or EPDM – such as one of the variations of edge protection offered by EMKA (Program 1010) – provides a much safer point of contact and helps make edge safety a non-issue for your enclosure.
Edge protection can also keep unwanted substances from entering or exiting through small gaps in your enclosure. While leaving your design’s edges and corners uncovered can leave it unprotected, including this part can help solve problems associated with:
Edge profiling doesn’t just protect the edges of your design – it also protects the valuable contents inside it.
While appearance certainly isn’t the most important factor when developing an enclosure, it can help increase your design’s value. Even if the rest of your enclosure is perfectly functional, chipped paint or an unfinished appearance can make the durability of the finished product seem compromised.
Speccing edge protection into your design improves the look of your enclosure both immediately and long-term. The addition can provide a finished appearance to your container, and as the design is exposed to the elements over time, the profile can also protect against scratches and paint deterioration. These factors may not determine the functionality of your enclosure, but they still affect how consumers will view the overall quality of your design.
Edge profiling may not be one of the most obviously crucial parts of your design, but speccing it in can have a major positive impact on the value of your enclosure. The effect of edge protection on personnel safety, sealing capabilities, and overall aesthetic makes it an important part for any designer on a mission to create a high-quality container.
Contact us today to learn more about how edge profiling can increase the value of your design.
]]>The 1011-05 gasket profile can suit all sorts of OEM cabinet and housing applications. With sealing levels up to IP65 possible, there are EMC variants with protective shield coatings that further enable manufacturers to achieve levels of EMC compliance in sensitive areas.
The 1011-05 gasket construction often comprises mixed materials to ensure best performance by using the durability of PVC, with the flexibility of EPDM or the oil resistance of perbunan. This gasket is UL50 listed which defines them as suitable for outdoor applications, while others are to UL94HB which refers to their self-extinguishing characteristics.
Simple manual fitting onto a door edge is quickly and easily achieved by using a spring steel core within the carrier section. This is complimented with solid, hollow, bubble sealing section that allows the necessary compression required by the application.
Look HERE for more information, or click the ADD TO CART button below to purchase.
]]>This ELESA (M.443-CH series) bridge-type handle is made of a tough glass-fibre reinforced polyamide based (PA) technopolymer. They come in the following colors: black, orange, grey, red and green with a matte finish. Mounting is achieved with pass-through holes for cylindrical-head screws with hexagon socket.
]]>The ELESA pull handle 37101 is a good choice when your application requires a pull handle that is tough, yet affordable.
This ELESA (M.443-CH series) bridge-type handle is made of a tough glass-fibre reinforced polyamide based (PA) technopolymer. They come in the following colors: black, orange, grey, red and green with a matte finish. Mounting is achieved with pass-through holes for cylindrical-head screws with hexagon socket.
These and other quality ELESA handles are sold exclusively at Steel City Supply.
Look HERE for more information, or click the ADD TO CART button below to purchase.
]]>This EPDM gasket has a conductive external skin in order to attenuate the transmission of electromagnetic interference across a sealed junction. In addition to EMC, this gasket can help with gap sealing, noise reduction, vibration damping, and impact cushioning on cabinets and machinery.
]]>This EPDM gasket has a conductive external skin in order to attenuate the transmission of electromagnetic interference across a sealed junction. In addition to EMC, this gasket can help with gap sealing, noise reduction, vibration damping, and impact cushioning on cabinets and machinery.
This conductive coated gasket and tape system provides a contiguous conductive pathway to ensure EMC performance on steel enclosures and cabinets where the original design did not provide sufficient EMC performance, or perhaps did not take it into consideration at all.
You can find EMKA EMC/EMI gasket exclusively at Steel City Supply HERE
]]>High-visibility features on the hardware you spec into your design can add security without being economically wasteful. By including these parts, your enclosure can gain value as being a cost- and time-efficient design that succeeds even if the people handling it make mistakes.
Here’s how high-visibility hardware can improve your container:
High-visibility locking mechanisms can provide a simple way to check whether or not your enclosure is secure. While some designs can benefit from (and even require) high-tech locks that can quickly communicate whether or not a door is closed, others can get the same security feature from a simpler lock with high-visibility indicators.
