Combination locks

	This zinc alloy padlock from Taiwan’s ABA UFO features retrievable and resettable combination codes.

New models from mainland China feature cut- and pick-resistant components. User-friendly access systems are the priority in Taiwan.

Mainland China and Taiwan suppliers of padlocks are upgrading key components to meet demand for high-security and user-friendly designs.

Improving theft prevention is the primary R&D focus of mainland makers that aim to expand their midrange market share.

Many of these suppliers perform hardening, a heat-treatment technique, to strengthen brass bodies and steel shackles. The process increases the padlock’s resistance to physical attacks such as cutting, hammering and pulling. For rust prevention, chrome plating is also conducted.

Another approach involves modifying the pin drivers to create false set points and consequently deter vibration picking. The emphasis is on mushroom-shaped types that can bring the plug back to a fully locked position when pushed.

In Taiwan, companies hope to cultivate the upscale segment by introducing designs with easy and secure access options.

Commercial models are receiving most of the R&D attention since these command prices two or three times higher than residential types. The latest releases feature a three-level keying system suitable for hotels, apartments or factories. This includes master keys that can override multiple padlocks to permit supervisory or emergency access.

Some suppliers in the island are adding value to home-use designs through the integration of key holders, particularly for UK-bound exports. Combination padlocks also often come with backup keys.

To attract more orders, Taiwan makers usually acquire patents for their locking mechanisms. International quality certification can be obtained on request.

	SDMEC of mainland China equips this combination padlock with a key override mechanism. The shackles are made of steel and plated with chrome.

Although zinc alloy remains popular for its rust resistance, mainland suppliers are tapping steel and brass to boost durability and, in turn, help ensure theft protection.

Procured domestically, both materials are gaining ground in residential and commercial applications. Steel typically comes from the northeast and eastern regions, while Shanxi province is the leading source of brass.

Yafei Electronics Co. Ltd equips its latest keyed padlock, model KH-7028, with a hardened steel shackle and a black rubber jacket. Zinc alloy is used for the body.

Models A02 and A03 from SDMEC Machinery International Co. Ltd feature chrome-plated zinc alloy bodies and steel shackles. The supplier adopts brass and cold-rolled steel as well. For quality assurance, it carries out inspection at each production stage. Pieces with defects are disassembled and reworked completely.

Ningbo Two Birds Industry Co. Ltd’s model HLO-6005 padlock has a brass body and cylinder. It measures 60, 70, 80 or 90mm in height. Three keys are included.

The company also produces cylinders in iron and zinc alloy.

Some mainland suppliers employ aluminum alloy for decorative models. Although not as sturdy as steel or brass, this metal can be easily formed into different shapes.

Upscale releases from Taiwan incorporate a range of value-added features. Steel Mark Enterprise Ltd adopts a three-level management system in its latest models for hotels and serviced apartments. This consists of change, master and grand master keys.

The company’s products have a precision tolerance of less than 0.03mm. QC tests are conducted in-house.

Tai-Lu Industrial Co. Ltd has launched residential-use padlocks with a patented key-holder design. These feature hollow zinc alloy bodies that double as a storage box for door keys.

Combination codes are adopted to secure and open the compartment. Models KB299 and KB298 are fitted with three and four rotating discs, respectively. TU518, another release, employs a 10-button mechanical keypad.

ABA UFO International Corp. has developed a mechanism that retrieves code permutations using an override key.

This system was introduced in model 7908, a patented combination padlock with a seven-pin tumbler and a tubular key. The three-digit code is also resettable.

Suitable for lockers, the product has a zinc alloy body and cylinder. Its shackle measures 3 or 5mm in diameter.

All commercial designs from ABA UFO can come with a master or grand master key.

These include model 7918, which enables both key and combination code access. For the latter, more than 10,000 four-digit permutations can be accommodated.

Padlocks from Taiwan are made of zinc alloy, iron or brass. The majority of the material requirement is purchased locally.

Models with zinc alloy and iron bodies are often electroplated, while those in brass have a satin finish.

There are approximately 700 padlock suppliers in the mainland. Companies export 60 percent of output, largely to Europe, North America and Asia.

Overseas shipments generated $2 billion last year, with more than 90 percent from OEM contracts. High demand is expected to push sales up by 10 percent in the months ahead.

Zhejiang province, the mainland’s largest production hub, accounts for half of overseas revenue.

Taiwan has at least 20 padlock manufacturers, all of which engage in exports. Most production is done locally, although some makers operate offshore factories. More than 85 percent of the industry’s output is shipped abroad.

Suppliers in the island exported nearly $0.4 billion worth of mechanical and electronic padlocks in 2007, with the majority going to the upscale segments of the US, Europe and the mainland. Sales during the first quarter of 2008 totaled $52.1 million. About half of this came from OEM and ODM orders.