Fiber optic cables get all the praise when it comes to new data transmission technology, but their efficiency greatly relies on a few small power connector components— fiber connectors. The size and versatility of a fiber connector allows fiber optic cabling to transmit data across distributed avionics and eliminate the need for additional signal support equipment.
 
Fiber optic connectors hold individual fibers in place. They incorporate an associated adapter for alignment and mating of fiber ends which forms a unified connection point. Another way to think of this device is as a plug with a protruding ferrule. A ferrule protects the mating ends of a fiber from degradation, as splitting or cracking will damage the fiber’s ability to reflect light effectively.
 
While airlines formerly had to rely on an avionics bay to route data through the aircraft, the compact size of the fiber connector allows distributed avionics to put processing power closer to its point of use. Most aircraft formerly utilized copper cables, which require additional equipment for signal support, adding to overall weight. As a result, fiber optic cables offer 25% in space savings and 50% overall weight reduction. Connectors with composite shells are 40% lighter than metal connectors.
 
Along with knowing the benefits of connectors, you’ll want to know about the most common connectors that you might come across in aviation. Common 2.5 mm connectors, small form factor connectors, and multi-fiber push on connectors are the most prevalent fiber connectors used within the aviation industry. A general rule for this category of connectors is the following: common 2.5 mm connectors are the most versatile, small form factor(SFF) connectors are intended for high density purposes, and multi-fiber push ons (MPO) support high-data environments. 
 
There are three types of 2.5 mm common connectors, square connectors (SC), firewire connectors (FC), and stainless-steel connectors (ST).  As their name suggests, common 2.5 mm connectors have a 2.5 mm ferrule size and therefore can be used interchangeably, or mixed and matched with the addition of a hybrid adapter. These connectors were commonly used in the 1980’s and 1990’s, but the SC connector is still commonly seen in application with fiber optics.
 
SFF connectors have a latch design that allows for strong connections with reduced signal loss. In addition, it has a 1.25 mm ferrule giving it a compact and reliable design. The low loss connector (LC), a variety of SFF, is one of the most successful connectors in the industry.
 
To round out our connectors, the most commonly used connector component in aviation is the MPO. With the rapid advancement of avionic technology, these connectors are necessary to provide high speed data transfer end-to-end. This connector can contain a multitude of fibers and can incorporate multimode fibers as well. MPO connectors are specified as “male” on one end and “female” on the other to ensure that all fibers are properly aligned.
 
At ASAP Fasteners, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find plate connectors and adapter cable connectors, new or obsolete. As a globally recognized parts supplier for the aerospace industry, we’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7x365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap-fasteners.com or call us at +1-714-705-4780.

DC Power Connectors are electrical connectors used for supplying direct current (DC) power. They have standard types that aren’t interchangeable. The correct dimensions and arrangement should be chosen to prevent interconnection of incompatible sources and loads. They are used in a variety of applications, including small portable electronics and automotive accessories. There are three common types of barrel connectors: jacks, plugs, and receptacles.
 
Barrel Box connectors, or low voltage DC power connectors, have current and voltage ratings, specified by the manufacturer. The jack and the plug feature one exposed conductor and a recessed conductor. Jacks usually receive power and are mounted inside the appliance. A plug is usually located on the electrical cord and supplies power from a power supply. A receptacle is mounted on a power cord as well but receives power from a mating plug. Most engineers accept the center pin configuration as the defining factor for the gender of barrel power connectors. “Male” connectors have a center pin, and the mating receptacles are deemed “female”.
 
A common way of categorizing barrel connectors is through the diameter of the inner pin and outer sleeve. The diameter of the inner sleeve should be slightly larger than that of the mating pin. Typical mating connections are cantilevered flat springs. Jack insertion Connectors depth dimensions are often less than the plug barrel lengths for the following two reasons. First, the plug barrel may not be required to be completely enclosed by the receiving jack. Second, the depth of the chassis wall must be considered. Additional depth should be accounted for in the plug barrel length when the connectors are mated. 
 
Plugs and jacks often have two conductors, one for power and one for ground. Usually, the center pin is power, and the outer sleeve is ground, but it’s possible for it to be the opposite. Some jacks have a third connector that forms a switch with the outer sleeve conductor; this is used to detect the insertion of a plug or to select between power sources.

Aircraft inspection plates, doors, and other removable panels are secured with turnlock fasteners because they allow quick and easy removal of panels for inspection and servicing. These fasteners require positive sustained torque to unfasten and tend to correct themselves after minor disturbances. The most common manufactured turnlock fasteners are Dzus, Camloc, and Airloc. Some of the common names used to refer to turnlock fasteners are quick opening, quick action, and stressed panel fasteners.

