A guide to panel fasteners
Anything that fastens panels is technically a panel fastener. That includes clips, screws, rivets, latches, and more. But the panel fasteners we’re talking about allow access to an application. They can be removable panel clips, wood panel fasteners, or permanent fasteners, which are known as captive panel fasteners. In this guide, we’ll cover:
What are panel fasteners?
Different types of panel fasteners
What are the uses and applications of panel fasteners?
What are the key factors to consider when selecting a panel fastener?
What are panel fasteners?
Panel fasteners, also known as panel clips or fastening clips, are designed to secure and join panels, covers, or other components in various applications. These fasteners are commonly used in industries such as automotive, electronics, and machinery.
Door panel fasteners serve several purposes, including providing secure and reliable connections, allowing for easy access during maintenance or repairs, and facilitating the assembly and disassembly of panels or enclosures.
To help you understand how fasteners differ from each other – and how they’re used – our experts have put together Fasteners – the Design Engineer’s Application Guide.
Different types of panel fasteners
Let’s say you’re designing a cabinet to house electronic equipment that doesn't need immediate access. For example, audio/visual or security components. You need occasional access, but still want to hide them from plain view.
For both aesthetic and potential privacy/security issues, you don't want the fasteners visible. In that case, concealed access panel fasteners, also called hidden panel fasteners, might be your best option. A two-piece assembly, the pin is attached to the panel and the receptacle for it is installed on the cabinet frame. The two pieces mate, using compression to hold them together. Simply pull outward on the panel to release it.
Concealed panel fasteners are just one of the options available when access to the interior of the cabinet is required or necessary.
Quarter-turn panel fasteners
Another option for securing a panel or cover while still allowing easy access are quarter turn panel fasteners. These two-piece access panel fasteners can join one fixed panel and a removable one. The base snaps into the fixed surface and the slotted screw is inserted through the removable panel and into the fastener base. With a simple quarter turn, the panels are secured or loosened for removal.
Panel retaining clips
When designing wooden furniture such as cabinets, you might want to easily include other materials like glass or plastic panels. Panel retaining clips make installation easy, as well as allowing the delicate panels to be shipped separately in more secure packaging.
There is another feature of these panel clips beneficial to both you and your customer. Your buyer may love the cabinet's overall design, but not the inset panel. By using this panel fastener instead of adhesives or other more permanent attachments, you can give your customer a choice of several panel selections or even a customized panel.
Sheet edge inserts
There are situations where it might be necessary to attach trim pieces or even another panel to the panel you're designing. However, your panel is likely too thin to thread and tap to accept a screw or machine bolt.
The solution is to install sheet edge inserts on the edge or edges of the sheet metal panel. To use these ingenious fasteners, a slot is cut in the side of the panel to accommodate the width and depth of the fastener.
The grooves in the edge panel fastener position it into the slot. The fastener is then twisted to cinch it down. The threaded insert can now accept a machine thread screw.
What are the uses and applications of panel fasteners?
Panel fasteners serve a wide range of uses and applications in various industries where the secure attachment, assembly, and disassembly of panels, covers, and components are required.
● Electronics and Appliances
Plastic panel fasteners are also used in the assembly of electronics, securing housing panels and covers. They enable quick access for maintenance or battery replacement. Consumer appliances, such as washing machines and ovens, use panel fasteners to secure access panels for servicing or repair.
● Industrial Machinery
Panel fasteners secure access doors, control panels, and protective enclosures on industrial machinery. A quick release panel fastener, such as the quarter-turn panel fastener, simplifies maintenance, inspection, and equipment upgrades. Panel fasteners also secure covers and doors electrical control cabinets, allowing easy access to wiring and electrical components.
● Telecommunications and Networking
Server racks use quick-release panel fasteners to secure removable panels, giving access to network equipment and servers for maintenance and upgrades.
What type of fastener is commonly used to retain interior door panels?
One of the most common fasteners used is a fir-tree rivet, also called a Christmas tree clip.This rivet features a double-ended design, allowing for the blind fixing of two panels from the center so that no fastener head is visible.
The simple design allows the rivet to be pressed neatly into position and provides a clean finish. Ideal for joining and securing soft sheet materials, such as rubber and secondary panels. These types of automotive panel fasteners are also more durable than using adhesive, and provides high pull out loads. Quick and easy to install by hand.
A common fastening clip is a nylon keyhole clip. Also used for electrical enclosures, these are popular as car door trim clips. They’re useful for door panels and dashboard components, as well.
Canoe clips are another type of rivet often used in automotive applications. These quick fasteners easily snap into the round panel hole. The clip can be removed, and occasionally re-used; however the secure grip they provide makes them more suited for permanent application, making them more of a captive car panel fastener. They provide good electrical insulation, as well as resistance to vibration, abrasion and corrosion. Ideal for when you want to join panels of thin gauge material, or mount of lightweight components.
To learn more about rivets, check out How to Choose Your Plastic Rivets: A Quick Guide.
What are the factors to consider when selecting a panel fastener?
When specifying a fastener, you need to consider one or more of these conditions and requirements:
● The materials of the mating surfaces: Ensure the fastener material is compatible with the panel and frame materials.
● Panel thickness: Consider the thickness of the panel that the fastener will secure. Choose a fastener with an appropriate length or reach to accommodate the panel thickness.
● Environment: What will the fastener be exposed to? Consider temperature, moisture, and chemicals.
You might find it helpful to read our guide, How to Choose Fasteners for High-Temperature Applications.
● Accessibility: How often, if ever, will the panel need to be removed? For frequent access, choose fasteners designed for easy removal and reinstallation.
● Load requirements: Determine the load-bearing capacity needed. High-stress applications may need more robust fasteners with higher clamping force.
● Security: Assess the need for security. Some applications may require panel fasteners with features that deter tampering or unauthorized access.
Download free CADs and try before you buy
Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. You can also request free samples to make sure you’ve chosen exactly what you need. If you’re not quite sure which solution will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you.
Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast despatch. Request your free samples or download free CADs now.
Questions?
Email us at sales@essentracomponents.com or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 800-847-0486.