Pipe fastening in the aerospace sector
1 min read
A pipe retaining clamp, made from a plastic material, has been launched by the Norma Group at this year's Paris Air Show. Red Grip can be used for fastening pipes, cables and lines in aircraft, motor vehicles, commercial vehicles or trains.
Conventional pipe retaining clips are made of metal but the new Red Grip clamp is made of high-performance plastic polyether ether ketone (PEEK) which makes it suitable for applications in the temperature range between -50°C and +250°C – in an aircraft engine compartment, for example.
"Red Grip is an outstanding example of our engineering skill, which even goes into such small products," commented Bernd Kleinhens, board member for business development. "The new plastic pipe clip not only shortens assembly time, its low weight also helps our customers save resources."
To reduce the overall weight of the systems, companies are increasingly turning to lightweight construction and this trend is continuing down the smallest components. The Red Grip is up to 15% lighter than the standard configurations of the metal retaining clip and its compact design makes it possible to encircle cable harnesses and piping systems completely.
The silicone pad, which is securely mounted in the two-component injection moulding process, eliminates the need for special tools: the plastic pipe clip can be fastened quickly to the cable or pipe with just one movement of the hand. This permanently integrated pad protects cable insulation by decoupling oscillations caused by vibrations. And the plastic pipe clip barely changes its shape under strong temperature fluctuations. Available in sizes ranging from 8 to 50 millimetres, the clip is also resistant to oils, fuels, alcohols, acids and ageing due to UV exposure.
