ASG Group King and Fowler

King & Fowler was established in 1887 and is proud of its reputation for providing the highest quality surface treatments

Today, ASG King & Fowler employs a high calibre of experienced technical, quality and production teams, employing an NDT Level III.

ASG King & Fowler has a broad range of OEM and Industry approvals, including Nadcap and AS9100

To enable rapid growth, ASG King & Fowler has made significant investments in training and appraisal programmes to continually develop the knowledge of the workforce and drive world class quality levels

ASG King & Fowler is committed to continuous improvement and is involved in the Collaborate to Innovate (C2i) project with the University of Liverpool and DNAagile, to drive world class manufacturing standards.

Cost

By consistently investing in new facilities, ASG King & Fowler leverages shared technical expertise to achieve economies of scale.

To optimize resource utilisation and minimise setup time, ASG King & Fowler actively groups parts into families.

ASG King & Fowler is dedicated to investing in cutting-edge value-adding technologies, expanding capabilities, and driving operational efficiencies.

Deliveries

To ensure uninterrupted and efficient plant operations and enhance customer service, ASG King & Fowler operates on a 3-shift pattern.

To deliver unparalleled customer service, ASG King & Fowler has established a dedicated Fast Track/AOG facility staffed by a responsive production team.

ASG King & Fowler employs AeroDNA, a web-enabled planning and control system, which enables customers to track order status, review key performance measures, and request expedited delivery dates.

Commercial Strategy

ASG King & Fowler's commercial strategy revolves around forging partnerships with major 1st tier customers. They provide comprehensive key account management services, including dedicated account managers, pre-agreed service levels, allocated capacity, key account review meetings, and regular transportation services.

ASG King & Fowler is involved in the North West Aerospace Alliance’s Aerospace Supply Chain Excellence (ASCE) programme.

Capabilities

  • Alocrom

    Chromic Anodising

    Sulphuric Anodising

    Chromate Passivation

    Clear Passivation

    Phosphating

    Vacu-blasting

    Nut-blasting

    Boric-Sulphuric Anodising

  • Magnetic Flaw Detection

    Penetrant Flaw Detection

    Anodic Flaw Detection

    Acid Etch Inspection

    Hardness Testing

    Conductivity Testing

    Grain Flow Testing

  • Cadmium

    Copper

    Hard Chrome

  • ASNT

    BAE Systems

    Boeing Aircraft Corporation

    Honeywell

    Rolls Royce

  • Aerospace paint finishes including the application of primers, top coats and dry film lubricants

  • Stress Relieving

    De-embrittlement

Frequently Asked Questions

  • NDT is ‘Non-Destructive Testing.’ Inspections utilising Non Destructive Testing methods generally fall into two distinct categories: Surface Inspection and Volumetric Inspection.

    Surface Inspection is employed when it is necessary to identify 'surface breaking' faults like cracks, lack of fusion, or cold laps. On the other hand, Volumetric Inspection is utilised when the objective is to detect faults within the 'volume' of a material, such as porosity, inclusions, or lack of fusion. It may also be applied to ensure the correct assembly of a component.

    The experienced and highly skilled team at King & Fowler is ready to provide advice and assistance to help you determine the most suitable method for your specific requirements. In addition to these standard services, we also offer specialised options such as Thermography and Positive Material Identification (PMI) using XRF Technology, along with Training and Consultancy.

  • Non-destructive testing offers cost-efficiency in two key aspects when compared to destructive testing.

    Firstly, it preserves the integrity of the test specimen. Following evaluation through NDT, the specimen remains fully functional and can be promptly reintegrated into service without any impairment.

    Secondly, NDT has the capability to pinpoint potential issues in operational machinery, such as a pressure vessel, and recommend replacement before a failure event takes place.

    This preventive approach saves considerable costs associated with breakdowns, which are substantially higher than the expenses incurred during planned downtime for the replacement of a single component.

    In terms of time efficiency, NDT proves to be superior. Destructive methods inherently involve significantly more time-consuming processes. This is primarily due to the manual nature of destructive testing, where automation can be applied to fewer components. Additionally, destructive testing necessitates lengthier preparation and inspection times.

