WCA May/July 2020

Products

Compression springs made of tool steel for high-temperature applications

Lightweight tool-free clamps TE Connectivity has introduced its new P-Clamps, with lock and mounting features that offer engineers the flexibility to rethink the way electrical and fluid systems are configured. Engineered with separate mounting and locking features, the clamps can be installed earlier in the assembly process compared to standard AS21919 P-clamps. The clamps simplify and speed up installation by eliminating the need for tools and hardware when installing cable assemblies. The risk of foreign object debris also decreases when tools are not required for installation. The P-Clamp’s design incorporates a quick-lock feature that allows users to quickly open and close the clamp without unmounting it. Made of lightweight, aerospace- grade PEEK (polyether ether ketone) polymer, TE P-Clamps are available in ten sizes that cover the same range as 21 standard AS21919 P-clamps. Using PEEK helps reduce weight by up to 25 per cent while maintaining comparable physical strength as metal P-clamps. “Our new P-Clamps are helping enable next generation harness assembly by removing the design roadblocks of standard metal P-clamps and replacing them with features that give engineers and operators more flexibility,” said Tyler Weber, product manager for TE’s aerospace, defence and marine division. “Combined with easier installation and reduced weight, that flexibility makes [the clamps] ideally suited for customers who need versatility and simplicity without sacrificing ruggedness.” TE P-Clamps are designed for mounting cable harnesses in a wide range of applications includ- ing commercial aviation, military aerospace, military vehicles, mar- ine vehicles, industrial vehicles, rail and automotive. TE Connectivity Ltd www.te.com

❍ Compression springs made from tool steel Spring specialists in Sweden have made and tested prototypes of springs in a new material that can withstand high temperatures. One of the requests for firm compression springs for high- temperature applications originated in the Lesjöfors sales office in the Netherlands, where the customer wanted to replace disc springs with compression springs in an actuator application for large valves. The compression springs would have to work in an environment of around 200-250°C with high demands on strength and relaxation resistance. To discuss these challenges and possible solutions, sales manager André Boskemper contacted Stefan Musslinder, the group’s technical manager, and Per Davidsson, technical manager at the factory in Lesjöfors, specialised in the manufacture of large industrial springs. They came up with the idea of producing springs in tool steel, which had never been done before. The traditional materials used for springs working in high-temperature applications are either stainless steel or super alloys such as Inconel or Nimonic. The disadvantage is that these materials are costly compared to tool steel, and the strength is fairly low in larger dimensions.

The advantages the team anticipated with tool steel led to the decision to start prototype manufacturing and testing. Mr Musslinder, commenting on the development process, said, “We manufactured ten springs in tool steel and did setting tests at temperatures between 200 and 300°C. By doing so, we can measure how well the springs’ characteristics withstand high temperatures. The test results are very positive and we look forward to extended tests in longer time-series to investigate long-time relaxation resistance.” Lesjöfors in Åminnefors, Finland, has received similar requests for tool steel springs from companies in Asia. “Regularly, we get requests from customers who need springs working close to a furnace or in flow valve for steam, for example. Compression springs in tool steel could be a great cost-effective alternative in many high-temperature applications,” said Mr Davidsson. Lesjöfors springs, stampings and pressings are used in diverse industries. The large selection of standard springs is combined with high-tech, customised solutions. The company has both manufacturing and sales offices in several European countries, Asia, the USA and Mexico. Lesjöfors AB www.lesjoforsab.com

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Fasteners ASIA – May/July 2020