For example, our compression latch with visual open status indication gains another layer of security with a simple red ring. This feature is cost-efficient and low-tech, but still allows workers to check from a distance whether or not an enclosure is open.
In busy work environments, every second counts. The time that personnel may spend double-checking every single lock on a group of enclosures can be better spent on other tasks. Worse, employees who are in a rush may improperly check a lock or accidentally skip it altogether, compromising the integrity of the products inside.
Products such as our “double red” compression latches for storage containers (Program 1000) offer a much quicker solution. Red indicators make it immediately obvious when an enclosure is or isn’t secure, even from a distance. A cursory glance can tell personnel whether or not they need to check the latch, and the bright red color can cause an unsecured enclosure to catch a worker’s eye even when they’re not specifically looking for problems.
Even the most diligent workers make occasional mistakes. Unfortunately, when it comes to sensitive materials within an enclosure, even small oversights can be disastrous. Forgetting to properly seal an enclosure can be a difficult mistake to detect unless your workers are actively checking for it, and an obvious visual indicator can be the difference between a safe container and thousands of dollars in lost product.
Workers may be less likely to forget to lock an enclosure in the first place if they learn to recognize a high-visibility indicator to confirm that the container is sealed. This hardware can also reduce the need to rely on the word of other workers, instead depending on an obvious visual cue to determine whether or not an enclosure is correctly closed.
Simply adding a bit of color to a closing mechanism can mean the difference between security and failure in your design. High-visibility hardware can make your enclosure more economically sound while saving time and reducing the chances of problems do to human error.
Contact us today to learn more about how high-visibility hardware can help you design a more secure enclosure.
]]>These issues can be avoided simply by speccing a plastic guide shoe into your design. This addition to cams can solve many common issues users may have with steel enclosures while adding very little assembly time.
Here are a few of the benefits to implementing a plastic guide show into your design:
Steel-on-steel contact can scratch or significantly damage an enclosure’s surface over time. Using a slide shoe on your common steel or stainless steel cam provides a protective barrier between the cam and the surface of the design.
Because the plastic of the guide shoe causes significantly less friction than bare steel, this simple amendment to your design can keep your enclosure’s appearance looking newer for a longer period of time. Additionally, adding a guide shoe can prevent paint on your enclosure from getting scratched off.
The same friction that can cause steel cams to scratch the enclosure walls they’re attached to can also create additional and unnecessary torque when closing the cabinet. Using the guide shoe, however, can reduce this problem.
The anti-friction properties of the plastic shoe enable the cam to slide into place with less force than would be required without the addition. This facilitates the use of the cam and improves the user-friendliness of the overall design. By reducing the closing torque, this small piece of hardware can significantly improve your design’s ease of use.
While different guide shoes may attach to cams in different ways, many offer simple assembly options that require few or no additional tools. EMKA’s new slide shoe for cam (article number 1000-U892) offers an easy slide-on, tool-free assembly that makes it easy to add to or remove from existing enclosures.
This hassle-free assembly is less expensive and time-consuming than other options, and it also facilitates repairs and replacements of both the shoe itself and the cam. If a part on your design needs to be altered, a slide-on shoe serves as one fewer part to worry about when the enclosure is put back together.
A plastic guide shoe is one of the smallest pieces of hardware you can spec into your design, but it can do a lot of work in reducing damage, torque, and assembly hassle. This tiny part can ultimately pay for itself over time, making it a valuable addition to any design that features a cam.
Contact us today to learn more about how small parts like guide shoes can add value to your design.
]]>Here are a few factors to keep in mind when choosing hardware for extremely sanitary environments:
Just because a part is made of steel and comes from a reputable manufacturer doesn’t mean that it’s suitable for use in environments with strict hygienic standards. Hardware that’s designed for use in hygienic areas should always meet the requirements set in national or equivalent international legislation for food and medical safety. Qualifying EMKA products, for instance, meet the strict hygiene standards mandated by the German Institute for Standardization (DIN), ensuring that they’re authorized for use both in the United States and abroad.
You should also make sure that you’re choosing the right hardware for your enclosure’s intended purpose. For example, hardware that meets the requirements for the food sector doesn’t always meet the strict requirements necessary for use in the medical sector.
