Weston Body Hardware provides answers to difficult engineering questions associated with the area of access control, whether for vehicles or for enclosures and large units like generators, compressors and other items of capital plant. Specialising in concepts for lock-and latch-systems, including all types of handles and hinges, WBH has already translated this needs into an large range of fully-proven hardware, readily available at short notice. WBH is one the world's premier hardware manufacturers, with most items being made in our own factories or from our own proprietary tooling. Whatever your lock, latch, hinge or handle requirements, WBH, can provide or quickly develop products to meet your exact requirements.
Weston Body HardwareAccess Controls
 

HARDWARE FINISHING TECHNIQUES - COATED METAL - COATED STEEL

WBH has an unrivalled reputation for the appearance and high-quality finish of its products. The following processes are operated, and we will recommend the most suitable treatment for a particular application.

Clear zinc plating:
Zinc with clear chromate passivate, usually to 8 microns thickness. Gives a bright finish and moderate corrosion resistance, suitable for indoor use, and can be applied to both pressed and diecast parts.

  

Yellow zinc:
As above, with yellow dichromate passivate, greatly improving corrosion resistance. Normal finish for vehicle latches, hinges, etc.

Black zinc:
As above, with black silver-nitrate passivate, giving matt black appearance and similar corrosion resistance to yellow finish.
Olive-drab:
Higher-specification zinc finish, giving some 150 hours salt-spray resistance. Used for WBH lock cylinder barrels.
Corrosion-resistance can be improved by specifying an increased thickness of zinc plating (up to 50 micron), or by sealing with sodium metasilicate to achieve up to 500 hours salt-spray resistance.
Chromium plating:
A technically demanding process, operated in accordance with British Standard 1224. All parts are carefully polished in-house, before plating with copper, nickel, and finally chrome. The thickness of the nickel layer (up to 25 microns) determines corrosion resistance, and can give many years’ service in all-weather conditions. Our top-quality polishing methods achieve a mirror-finish on plated items (usually diecast, but also pressed-metal).
Satin chrome and black chrome are special refinements of the above techniques.
Powder coating:
A polyester powder is applied electrostatically, and is then thermally cured to produce a semi-gloss paint finish (pre-treatment with chromate or phosphate bath is essential for good adhesion). This gives good appearance on diecast or pressed parts, with excellent corrosion resistance for exterior applications. Generally black, but almost any colour can be matched by RAL-International colour code.
Full-gloss or textured powder coating are refinements of the above techniques.
Albufin:
A decorative and wear-resistant finish in which diecastings are polished and plated with copper and nickel before dipping in a special lacquer. After thermal curing this develops a brilliant gloss, and a variety of colours can be achieved, including gold. Highly-suited to bathrooms, and top-of-range home and commercial fittings.
Plastic-coating:
Nylon or PVC can be bonded to pressed-steel components; for instance grab handles.
Encapsulation:
Steel or diecast components (such as latch ‘claws’ or key heads) are placed in a die, and a moulded material is injected to partially enclose, or ‘encapsulate’ the part with a tough, wear-resistant coating that improves appearance and function
‘Foamed’ moulding:
A relatively new process in which a solid ‘insert” is completely moulded-around with expanded polyurethane foam, to give a thick, resilient covering (see WBH grab rails, G1-4). The die cavity is usually etched with a textured finish, which is reproduced upon the ‘skin’ of the moulding. Most colours can be matched by RAL-code.
Stainless steel:
Can be polished to satin or high-gloss finishes. Can also be etched and powder-coated where totally “fail-safe” surface is required.
 
 
Explanation of symbols
These symbols are used to explain the characteristics of each product
  Features: special points which distinguish the WBH product from other makes
  Operation: How does the product work? What does it do?
  Movement: The direction and amount of travel with handles, latches, etc.
  Fixing: Method of installation and details of fitting
  Key types: With locking products, the various key series available
  Finish: Types of surface finish offered as standard
  Materials: Whether stainless or mild steel, diecast, or moulded materials
  Options: Various ways in which an item can be customised
  Testing: Details of testing carried out and performance results.
  Use With: Guide to mating parts within the WBH range
  Alternative to: Noting where WBH products are equivalent to industry standards
  Economy: Where an item represents exceptionally good value for money

Weston Body Hardware, Crossgate Road, Park Farm, Redditch B98 7SN Telephone 01527 516060 Facsimile 01527 526060