HTF is excited to spotlight our partner DTi (Device Technologies, Inc.). In 1984, Device Technologies, Inc. began in a farmhouse basement, later moving to a New England barn, and now operates from a 20,000-square-foot, climate-controlled facility. Their first major success was supplying Digital Equipment Corporation (now HP) with a UL94 V-0 Spring-Fast® Wire Protection Grommet Edging for the VAX Mainframe computer, resulting in substantial cost savings and a boost in productivity.
Since then, DTi has expanded its high-performance wire protection grommet line known for withstanding harsh conditions. It has earned a global preferred vendor status with industry partners. Their "Designed 2 Protect" solutions have led to the development of advanced equipment protection solutions incorporating fiber management, enclosure seals, thermal management, EMI shielding, and braided sleeving.
Through years of expertise, DTi continues its legacy of problem-solving, emphasizing a custom approach that prioritizes operational efficiency and high quality. Read on to learn more about grommet edging and how to pick the right solution for any project.
A grommet refers to a circular or eye-shaped insert placed into a hole to offer protective reinforcement along the exposed, uneven edges of the hole within a thin material. Grommets serve a dual purpose: they shield the material around the hole and enhance its structural integrity. Typically, grommets have two flared edges, ensuring a secure fit without requiring adhesives or fasteners. Their primary functions include reinforcing the material they are inserted into and safeguarding wires passing through the opening.
The grommet edging is crucial in shielding wires and cables from abrasion as they traverse sharp or rough surfaces. This safeguard is essential to prevent the deterioration of the cable's protective covering. Damage to wires and cables can lead to electronic and communication equipment failures or, in more severe cases, pose health and safety risks.
During the manufacturing of products, rough edges or burrs occur at the points where access holes are cut. This necessitates the application of grommet edging, also known as trim, directly onto the surface material to safeguard components like wires from potential harm. Grommet strips, a type of edging, can be custom-made to specific lengths and pre-cut for convenient installation in a chosen material.
Grommet edge protection comes in several materials. All DTi grommet materials meet specified standards for abrasion protection:
Choosing a grommet material depends also on its application.
The intended function of the grommet plays a pivotal role in determining its overall design. A desk grommet, for instance, typically features an open design and is constructed from plastic or rubber to shield phone and computer cables from potential damage caused by contact with rough wood or metal edges.
Additionally, there are grommets with soft materials that can be customized to accommodate wire passage while preventing debris or dust from entering, all while securely guiding and holding the cable in its desired position.
There are several installation and attachment methods for grommet edging. DTi's use simple snap-on installations like the Spring-Fast, as well as the snap-on fusion attachment method of the Spring-Fast Aerospace Grommet.
Installation type is dependent on industrial application, as aerospace or military grommet edging may be exposed to specific environmental extremes. Aerospace products are sealed with a bonded EPOXY, for example. Still, all of DTi's edging is snap-on, which greatly simplifies the process of adding grommet edging.
How frequently can you cut the cost of a component in half? DTi’s grommet edging snap-on installation method reduces costs by a significant 49% compared to grommets that require glue. This streamlined process enhances efficiency by a remarkable 9.5 times, reducing workflow complexity.
Ultimately, DTi's Spring-Fast Grommet Edging is a cost-effective solution that enhances wire and cable protection, reduces installation complexities, and offers a wide range of applications. Their commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction continues to drive their success.
Our experts at HTF are here to help you select the proper grommets for your needs. Reach out for a quote, and make HTF your first choice today!