“Sanitary” hardware that’s difficult to clean won’t stay sanitary for long. Your hygienic hardware should be resistant to dirt, mold, and rust buildup, and if it does come into contact with external substances, removing them should be as simple as possible.
Some characteristics in an easy-to-clean hygienic article include:
The ability to easily clean hygienic hardware can make your entire design more user-friendly.
Even if the metal parts of the hardware you need meet every applicable standard, the article may still be unsuitable for jobs with high sanitation requirements if the sealing isn’t properly designed. Not all gasketing material is suitable for use in health or food service industries, and this factor must be considered when speccing in hardware for your design.
If the item you want for your design features gasketing, check the article information to see if it meets the requirements of FDA 21 CFR 177.2600. This legislation from the Food and Drug Administration mandates that any rubber-based products that come into contact with food are safe, and using gasketing that doesn’t meet this standard can put your entire design in jeopardy.
By taking care to ensure that the hardware you choose meets government regulations for sanitation, is easy to keep clean, and features hygienic gasketing details, you can guarantee that even the smallest details of your design are ready for even the strictest sanitary environments.
Contact me today to learn more about how to design an enclosure that meets any health requirements.
]]>Here are three qualities that can help your swinghandle increase the overall quality of your design:
Your swinghandle should offer locking options that should make access easy for authorized users and impossible for unauthorized individuals. Some security features include:
By implementing just one of these options or combining multiple improved security features, your swinghandle can be an even more effective locking mechanism for your design.
A high-quality swinghandle should be easy and comfortable to use, so long as the right people are using it. This makes high-performance plastics a great option for these locking mechanisms. Their anti-friction properties facilitate mobility between moving parts while preventing corrosion.
Your swinghandle should also be easy to grip once unlocked, even when users are wearing gloves. Tightened features that reduce gaps between moving parts can help prevent dirt and other debris particles from slipping in and causing parts to jam. Authorized users should be able to access your enclosure without a struggle, and a swinghandle that’s designed for efficiency and comfort can help your design offer them a better experience for years to come.
A smooth surface isn’t just tactually pleasant – it also prevents damage and vandalism to your swinghandle. Our aforementioned swinghandle for outdoor applications also boasts this feature, which makes dirt and graffiti less likely to stick to its surface or become lodged between parts. A swinghandle with a more abrasive surface, such as lower-quality plastic or metal, can collect dirt and dust, which can degrade the quality of the hardware over time and compromise its security.
Swinghandles can be a great locking option for both indoor and outdoor enclosures, so long as you choose one that fits the specific needs of your design. A swinghandle that offers security, comfort and ease-of-use, and a surface that preserves its longevity can add significant value to your design while improving the user experience.
Contact us today to learn more about how to choose the best swinghandle for your design.
]]>Some articles, such as EMKA’s new 135° hinge with captive pin and 120° hinge (program 1031), offer both weld-on and screw-on mounting options, and choosing which one is right for your design requires careful consideration of factors such as:
135° hinge with captive pin and 120° hinge
EMKA also supplies a variety of clip-on products, which can offer a further range of benefits that can add extra value to some designs.
Here are what three common types of mounting can do for your enclosure:
Weld-on mounts are ideal for hardware that needs to stay put at all costs. They’re far more difficult to remove than screw-on or clip-on mounts, but that’s what makes them a great option for hardware that needs to be permanently attached to an enclosure.
A weld-on mount may be an optimal solution for your design if your hardware needs to resist:
This heavy-duty mount can protect crucial parts of your design from failure even under extreme duress.
Choosing a screw-on mount for your hardware can facilitate the application and removal process while still providing a secure hold for your design. Screw-on hardware offers the support of industrial metal without the commitment of a weld, offering an easy removal option if the hardware or an attached part of your design is damaged or worn and needs to be replaced.
Screw-on mounts are often an economic choice as well. The tools and time involved in the initial installation of screw-on hardware are often significantly less than that involved for weld-on mounts. Additionally, if a part needs to be replaced or repaired, a screw-on mount allows it to be detached and sent separately rather than requiring the hassle (and costs) of transporting the entire unit.
