Plastic Latches
Plastic latches, manufactured from thermoplastic materials, are devices used to fasten two surfaces securely in place. While latches can be made of many different materials, plastic is commonly used for latch components. Plastic latches are used in industrial, commercial, domestic and agricultural settings. While many door latches contain plastic components, plastic latches are often used for utility boxes and storage facilities. The use of plastic provides added impact resistance that is important to the longevity of exposed latches. ABS, silicon and thermoplastics such as PEEK, nylon 6/6 and polytherimide are just a few examples of frequently used plastics. Thermoplastics are plastic resins that can be melted into molten form and easily shaped. These are particularly well suited to the many latch designs possible. Injection molding is the most utilized manufacturing technique to mold these plastic resins into latches and latch components. In this process plastic, usually in pellet form, is heated and injected into a preformed mold before being cooled and ejected from the mold. Machined and stamped processes are also sometimes used when manufacturing plastic latches.
There are many benefits to working with and using latches made of plastic or with plastic components. Plastic latches are water and corrosion resistant and some are textured, making them slip resistant as well. Plastic components are integral in latches that require some give and flexibility that metals cannot offer. Draw latches, for example, commonly use plastic in the strap mechanism of the latch. Plastics are not always flexible, however, and can also offer strength and rigidity. Additionally, new technological advancements have produced thermoplastics that offer high melting points. PEEK and Ultem are examples of plastics with melting points over 575 degrees F. The growing diversity of plastics makes them suitable to the many different kinds of latches available. Plastic latches also offer a wide variety of color options for highly visible latches.