    In contrast, NDT often eliminates the need to remove parts from service, thus preserving valuable time. In the case of destructive testing, work must be halted, and machines stopped for testing, leading to increased downtime.

  • Various heat treating methods are employed to modify the properties of metals, with four common types being annealing, hardening, quenching, and stress relieving. Each method has a distinct process that yields specific results.

    Annealing
    Annealing is a heat treatment process designed to alter the microstructure of a metal, enhancing its ductility while reducing internal stress and overall hardness. This facilitates easier shaping without the risk of cracking. Particularly beneficial for steels that may be excessively hard or brittle, the annealing process involves heating the metal to a temperature where its crystalline structure becomes fluid while remaining in a solid form. The material is then held at this temperature, allowing defects to self-repair, and subsequently cooled slowly to achieve a more ductile crystalline structure.

    Hardening
    Hardening heat treatments aim to increase the surface hardness of metal through a process of heating and rapid cooling. The material is heated in a hardening furnace to a temperature that transforms its internal structure without melting it. Maintaining this temperature for a specific duration, typically one hour per inch of thickness, followed by swift cooling, results in the establishment of a harder and more stable crystalline structure.

    Quenching
    Quenching, a specific heat treatment, relies on rapid cooling to attain desired physical or mechanical properties in the metal. While heated materials are often cooled in oil, air, water, or brine may also be used based on the material and desired qualities. The metal is heated to a point below its melting point where the crystalline structure is fluid, held for a specific duration based on the desired properties, and then quenched in one of the mentioned media to reduce the material's temperature and achieve the required internal structure.

    Stress Relieving
    Stress relieving processes entail heating the material above the point of structural transformation and subsequently air cooling it at a specified rate. This method enhances stability, reduces internal stress, and improves the strength and hardness of the metal. Particularly valuable for metals subjected to stress-inducing forming processes like machining, straightening, and rolling.

  • Tartaric Sulfuric Anodising (TSA) stands as a well-established method for corrosion protection within the aerospace industry, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to the chromic anodising process. To ensure the effective monitoring of sulfuric acid and tartaric acid levels in TSA plating baths, potentiometric titration methods have been devised and are extensively employed in the industry. However, a notable drawback is the necessity for two titrations involving different electrodes and solvents.

    Nasmyth's tartaric anodizing process finds application across various industrial sectors, notably in aerospace markets, offering superior corrosion resistance for aluminum alloys. By incorporating the naturally occurring tartaric ingredient into our sulfuric acid solutions, we ensure top-notch protection, along with enhanced fatigue resistance and paint adhesion.

    Our array of anodic processes at King & Fowler is meticulously formulated with precision, emphasising contamination minimisation. Executed in-house by our skilled technicians, these processes are designed to deliver environmentally friendly, high-quality anodic coatings.

  • TSA is Tartaric, Sulphuric Acid Anodising of aluminium substrates.

    TSA is a cleaner alternative to conventional chromic acid anodising of aluminium substrates. The process does not contain any substances of very high concern IAW REACH requirements. It is primarily used as a pretreatment prior to primer and paint application.

    • It provides a thin layer of stable oxide coating.

    • Provides a high level of corrosion resistance.

    • The fatigue strength of the base material is hardly affected.

    • It has excellent adhesion characteristics, making ideal for further coating processes, e.g primer.

    • Less environmental impact than conventional chromic acid anodising.

    • It is a chrome free process that is REACh compliant.

    • Fully automated, capable of treating parts up to 5.4 metres in length

    Its part of the continuous improvement activities being carried out at K&F with the aim of providing sustainable chemical processes in compliance with government and international environmental regulations for now and the future.

  • Since 2007, the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) Directive has been enforced across the EU. The primary objective of this directive is to ensure the safe utilisation of chemicals throughout the supply chain, with a focus on providing a high level of protection for human health and the environment.

    REACH mandates that companies identify and manage the risks associated with substances they produce in quantities of one tonne or more per year. Such substances need to be registered with the European Chemicals Agency.

    The scope of the directive extends to substances manufactured or imported in the EU, encompassing individual substances, mixtures of substances, or those produced during industrial processes. Some chemicals relevant to the surface engineering industry fall under REACH, such as hexavalent chromium used in chrome plating.