When easy application and removal is a top priority, clip-on mounts may be the perfect solution for your design. This mount is becoming more common (and more popular) for hardware such as quarter-turns, and some of our newest products, such as the quarter turn for quick mounting (program 1000) feature this type of application.
Quarter turn for quick mounting
While they may not offer the same extreme level of security as a weld-on mount, high-quality clip-on hardware is still reliable, especially when made of corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel and high-performance plastic. EMKA’s clip-on products can also cut assembly time by up to 80 percent, and because many don’t require extra tools, they can also help reduce costs.
Whether your priority is strength, convenience, or something in the middle, you can find the perfect mount for your design’s hardware. Weld-on, screw-on, and clip-on mounts are all reliable as long as they’re well made and properly installed, but choosing the perfect option for your container requires careful consideration of your enclosure’s unique environment and design.
Contact us today to learn more about how to choose the right mount type for your enclosure.
]]>In order for a toggle latch to be truly effective, however, the hardware itself needs to be fail-proof. When searching for toggle latches to spec into your design, consider the implications of these characteristics as they apply to your container:
Toggle latches are designed to provide reliable security once they’re closed and fastened into place. If, however, you feel that the latch’s capabilities may be compromised by external factors, consider choosing one that offers additional options that could protect the latch from coming loose or being opened. Many toggle latches feature a hole where a padlock could be inserted, preventing the latch from being opened by anyone or anything that can’t open the lock.
Consider prioritizing additional security features in your toggle latch selection if your enclosure is likely to experience any of the following:
Adding additional locking options on an already secure latch can increase the protection value of your design.
A large part of the appeal of toggle latches is how easy they are to tighten and loosen. The latch you choose should be:
Acquiring your toggle latches from a reputable distributor is the first step toward making sure the toggle latches you choose meet this requirement, but when doing your own research, make sure that your hardware is the right material to provide the accessibility and security you require.
Avoiding corrosion and rust on both the surface and within the hardware (especially where moving parts connect) is crucial to an accessible latch. Make sure that the latch you select is made from corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel, to ensure that it can withstand prolonged exposure to moisture or other potentially damaging elements. Zinc galvanization can also provide added protection to steel, iron, and other metals. The durability of stainless steel can also keep your latch from being damaged from physical force if it’s slammed against another hard surface during transport.
Like any lock or latch, toggle latches are only as reliable as their mounting. This means ensuring that not only the latch itself is secure, but also the catch plate. Over time, the tension the latch places on the catch plate can loosen or even break it, especially if outside factors such as moisture, extreme temperatures, or physical force affect its structural integrity.
Should you need to select an alternative or replacement catch plate for your toggle latch, make sure that it, too, is built with corrosion resistance in mind. Pay special attention as well to the mounting techniques and tools used to secure both the catch plate and the mounting; a rusty screw could cause the latch to fail or make it harder to remove if it needs to be replaced.
Designing a top-quality enclosure requires speccing in top-quality toggle latches. Choosing a latch that offers personalized security, easy accessibility, and reliable mounting can give your design the value and reliability it needs to stand out from the competition.
Contact us today to learn more about how the right toggle latch can improve the quality of your design.
]]>Choosing the right rubber material for your design depends on multiple factors, including its exposure to:
While there are many different types of rubbers used in gasketing, these five are some of the most common among designers:
With the best recoil elasticity of all the rubber materials, natural rubber (NR) is an ideal choice when flexibility is high-priority. Unsurprisingly, this characteristic also makes it far less susceptible to long-term damage, abrasion, and deformation in comparison to other rubber variants. That elasticity, however, comes with a compromise: natural rubber offers less oil, fuel, and solvent resistance than its fellow rubber materials.
Abbreviated as SBR, this popular synthetic rubber is designed to be an improved version of natural rubber. As such, it shares many qualities with its natural counterpart (including elasticity and durability) and has become prevalent in the automobile industry. Also like natural rubber, Buna works particularly well as a gasket when required to adhere to metals and textiles.
Nitril rubber (NBR) is a synthetic material specially designed to withstand oil and fuel, making it a common material for petrol hoses. When used for gaskets, it offers less elasticity than Buna or natural rubber, but it can withstand higher temperatures than less specialized rubbers. Perbunan gaskets are effective options for designs in high-heat environments that need to withstand or contain oil.
