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What is LaceLok and why is it the Smarter Option?

LaceLok tool
4 September 2023

The future of wire harness management is here with LaceLok, a cutting-edge innovation poised to redefine how you secure your cabling.

LaceLok is sparking a wave of excitement among industries that thrive on precision, from motorsport to aviation and aerospace - and this new product to the UK is now available at Heamar.

Crafted by the renowned Daniels Manufacturing Corporation (DMC), LaceLok is not just a replacement; it's a transformation. LaceLok revolutionises secondary wire harness support, replacing traditional hand-tied lace and cable ties.

The combination of form and function is where LaceLok truly shines, streamlining processes and enhancing speed without compromise.

At Heamar, we currently have a generous supply of LaceLok samples, allowing you to experience the full advantages of this superior replacement for ordinary cable ties before you make them part of your everyday working routine.

But first, discover the characteristics of LaceLok, which help to benefit a broad range of applications.

What is LaceLok?

LaceLok kit

The purpose of LaceLok fasteners is the same as cable ties or hand-tied lace, which is that of a wire harness, often referred to as a cable harness, wiring harness, or cable assembly.

A wire harness is necessary for cable management since it supports and organises wire bundles while ensuring they remain in an optimum position for performance. 

For example, automobiles have masses of wires, which mechanics or manufacturers must secure because it optimises space within vehicles and reduces the adverse effects of abrasions, to name a few reasons. Wire harnesses enable the secure binding of wires, allowing users to experience these benefits. 

Although their purpose is the same, LaceLok differs positively from ordinary cable ties, mainly due to their design.

The small, rounded fastener head of LaceLok reduces damage to wire bundles and surrounding components, increasing the longevity of applications.

Furthermore, LaceLok fasteners are made of aerospace-grade materials, which can withstand drastic temperatures and other challenging elements.

Lastly, the installation tool’s comfortable design enables users to fasten the lace ties and complete applications more efficiently and effectively. 

Now, let’s further break down the features of LaceLok to understand their benefits.

What are the benefits of LaceLok?

Safe and ergonomic

DMC has specifically designed the LaceLok installation tool to reduce operator fatigue and repetitive strain injury (RSI). RSI can cause various symptoms, such as numbness, weakness, and throbbing pain, affecting employees' ability to work.  

The DMC DLT-1100 LaceLok Installation Tool - MIL Spec M32555/01-01 is extremely easy to operate, reducing adverse effects, such as abrasions, repetitive motion injuries, and operator fatigue.

The user can complete their task with just two squeezes of the trigger; one squeeze actuates the head while another cuts the excess, which is then held within the tool to reduce FOD (Foreign Object Debris).

DMC has designed a guarded cable tie cutter to allow users to make changes to wire harnesses, if necessary, without damaging wire insulation.

More consistent

Hand-tied lace does not enable consistency, leading to a less uniform and potentially hazardous result.

For example, the tension a user applies when hand tying a cable tie can vary depending on the person or it can be affected according to the duration of their shift.

However, LaceLok ties and the specialised installation tool deliver a consistent loop force and termination at 20 lbs (+/- 2 lbs) of applied tension.

Simply put, the fastener controls the loop force instead of the user.

Uniformity is key to electrical operations where performance consistency is necessary for success, and DMC LaceLok provides this.

Superior performance

Are cable ties heat-resistant? Are cable ties fuel-resistant? These are questions asked by many looking for a wire harness support solution that can withstand challenging environments.  

LaceLok has been tested in different environments with multiple substances.

The LaceLok® NA1 254mm/10" Tie - M32554-10-1-NA1 is constructed of Nomex, a flame-resistant and meta-aramid material, to provide the following:

  • Resistance to chemicals, particularly those found around aeroplanes and hangars, such as hydraulic fluid, JP-8 jet fuel, lubricating oil, and isopropyl alcohol.
  • Resistance to fuels.
  • Resistance to high-operating temperatures (-65°C to 260°C).
  • Resistance to abrasions.

The high resistance of LaceLok enables professionals to use them within various industries where applications are exposed to harsh elements.

For example, professionals in the motorsport industry can install LaceLok on fuel tanks; the exposure to heat and fuel will not cause degradation.

The high resistance of LaceLok ensures the longevity of electrical components and the long-lasting performance of applications.

Faster

On average, users can install LaceLok 3x faster than traditional methods, i.e. hand-tied lace and cable ties, though the installation speed depends on the user's experience.

The installation process consists of the following steps:

  • Wrap the wire harness one to three times.
  • Feed the end of the lace through the fastener, and cinch tightly.
  • Loop the end of the lace over the locking pin and back through the opening, cinching tightly.
  • Squeeze the trigger to actuate the head.
  • Squeeze the trigger to cut off the excess lace.

Time is money, making the speed of LaceLok an extremely desirable quality for specific industries. Staff can support wire harnesses efficiently and quickly, freeing time to move on to the next task and reducing labour costs.

More lightweight

In an industry where weight saving is essential, such as the motorsport or aircraft industry, LaceLok is an effective solution.

LaceLok weighs significantly less (around 40% less) than traditional cable ties, contributing to fuel efficiency and increased space.

For example, F1 cars can benefit from weight-saving cable ties, enabling them to move faster.

Aeroplanes can take on more fuel and more passengers when using a lightweight solution such as LaceLok, enabling them to fly further and make fewer journeys.

Now you understand the advantages of LaceLok and how it has improved traditional cable tie methods.

Heamar supplies various LaceLok products, so if you want to sample LaceLok within your business, contact Heamar today; we can provide you with sample LaceLok products to experience first-hand the benefits of this revolutionary solution for wire harness support.

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