Compression latch withstands any environment

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 4, 2002

A new stainless steel compression latch is designed to withstand contaminants such as humidity, water, dust, ice, temperature variations, and corrosive conditions and liquids

Southco announces the immediate global availability of a new stainless steel compression latch.

This new latch combines the proven benefits of the company's popular Vise Action Compression Latch Series, with the superior strength, corrosion resistance and heavy-duty durability of stainless steel.

This new compression latch is sealed internally and externally, and is designed to withstand both indoor and outdoor environments and other harsh contaminants, such as humidity, water, dust, ice, temperature variations, and corrosive conditions and liquids.

It meets the corrosion-resistance and sealing requirements and the IP 65 and NEMA 4 standards used in numerous industries, including railway, marine, telecommunications, medical and food equipment.

The latch's external seal ensures proper functioning even when the latch is exposed to contaminants from the rear.

The latch successfully passed 500 hours of salt spray testing with no sign of corrosion.

Stainless steel has also been shown to be more durable than die-cast zinc and even steel over long-term, repeated use.

The latch is constructed of 316 grade stainless steel.

The latch is offered in two versions, an adjustable-pawl style that allows for precise grip range adjustment, and a minimal protrusion style designed for limited space applications.

The standard offering accommodates grips from 16mm - 81mm.

Grips are not direct replacements with existing large size, single-hole mount Vise Action Latches, due to an integral rear end seal.

Seven access styles are available, including the Railway Standard (tapered square recess), Bellcore 216, and 8mm Hex recess.

Other customer-specific access options may be available by contacting Southco.

The patented Vise Action compression feature provides up to 6,4mm of vise-like, consistent compression against gasketing, and resisting vibration.

During operation, the latching pawl swings smoothly into place behind the door as the recess is turned, then pulls up tightly against the frame.

Southco is a global designer and manufacturer of premium, engineered access solutions, offering industry's broadest line of latches and access hardware.

Southco products include compression latches, pawl/cam action latches, push to close latches, multi-point latching systems, draw latches, captive fasteners, quarter-turn fasteners, hinges, handles and pulls, drive (blind) rivets and other accessories.

The privately-held company is a pioneer in customer interaction, product design, innovative manufacturing and system integration for many industries, including the networking, computer, off-highway, marine, HVAC and automotive industries.

The company's 100 years of manufacturing excellence has built a record of providing state-of-the-art access product solutions, outstanding customer service and full-service engineering support.