Designs required to withstand outdoor elements often benefit from chloroprene rubber (CR). This material’s high resistance to a variety of substances that may permeate other types of rubber make it a versatile option for enclosures that are likely to be exposed to moisture, sunlight, and oil.
EPDM, as it’s commonly called, is one of the most heavy-duty rubber gasketing materials and is often used in vehicles and buildings. Not only is it resistant to high temperatures, but it also provides good ozone resistance, making it ideal for sunlight and outdoor exposure. However, it isn’t suitable for all uses; perbunan and neoprene are better options for enclosures likely to come in contact with oil.
Choosing the right rubber for your enclosure can help it retain its effectiveness and functionality for years to come. With plenty of rubber options available, there’s sure to be one that fits your design’s needs, allowing it to provide a safe, efficient seal for the contents within.
To learn more about the various types of gaskets and their uses, check out the document below and contact us for more information.
]]>When selecting gasketing for your enclosure, pay special consideration to the following qualities to ensure that your design will be able to perform as expected:
Even if the materials that make up your enclosure are designed to avoid expansion and contraction, the seal you choose should be flexible enough to compensate for minor fluctuations. Without a flexible gasket, you risk allowing elements such as moisture and temperature to damage the product inside your enclosure. Softer materials, such as those that are rubber-based, will be more flexible and resistant to abuse.
Heat and direct sunlight are common causes of failure for improperly specced gaskets. While materials such as nitrile can break down after consistent exposure to the sun, EPDM is resistant to the damage that sunlight can cause. If your design is likely to be used outdoors, considering this factor is crucial to protecting the integrity of your enclosure.
High-heat environments can completely destroy a gasket (and the contents it’s protecting) if the wrong material is used. Silicone and fluorocarbon gasketing can generally withstand heat up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, but neoprene, nitrile, and EPDM materials are usually unable to maintain their structural integrity past 400 degrees. However, modifications can be made to gaskets to enable them to withstand higher temperatures and fire.
The material inside a container can ultimately be what renders a gasket ineffective. Consider what media may come into contact with your gasket, and spec the proper gasketing into your design accordingly.
Nitrile, for example, is usually a good gasketing material for enclosures likely to come into contact with oil. However, natural rubber generally isn’t compatible with oil. Steam is also a common media that should be considered when speccing a gasket into a design, especially when you factor in how temperature can determine in the effectiveness of a gasket. For instance, EPDM is a popular and reliable gasketing material and can safely come into contact with most steam, but it can be compromised when it comes into contact with steam that’s hotter than 400 degrees. If the gasket you choose doesn’t work well with the material it comes into contact with, both the gasket and the design as a whole can fail.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right gasket for your enclosure, and failure to account for them can yield unfavorable and even disastrous results. When selecting the right gasket to spec into your design, pay special attention to its required flexibility, temperature and sunlight resistance, and media compatibility to ensure the quality and durability of your enclosure.
Contact us today to learn more about choosing the right gasket for a worry-free seal on your design.
]]>Here’s why you should always consider temperature when designing a high-quality enclosure:
Extreme cold can make some metals and plastics brittle, putting them at risk for breakage. However, even if the materials you choose for your hardware are designed to maintain their durability as the temperature plummets, a container isn’t truly designed to endure freezing temperatures if it isn’t also designed to handle moisture. An effective design is easily accessible, and if condensation or precipitation accumulates in the nooks and crannies of your enclosure’s hardware, that accessibility could be compromised.
Assume, for instance, that your design is placed outdoors in the middle of a brutal winter. The same lock or locking system that keeps its contents safe could prevent you from opening the enclosure if moisture seeps in and then freezes the lock in place. If your design has moving parts, ensure that they’re designed to remain mobile if the enclosure will be facing freezing temperatures. And of course, choose materials that won’t break or be otherwise damaged in sub-zero temperatures.
