Latching solutions for the railway industry

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 18, 2002

Southco offers unique designs and proven mechanisms for passenger and maintenance interface points to meet the exacting requirements of the rail industry worldwide.

Southco offers unique designs and proven mechanisms for passenger and maintenance interface points to meet the exacting requirements of the rail industry worldwide.

Visitors to Innotrans will be able to share Southco's extensive experience which takes latching products and solutions onto an entirely new level unmatched in the industry.

Southco products are designed to enhance the serviceability, reliability and durability of the rolling stock equipment, whilst providing user-friendly and convenient touch points for service technicians and passengers alike.

Working with their customers, Southco understands the key requirements of this industry - security, safety and environmental protection - and integrates these needs into proven solutions.

Latches with special head styles are available which meet the stringent security specifications of railway operating companies, allowing them to control the levels of access authorisation for maintenance operations.

One such example is British railway operating companies who required latches with a double key action head style for higher security.

Southco expanded its range of unique compression latches to meet these needs, becoming the only supplier to offer such a high security solution in the industry.

Safety requirements are also integrated into Southco's solutions.

Their concealed hinge allows for fast door removal and replacement whilst resisting vibration.

The hinge is constructed of stainless steel, offering superior corrosion resistance suitable for use in harsh environments.

Its robust design makes it suitable for heavy-duty applications, including doors subjected to high loads and vibrations.

The hinge is completely concealed, providing a clean outer panel, and eliminating attack points for vandals.

Southco has also expanded its proven range of compression latches to provide additional environmental protection to rolling stock equipment: the vise action compression latch is now available with the superior strength, corrosion resistance and heavy-duty durability of stainless steel.

The latch is sealed both internally and externally, and is designed to withstand both indoor and outdoor environments and other harsh contaminants.

The 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.

More evidence of Southco's commitment to this industry can be witnessed on their booth through on-stand demonstrations of selected latest generation products, engineered to provide optimum performance for a wide range of applications within this industry.

Each has been specially created and developed to add value to both rolling stock manufacturers and train operating companies.

This has been achieved through combining innovation in design and choice of materials with engineering excellence and an unparalleled service.

Southco offers the most comprehensive range of access hardware for the railway industry in a variety of styles, sizes and functions used on railway applications around the world.

Innovative product development, exemplary customer service, and a reputation for quality, have earned Southco a place as a valued supplier to this industry.