    In most cases, the responsibility for registration lies with the supplier. It is advisable to contact them to confirm whether the chemicals sourced have been duly registered. However, it is the responsibility of the user to register any chemicals generated through surface engineering processes, provided they meet the one-tonne or more threshold.

    Hexavalent chromium falls under REACH due to its high toxicity. Recognised as a human carcinogen, the toxic waste produced from hexavalent chromium baths during electroplating is considered hazardous waste. Hexavalent chromium is listed among chemicals identified as substances of very high concern (SVHC), subject to restrictions and requiring authorisation for use.

  • The terms "chromates" and "passivates" are frequently encountered in various plating specifications, often used interchangeably, though they technically differ. There is a distinction between a chromate and a passivate coating.

    To achieve the specified corrosion resistance, three distinct deposit layers can be employed. The initial layer comprises the zinc coating. Following the deposition of the zinc plating, the second layer consists of a post-treatment chromate or passivate, essential for enhancing the corrosion-resistant finish.

    Chromate vs. Passivate
    A chromate represents a conversion coating where hexavalent chrome reacts with a zinc finish, transforming it into a protective coating. Passivates were developed in response to the transition to trivalent passivates.

    Passivates can be categorised into thin and thick films. The thickness of the passivate film varies, ranging from 1 micron or more for thick film passivates to less than half a micron for thin film passivates. Thin film trivalent passivates are designed to offer a thin trivalent chrome coating over the plated zinc finish, typically presenting a bluer appearance compared to thick film passivates. Thick film passivates are typically heated and contain a higher concentration of metal salts. Due to their thickness, these passivates generally deliver enhanced corrosion resistance.

  • At its essence, passivation is a process aimed at treating or coating a metal to mitigate its surface chemical reactivity, simplified without delving into complex chemistry jargon. In the context of stainless steel, passivation involves eliminating free iron from the metal surface using an acid solution to thwart rust formation.

    The removal of free irons or iron compounds from the surface is achieved through an acid solution. Failure to eliminate free irons can lead to rust accumulation over time, particularly with repeated exposure to oxygen and rainfall.

    Once the surface iron is removed, the remaining components of the alloy, primarily chromium (often accompanied by nickel), form a protective surface layer over the underlying steel. Upon exposure to air, these elements react with oxygen, creating an oxide layer that shields the rest of the steel from corrosion.

    Nitric acid is a commonly used chemical agent in passivation, effectively removing free irons without compromising internal components or structures.

    Considering the stainless steel structure is crucial. Chromium, constituting at least 10% of stainless steel, possesses anti-erosion properties. A thin yet effective corrosion-resistant film, often termed a "passive" layer, naturally forms on the surface when chromium combines with iron at a ratio of 1.5 to 1 or greater. The stronger the ratio compatibility, the more robust the film.

    However, this protective film can be compromised in two common ways: excessive free iron weakens or removes the film, and processes like welding, fabrication, and machining leave metallic oxides and debris, disrupting the optimal ratio. Through precision cleaning via passivation, contaminants are removed from the stainless steel surface, restoring the ideal ratio between stable chromium and reactive iron. When this ratio is optimal, the "passive" layer becomes stronger and thicker.

  • Boric-Sulfuric Acid Anodise (BSAA) emerges as a viable alternative to chromic acid anodise (CAA) in response to environmental, worker safety, and health concerns, as well as the associated costs linked to the continued use of hexavalent chromium-bearing processes like CAA.

    Distinguishing Boric-Sulfuric Acid Anodise from other anodising methods
    The primary applications of BSAA are prevalent in aircraft and aerospace components, falling under MIL-A-8625, Type Ic, and adhering to aerospace specifications such as Boeing's BAC 5632. It serves the dual purpose of corrosion protection and facilitating superior paint adhesion, with energy efficiency surpassing chrome-based processes.

    Attributes/Characteristics of Boric-Sulfuric Acid Anodise
    Suitable for Tight Tolerance Parts:
    Maintains dimensional integrity without alterations.

    Corrosion Protection: Effective in safeguarding against corrosion.

    Good for Bonding: Facilitates strong bonding.

    Non-Conductive: Exhibits non-conductive properties.

