Gulfstream Aerospace has selected Device Technologies, Inc.'s unique Spring-Fast® grommet edging system for the new G650 business jet, providing protection against potentially dangerous wire and cable wear throughout the aircraft's operating lifetime.  

Initial shipments of the new SL Series grommet edging for the G650 are now underway, marking Device Technologies' latest aerospace application for its Spring-Fast product line.   The Spring-Fast grommet edging will be installed around structural openings in the G650's fuselage, cushioning the contact between the airframe and its electrical wiring and cables.   

This new-generation protection uses advanced materials and technology to further increase the value of the Gulfstream brand – enhancing aircraft performance and protection over the long term, and improving worker safety by eliminating adhesives and Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the workplace during production and maintenance, repair and overhaul.  

Announcement of Spring-Fast's selection for the ultra-large cabin/ultra-long range G650 was made today at the Paris Air Show by Device Technologies and Avio-Diepen B.V., which is handling international marketing for Spring-Fast. (Avio-Diepen exhibit stand at the Paris Air Show: Hall #2, Stand G65-G49-G57).  

Spring-Fast grommet edging is designed to simply snap on and is easier to install, reducing production time per aircraft.  Performance tests to high levels of vibration, shock and other ambient conditions support its long term reliability in field conditions.  Its simple pressure-fastening concept eliminates the need for adhesives – which minimizes the exposure of production line workers and depot maintenance personnel to hazardous materials and VOCs.  

"Spring-Fast is perfectly tailored for high-performance aircraft such as the Gulfstream business jets," said Device Technologies Engineering Manager Steven O'Loughlin.   

The Spring-Fast grommets are made from spring-loaded stainless steel, which is encapsulated in a protective polymer coating.  Spring-Fast quickly snaps into place, using only the pressure applied by the installer's fingers.  The product is delivered in reels, with the material cut to length for the specific protective applications in the aircraft's fuselage.   

"The G650's dynamic performance requirements, combined with the capabilities of Spring-Fast and our wordwide support association with Avio-Diepen make this a perfect match for Gulfstream Aerospace's new business jet," O'Loughlin added.  

Device Technologies' new SL Series grommet edging features improved encapsulation with the polymer coating, which further enhances protection offered by the smooth bearing surface in all directions.  "The SL Series represents the next step in our evolution of the Spring-Fast product line, and it benefits from Spring-Fast's growing in-service experience with both civil and military aircraft," explained Device Technologies' President Nick Petri.  "SL Series grommet edging is perfectly suited for higher-performance aircraft."  

Spring-Fast originally was developed for the electronics industry, and is fitted on storage and server computers, network switching and router systems, medical scanning, X-ray and dialysis systems, automatic teller machines, and other critical equipment.   

It is increasingly becoming a standard for the aerospace and defense industries because of the grommet edge's excellent performance, ease of installation and production cost effectiveness compared to old-style nylon grommets.  Spring-Fast is approved for use by the U.S. Department of Defense, as well as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration civil aviation authority.