Magnet Schultz Ltd. - Experts & Thought Leaders

The show provides the perfect platform for the new BLOC technology from Magnet Schultz Ltd.Electromagnet assembly development specialist, Magnet Schultz Ltd., is set to unveil an exciting new product at Southern Manufacturing, which is being held from the 15th to the 16th of February 2012. As the largest annual trade exhibition devoted to engineering and manufacturing in the Southern region, the show provides the perfect platform to introduce visitors to the new BLOC™ technology from Magnet Schultz Ltd. The event takes place at FIVE in Farnborough, where experts from Magnet Schultz will be available on stand 145 to show attendees the distinct advantages of the innovative BLOC™ technology and the benefits it can deliver to organisations operating in a wide variety of sectors, including electronics, automation, defence and aerospace. BLOC technology is a unique deadlocking shotbolt system that defies forcible attempts to overcome its activated state. It offers an ideal solution for a variety of high security applications and is easily adapted to the needs of the organisation installing the technology.Andrew Newton, Managing Director at Magnet Schultz Ltd, comments: "We are delighted to be attending the Southern Manufacturing show and supporting the development of new technology and products in our local area. The exhibition reaches some of our key engineering markets, such as aerospace, automotive and defence, and therefore provides us with the perfect opportunity to showcase BLOC to visitors. We're looking forward not only to discussing the multitude of purposes we can imagine for BLOC, but also to hearing about new applications where customers can envisage the use of this uniquely secure solenoid technology."As part of the global Magnet Schultz group, Woking-based Magnet Schultz Ltd specialises in the design and development of custom solenoid application solutions and many of the company's range of unique products will be on display at Southern Manufacturing. The main attraction on the stand will be the BLOC™ technology. Magnet Schultz Ltd prides itself on being at the forefront of innovation in solenoid and electromagnet engineering applications. The team looks forward to introducing its new BLOC™ technology to existing and prospective customers at the show. BLOC™ technology will be on show at Southern Manufacturing from the 15th to the 16th February 2012, at FIVE in Farnborough, with live demonstrations from the Magnet Schultz Ltd team on Stand 145.

Electric Gatelock, Load Release, ATEX -rated Shotbolt and the new BLOC technology were showcased at IFSECElectromagnet assembly development specialist, Magnet Schultz Ltd, recently returned from IFSEC 2011 where they unveiled a series of exciting new products and secretly previewed some impressive new technology to selected visitors. The products launched included the Electric Gatelock, the Load Release and the ATEX-rated Shotbolt which were displayed alongside a preview unit featuring the company’s new patented BLOC™ technology. Experts from the Magnet Schultz team showed visitors the many advantages their solenoid based products and assemblies can offer organisations operating within the security market.Andrew Newton, Managing Director of Magnet Schultz Ltd, commented: “As specialists in the design and development of custom solenoid application solutions we really enjoy exhibiting at IFSEC as so many of our products provide real benefits to those operating in the security sector. This year, the exhibition gave us a great platform to present the advantages of the Electric Gatelock, Load Release and ATEX-rated Shotbolt to prospective customers and also allowed them to get hands on with the products.”A hidden highlight of the exhibition for Magnet Schultz was the opportunity to secretly preview its new BLOC™ technology. BLOC is essentially a deadlocking shotbolt system that defies forcible attempts to overcome its activated state. “BLOC was very well received by the selected attendees we showed it to, so we now look forward to following up with them,” reports Newton.Magnet Schultz secretly preview its new BLOC™ technology for selected visitorsAll of the newly launched products met with high levels of interest from show visitors. The new Electric Gate Lock mechanism featuring a very wide alignment capability designed to accommodate gate misalignment was a key target of interest not only by visitors in that sector, but by other IFSEC exhibitors who specialise in gate and barrier manufacture or installation. Similarly, the new Load Release mechanism proved a hit with visitors and exhibitors from the adjacent FIREX event; the unit is designed to replace a fusible link to drop shutters or doors and contain a fire. Magnet Schultz’s ATEX-rated shotbolt was demonstrated to visitors in-situ on a customer’s test unit: Safety system specialist S3-ID deploys the shotbolts as part of its acclaimed eLock range of products designed to operate in explosive and hazardous environments.

