Understanding the forces in SERFs

SERFs are designed to handle three primary types of forces, depending on the application:

1. Engagement force

   This refers to the effort required to ‘lock’ the engagement elements on both faces of the SERF together. In simple terms, it’s the force required to close the fastener.

2. Disengagement force

   The disengagement force is the opposite of engagement force—it’s the effort needed to ‘unlock’ the fastener.
   Depending on the vendor and particular model of SERF, disengagement forces are typically 150–400 % higher than engagement forces, ensuring that the fastener stays securely closed under normal use.

3. Shear force

   Shear force measures how well the engagement elements resist sliding against each other when a force is applied perpendicular to the fastener.
   For example, think of a picture hanging on a wall—the weight of the picture applies a shear force to the fastener.

Why ‘creep’ matters

If the engagement elements slide too easily, the fastener may experience ‘creep’—a gradual vertical disengagement over time. This can cause objects such as panels or pictures to shift or fall.

Duotec^®: Superior performance against creep

Binder’s Duotec^® fasteners are specifically designed to:

• offer high resistance to creep, ensuring objects stay securely in place.
• deliver a high ratio of disengagement to engagement force, combining strength with ease of use.

For reliable and durable fastening solutions, Binder’s Duotec^® fasteners are an excellent choice.