Scuba diving may seem like a peaceful pursuit, but getting to the dive site can be a rough ride. Underwater Kinetics is one of the leading manufacturers of equipment used by divers, including carrying cases that protect their gear during transit. The company also designs and manufactures cases that are used around the world to carry cameras, test instruments, safety equipment, and other travel-sensitive items.

These cases are designed to take heavy punishment and give long-term service in harsh environments. Underwater Kinetics' watertight dry boxes, dry cases, and dry transit cases are designed to survive repeated drops to concrete without sustaining damage or opening. A critical component is latches that help create a watertight seal that can be submerged to depths often exceeding one meter. This hardware must not only be strong, but it must withstand exposure to humidity and salt water.

"We tried hardware from a variety of sources -- we even tried making our own -- and we had problems with rust and durability. We looked for a supplier that could work with us, and we chose Nielsen Sessions because of their engineering capability, high quality, and responsiveness," says Fred Fischer, vice president of technology for the Poway, CA company.

Nielsen Sessions supplies Underwater Kinetics with wing turn catches, a proven latching system that is often found on heavy-duty cases that are used to carry and store equipment. Turning the "wing" 180 degrees actuates a hook that provides maximum holding power, yet the latch maintains a low profile and is easy to engage and disengage.

"The military style wing turn catch is highly popular with many of our customers, because of its durability and the way it latches securely every time," notes Fischer.

To provide the customer's desired level of rust protection, Nielsen Sessions uses an E-coat finish on the stainless steel latches. Also known as electrocoating, E-coat employs electric current to deposit paint on the metal surface, providing a tough barrier to corrosion. Testing in Nielsen Sessions' engineering facility, including salt-spray exposure, ensures optimal coating performance. The black coating is also color-matched to the case and has an attractive shine.

"Whether it's working with us to provide the right hardware for our standard products or being responsive in meeting a customer's special request, Nielsen Sessions has been an important contributor to the quality of Underwater Kinetics' products," adds Fischer.