    Applications of Boric-Sulfuric Acid Anodise
    Precision Machined Components Aerospace/Aircraft Components As a Paint/Prime Base

    BSAA proves to be a versatile and environmentally conscious solution, offering comparable or superior paint adhesion to chromic acid while addressing the growing concerns associated with hexavalent chromium-bearing processes.

Contact Us

Units 1-10, Harrison Way, Brunswick Business Park, Liverpool, L3 4BG, United Kingdom

Phone
+44 (0)151 709 8411

Email
garethrichards@aeroservicesglobal.com

sdean@kingandfowler.com

 
ASG Group Certification

Certification

ISO 9001:2008 / AS9100

ISO 14001:2004

Nadcap for Non-Destructive Testing

Nadcap for Chemical Processing

Nadcap for Surface Enhancement (Shot Peening)

Agusta Westland

Airbus Attestation

Airbus Canada

Airbus UK

BAE Systems Military

Boeing Aircraft Corporation

Bombardier Shorts

Beechcraft

CAV

Collins Aerospace

GE Aviation Cheltenham

GE Aviation (Dowty Aerospace Propellers)

GKN Aerospace Services

Goodrich Actuation Systems Wolverhampton

Goodrich Engine Control Systems (Shaftsmoore Lane)

Leonardo

Messier – Dowty

Moog Aircraft Group

Raytheon

Rolls Royce UK

Rolls Royce Deutschland

UTC Hamilton Sundstrand

Policies

  • 1. This Purchase Order represents an agreement between King and Fowler UK Ltd, a UK limited company, hereinafter referred to as K & F and the Supplier shown on the face of the Purchase Order. This Purchase Order shall not be binding on K & F until accepted by the supplier.

    2. The Supplier shall deliver the goods listed on the Purchase Order to K & F at the address shown on the face of the Purchase Order.

    3. The supplier shall not assign or subcontract the provision of any part of the goods without K & FÔÇÖs prior written consent. Where such consent is given the Supplier shall ensure that all obligations are flowed down, and that all K&F rights are fully preserved, in all such subcontracts and at every level of the supply chain.

    4. All prices are firm, fixed and are not subject to any form of surcharge or variation. They include all costs with the exception of delivery, which may be charged at cost, and VAT, which will be charge at the prevailing rate.

    5. K&F shall make payment to the Supplier for all valid invoices within the terms already agreed or practiced between K&F and the Supplier or within 60 days of the date of the invoice where no such agreement or practice exists. K&F reserves the right to withhold payment for any goods not supplied in accordance with the requirements of the Purchase Order provided that K&F has informed the Supplier of the reason for non-payment.

    6. The Supplier shall ensure that the packaging used is adequate to protect the goods whilst in transit against damage of any kind.

    7. Title and risk in the goods shall pass to K&F after the goods have been unloaded at the destination requested. If K&F arranges transport then title and risk shall pass once the goods have been safely loaded on to K&FÔÇÖs appointed vehicle. In either case this will be without prejudice to K&FÔÇÖs right of rejection.

    8. Time of delivery is of the essence of this Purchase Order. With prejudice to any other remedy, any failure to deliver the goods in accordance with the Purchase Order shall entitle K&F to cancel the Purchase Order without any payment whatsoever in respect of the goods cancelled and to claim damages against the supplier. Should any such delay be attributable to K&F or an event beyond the reasonable control of the supplier, then this will constitute an excusable delay and a reasonable adjustment to the contractual time of delivery shall be made. Any failure to deliver on the part of lower tier suppliers is specifically excluded as an excusable delay unless such lower tier supplier shall have been subject to an event beyond their reasonable control.

    9. All release documents, advise notes and invoices shall bare the Purchase Order number. Release documents and advice notes shall accompany the goods. Invoices shall be addressed to the Purchasing Admin Office.

    10. K&F reserve the right to reject any goods which are shown to be faulty in design, quality or workmanship or which fail to satisfy the requirements of the Purchase Order. Without prejudice to any other remedy, in the case of breakdown or failure of any description due to defective materials or workmanship K&F shall have the option of either replacing the goods or requiring replacement by the Supplier, in either case entirely at the SupplierÔÇÖs cost, including all costs properly incurred by K&F. Any sub-contractors contracted by KF will be liable for a minimum of 3 times the treatment cost where parts are deemed to be scrap.

