Flexible cam locks cover OEM cost concerns

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 27, 2006

Newly expanded line of cam locks answers OEM demands for affordability and greater versatility in locks for small cabinet and enclosure doors.

The newly expanded line of Southco CM cam locks answers OEM demands for affordability and greater versatility in locks for small cabinet and enclosure doors.

The choice of removable-core designs provides manufacturers with greater flexibility in lock configurations and key code assignments at the time of initial installation - even in low-volume quantities.

And the ability to mix and match interchangeable lock housings and cam options satisfies a wider range of door and grip dimensions.

Access control options include a wing-grip hand-actuated style, plus Phillips-, slotted- and hex-tool-actuated styles, as well as key-actuated lock styles with many standard key code options available.

With the removable-core design using a common lock-plug platform, lock components can be ordered separately, then configured at the time of installation with the lock plug/key code arrangements needed to suit user requirements.

This includes the ability to match the key codes of other Southco latches in a user's installation, and the option of including or not including master-lock capabilities.

nonstandard options for keys include overmoulded and reversible styles, with or without custom logos.

The sealed cam lock versions meet NEMA 4 and IP-66 water intrusion standards.

These styles provide all the features available in other CM cam locks - including the advantages of removable core styles for flexible key codes - while providing weather-resistant performance by using shuttered lock plugs, sealing washers, and O-ring seals to keep out dust and moisture.

Lock materials include die-cast zinc housings with bright chromate treatment, stainless steel lock-plug scalps, and finishes ranging from standard black powder coating and chrome, to nonstandard options of bright nickel, bright brass, antique brass, and custom-colour powder coating.

Clockwise and anti-clockwise lock versions are available for right-hand and left-hand operation, with either the standard 90-degree range of rotation, or an optional 180-degree range of rotation.

Accessories include weather resistant sealing covers, pull tabs for easy door opening, and trim washers for a clean, polished appearance.

Mounting options range from a standard nut for metal doors, to spring clips for quick assembly, a nut with sealing washer for environmental sealing, or a nut with prong washer to clinch into low density materials.

A cam-mounting screw at the end of the lock body makes it easy to attach the appropriate cam type and offset to match frame configuration and desired grip range.

This broad range of lock sizes, access styles, materials, and finishes provides one-stop-shopping convenience for manufacturers with a variety of needs ranging from consumer applications, such as recreational vehicles and vending/POS equipment, to electrical, medical, HVAC and industrial equipment and enclosures.