At Turnlock, we don’t just engineer fastening components — we solve customer-specific problems with precision. In this case story, we share how our adjustable receptacle HGRRAE33S helped meet three critical requirements in a high-demand aviation environment.
The situation: Fastening engine cowling panels
A customer in the aviation industry was looking for a fastening solution for the cowling panels surrounding the aircraft engine. This application had to meet three essential requirements:
- No fluid ingress: The fastener had to seal off the engine area completely.
- Electrical conductivity: The fastener needed to conduct electricity between panels.
- Panel tolerance: It had to compensate for varying panel thickness and alignment issues.
A standard solution would require multiple stud lengths and configurations — but that would increase cost, complexity, and installation time.
The Solution: Turnlock HGRRAE33S
We proposed the use of our adjustable encapsulated receptacle — HGRRAE33S — part of our Grommet Retained Series. This stainless steel Type A receptacle was ideal for the application thanks to several key features:
- Adjustability: One receptacle that fits different panel thicknesses
- Encapsulation: Ensures a sealed solution to prevent fluid ingress
- Electrical conductivity: Maintains reliable current flow through the fastening system
- Single stud number: Use the same stud across the entire panel, regardless of thickness variation
Why it matters
In this real-life application, the panel started at 1 mm thickness and increased to 4 mm — but with HGRRAE33S, the customer could use one single stud length throughout the installation. That meant:
- No need to stock multiple stud types
- Reduced inventory and cost
- Easier installation and faster maintenance
- A reliable fastening system that meets strict aviation standards
See it in action : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqZ_SZ2Oku8