    11. Provision must be made by the Supplier for ÔÇ£Right of AccessÔÇØ for K&F, our customers and regulatory bodies to all facilities and applicable records involved in the order.

    12. The supplier undertakes to supply all information necessary for the goods to be stored, handled and used safely. For all goods covered by product safety data sheets and / or C.O.S.S.H data sheets, such data sheets shall be supplied with each consignment against this Purchase Order.

    13. All goods supplied shall be manufactured and supplied in accordance with all relevant technical specifications, process specifications and performance specifications. Unless specified to the contrary the latest revision or issue status of the above approved design data shall be used.

    14. The Supplier warrants that it has the legal right to transfer title in all goods supplied and that all such goods are free of any lien. The Supplier warrants that all goods supplied shall comply with any statue, statutory rule, order or other instrument having the force of law applicable at the time of delivery. The supplier further warrants that all goods supplied shall comply in all respects with the requirements of this Purchase Order, including conformance to relevant technical specifications, process specifications, performance specifications, descriptions and samples, where applicable, and that all goods supplied shall continue to conform to same for a period of no less that 12 months after delivery. Should any of the above warranties be breached the Supplier shall repair or replace the goods at no cost to K&F.

    15. Should the Supplier be unable to meet any of the above requirements, full details of any non-conformance must be supplied without delay to the approved signatory on the Purchase Order. These details should include any request to accept any non-conformity together with reasoning to support such a request. This request will be evaluated and a reply will be forthcoming. If approval is given this will be shown in the form of a written amendment confirming the change and any conditions to be applied thereto.

    16. All goods with a restricted shelf life shall have a minimum of 75% of their shelf life remaining at the time of delivery unless K&FÔÇÖs prior written approval is given. In addition, such items shall be supplied complete with a copy of the certification from the original manufacturer and shall be clearly identified on their packaging and release documentation with the relevant cure date, date of manufacture, shelf life and / or time expired date.

    17. The Supplier shall maintain a Quality Assurance system suitable to support the delivery of Quality Assured goods to K&F. This purchase order is in aid of a customer Contract and maybe subject to quality assurance activity at the SupplierÔÇÖs works by K&F, the customer or the customerÔÇÖs representative. The supplier shall provide at no additional cost to K&F or the customer such reasonable office accommodation, facilities and assistance as K&F or the customer may require. Such accommodation shall be adequately furnished, lighted, heated and ventilated and shall include suitable cloakroom and telephone facilities. The Supplier shall retain all records relating to the goods delivered for a minimum of three years after delivery.

    18. The Supplier shall ensure that the Purchase Order is performed in conformity with their AS9100 approved quality system. The goods shall be released on a C OF C or approved certificate (all other approval holders).

    19. K&F reserve the right to request an amendment to this Purchase Order at any time. If such a request requires additional work or inconvenience to the Supplier, an agreed equitable adjustment will be made to the price and /or the delivery schedule.

    20. K&F may at its absolute discretion cancel this order at any time by giving written notice to the Supplier. Should this right be exercised for any reason other than default by the Supplier then K&F shall pay the Supplier a reasonable price in respect of goods and materials purchased or made solely in support of this Purchase Order but shall otherwise be free from any liability. Such reasonable price will be reached through mutual agreement and shall in any case not exceed in total the price that would have been paid had the purchase order been completed.

    21. Should the Supplier fail to comply with any of the requirements of this Purchase Order the Supplier shall be deemed to be in default. In this event without prejudice to any other remedy, K&F reserves the right to cancel the Purchase Order without any payment whatsoever in respect of the goods cancelled and, where appropriate, to claim damages against the Supplier.

    22. Without prejudice to any other remedy, K&F reserves the right to cancel the Purchase Order summarily by written notice and without compensation if the Supplier becomes bankrupt, has a receiving or administration order made against them or makes a composition or arrangements with or for their creditors or, being a Company, passes a resolution that the Company be wound up or if circumstances occur entitling a person or the court to appoint a Manager, Receiver or Administrator to make a winding up order.

    23. The transaction is confidential between K&F and the Supplier and neither party shall advertise or disclose either the transaction or any information gained from the other party as a result of the transaction without the prior written permission of the other party.

