Types of Latches

Enclosure access is a vital element that must be considered during product development. With the broad range of applications that require access to either be granted or prevented reliably, there is a similarly wide range of latch designs to choose from.

Security, ease-of-access and environments are but three factors that will affect your latch design requirements. Knowing which latch type best suits your application, will ensure your product design is of the highest quality and can be relied upon to function effectively.

What Are Latches?

Everyone will encounter latches often in their daily lives, but they may not know what makes latch designs different. Latches keep doors, gates or panels open or closed with or without inbuilt locking functionality. This makes latches more versatile as they can be chosen for high-security locking or low-security fastening without locking.

The significant difference between latches is their methods of actuation (their mechanical motion) and the mounting method. Door, window, utility, and security latches made from materials such as mild steel and PA plastic will also accommodate the aesthetic requirements your design needs.

Latch types will vary in complexity, but each one can be customised to suit the exact specifications required but knowing the appropriate way of using each latch is an essential first step. At Metrol, we supply a broad range of latches to suit our client’s designs. Below is a sample of the ones on offer through our online store. Each product has associated documentation and CAD files available for download to answer any questions about their specification.

Compression Latches

Lever latches work with a trigger-release mechanism. When the latch closes, a compressive force is created against the connecting door or panel opening. This compress gasket creates a tight seal, prevents rattling, and reduces wear.

These latches are a popular variation on a cam latch. A compression latch actuation is related to turning the base with a key or handle.

Fixed-compression latches are an option where the cams provide consistent compression and decompression to a specified depth. A compression latch can be opened with a button or key to release a locking arm, similar to swell latches. Adjustable compression latches allow designers to change the locking position and adjust the compression of the cam at any time.

Lever Latches

Lever latches are commonly chosen for internal doors and provide an effective, low-security option for securing access to building areas and equipment lockers. Otherwise known as compression lever latches, these are also a popular choice amongst emergency vehicle lockers as they ensure the contents are contained and enable easy access for the user. Non-locking lever latches allow this easy access, but a minor security feature is available with key locking.

Slam Latches

Slam latches are essential for fast-paced environments as this latch will automatically secure itself once closed without an extra handle to engage the lock. This feature allows the user to focus on the task at hand, knowing that the contents will be safely secured simply by ‘slamming’ the panel shut. Our range of slam latches accommodates the physical shock of being slammed. Their design gives them superior damage resistance to this activity, whilst the cam will keep the connected panel securely shut.

These latches are typically installed into locker panels or swinging doors. They consist of a body and a spring-loaded cam. When the door is closed, the cam will hook around a striker or be pushed against a mating surface. To secure the attached surface, the cam springs out behind the adjoining mating surface or locks around the previously mentioned striker to provide a secure lock.

Metrol Motion Control supplies a broad range of high-quality latches to suit various applications within commercial and industrial environments. Any of our latches can be ordered in a range of finishes, physical dimensions and base materials to fit your design needs.

If you have any questions about these or the other latch designs we have on offer, such as paddle, over-centre draw and rotary, contact us, and our team is happy to help.