An EMKA perspective on locking trends

15th December 2010

EMKA (UK) Ltd

ES Admin

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One of the significant trends in the UK lock market seems to be an increasing call for personal storage and equipment security, as society responds to the call for wider facilities and as individuals acquire more personal tech’ goods. This is a trend noted by EMKA M.D. Andy Billingham, who explains “We have historically responded to the needs of our customers in product development and sought to be pro-active in foreseeing major trends – in this case in the expansion of social facilities. This has led to EMKA developing a comprehensive range of locking solutions from the high quality rugged presentation of stainless steel ¼ turns and wingknobs, to adjustable anti-vibration compression style locks and low cost, quick to install generic multi-key programs.”

A good example is EMKA’s FORT range of low cost ¼ turn locks available with from 100 to 2000 key combinations and suited to zoned security applications such as lockers and community residential situations. Naturally as this trend has grown we see variants of the simple key lock being required and the FORT range encompasses recessed as well as combination and special key types such as radial-pin tumbler and electrical switching cylinders for added or remote security operation.

For added sophistication and degrees of sealing or vibration resistance there is also a trend towards adjustable compression technology locks, fuelled by the explosion of types which recently became available. Consequently we are not surprised to find EMKA launching a full range of compression latches designed especially to enhance gasket compression and ensure longevity of the seal and equipment. These are especially useful in situations where equipment vibration may affect the integrity of normal ¼ turn systems, e.g. on vehicles, gensets or mobile mounted controls.

EMKA’s 1000 program of IP65 compression latches now has lockable T handle, Wingknob, Square key and L handle variants, all with shaft extensions to suit even deeper door frames up to 95mm. The 1000 latch has a 2 stage turn/compress function which also solves problems where thick gaskets are used or where normal latches would give too tight a compression. The 1000 series provides 6mm of direct pull compression – while looking like any other double-bar or coin slot ¼ turn fastener. The operator makes a first ¼ turn of the key, which positions the latch and a conventional 3mm ramp. The second ¼ turn then generates a “soft landing” with a further 5.5mm compression. Standard EMKA hole form is used so fitment is simple in all situations where traditional ¼ turn fasteners would be expected.