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EMKA locking technology especially for rail vehicle construction

We are pleased to announce our wide range of locking technology related hardware especially for use on rail vehicles – a situation where, in order to ensure the safety of passengers and train crew, all components must perform their intended function with utmost reliability, particularly in the event of a fire. EMKA engineers recognise that the significance of each and every component, regardless of its size, cannot be over emphasized. This includes closures on flaps and doors, in the engine room and in the passenger compartment and the driver’s cabin. External housings such as underfloor containers, covers, access hatches, and rooftop units must absolutely be equipped with suitable locking mechanisms.

Various quarter-turn locking systems may be employed inside and outside railway vehicles, depending on their respective siting. Inside the train, for example, the locking mechanisms are located on ceiling and wall panelling, in the galley or the area of the displays and screens. These installations are subject to rigorous requirements including fire protection and safety while at the same time ensuring operating comfort for the train crew and for travellers. Compliance with regulations – especially those related to fire protection – is significantly influenced by these applications and conditions on the route of travel.

Likewise, the range includes a special compression latch with a cover and visual opening indicator with the benefit that if the compression latch is not fully closed, the lid is clearly visible at a 90° angle. As an option, the lock is also available with coloured markings on the cover. The colour indication on the inside of the cover makes it even easier to identify the open position. In addition, the locking solution is tested in accordance with DIN EN 45545-3 and complies with fire protection class E60.

There is also a special swinghandle with interchangeable modules which is rather more focused on usability, aesthetics, and access control. The relevant low-profile swinghandle made of powder-coated die-cast zinc is particularly suitable for the often-narrow passages in trains. The lock is available in a version measuring 167mm long and a short version measuring 89mm long. The swinghandle protrudes by just 9mm and features rounded corners. It is therefore particularly suitable for escape routes and has clear advantages compared to conventional handles, which protrude further into the aisle and pose an increased risk of injury.

The associated multi-point locking system is extremely user-friendly for use on cabinets inside the train and underfloor containers outside. These are often challenging to access, and can be securely locked using the multi-point locking system. The multiple locking points achieved with this system enable the best distribution of the locking forces around the door perimeter and associated gasket for optimum sealing. The system can be chosen with or without compression and, optionally, with a corner drive for further closure points. The multi-point locking system is shock and vibration-tested and can be used for both low and high fire protection requirements.

Clearly special regulations apply to the design of railway vehicles – in case of fire the resulting smoke and toxic gases pose a major threat. This especially applies to fire protection gaskets for rail transport, which EMKA manufactures at its own European production site. The fire protection test procedures are described in the EN 45545-2 standard which differentiates between three hazard levels for plastics and gaskets. It is important that the fire characteristics, smoke gas development and toxicity of its profiles are tested in a special laboratory to ensure that the gaskets do not allow smoke gases to pass through in the event of a fire and do not release any toxic substances. By using flame-retardant materials, these fully tested and certified fire protection gaskets achieve the highest fire protection class HL3 and compliment this full range of specialist hardware.

Customers and suppliers alike usually consider that a good relationship is vital in any successful long-term supply chain, something that is beneficial at all stages of the production cycle. A factor that has been recognised by Newag S.A. – a Polish company specialising in manufacturing and maintaining rail vehicles within Europe who has looked to EMKA group for some fifteen years, for supply of locking systems, gaskets, and emergency hammers, for use on its trains and trams in for both standard and custom design products.

Finding the right supplier can be difficult, and so, as in other important relationships in life, once you have found a good one, you tend to stay with them. Explains Sebastian Smoleń – Head of Strategic Purchases at Newag “The outstanding quality and reliability of the products, as well as the excellent customer service, make EMKA the ideal partner when it comes to safety and comfort on the rails. Our successful cooperation underlines EMKA’s expertise and innovative strength in the field of gasketing and locking systems for the railway industry. EMKA components contribute decisively to the optimisation of our rail vehicles.”

And there were lots to choose from in rail-related standard hardware, since the EMKA product catalogue includes appropriate quarter turns, compression latches, multi-point locking systems, hinges, gaskets, and emergency hammers. The key requirements were high durability and reliability of the components under extreme operating conditions and compliance with the particularly high safety standards in rail transportation systems. In addition, their close relationship enabled the engineers at EMKA to adapt and customise as required to suit specific project needs.

Various EMKA products have been installed in the Newag Group’s trains, including stainless steel compression latches (with “square 8” insertion key), fire protection gaskets and edge protections, emergency hammers with hand protection, and anti-theft brackets. The compression latches for use in rail transport have successfully completed shock and vibration resistant tests compliant with DIN EN 61373. Locking systems with colour markings make it particularly easy to identify the locking position. If required, the latches can be equipped with visual opening indicators such as flaps and lids, that are clearly visible when a latch is not locked. They are therefore easy to operate and fail-safe. The fire protection gaskets for rail transport are manufactured in EMKA’s own factory. Not only is this factory certified according to ISO 9001 and IATF 16949, but also has an in-house test laboratory. These gaskets fulfil the current fire protection standards and also withstand the stresses in hazardous areas. Strict safety regulations apply to fire protection, especially for trains travelling through tunnels and over bridges. The emergency hammer with hand protection is made of glass fibre-reinforced plastic, which meets all the prescribed fire safety regulations. It is certified in accordance with DIN EN 45545-2 HL3. The hammer’s hardened steel tip easily breaks reinforced safety glass, laminated safety glass and insulating glass panes, thus quickly creating an escape route in an emergency. The EMKA emergency hammer holder has a concealed anti-theft device.

