EN 3266:2001

Overview

EN 3266:2001 is a European standard established by CEN that defines the specifications for bulkhead nuts used in pipe couplings made from titanium alloy, specifically designed for aerospace applications. Developed under the guidance of the European Association of Aerospace Manufacturers (AECMA), this standard ensures uniformity in dimensions, materials, and quality requirements, facilitating high reliability and safety in aerospace fluid systems. It supports manufacturers and engineers in complying with rigorous aerospace industry needs for lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and high-strength components.

Key Topics

This standard covers critical technical and quality parameters including:

• Material Specifications
  Bulkhead nuts must be manufactured from titanium alloy conforming to EN 3311 (annealed) or EN 3314 (solution treated and aged), ensuring optimal strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance essential in aerospace environments.

• Dimensions and Configuration
  The standard defines precise measurements, thread characteristics (MJ series threads per ISO 5855-3), and configuration details such as hole placement for locking wire, surface roughness, and mass tolerance. These dimensional controls ensure compatibility and secure fittings in pipe coupling assemblies.

• Marking and Identification
  Bulkhead nuts require clear marking according to EN 2424 style A, including part code, manufacturer identity, and quality indicators. This facilitates traceability and compliance verification during manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.

• Quality Assurance
  Compliance with EN 2000 requirements for quality systems is mandatory, ensuring the manufacturing processes meet aerospace industry standards for reliability, safety, and repeatability.

Applications

EN 3266:2001 bulkhead nuts are specifically designed for:

• Aerospace hydraulic and fuel fluid systems where titanium alloy components reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity.
• Critical pipe couplings requiring secure bulkhead connections through aircraft and spacecraft fuselage or structural partitions.
• Environments demanding corrosion resistance, high strength, and temperature tolerance typical in aerospace assemblies.
• Ensuring leak-proof connections in fluid transport systems that maintain system safety and performance under extreme conditions.

By standardizing bulkhead nuts in titanium alloys, EN 3266:2001 supports engineers and manufacturers in producing durable and compatible aerospace components vital to system integrity and safety.

Related Standards

EN 3266:2001 references and complements several other aerospace standards to ensure uniformity and interoperability:

• ISO 5855-3: Aerospace MJ thread limit dimensions for fluid system fittings.
• ISO 8788: Metric aerospace nuts with tolerances for form and position.
• EN 3311 / EN 3314: Titanium alloy bar specifications for bulkhead nut material grades.
• EN 2424: Marking specifications for aerospace products, ensuring traceability and identification.
• EN 2000: Quality assurance requirements for manufacturers of aerospace products, guaranteeing product consistency and adherence to industry protocols.

By aligning with these standards, EN 3266:2001 establishes a comprehensive framework facilitating high-quality and standardized aerospace pipe coupling components.

Keywords: EN 3266:2001, aerospace bulkhead nuts, titanium alloy pipe coupling, aerospace fasteners, aerospace fluid systems, titanium alloy standards, aerospace quality assurance, AECMA standards, CEN aerospace specifications, aerospace pipe fittings