Dzus turnlock fasteners have a stud, grommet, and receptacle. The stud is made from steel and are cadmium plated. There are three head styles: wing, flush, and oval. Turning the stud clockwise locks the fastener and turning it counterclockwise unlocks it. This is done using a specialized tool. The force that locks the stud in place is created by the spring.

Some of the most commonly used Camloc fasteners are the 2600, 2700, 40S51, 4002, and the stressed panel fasteners. Camloc fasteners are used on aircraft cowlings and fairings. The fastener has a stud assembly, a grommet, and a receptacle. Receptacles are sorted into two categories: rigid type and floating type. The receptacle is fastened to the aircrafts structure and the stud and grommet are installed in the removable portion while the stud and grommet are installed in a plain, dimpled, countersunk, or counterbored hole.

Anchor Panel fasteners have a stud, a cross pin, and a stud receptacle. There are flush, oval, and wing studs. It is important to know the thickness of the material being secured, as it has to be determined in order to choose a stud of the correct length. The cross pin is made from chrome-vanadium steel that has been heat treated. They provide the greatest strength, wear, and holding power. Once a cross pin is removed from the stud, a new one must replace it.      
     
At ASAP Fasteners, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the fasteners you need, new or obsolete. As a premier supplier of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries, we’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7x365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap-fasteners.com or call us at 1-714-705-4780.

Rivets are simple to install and a versatile alternative to nuts and bolts. For those of you who have never encountered a rivet, it is a cylindrical piece of hardware with a “head” and “tail” on either end.

They come in various styles, sizes, and material which should be able to fit all your fastening needs. Once a rivet is installed with a hammer or other such tool for installation, the “tail” is flattened, creating a permanent fastening solution. We will discuss the different types of rivets and their best features.

Rivets are versatile and used in a wide variety of industries. One of the biggest applications for rivets is in construction, whether for windows or wall installations, rivets are used everywhere.

Another common application is in transportation infrastructures, such as for building bridges and overpasses. Rivets are also used in woodworking, jewelry, aerospace, and aviation for all types of projects ranging from necklace clasps to aluminum alloy construction and aircraft assembly.

ASAP Fasteners, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, should always be your first and only stop for all your hard to find rivets and fasteners. ASAP Fasteners is the premier supplier of blind fasteners, solid rivets, tubular/semi-tubular rivets, and more! Whether new or obsolete, we can help you find all the parts you need. ASAP Fasteners has a wide selection of parts to choose from and is fully equipped with a friendly staff that is always available and ready to help, 24/7x365. If you’re interested in a quote, email us at sales@asap-fasteners.com or call us at +1-714-705-4780.

In the aerospace industry, fasteners are essential— they are the glue that holds every unique airframe piece together. Fasteners are defined as hardware that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together. This hardware can be applied to many applications across several industries. LISI Aerospace, a global manufacturer specializing in fasteners and structural components, makes a specialized fastener called an HI-LOK Pin Fasteners.

The HI-LOK Pin is widely used in the aviation industry for installation on airframes. This type of fastener is small in weight and size, easy to install, and has a controlled preload, making it the perfect choice for today’s high-performance aircraft. The HI-LOCK Pin Fasteners has been labeled the most reliable fastener by many in the aviation industry, making it every company’s first choice.

The pin is a threaded fastener that combines features of a bolt and a rivet and contains two parts: a collar and a pin. The fastener is so small it can be easily installed by a single person using power tools or even hand tools. This allows for less worker fatigue allowing for fasteners to be installed in a shorter amount of time. The weight of the HI-LOK pin is less than that of a traditional nut and bolt system, allowing for the overall airframe structure to be lighter.

These fasteners are also made to withstand high stress and high-temperature situations, making them the ideal match for aircraft adaptation over time. The HI-LOK pin is available in several different head types to accommodate tension, mixed, or sheer application requirements. The pinheads are also designed to be self-aligning, allowing for optimized performance even on sloped or uneven surfaces.  The HI-LOK pin is the best choice for all airframe requirements.

ASAP Fasteners, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, should always be your first and only stop for all your HI-LOK fasteners.  Veritable Aerospace is a premier supplier of rivets and fasteners, whether new, old or hard to find, we can help you find everything you need. ASAP Fasteners has a wide selection of parts to choose from and is fully equipped with a friendly, knowledgeable staff, so you can always find what you’re looking for, 24/7x365. If you’re interested in quick quote, email us at sales@asap-fasteners.com, or call us at +1-714-705-4780.