Product Spotlight: RAF 1/8 Round Spacers
bisco industries now offers 1/8 inch round spacers from manufacturer, RAF Electronic Hardware. RAF 1/8 round spacers are available in lengths ranging from 3/32 inch to a 1/2 inch with clearance hole diameters of 0.064 or 0.090 inches. Available materials include aluminum, brass, stainless steel, steel, and nylon. RAF also offers a variety of finishes including plain (no finish), nickel, cadmium clear chromate, and black oxide. Although all standard materials for RAF’s 1/8 round spacers are RoHS compliant some finishes may not be RoHS compliant.
Understanding RAF Part Numbers
RAF allows users to easily configure part numbers based on their requirements. For example, RAF part number 1100-2-AL-0 is an aluminum 1/8 round spacer with a length of 1/8 inches, a clearance hole diameter of 0.090 inches, and a plain finish. Visit RAFs online catalog to configure 1/8 inch round spacers for your application.
Find Stock on RAF 1/8 Round Spacers
bisco industries is an authorized RAF Electronic Hardware distributor and offers stock on a wide variety of RAF spacers including 1/8 round spacers. Top stocked 1/8 round spacers include:
Visit biscoind.com to get pricing and availability and to place orders at the click of a button.
What is Heat Shrink Tubing?
Heat Shrink Tubing Description
Heat shrink tubing (heatshrink) is plastic tubing used to protect cables and wires from harsh environments. When heat is applied to the tubing, it shrinks in diameter and length causing the tubing to tightly wrap around the inserted wire(s).
Heat Shrink Uses
While the primary function of heat shrink tubing is to protect wires from harmful elements like oil and dust there are several other functions and benefits. Heat shrink tubing is also utilizied to insulate wires, bundle wires together, color-code wires for organization, relieve strain and stress on cables and neatly terminate the ends of braided sleeving.
Heat Shrink Sizing
Heat shrink tubing is available in many sizing options. Depending on the manufacturer, the shrink rate may be stated as a ratio or percentage. For example heat shrink tubing with a shrink ratio of 3 to 1 will shrink to one third of the original diameter. The expanded (original) diameter of the heat shrink should be 20-30% larger than thickest portion of of the application.
Heat Shrink Tubing Manufacturers
Heat shrink tubing was first invented in the late 1950’s by Raychem Corporation founder, Paul Cook. Today there are countless options available from many different manufacturers. Leading manufacturers include:
- 3M
- HellermannTyton
- Alpha Wire
- Panduit
- Dunbar
- Essentra (formerly Richco)
- Thomas & Betts
- Molex
- TE Connectivity (Raychem)
- Qualtek
Learn More About Heat Shrink
Selecting heat shrink tubing can be an overwhelming process but there are many resources available help guide users to the right solution. These resourses include Alpha Wire’s heat shrink tubing brochure and Panduit’s heat shrink selection guide . bisco industries’ team of product specialist are also standing by to assist you with any quesitons you may have. Email us here or call 1-800-323-1232.
Manufacturer Profile: Unicorp
Unicorp is a leading U.S. based manufacturer of electronic hardware. For over 45 years, Unicorp has been dedicated to customer satisfaction offering small minimums, customizable products, and quick manufacturing turnaround. Unicorp’s products comply with REACH, RoHS, and DFAR regulations. Unicorp hardware and fasteners are used in a wide variety of applications including medical equipment, robotics, computers, and aircraft.
Standoffs
Shoulder Screws
Handles
Unicorp Product Offering:
- Spacers
- Standoffs
- Captive Panel Screws & Retainers
- Insulating Washers (Non-Metallic)
- Thumb Screws
- Thumb Nuts
- Handles
- Shoulder Screws
- Self-Clinching Fasteners
- Dowel Pins
bisco – Authorized Unicorp Distributor
bisco industries is an authorized Unicorp distributor, carrying the full line of Unicorp electronic hardware including spacers, standoffs, and handles. To find pricing, availability, and place orders for Unicorp products visit biscoind.com.
What is a Rivet?
Rivet Description
A rivet is an unthreaded fastener that uses expansion to clamp materials together and form a secure bond. Rivets consist of a head and a tail or shank. Rivets are fabricated from many different types of material but aluminum alloys tend to be the most popular particularly for aerospace applications.
Rivet Installation
During installation rivets are inserted into pre-drilled holes and the tail/shank is compressed, deforming it and creating what amounts to another head. The compression of the tail/shank also causes the rivet to expand in the hole thus helping to bind the materials together. Blind rivets, often called pop rivets, use a mandrill (a long shaft that protrudes from the head) to compress the tail/shank. The mandrill is pulled out through the head to compresses the tail/shank and is then snapped off. Blind rivets allow installation without requiring access to the rivet tail. Depending on the style of rivet, installation is accomplished using a hammer or a rivet gun.
