Compact, powerful magnetic catches from FDB Panel Fittings

Back in the eighties the first neodymium magnets were devised by companies in Japan and America. They are enormously strong compared with ferrite magnets and have found themselves at the heart of many aspects of modern technology, from hard drives to hybrid and electric cars.

FDB likes them because their density and strength allow very thin magnetic catches to be produced, like the MC159. At less than 3mm thick it is an easy to fit closure device which does not disrupt the integrity of your design. Suitable for sheet metal applications, it can also be utilised in furniture production where the ample 4kg force will keep large doors closed. A lower strength version, the MC-158 has the same great looks but lesser strength at 1.5kg for those light-weight applications, at the other end of the scale an 8kg force version has also recently been introduced.

But the focus is not just on looks; they have concentrated on sound too. Whilst the satisfying "Click" of a magnetic catch closing might reassure most, in some applications a quiet close is also desirable and "sealed catches" offer this feature. The MC-MS45 is covered in silicone rubber to deaden sound and the MC-JM45 is suitable for clean rooms, being completely sealed in polypropylene making them NSF approved.

For general use they have nickel-plated versions, and for more corrosion-resistant latches, like the MC-159SUS, they coat the magnet with an acrylic resin. For temperatures exceeding 80degC and up to 250degC there are catches like the MC-YN001 HP made from a Samarium Cobalt magnet.

Also worth a mention within this range is the tiny 2.2mm thick MC-YN001 magnetic catch family. The MC-YN001 family is smaller and thinner and comes in nickel-plated or corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

FDB Panel Fittings and sister company FDB Electrical share their online shopping website at www.fdbonline.co.uk, where you can find further information about the neodymium magnetic catches. Further information on FDB products and services may be found at www.fdb.co.uk.