Many industrial enclosures are forced to endure significant or even extreme heat, the sources of which can include:
Stainless steel and many high-performance plastics are heat-resistant to temperatures even above 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you know your design will be exposed to extreme heat, however, pay extra care to ensure that you’re choosing the right materials. Many gaskets are specially certified to withstand fire, but if you trust a lesser quality or otherwise improper gasket to do the same job, the seal on your enclosure might melt right off.
Going from hot to cold and then hot again can put structural stress on your design and affect the way its parts interact with each other. Most materials contract in cold temperatures and expand in heat, which can lead to breakage or misalignment if you’ve chosen the wrong materials for your hardware.
This factor is especially important to consider if your design will frequently be moved from indoor to outdoor environments or spend most of its time in a space without climate control. For example, if you choose an improper hinges for your design and move your enclosure from a warm environment to a freezer, your hinges may contract. This could then change the alignment of your enclosure’s door, causing small openings that could affect the contents within.
Some plastics are particularly susceptible to the effects of temperature fluctuations, but others are designed to stay structurally consistent. Many metals, such as stainless steel, can also resist the negative impacts of large temperature changes.
Temperature is one of the most important environmental factors to consider when choosing the hardware to spec into your design. Whether your enclosure will have to endure cold, heat, or dramatic fluctuations between the two, consider how extreme temperatures can impact your design’s ability to do its job.
Contact us today to learn more about how to design an enclosure that can withstand the elements.
]]>Here are three qualities you should factor in when choosing the best hinge for your design:
Even a hinge that is otherwise perfect for your design should never be specced in if it won’t be able to endure the temperatures, moisture levels, and frequency of use your enclosure is likely to encounter. If your design will be used in extreme conditions, consider choosing a hinge made of one of the following materials:
Including durable hinges in your design is imperative for creating a container that functions properly for years, even under intense conditions.
Hinges that can hold up in extreme environments may still fail if they can’t support the weight of the structure they’re holding. As a moving part, they have to withstand not only the resting weight of a door, but also the stress of its motion and the impact when it closes. If your enclosure will require your hinges to support a large amount of weight, investing in high-quality materials for your hinge is even more crucial to ensure that its strength isn’t compromised by weak metals or hidden corrosion.
In addition to the moving parts of the hinge, also take into account the connection point between your hinge and the rest of the enclosure. A weld-on mount can provide more reinforcement than hinges that are screwed or bolted on. However, when choosing a weld-on hinge, be even more selective in the purchasing process – while more reliable, weld-on hinges are far more difficult to remove and replace than other mounts.
As a common connection point for different enclosure parts, a hinge is an important component in a design’s foundation, and if it doesn’t work exactly as it should, other parts may fail as a result. If just one hinge breaks or moves out of alignment, it can shift a door enough to prevent a lock from sliding into place or a gasket from properly sealing. The consequences of just one faulty hinge can involve a broken enclosure, but also loss of product inside the container.
Here, as always, the material you select for your hinge is paramount. Be especially conscious of extreme temperature fluctuations, which can cause some metals to expand and contract and ultimately affect how a hinge and door may fit within an enclosure. The parts of your hinge are equally important; the pins that go into pin hinges can bend over time, especially when supporting a heavy door or one that is frequently slammed shut or is struck by other objects. Fewer loose parts in your hinges mean fewer opportunities for improper alignment.
Hinges may not occupy a lot of surface area on your container, but they bear a large amount of responsibility when it comes to keeping your design functional. Prioritizing hinges that offer durability, strength, and stability will protect your enclosure and its contents for years on end.
Contact us today to learn more about choosing a reliable hinge for your design.
]]>Here are a few of the ways water can put your design’s functionality at risk:
Rust is the most notorious effect of moisture on metal objects, and its impact on an enclosure’s hardware can be disastrous. Containers that are left out in the rain or are constantly subjected to moisture-rich environments are at risk for corroded and rusted hardware, both on the articles themselves and on their attachments, such as between screws and mounting plates.
Avoiding broken hinges, handles, and locks necessitates the use of moisture-resistant materials such as stainless steel and high-performance plastics. Choosing weld-on articles can also reduce or eliminate the chances of water seeping into mounting hardware.
Electronic and biometric locking systems can dramatically increase your enclosure’s security, so long as they work properly. Electronic locking systems that aren’t properly guarded against the elements risk failure, which can render your enclosure either easily accessible to unauthorized users or inaccessible to those who need to use it.