Solid Rivet
Blind Rivet
Rivet Gun
Rivet Uses
Although in existence for centuries, rivets gained popularity among manufacturers during World War II. Today rivets are used to in all kinds of applications including buildings, bridges, aircraft, vehicles, medical equipment, robotics, and industrial machinery. Rivets are prized for their light weight, permanent installation, and high shear strength (support of loads perpendicular to the axis of the shaft).
Rivet Types
- Solid Rivets
- Semi-Tubular Rivets
- Blind Rivets (Pop Rivets)
- Oscar Rivets
- Drive Rivets
- Flush Rivets
- Friction-Lock Rivets
- Self-Pierce Rivets
Leading Rivet Manufacturers
- Avdel
- AVK Industrial Products
- Cherry Aerospace
- Allfast Fastening Systems
- POP Rivets
- Gesipa
- Keystone
- Micro Plastics
Learn More About Rivets
Rivets come in many different styles, materials, and dimensions which can make selecting the right solution challenging. To learn more about how rivets work and to find the right rivet for your application click on the resources below. Want to review options with an expert? Contact bisco industries’ product support team.
Rivet Resources
Manufacturer Profile: Zierick
Zierick is a pioneering manufacturer of surface mount connectors, through hole connectors, and interconnect terminals. Throughout its 95+ year history Zierick has developed such innovative products as harsh environment insulation displacement connectors (IDC), odd-form surface mount terminals, and PCB parallel stacking systems. In addition to its reputation for innovation, Zierick is also known for unparalleled quality and offers a one year guarantee on all its products. Zierick products can be found in applications ranging from medical equipment to industrial enclosures and controls.
IDC Wire Connector
Board Stacking Connector
Quick Disconnect Terminal
Surface Mount Posts
Zierick Products Include:
- Surface Mount Pins & Posts
- Quick Disconnect Terminals
- Spring Clips
- Screw Terminals / Binding Posts
- Surface Mount & Through Hole Wire Connectors
bisco – Authorized Zierick Distributor
bisco industries is a franchised Zierick distributor and offers stock on hundreds of Zierick parts. View Zierick’s website to configure products, then search the part on biscoind.com to get pricing and availability.
Trending Zierick Parts
What is a Draw Latch?
Draw Latch Description
Draw latches operate on the principle of drawing two items together using tension. The main components of a draw latch assembly are the blade (a hooked plate or a wire formed loop), the keeper (a hooked plate that receives the blade), and the hinge. The tension is created when the blade is hooked to the keeper and clamped down. For typical draw latches the tension is released when the latch is rotated to a vertical positon and is applied when the latch is rotated to a horizontal position.
Draw Latch Styles
Despite shared functionality, draw latches come in many different styles.
Rotary Draw Latches
Under-Center Draw Latches
Over-Center Draw Latches
Adjustable Draw Latches
Lever-Assisted Latches
Pull Draw Latches
Draw Latch Applications
Because of the simplicity and effectiveness of draw latches they are utilized in a large number of applications. Draw latch applications include HVAC systems, exhibits, signs, agricultural equipment, industrial machinery, trucks, and lawn/garden equipment.
Learn More About Draw Latches
For more information about draw latches view these helpful catalog pages from Southco or contact bisco’s product support team.
Where to Buy Draw Latches
bisco industries offers a wide selection of draw latches from leading access hardware manufacturer, Southco. Visit biscoind.com to buy rotary draw latches, over-center draw latches and more.
Product Spotlight: Acme Industrial MS51831 Keylocking Inserts
MS51831 Heavy Duty Key Locked Threaded Inserts
MS51831 specification inserts are heavy duty keylocking inserts made from corrosion resistant steel (stainless steel). MS51831 inserts can be easily installed using standard drills and taps and require no tangs to be removed. Like other threaded inserts, MS51831 series inserts are used to repair damaged threads or to improve the thread strength of the parent material. Common applications for MS51831 key locked inserts include aircraft, motor vehicles, communication equipment, and electronic and industrial enclosures.
Acme Industrial – MS51831 Insert Manufacturer
Acme Industrial manufacturers the complete series of MS51831 inserts including both non-locking and self-locking versions. Although Acme manufacturers the MS51831 inserts under their own part numbers, the inserts are fully certified to the MS51831 spec (see the cross reference table below). In addition, Acme’s inserts are manufactured in the USA and are always DFAR compliant. Stock info, pricing, and product information are available from authorized Acme Industrial distributor, bisco industries. Visit biscoind.com or click on a part number in the table below to learn more.