  Magnet Schultz website provides information about the company's entire spectrum of applications Electromagnet assembly development specialist, Magnet Schultz Ltd. has unveiled its new website, designed to enhance the accessibility of news and resources for the company's customers and prospects. Uniting a new design with the latest web best practices, the new website showcases the distinct advantages Magnet Schultz products offer organisations operating in a wide variety of industries, including transport, pharmaceutical, architecture, marine and security.The enhanced Magnet Schultz website prioritises usability, incorporating an intuitive navigation structure to improve visitors' browsing experience. Split into two sections - standard & special solenoids, and design & assemblies the website ensures that users are able to quickly identify the information they require. With a focus on showcasing top quality engineering solutions, the new Magnet Schultz website also provides information about the company's entire spectrum of applications and invites users to browse the widest range of standard devices from any manufacturer.As part of the global Magnet Schultz group, Woking-based Magnet Schultz Ltd specialises in the design and development of custom solenoid application solutions and is one of the strongest and most respected names in the industry. The newly designed website ensures that users have enough background information about the organisation to ascertain how the company's solenoid delivery or design expertise could meet their individual requirements. It also makes contacting the team to discuss this further extremely easy thanks to purpose-built contact and enquiry forms.Magnet Schultz Managing Director, Andrew Newton, commented, "Magnet Schultz has a large and growing list of customers who benefit from having applications specifically designed to their set of requirements. We wanted the new website to promote our capabilities in this area, showcasing our expertise and providing customers and prospects with a broad knowledge-base of how we can help them through the delivery of design of a specialised solenoid for any application. And, since a high quality solenoid is only one half of the story, our new website can also help customers searching for a well-designed assembly to meet a complex operational challenge. We are extremely pleased with the look and feel of the new website and believe it will benefit our customers thanks to the wealth of information it provides."

In part one of this feature, we introduced the shotbolt – a solenoid actuator – as the workhorse at the heart of most straightforward electric locking systems. Shotbolts remain at the core of most sophisticated electric locking solutions as well. But they are supplemented by materials and technologies that provide characteristics suited to specialist security applications. Here we look at some more demanding electric locking applications and contemporary solutions. Preventing forced entry Where the end of the shotbolt is accessible, the electric holding force can be overcome by physical force. That’s why anti-jacking technology is now a frequent feature of contemporary electric solenoid lock actuators. Anti-jacking, dead-locking or ‘bloc’ technology (the latter patented by MSL) is inherent to the way the locking assembly is designed to suit the requirements of the end application. The patented bloc anti-jacking system is highly effective and incorporated into many MSL shotbolts deployed in electric locking applications. The bloc technology uses a ring of steel balls in a shaped internal housing to physically jam the actuated bolt in place. A range of marine locks is widely used on Superyachts for rapid lockdown security from the helm Real life applications for MSL anti-jacking and bloc-equipped shotbolts include installation in the back of supermarket trucks to secure the roller shutter. Once locked from the cab, or remotely using radio technology, these shutters cannot be forced open by anyone with ‘undesirable intentions’ armed with a jemmy. A range of marine locks is widely used on Superyachts for rapid lockdown security from the helm. While anti-jacking features are an option on these shotbolts, consideration was given to the construction materials to provide durability in saltwater environments. Marine locks use corrosion-proof stainless steel, which is also highly polished to be aesthetically pleasing to suit the prestigious nature of the vessel while hiding the innovative technology that prevents the lock being forced open by intruders who may board the craft. Rotary and proportional solenoids sound unlikely but are now common A less obvious example of integrated technology to prevent forced override is a floor lock. This lock assembly is mounted beneath the floor with round-top stainless-steel bolts that project upwards when actuated. They are designed to lock all-glass doors and are arguably the only discreet and attractive way to lock glass doors securely. In a prestigious installation at a historic entranceway in Edinburgh University, the floor locks are remotely controlled from an emergency button behind the reception desk. They act on twin sets of glass doors to quickly allow the doors to close and then lock them closed with another set of subfloor locks. No amount of stamping on or hitting the 15mm protruding bolt pin will cause it