Which Brackets are Classified under Federal Supply Class 5341?
When your job involves parts procurement, it is often essential to have a solid understanding of Federal Supply Classes (FSCs). Among the many categories that have been established, FSC 5341 is specifically dedicated to brackets, a testament to the importance of standardizing even seemingly simple components. This blog aims to discuss FSC 5341, providing a comprehensive overview of the types of items it encompasses and their applications.
What are Federal Supply Classes?
Federal Supply Classes were developed by the United States federal government after World War II to make the management, identification, and procurement of items consistent across every sector. With each one of the millions of products circulated by federal agencies falling under an overarching group of related part types, this system helps to clearly communicate the specific nature of components. As such, it has improved logistics across many industries, from aerospace to industrial manufacturing settings.
Why Is There a Dedicated Class for Brackets?
The existence of a dedicated FSC for brackets highlights their ubiquity, these components providing mounting and structural support for various types of assemblies. It is important to note that items like corner braces, mending plates, and other brackets for hyper-specific applications fall under different classifications. The demand for parts to have varying performance standards and the desire for efficient procurement procedures necessitates the separation of these classifications, with FSC 5341 serving as a category solely for general use brackets.
Types of Brackets Listed Under FSC 5341
Standard Mounting Brackets
Mounting brackets come in many configurations, materials, and sizes to suit diverse mounting needs, aiding in everything from the positioning of light objects to supporting industrial equipment. The most typical variations are:
- L-Shaped Brackets: These brackets typically secure items at a right angle, which is useful for shelving and structural reinforcement.
- U-Shaped Brackets: The curved shape of these brackets offers enclosed support for pipes, conduits, and other components.
- Flat Plates: This type of bracket provides a simple mounting solution with minimal protrusion.
Angle Brackets
Angle brackets can secure objects to surfaces at sharp angles or reinforce joints and connections in structural applications, some specialized types including:
- Reinforced Angle Brackets: These angle brackets boast enhanced structural integrity for particularly heavy loads and demanding environments.
- Adjustable Angle Brackets: These angle brackets allow for variable angle adjustments, providing flexibility in positioning.
Double Angle Brackets
Featuring two angled surfaces that distribute loads more evenly, double angle brackets are selected for settings where additional reinforcement and stability are needed. Structural framing, heavy equipment mounting, and other projects that are subject to high stress benefit greatly from the enhanced strength this bracket subtype offers.
Electronic Component Brackets
Electronic component brackets are made to protect circuit boards, power supplies, control units, and other sensitive parts from environmental factors and mechanical stress. Many are designed with added safeguards like integrated mounting points and protective shielding, with specific subtypes including:
- Circuit Board Brackets: Often U-shaped or L-shaped, these brackets secure circuit boards in enclosures.
- Power Supply Brackets: These brackets are designed to secure and isolate power supply units from other components, preventing electrical interference.
- Shielded Brackets: Designed with integrated shielding, these brackets help protect sensitive electronics from electromagnetic interference.
- Control Unit Brackets: Typically used in more complex systems, these brackets provide safe housing for control units while allowing for ventilation and easy access.
Notable Variations in Bracket Installation and Design
Installation Methods
- Screw-mounted: Affixing brackets with screws or bolts is suitable for most general applications, especially as they can be removed if necessary.
- Welded: This method of installation permanently bonds the bracket directly to the mounting surface.
- Clamps: Clamps provide a temporary solution without permanently altering the surface a bracket is being attached to.
Materials
- Steel: Known for its strength and durability, steel is prized for heavy-duty applications requiring high load-bearing capabilities.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, leading to its widespread use for brackets present in harsh outdoor and marine environments.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and resistant to corrosion, aluminum is used in environments requiring a careful balance between weight and durability.
- Plastic or Composite: Lightweight, non-corrosive, and electrically insulating, these materials are used primarily in electronic and low-weight applications.
Source Quality Brackets on Aviation Store Online
For businesses seeking reliable brackets that are listed under FSC 5341, Aviation Store Online is your solution. Our extensive catalog features thousands of components conveniently organized by FSC, part type, manufacturer, and other common designations. With quality-assurance, timely delivery, and personalized customer support being our top priorities, you can readily rely on us for all your procurement needs.