Acme Industrial MS51831 Insert Cross Equivalents
|
MS51831 Insert Part Number |
Acme Industrial Part Number |
| MS51831-101 | 217-076301 |
| MS51831-101L | 217-077301 |
| MS51831-102 | 217-076302 |
| MS51831-102L | 217-077302 |
| MS51831-103 | 217-076303 |
| MS51831-103L | 217-077303 |
| MS51831-104 | 217-076304 |
| MS51831-104L | 217-077304 |
| MS51831-105 | 217-076305 |
| MS51831-105L | 217-077305 |
| MS51831-106 | 217-076306 |
| MS51831-106L | 217-077306 |
| MS51831-107 | 217-076307 |
| MS51831-107L | 217-077307 |
| MS51831-108 | 217-076308 |
| MS51831-108L | 217-077308 |
| MS51831-109 | 217-076309 |
| MS51831-109L | 217-077309 |
| MS51831-110 | 217-076310 |
| MS51831-110L | 217-077310 |
| MS51831-111 | 217-076311 |
| MS51831-111L | 217-077311 |
| MS51831-201 | 217-076501 |
| MS51831-201L | 217-077501 |
| MS51831-202 | 217-076502 |
| MS51831-202L | 217-077502 |
| MS51831-203 | 217-076503 |
| MS51831-203L | 217-077303 |
| MS51831-204 | 217-076504 |
| MS51831-204L | 217-077504 |
| MS51831-205 | 217-076505 |
| MS51831-205L | 217-077505 |
| MS51831-206 | 217-076506 |
| MS51831-206L | 217-077506 |
| MS51831-207 | 217-076507 |
| MS51831-207L | 217-077507 |
| MS51831-208 | 217-076508 |
| MS51831-208L | 217-077508 |
| MS51831-209 | 217-076509 |
| MS51831-209L | 217-077509 |
| MS51831-210 | 217-076510 |
| MS51831-210L | 217-077510 |
| MS51831-211 | 217-076511 |
| MS51831-211L | 217-077511 |
What is a Test Point?
PCB Test Point Description
A test point is a small metal terminal used as a connection point to test circuitry on printed circuit boards (PCBs). Typical PCB test points are wire formed loops surrounded by colored insulators. The insulator color allows the test points’ type or location to be mapped on the PCB, thereby streamlining the testing process. Test point loops allow for easy test connections using alligator clips, probes, and test hooks. More sophisticated test points may function as actual connectors allowing test leads to be plugged into the test point. PCB test points are also known as test terminals, PCB mountable terminals, loop type terminals, and test sockets.
PCB Test Point Uses
- Test points are used to test PCB circuitry during manufacturing and assembly to ensure that equipment is working properly
- Test points are used to test circuitry during repair to pinpoint equipment failures
Bare Wire Formed PCB Test Point
Insulated PCB Test Points
PCB Test Point Socket
Test Point Configurations
Aside from the three primary styles of test points there are many test point configuration options to consider. These options include loop size, socket size, test point height, insulator material, test point material, test point finish, and insulator color.
PCB Test Point Manufacturers
- Components Corp
- Mill-Max
- TE Connectivity
- Molex
- Keystone Electronics
Learn More About PCB Test Points
Learn more about PCB test points by reviewing these catalogs from Keystone Electronics, Components Corp and Mill-Max. To speak with a bisco product expert simply email us.
bisco industries Attends NAMM Show 2016
bisco team members had the opportunity to walk the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) tradeshow at the Anaheim Convention Center on January 21-24, 2016. A record number of exhibitors (over 1,700) showcased products from what is essentially the entire vertical supply chain for the music industry.
According to their mission statement, NAMM aims to preserve and grow the music products industry and also promote the pleasure and benefits of making music. NAMM’s ever popular tradeshows ensure that the industry’s growth continues to rise by providing a great place for musicians and manufacturers to network and introduce new products.
bisco – Supply Chain Partner for Music Industry Manufacturers
As a leading distributor for electronic connectors as well as wire and cable components, bisco was able to connect with manufactures located in the lighting and sound equipment sections of the tradeshow. A couple of bisco’s supply chain partners, Electronic Hardware Corp and Abbatron exhibited at the show as well. The bisco team had a great time walking the show and enjoying the many creative entertainment personalities and of course – the music!
Are you a manufacturer in the lighting, sound, or music industry? Learn more about how bisco can help streamline your procurement process by visiting bisco’s website or by contacting a local service rep.