TPi September 2013

products & developments High-performance clamp

Red Grip makes it possible to encircle cable harnesses and piping systems completely. A 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. The permanently integrated silicone pad protects cable insulation by decoupling oscillations caused by vibrations. Due to the robust material properties, the plastic pipe clip barely changes its shape under strong temperature fluctuations. It is resistant against oils, fuels, alcohols, acids and ageing due to UV exposure.

and +250°C, such as in an aircraft engine compartment.

Norma Group exhibited its newly developed pipe retaining clamp made of plastic at the Paris Air Show in June. Red Grip can be used for fastening pipes, cables and lines in aircraft, motor vehicles, commercial vehicles or trains. The new clamp is manufactured from high-performance plastic polyether ether ketone (PEEK), which provides significant material properties: the clip is suitable for applications in the temperature range between -50°C

“Red Grip is an outstanding example of our engineering skill, which even goes into such small products,” commented Bernd Kleinhens, board member, 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. This trend is continuing down to the smallest components.

Red Grip is available in sizes ranging from 8 to 50mm.

The Red Grip pipe clip is around 10 to 15 per cent lighter than standard configurations of metal retaining clip, and its design is compact.

Norma Group manufactures a wide range of engineered joining technology solutions in three product categories – clamp, connect and fluid – and offers more than 30,000 products and solutions to approximately 10,000 customers in 100 countries.

Norma Group AG – Germany www.normagroup.com

Norma’s Red Grip pipe retaining clamp

The forefront of metals innovation Fine Tubes holds a position at the cutting edge of material processing developments for a wide range of sectors, including aerospace, medical, chemical process, nuclear, power and oil and gas, and currently has particular focus on aerospace and defence. This approach is currently allowing us to adapt high resistance materials traditionally associated with chemical process to great effect in aerospace design.”

Fine Tubes is continuing to cater for the future of aerospace by developing tubing solutions in new, higher strength grades of titanium that can offer substantial weight savings compared to the current industry standard. The company has sales offices in Germany, France and India, and currently exports its products to over 35 countries. Its projects have included work on the development of a heat exchange system for the Skylon space plane. Fine Tubes recently achieved Nadcap accreditation for welding, alongside previous Nadcap approval for its heat treating and NDT processes. Other quality certifications include ISO 9001, AS/EN 9100, TUV AD-2000 Merkblatt W0/TRD 100, and PED Pressure Equipment Directive.

The company is also involved in the development of high pressure hydraulic tubing for the Airbus A350 XWB. The A350 prototypes are currently being manufactured and ground-tested, with first flight testing in the near future. The aircraft is due to go into service in 2014. In 2006 Fine Tubes became one of the first qualified suppliers for the Airbus A380 hydraulic tubing, producing Ti 3AL/2.5V for the new 5,000psi system. Each Airbus A380 uses around 1km of hydraulic tubing, and Fine Tubes is one of the few mills qualified to produce this product.

The company has new materials available for cold drawn tubing and is attracting new customers with other developments. Cold working not only allows the reshaping of metal; it also strengthens it in the process, allowing creation of a wide range of potential products that have to perform reliably. Managing director Ronen Day commented, “Fine Tubes is continuing to bring brand new materials to existing processes that allow for a wide range of applications. Everything we learn in each of our specialist sectors is carefully analysed for use elsewhere.

Fine Tubes Ltd – UK www.finetubes.co.uk

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Tube Products International September 2013

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