When considering an electronic locking system for your design, take special care to ensure that the one you select is moisture-resistant. You can also include a water-resistant cover for your lock.
Designs that are exposed to both moisture and freezing temperatures are susceptible to far more than just corrosion and breakage. Removable or moving parts provide more opportunities for water to seep into cracks and holes. When the temperature drops, this can lead to locks and hinges that are frozen into place, rendering your design inaccessible. An enclosure that sits for long periods of time without being used also risks its parts rusting together if they aren’t made of corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel or plastic.
Incorporating high-performance plastics into your design can help reduce the risk of frozen or corroded hardware. Pay special consideration also to articles whose most critical moving parts are covered or otherwise protected from moisture sources.
Just a small amount of water can lead to big problems if your enclosure isn’t designed to handle moisture. When choosing hardware to spec into your design, consider the various ways water can affect your metal, electronic, and moving parts that enable your container to properly do its job. Developing an enclosure that can stand up to moisture-rich conditions can help it work as intended for years to come.
Contact us today to learn more about how to design an enclosure that stands up to the elements.
]]>When deciding on an electronic locking system, search for one with these important features:
While some locking systems may provide the desired level of security with just a card reader, enclosures containing more sensitive materials should be protected with more complex security features. A locking system that features not only a keycard reader, but also biometric authentication (such as fingerprint sensors) and remote opening capabilities. Having multiple authentication options allows users to customize their security preferences, reassuring them that their materials will be both securely protected and easily accessible to the right people.
One of the potential downfalls of an electronic locking system is that if its power source is disabled or eliminated, it can cease to operate. When choosing a locking system to fit your needs, search for one that accounts for emergency power situations by including a feature like a USB port that can connect to external power sources. Otherwise, users might find themselves unable to open their enclosure in the event of a power outage.
One of the features that gives electronic locking systems an edge over traditional locks is their ability to do more than simply keep a door closed. A centralized logging system provides better access gives users better information about how their enclosure is being accessed, which can be crucial in cases of theft or misuse. A locking system that keeps a record of events can increase security by telling users about:
Ensuring that your lock includes a logging system provides extra peace of mind, guaranteeing that users are fully informed on the details of their enclosure’s access.
Electronic locking systems have definitive advantages over traditional locks, and choosing one with the right features can drastically increase the value of your design. A locking system that offers both increased security and improved accessibility can make your enclosure stand out from the competition.
Check out our catalog to view our selection of electronic locking systems to find one that suits your needs.
]]>This versatile metal is used to create everything from buildings to common kitchen appliances. Stainless steel is perhaps the most popular hardware material among designers, and it’s easy to see why:
When selecting metal hardware for your enclosure, stainless steel will almost always be your best choice for a long-lasting, trustworthy design.
Containers that are expected to withstand consistently high temperatures can benefit from high-performance plastic hardware, which is designed to withstand service temperatures between 300 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit. As a plastic, this material carries no risk of corrosion and is unlikely to break down to the point of failure even when exposed to outdoor elements.
The anti-friction qualities exhibited by high-performance plastics make them ideal for articles with moving parts. Their lightweight nature also makes them a great choice for enclosures that need to be frequently transported; the weight of even a few locks and hinges can make a big difference when combined through a large number of containers.
If your enclosure is designed for outdoor use, ensuring that your hardware has undergone zinc galvanizing is crucial to prevent failure of steel parts. Zinc spray has anti-corrosion properties that make it ideal for preserving steel and iron objects that are prone to rust.
A zinc finish is recommended for any piece of hardware with metal parts, but it’s especially crucial for designs that are more likely to be exposed to harsh weather conditions or kept in a humid or moist environment. Ensuring that the hinges or locks you’re using have a zinc-based finish can keep your design functional for years to come.
The materials you choose for your enclosure’s hardware can make the difference between a product that lasts a lifetime and a product that turns into a money pit of replacements and repairs. To invest in your hardware is to invest in your design as a whole, and that process starts with choosing materials that will outlast time, weather conditions, and physical duress.
Contact us today to learn more about how to choose the best material for your design’s hardware.
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