For the future an approval process is currently underway for the new “Griffin” locomotive from Newag, which also uses EMKA’s locking systems and gaskets. The “Griffin” is the first Polish locomotive to reach a speed of 240 km/h. This requires a higher load capacity for all components. It is then expected that the “Griffin” locomotive will be used on lines in Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. Read more………

Charging station hardware from EMKA

EMKA offer many hardware solutions for charging stations

  • Latches: Robust and secure locks designed specifically for outdoor use.
  • Hinges: Durable hinges that guarantee smooth opening and closing.
  • Gaskets: High-quality gaskets that protect your charging posts from the weather and ensure a long service life.

This includes locks and gaskets designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. Whether rain, snow, heat or cold – our products offer optimum protection and functionality under all conditions. They are not only safe and durable, but also user-friendly which enables quick and uncomplicated installation and maintenance, so increasing the efficiency of your charging stations.

With the use of special coatings and high-quality materials, we ensure that our locks and hinges do not corrode even when exposed to the outside for long periods of time, so ensuring a long service life and reliable operation. By coupling these with first-class materials and precise manufacturing techniques, our products guarantee an exceptionally long service life. This means less maintenance and greater reliability for your charging stations which also offer protection against vandalism through robust and resistant designs that effectively prevent unauthorized access and damage.

EMKA Fire Protection Gasket UL general purpose and DIN EN for Rail Industry
silicon gasket

This popular specialist Sealing profile is an excellent example of a standard profile design – in this case it is made of solid Silicon self-clamping fire protection material to 75 ± 5 Shore A in pure white; 1011-S42-HA

Part of Program 1011, this sealing profile is designed for specific applications where fire protection and sealing properties are essential. While its availability is contingent on specific requests, it provides a reliable solution for applications requiring fire-resistant sealing in a clean and aesthetically pleasing white design.

Other specialist sealing sections include those for Railway applications, HVACR installations, hygiene environments and for specialist vehicles such as caravans and trailers.

remote and electronic locking

Our colleagues here at EMKA have recently put together an informative article about the common features between switch, control, and server racks. This piece explains that they are subject to stringent requirements because they must provide the best possible protection for the electronics and other, sometimes highly sensitive, devices inside the rack. It is imperative Read more

Electronic locking systems from EMKA Ltd

We are delighted to announce our range of electronic locking systems – these are exemplified by handles such as those used in the Agent E systems, which are suited to stand-alone cabinets and Data Centres using a card or a smartphone app. Elsewhere we have quick release internally mounted electronic single-point catches and e-pushlock systems Read more

New hinge requires no tools to fit.

Why make installation difficult when it can be so easy? With our new 125° clip-in hinge, doors and flaps can be easily mounted to the frame and removed again. The internal hinge for surface-mounted doors is suitable for classic industrial applications as well as for use in special vehicle construction or in rail vehicles. This Read more

EMKA Remote Smart Access – iLOQS50

We can now offer customers the opportunity to use a mobile phone to unlock control cabinets, a feature that is likely to be especially useful in remote locations. The IP65 handle from our 1317 range has been adapted specially to accept the new cylinder from Finnish manufacturer iLOQ. This enables an Android/iOS smartphone with Near-Field Communication Read more

Toggle Latches

EMKA toggle latches

These standard parts are used as a secure means of closure for industrial applications, for example flaps, covers or machine cladding. They are simple in design and versatile in use. At EMKA, you can obtain toggle latches in various versions, which ensure simple and secure closure. Depending on your requirements, we offer you toggle latches Read more

The team here at EMKA are delighted to consider ourselves not as an enclosure company, but rather as a specialist enclosure hardware manufacturer offering “everything but the enclosure” for specialist panel builders, OEMs and installing contractors. Our accessories include handles, keys, escutcheons, covers, 3D connectors, mounting devices, drawing pockets, inspection windows, supports and stops, fixings Read more

Vibration resistant quarter turns

With the new vibration-resistant quarter turn, EMKA is introducing a robust lock onto the market that is suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether in rail transport applications, machine building & plant engineering or in the design of industrial cabinets – the cost-effective, patented locking solution meets the most demanding specifications required by the Read more

EMKA Bow handles for industrial uses

Our team are pleased to advise that EMKA industrial Bow handles – also known as fixed handles, tube handles, machine handles or pull handles are suited to general industrial use on access panels, doors, drawers and cabinets, as well as for lifting of cases and equipment. They are also designed for office furniture, display cases Read more

EMKA Agent E electronic locking systems

Well-known, as we are, for providing  “everything but the enclosure”, EMKA (UK) Ltd are delighted to inform of developments with our innovative Agent E swinghandle and accessories which offer wireless communication for cabinet security in the protection of valuable/sensitive data such as for server parks or manufacturing and utility centres. The EMKA wireless Control Unit Read more

3D-printing-very-close-to-the-series-part

Our colleagues in EMKA test and manufacturing have recently expanded their test laboratory by incorporating a state-of-the-art 3D printer that utilises the latest Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technology. During this procedure – called selective laser sintering – minute polymer powder particles are sintered into a solid structure. The process uses a powerful laser, which Read more