Situation
A defence contractor needed a locking slide for mobile maintenance cases used in forward deployments. The cases are transported by air, sea and ground, and the drawers must stay closed under shock, vibration and rapid decompression.
The specification called for a 100 kg load rating, full extension for quick tool access, and a lock that could be secured with a standard padlock hasp for arms-storage requirements. The finish had to meet DEF STAN-grade corrosion resistance, and the slide could not use lubricants that attract sand.
Delivery schedules were tied to a government contract, so late samples would have triggered programme delays.
Engineering response
We supplied a 53 mm steel slide with a positive locking lever and a padlock hasp bracket. The lock is engaged mechanically rather than by spring pressure, so it stays closed under shock loads that would defeat a friction latch.
The ball retainer was redesigned to keep bearings aligned under high-G shock, and the grease was replaced with a dry-film lubricant that does not attract particulates. The plating system was upgraded to zinc-nickel with a clear passivate for extended salt-spray life.
We delivered first article inspection samples with a full dimensional report and shock-test data to support the customer’s qualification package.
Verification
Real figures from the project file.
Outcome
The slides passed the customer's 20 G shock test and 1,000 km vibration profile without lock release or functional degradation. Salt-spray performance exceeded the 96-hour requirement.
The maintenance case entered service with the specified slide, and the contractor has since placed follow-on orders for two additional case configurations. No field failures have been reported over the first 18 months of deployment.