Grommet edging reduces installation costs and protects against cable abrasion

Citation

(1999), "Grommet edging reduces installation costs and protects against cable abrasion", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771fad.011

Grommet edging reduces installation costs and protects against cable abrasion

Keywords Device Technologies, Composites, Edging, Cables, Protection

A composite grommet edging material that claims to reduce installation cost and provide added protection against cable damage was recently introduced into Europe at the Paris Air Show. Spring-Fast edging, available from US company Device Technologies, Inc., is said to stay in place without adhesive.

The material has been designated as standard replacement part for civil aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States and Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) in the UK. It is reported to have shown, through extensive US Military Standard and independent laboratory testing, to resist shock, vibration, salt spray, immersion, chemicals, oil and wide temperature extremes.

According to its manufacturer, Spring-Fast has been used successfully to protect cables from chafing in numerous aerospace manufacturing and maintenance applications (including fuselage, wing and rib sections, helicopters, avionics and electronics bays).

"Whenever wiring of cables pass through openings in sheet metal there is potential for abrasion and failure as the insulation comes in contact with sharp edges", said Hector Petri, company technical director. "Spring-Fast solves the three most common problems associated with the plastic grommets traditionally used to prevent such damage: installation is quick and easy, the material does not become brittle over time and there is no glue to fail in use."

Device Technologies explains that because it mechanically locks onto any two-axis contour with finger pressure instead of toxic and messy adhesive, the materials installed cost is lower than competing methods. It is made of spring-tempered stainless steel coated with thermosetting polymer resin. Less time is required and there are no environmental concerns associated with degreasing solvents or other toxic chemicals. Spring-Fast is Designed for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/A). Once mounted, the product remains firmly in place indefinitely. It includes a polymer cushion that helps prevent wear and damage to insulation.

The material provides a smooth, non-conductive surface on inside angles, outside angles, oval slots, irregular holes and other configurations. It is supplied on 25ft, 100ft and 500ft (7.6m, 30.5m and 152m) reels or in specified lengths cut at the factory. Several sizes accommodate sheet thicknesses from 0.025in. (0.6mm) to 0.260in. (6.6mm).

Details available from Device Technologies, Inc. Tel: +1 508 229 2000; Fax: +1 508 229 2622; E-mail: sample@devicetec.com; www.devicetec.com