Fabricators that work with removable panels need an efficient and reliable way to install them. However, the processes and hardware used significantly impact the end product. This post explains how to install a removable panel and select the proper hardware.

Removable panels are used widely across many industries, including signage, marine, interior design, and public transportation. While these industries have unique application requirements, they do have one thing in common: By design, removable panels will be attached and reattached dozens or even hundreds of times. So, before you begin the installation, it’s crucial to identify hardware and mounting methods that are strong and durable enough to handle repeated installation.

Step #1: Select Your Hardware

When most people think of removable panels, the first thing that comes to mind is the panels themselves. But the signature feature of removable panels – the ability to remove them – comes from what you don’t see: the hardware.

The success of a removable panel relies heavily on the strength and quality of the fastening system. So, before you begin installation, it’s worth taking the time to understand the hardware that makes it all possible.

Plastic fasteners are most commonly used to mount removable panels. Their low price and availability have made them the go-to for this installation. However, several problems might occur with plastic fasteners. They offer low durability and will fatigue after prolonged use. Their longevity depends on the specific product, but as a rule, plastic fasteners will degrade, warp, or break after repeated removal of the panel. When this happens, the panels will be difficult to remove or reattach, and there’s a good chance all of the hardware will have to be replaced.

We're always looking for ways to improve our lives through the products we use. We seek products that make tasks easy, work better and faster, last longer, cost less, feel good to use, and make us feel good.

In business, manufacturers look to add components to their end products that improve their customers' lives and solve problems, adding value and giving them a competitive advantage. But that search can be complicated as many affordable, readily available components are highly commoditized, making those unique, differentiating products a challenge to find.

The answer could lie in the design of custom components that can solve your unique problem, help your end product stand out, and give you a competitive advantage. 

Statistics from the National Truck Equipment Association indicate commercial (cargo) van sales increased by 56.7% between 2013 and 2019, and there's no sign of that trend slowing down. While cargo vans are becoming more and more common for delivery services (if you've had an Amazon delivery lately, you know this to be true), they're also widely used by businesses of all types as service vehicles. 

Larger vehicles, such as box trucks, will always have a substantial market position for their advantage in capacity. This is especially true for delivery services as their size advantage allows for the delivery of larger items and helps to minimize trips. However, cargo vans generally cost less to purchase, and their smaller size makes them more fuel-efficient and able to fit into tighter spaces. This economy and agility make cargo vans a better choice for delivering smaller parcels and for use as service vehicles.

Like most fasteners, bolts are available in a wide variety of styles and materials to meet the needs of a world of applications. In the industrial world, carbon and alloy steel bolts are used most often. Steel bolts can be divided into two major categories: High Strength Structural and Common.

Steel bolts are rated and specified by numerous certifying bodies, but the two primary associations in the United States are ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials) and the SAE International (formerly Society for Automotive Engineers). ASTM standards for bolts and fasteners pertain primarily to construction applications, while SAE deals with machinery and automotive applications as well as those for original equipment manufacturing.

High Strength Structural Steel Bolts are typically used to join steel structures in construction. They’re mostly composed of quenched or tempered steel and have a minimum tensile strength of 120 ksi for use in structural connections. Examples are ASTM rated A325 and A490, Types 1 and 3 structural hex bolts.

EMT’s and ambulance personnel are under tremendous pressure. They have to concentrate and react quickly to care for their patients, and they have to do it while trying to stay on their feet in a fast-moving vehicle.

A critical moment for EMT’s is when they need to change out IV bags. Most IV hangers used in ambulances today require the EMT to use two hands to thread the bag onto the hanger. The process of identifying the hanger then trying to quickly thread the bag onto a stiff clasp can rob them of critical seconds. Moreover, with no extra hand available to provide balance, they’re exposed to injuring themselves, coworkers, or even the patient in the event of a quick turn or sudden stop.

Industrial Pins are an essential type of fastener with many uses. They are designed to resist shear and torsional forces. 

Engineering360 defines industrial pins as “… varieties of fastening hardware meant to couple, align, mount, assemble or penetrate two workpieces. The operation of the pin depends on design and employment…” 

Roll-formed metal is commonly used in the manufacture of industrial pins for purposes of strength, precision, and functionality. The types of metal used run the gamut- hardened and unhardened steel, stainless steel, brass, Monel®, aluminum, and titanium are all fashioned into industrial pins. Plastic, as well as wood, typically used in furniture because they can be sanded, stained, and painted for decorative purposes, are also common materials used in the production of fastening pins. 

The two primary linkage options available for your multi-point latches are Rods and Cables. Each offers a different set of advantages and disadvantages. 

If you're debating which is right for your application, here's a breakdown of our findings. 

Rods are more common in multi-point latch applications for several reasons, but primarily because of their durability. They are generally stronger and more durable than cables. Financially, while the cost of the raw materials for rods and cables is very close, rods tend to be more economical than a complete cable system. Cable systems require more components for assembly, thus making them more complex and costly to use. Many companies will form rods on their own, which also can help to keep costs down. 

It’s no secret that Austin Hardware® is in the business of offering solutions for your business, by creating custom-engineered products that are designed to be innovative, intuitive and perfect for a variety of industries. Through our quest to create innovative products, we were able to create the Flexi-Vent, Flexible Mounting Cowl Vent as a strong competitor in today’s market. We listened to our customers' needs about creating an innovative design that was practical as it was original. With the flexible cowl vent, we solved three major problems seen on the market and was able to provide a solution for a variety of applications and industries. Ready to learn more? Keep Reading below.

When it comes to Drawer Release Systems, there are a variety of ways you can incorporate them into your work truck, utility vehicle, or emergency vehicle. Drawer release systems are a great way to organize tools, emergency equipment, safety supplies, and more while keeping everything safely stored while the vehicle is in motion. These are just a few of the ways that you can use our products, but the possibilities are endless. There are many different types of drawer release systems and methods to be custom-fitted or designed for your specific needs.

When it comes to safety, LifeDefender™ not only meets the industry standards, we helped to establish them. From our beginnings, we worked with a select group of emergency vehicle and ambulance manufacturers to set the toughest safety standards as well as design products that meet these standards. Our rigorous safety standards keep occupants inside emergency vehicles safe during transport. Austin Hardware's LifeDefender™ Cabinet Security Frames have been designed to provide a solution to meet the *SAE, CAAS GVS & NFPA safety standards. In addition to meeting strict safety standards, our frames are crash-tested to ensure that the vehicle occupants, EMS workers, and patients are safe during transport and in case of an accident.  

Not only is safety our top concern, but we also created a top-quality design for all of our products. We utilized our custom engineering services to create efficient, quality-designed products. The LifeDefender™ line designs feature a quick and easy installation for quick assembly of emergency vehicles. Our cabinets are designed for ease of use, and some only require one-handed use for on-the-go applications. The simple, functional design is not only handy but is also suitable for many different uses, including marine and RV applications. LifeDefender™ has designed one tough frame and offers a variety of products to fit different needs and applications. Each product is designed with safety in mind as well as easy installation and use.