Southco continues to develop DZUS quarter-turn fastener range

For the automotive industry, applications for the D1 Dart and D2 Rapier DZUS quarter-turn fasteners are specifically appropriate for providing quick access to areas requiring frequent access at a low installed cost, such as for general maintenance and servicing. Typical applications include noise shields, fuse boxes and engine covers. The D2 Rapier and D8 Panex DZUS quarter-turn fasteners are used for a host of interior and exterior applications in trucks, including air filter and maintenance covers, pump and battery covers, panel and noise shield applications, and a wide variety of zones including the modesty panel, engine heat deflector, diesel filter and cooling pack. The D8 Panex incorporates a precision rolling manufacturing process which allows for the production of competitively priced low to moderate order volumes. It is prevalent within the off-highway sector for applications such as air filter and maintenance covers, and is popular for cowl/fairing, seats, storage covers and engine filter covers on motorbikes. More recently, through its launch of a stainless steel version, the D8 Panex has expanded into new market areas including street lighting and signage. The stainless steel option is also proving suitable for material-sensitive indoor environments like healthcare.

As a testament to the durability, quality and ease of installation of its range of quarter-turn fasteners, DZUS has a long-standing history with the avionics industry which is underlined by AS9100 accreditation of its main manufacturing facilities. The D4 standard line, also known in the industry as the original DZUS quarter-turn fastener - dating back to the 1930s - and the D5 panel line fasteners are widely specified by aerospace OEMs for a range of applications including avionics, lighting fixtures and AC channels.

Avionics-approved finishes

The D5 panel line in particular has a strong standing within the avionics industry due to the features of its fastener and receptacle assembly: it features a flare-in stud which eliminates the possibility of dropped or lost hardware components. Its range of receptacles includes a continuous receptacle strip which allows for a modular method of fixing. Together with its avionics-approved finishes, the D5 panel line is the preferred fastening mode for cockpit instrumentation panels. It is, however, also growing in popularity for a number of non-aerospace applications where a modular fastening method provides for a distinct advantage over competitive products including, for example, industrial machinery with complex instrumentation panels.

Southco's Ulrike Sturman sums up the DZUS quick access difference: "DZUS is one of the foremost names in the world of quick-release fastening, with over seven decades of experience in solving fastening challenges. Continual innovation enables Southco to offer OEMs across an ever-widening range of industries a broad range of standard, off the shelf solutions supporting heavy to light duty applications. New product development and unique manufacturing capabilities meet customers' changing requirements. Single source supply reduces product development time and cost, and Southco's worldwide support provides local assistance with a global reach".

To learn more about the DZUS quarter-turn quick access fastener range, please visit www.southco.com.