    24. All notices will be deemed to have been lawfully served if sent to either party at the address or fax number stated on the face of the Purchase Order.

    25. This Purchase Order is an agreement made in England and is subject to the Laws of England and the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

    26. In the event of any dispute, K&F and the supplier shall engage in good faith negotiations to resolve such dispute. This should initially involve the points of contact named on the face of the Purchase Order but should be passed through levels of management as appropriate to reach a decision. Should the parties be unable to reach a resolution after involving the chief executive officers of each party the matter shall be passed for arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration Act 1996. Any such arbitration shall take place in London, England.

    27. Any failure by K&F to enforce any right afforded it under the terms of this Purchase Order shall not constitute a waiver of its right to enforce such a right at a later date unless such failure is specifically granted in writing as a waiver of that particular right by K&F.

    28. The Supplier shall maintain a quality system to ensure that any goods or raw materials supplied under this Purchase Order, including those supplied by subcontractors at any level of the supply chain, do not contain suspect or counterfeit parts.

    29. The Supplier shall: a) comply with all applicable laws, statutes and regulations relating to anti-bribery and anti-corruption including but not limited to the Bribery Act 2010 and not engaged in any activity, practice or conduct which could constitute an offence under the Bribery Act 2010; b) promptly report to K&F any request or demand which if complied with would amount to a breach of this condition; c) ensure that any person or supplier associated with it who is providing goods or services in connection with this order does so only on the basis of a formal agreement which imposes on and secures from such person terms equivalent to those imposed on the Supplier in this condition; d) indemnify K&F against any losses suffered as a consequence of any breach by the Supplier of this provision, which shall be deemed a material breach entitling K&F to terminate this Order immediately.

    30. For Suppliers or their NDT sub-contractors that provide either NDT Services or Sub Contract NDT personnel to K&F, or conduct NDT as part of its manufacturing, treatment process, the Supplier shall ensure that Training and Authorisation of Non Destructive Testing (NDT) personnel within the Suppliers organisation and their NDT Sub-contractors is being controlled and carried out in accordance with the requirements of Customers and NADCAP. The Supplier shall identify and appoint a NDT Level 3 individual responsible for this control and shall flow these requirements to their NDT sub-contractors. Evidence of such control, including the details of the Responsible/Nominated NDT Level 3 of the Supplier or their NDT sub-contractors responsible for maintaining this control, shall be provided to K&F on request. The supplier shall be responsible for informing K&F Supplier Quality if the NDT Level 3 at the Supplier or their NDT sub-contractors changes.

  • King and Fowler UK Limited is a surface treatments company within the aerospace sector.

    The Company is totally committed to achieving environmental best practice throughout its business activities, wherever this is practicable, ensuring that these activities meet relevant laws and regulations, that they are acceptable to the community at large and that their environmental impact is reduced to a minimum. It recognises that the pursuit of economic growth and a healthy environment are closely linked.

    This Policy runs in conjunction with the Company’s Health and Safety Policy and ISO Quality procedures. The control system meets the requirements of ISO 14001:2015.

    King and Fowler UK Limited are committed to the successful implementation of this Policy and will ensure that the necessary financial and other resources are made available.

    In pursuit of this Policy, King and Fowler UK Limited have committed itself to the following:

    • It is our policy that all operations undertaken shall meet all relevant environmental legislation and other requirements.

    • We will conduct internal environmental reviews and seek continual improvement. The reviews will measure our performance relating to agreed objectives and targets, and ensure that we are meeting our policy goals as well as compliance requirements.

    • Provide ongoing training and awareness of environmental issues to employees to enable them to perform their duties in an environmentally conscientious manner and be aware of the potential impact of their activities.

    • We will encourage our sub-contractors, suppliers and customers to pursue best practice.

    • The system will be documented and available to the public on request, where practicable.

    • Minimise waste, seek to recover as much as us economically possible and ensure the remainder is disposed of responsibly.

    • Prevent pollution at the source wherever and whenever possible.

    • The Management of King and Fowler UK Limited will review the environmental policy during the Annual Management Review to ensure continuing suitability, adequacy and the effectiveness.

    • Commitment to prevention of pollution and commitment to the protection of the environment.