Starts with X-Lok

X-Lok … smaller, faster, lighter

X-Lok is focused on the 19 sizes of Imperial and Metric circular MIL-C-26482 and MIL-DTL-38999 III connectors conforming to EN2997, EN3645 and EN3646, of which EN2997 meets the 260°C rating of woven braids and open sleeves. X-Lok meets or exceeds this temperature in service.

Composite backshells moulded with standard engineering plastics work well in ambient conditions but are now expected to meet 200°C and can’t achieve 260°C, which would require a high performance thermoset. Production tooling for a complex range in Torlon would be expensive and may not be commercially viable, especially where there can be very small annual volumes in some sizes. Some backshells are machined in aluminium or stainless steel, but there is inevitable machine waste.

From the harsh environment of outer space to hot aero engines …… X-Lok makes a difference

Additive Manufacturing (AM) uses only net material and allows us to achieve the thin walls, tiny gaps and complex geometry that are unattainable with traditional manufacturing - and shorten the time to market.

With fewer parts, assembly is typically 10 x faster for backshells and up to 25 x faster for transitions, offering significant cost benefits to harness builders.

Next Generation thermosets generate considerable savings. X1 SP is typically 42% - 83 % lighter, achieving extremes of temperature that some other products can’t. Add the savings on redundant build components and the benefits are substantial when spread across an annual fleet build, especially related to far easier maintenance and repair.

X-Lok eliminates all current build components, reducing the risk of FOD (foreign object debris) in FAL (final assembly lines), simplifies OEMs’ supply chains, improves profitability and procurement and by eliminating the musculo-skeletal damage from repeatedly hand-tying lacing tape, greatly enhances operator safety.

There are no tools or extraneous or wasteful parts. With fewer components products are lighter, packaging volume is condensed and shipping is less expensive. With JIT on-demand direct supply from our manufacturing partners, logistics are minimised.

Lighter weight and faster speed generates financial savings and reduces the carbon footprint of the aircraft, further reducing emissions and impacting on fuel consumption - reinforcing our mission to protect our fragile environment by making a substantial contribution to the future of transportation.