to yield, thus preventing intruders from entering. Or leaving! Explosion proofing In many environments, electric locking technology must be ATEX certified to mitigate any risk of explosion. For example, remote electric locking is used widely on oil and gas rigs for stringent access control, general security and for emergency shutter release in the event of fire. It’s also used across many industrial sectors where explosion risks exist, including flour milling, In many environments, electric locking technology must be ATEX certified to mitigate any risk of explosionpowder producers, paint manufacture, etc. This adds a new dimension to the actuator design, demanding not only intrinsically safe electrical circuits and solenoid coils, but the careful selection of metals and materials to eliminate the chance of sparks arising from moving parts. Resilience under pressure The technology boundaries of solenoids are always being pushed. Rotary and proportional solenoids sound unlikely but are now common. More recently, while not directly related to security in the traditional sense, proportional solenoid valves for accurately controlling the flow of hydrogen and gases now exist. Magnet Schultz has an extensive and somewhat innovative new range of hydrogen valves proving popular in the energy and automotive sectors (Fig. 2-6). There’s a different kind of security risk at play here when dealing with hydrogen under pressures of up to 1050 bar. Bio security Less an issue for the complexity of locking technology but more an imperative for the effectiveness of an electric lock is the frequent use of shotbolts in the bio research sector. Remote electric locking is commonplace in many bioreactor applications. Cultures being grown inside bioreactors can be undesirable agents, making 100% dependable locking of bioreactor lids essential to prevent untimely access or the unwanted escape of organisms. Again, that has proven to be topical in the current climate of recurring coronavirus outbreaks around the world. More than meets the eye In part one, I started by headlining that there’s more to electric lock actuation in all manner of security applications than meets the eye and pointed out that while electric locking is among the most ubiquitous examples of everyday security, the complexity often involved and the advanced technologies deployed typically go unnoticed.Integrating the simplest linear actuator into a complex system is rarely simple For end users, that’s a very good thing. But for electro-mechanical engineers designing a system, it can present a challenge. Our goal at Magnet Schultz is to provide a clearer insight into today’s electric locking industry sector and the wide range of locking solutions available – from the straightforward to the specialised and sophisticated. Integrating the simplest linear actuator into a complex system is rarely simple. There’s no substitute for expertise and experience, and that’s what MSL offers as an outsource service to designers. One benefit afforded to those of us in the actuator industry with a very narrow but intense focus is not just understanding the advantages and limitations of solenoid technology, but the visibility of, and participation in, emerging developments in the science of electric locking. Knowing what’s achievable is invaluable in every project development phase.

Electric locking is among the most ubiquitous examples of everyday security. Yet the complexity of electric locks and the advanced technologies deployed to provide simple, dependable and, for the most part, impenetrable locking often goes unnoticed. And that’s a good thing: when we take things for granted, it usually proves they’re fit for purpose. As experts in the field of solenoid actuated designs, we’re okay knowing that remote electric locking solutions are taken for granted and that the design sophistication behind a functional and reliable locking assembly is often overlooked.   As readers of this journal will know, security takes many forms. Perhaps the most recognisable application of a security policy is the ability to lock something. A door to prevent access. A gate to control the flow of people or vehicles. Or shutters to guard against theft. Or to unlock a turnstile to allow ingress and egress, as found in leisure centres and museums. Or to switch between either flow direction when required – think football match stand access, for instance. In part one of this feature, we look at straightforward electric locking solutions that use solenoid actuators. Straightforward security measures However, while locking can be one of the simplest security initiatives, it’s also capable of being among the most complex where sophisticated measures are called for. In part two, we will cover specialised electric locking technologies and some more unusual security solutions and application examples. Among straightforward security measures is remote locking Among straightforward security measures is remote locking – a function found almost everywhere you look. Unless you’re the proud owner of a classic car, when did you last physically put your vehicle key in the door lock? Remote locking ups the ante for designers who need to incorporate security in an assembly, an application, a product or a system. Solenoid workhorses Solenoid actuators and electromagnet technologies are the bedrock of electric locks. Remote operation – activating a lock from a distance – is commonplace. Wireless RF transmitters in the key fobs of modern vehicles activate the central locking system. Cards with embedded RFID chips, fingerprint readers and facial recognition systems provide selective access to buildings, typically by either actuating a solenoid lock or releasing a powerful door magnet. You can see examples on the Jubilee and the new Elizabeth (Crossrail) lines on the London Underground. They use electric solenoid-based locks to secure platform access screen doors, only allowing them to open once the tube train has arrived. Solenoid-based electric locking is at the heart of safety-based security in applications such as lift doors and disabled access lifts, on building hoists, and as interlocking systems for screens and safety covers on machine tools, to name a few. Solenoid-based electric locking is at the heart of safety-based security These are straightforward applications that address a range of issues that come under the general heading of security. Others demand special features built into the electric locking mechanism to meet specific end user requirements. This added complexity can present a design challenge to the inexperienced. Electro-mechanical design engineers invariably have a useful broad knowledge for developing products but not necessarily a core expertise in solenoid technology. One example we like to use is a railway carriage. To design and build that takes a huge breadth of knowledge and expertise due to the many systems and assemblies a carriage comprises. But passenger trains now feature remote electric door locking which must function perfectly – and without which the rolling stock is unfit for purpose. That electric locking subassembly design is a critical feature and a specialist development project. Solenoid actuators and electromagnet technologies are the bedrock of electric locks Shotbolts A generic term used for electric solenoid locks is shotbolts. In these linear actuating units, the solenoid typically moves the bolt directly or through a bell crank to turn the actuation through 90 degrees, or to extend the linear movement of the bolt. They can be built as Fail-safe or Fail-secure models, meaning energise-to-lock, or energise-to-release respectively, which determines the state they adopt in the absence of power. You would want some applications to default to unlock in the event of power loss, and others to default to the locked state. Both types usually deploy a spring to return the bolt in the quiescent unenergised state. Bi-stable is another functionality available. In this design, no power is consumed in either position. A loss of power will leave the device in its last state. Scaling down Some shotbolts are large. Those designed to secure the access ramp on the Solent hovercraft built by Griffon Hoverwork are powerful units – and in that application a weatherproof design is deployed to withstand the saltwater spray and frequent washdowns. But a shotbolt and the solenoid contained within it can be physically quite small and require minimal power, yet still provide highly secure locking in a mortice lock arrangement. This is where the locking assembly starts to become complex Over the years, bespoke designs have been developed for diplomatic bags and Cash In Transit (CIT) cases. Both use small, low power actuators. In the latter application by specialist Cash In Transit equipment manufacturers HDH, intelligent electric lock technology provides unique features – and there’s a range of surprises in store for anyone accessing cash boxes illicitly. Technologies in cash transit solutions include GPS tracking, alarms, remote monitoring and automatic ‘cash degradation’ systems if a case is forced open. Ensuring that degradation systems don’t activate when a case is opened legitimately is equally important. This is where the locking assembly starts to become complex, requiring special design expertise. The CIT solenoid lock uses a 90°actuator to latch, lock and arm automatically if required but can be set to not lock or arm as the actuator travel doesn’t engage with the mechanical latch mechanism by default. Integrated technology solutions inside the case include daylight sensors, surface protection wires inside and out, and reed switches between the lid and the base. All contribute to safety precautions that prevent accidental activation and protect the valuable cargo and the operator. But for first line security, straightforward shotbolt electric locking is still at the heart of CIT cases. Internet of Things Miniature shotbolts are also used in some medical ventilators – a topical subject at the time of writing during the global coronavirus pandemic. They are also increasingly appearing in consumer-level Internet of Things (IoT) applications, being a key component in home automation applications. Our goal at Magnet Schultz is to provide a clearer insight into today’s electric locking industry sector and the wide range of locking solutions available. We dealt with some straightforward technologies and applications here. In part two, we will look at special technologies built into more sophisticated solenoid locks to prevent forced entry, at materials that guard against explosion risks in hazardous environments and even at the use of proportional solenoid technology to manage pressurised gases. Read part two of this feature here.