Open and shut case for quarter-turn locks
An
EMKA UK product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Jun 7, 2005
Quarter-turn locks are simple assemblies, quickly fitted with a single nut, with many advantages, including accommodation of a good degree of variability in installation.
Not so long ago - before Emka introduced its quarter-turn lock - there were two popular ways of closing small cabinet doors: with a threaded fastener such as a screw, or with an L or T handle which was usually out of proportion, cumbersome and expensive.
The quarter-turn lock offers a precision alternative with lower cost of ownership than the threaded fastener and lower purchase cost than the L or T handle.
This same range of needs today drives evolution of the quarter-turn lock, with new materials, new designs and new applications.
Threaded fasteners, like screws, self-tappers, nuts and bolts, are initially attractive for their low purchase cost, but are slow to fit, require tools to operate and need very accurate preparation of both halves of material which need to line up.
The overall cost of a threaded fastener becomes significantly greater than a quarter-turn lock because there is more cost in preparation and more cost in operation - eg locking and unlocking - plus the noncaptive elements are easily lost, leading to cabinets being left open.
Consequently, we can see that where frequent access is required quarter-turn operation is significantly cheaper.
Not only are there fewer fitment operations, but the operation is quicker and offers predetermined closure force which eliminates poor sealing and door distortion.
Speed of operation can be important, for example to reset a breaker, to troubleshoot and get production machinery online quickly - an indefinable but significant cost.
L and T handles offer the right kind of operation but are simply too large and too expensive for smaller cabinets.
They also protrude in a way that is often a problem in this size of enclosure.
Functionally it has been found that small boxes work well with lids having four screws (in each corner), but as the box size goes up there are limitations as screws pull down in an unrestricted way leading to possible lid distortion; and as the size of the enclosure increases then more screws may be needed, and accuracy of alignment becomes more difficult to achieve.
Emka quarter-turn locks however are simple assemblies, quickly fitted with a single nut with many advantages, including accommodation of a good degree of variability in installation.
Modular design means that users can pick up on a full range of security options, including various IP sealing and key possibilities.
Modular engineering also ensures that quarter-turn locks incorporate accuracy of quality manufacturing and consistency of operation.
The basic quarter-turn modular design concept allows upgrading to multipoint systems should the application call for it, while still using a single point of operation, and offering padlockable and other variants.
The standard Emka quarter-turn lock was originally made in zinc die with a roundhead form for easy alignment.
The cylinder has four flats for self-location and a large diameter ISO thread to accept a backnut, which fits over the cam for quick fitting.
The cam programme is standardised on an optimum length with 3mm leading fold to allow both L or R operation with smooth lead-in and consistent gasket compression.
This single operation of fitting a fully assembled item in a single punched hole was a great advance over competing products that used three-hole fixing and needed assembly on installation, which is still the case today with some manufacturers.
Modular design now allows the quarter-turn locking system continued evolution and provides a solid base of manufacturing technology for future development.
OEM requirements can be met with different shapes of escutcheon, different finishes and different materials.
Thus design considerations can be accommodated in the shape and style of lock design, as well as a choice of materials such as zinc die and chrome, zinc die and black, epoxy, polyamide, stainless steel.
Continuous development is taking us into the area of high-tech materials for applications requiring high strength with low weight - for example titanium being one material recently considered for such an installation.
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Contact EMKA UK
Tel +44 24 7661 6505
Other EMKA UK stories
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Quarter-turn locks adapt to new applications
The innovative 1000 series of quarter-turn insert locks from Emka has been a mainstay of electrical/electronic enclosures and cabinets in Europe for nearly 40 years. -
Mini locks suit mini cabinets
Emka 1022 series quarter-turn locks have the style and performance of their big brothers in a smaller package to suit smaller cabinets, wall boxes, access flaps or other factory equipment. -
EMKA produces hinges for flush doors
EMKA's series of 1050 hinges is specifically intended for use on doors that are set flush into a frame, either on a cabinet or on equipment such as machine guards or access panels. -
EMKA releases 2009 Echo catalogue
EMKA has just issued its 2009 edition of Echo - the products catalogue from the locks, hinges, handles and gasket specialist. -
EMKA introduces low-cost Fort locks
Fort locks from EMKA are expected to be of interest for low-cost applications such as recessed handles for vehicle storage boxes, or key locks for cabinets/lockers, desks and cupboards.
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