On behalf of a leading locking technology supplier, Roth has been instrumental in developing a locking cylinder that has an extremely challenging geometry. Lead-free ECOBRASS was the raw material used.

A leading supplier of locking technology has developed a smart locking system with an electronic cylinder lock that not only meets demands for increased safety but also satisfies the growing corporate requirement for flexibility. One particular challenge posed by the new system that was revealed by the feasibility study was the geometry of the locking cylinder in the highest safety category.

Stronger together

Maximum-safety locking cylinders are a challenge because the right balance has to be found between the geometric shapes and transitions at the edges. Only then can it be ensured that no mechanical splinters impair the mechanics and electronics of the locking mechanism. The tolerance thresholds are minimal; accordingly, the demand for precision is extremely high. In order to make the impossible possible, we worked closely together with the customer’s development department. After the feasibility study had been completed, a prototype was built. During this phase, the customer was on site and tested the prototypes directly on the machine. Following a series of optimisation trials, our cylinder was approved for release and we started testing in the field. Having successfully concluded the pilot phase, we will go into serial production next year.

Lead-free future

The cylinder lock is made of lead- and nickel-free ECOBRASS. This, plus the mechanism’s long service life, is an important aspect when it comes to sustainability. We believe that the trend is for a lead-free future. The decision to use ECOBRASS is thus at the same time environmentally-friendly and forward-looking.

The customer has since presented the new locking system to a number of application engineers who have shown themselves to be convinced. The new system has also been exhibited at trade fairs. This safe, flexible and sustainable product has been met with great interest by exhibition visitors and demonstrates why the supplier is one of the leaders in its branch of industry. With this commission, we for our part are proving that with our skill and expertise we are able to test the limits of feasibility for our customers.