Airbus approval for Brookhouse treatments plant

Citation

(2003), "Airbus approval for Brookhouse treatments plant", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 75 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2003.12775eab.004

Airbus approval for Brookhouse treatments plant

Airbus approval for Brookhouse treatments plant

Keywords: Surface treatment, Aircraft, Components

The state-of-the-art surface treatment plant at the Hyde factory of Brookhouse Aerospace Ltd, has been approved for use in the manufacture and repair of components for Airbus aircraft. The approval from Airbus UK is an extension of the Brookhouse Group's existing status as a supplier, the company being one of the very few certified to supply aircraft components in composite materials to companies in all the 28 countries within the Joint Aviation Authority.

The treatment facilities represent a significant investment and include a fully automated plating and pickling plant, a new spray bake booth and a zinc spraying facility, which is complemented with vacuum blasting cabinets. The plating and pickling plant features baths for anodising and alocrome treatment, as well as sulphuric acid and chromic treatment baths. Each bath is 8 ft × 3 ft × 5 ft deep, with a capacity to handle a wide range of components and machined parts. Loading and transfer between baths is fully automated, with parts being immersed according to pre-set programmes. The original design and layout of the baths were carried out in conjunction with engineers from BAE Systems, to ensure optimum operating efficiency and the installation has been built to the latest European Health and Safety standards, with its own effluent treatment system to comply with discharge requirements and allow recycling of process water.

The new Eurotecno spray-bake booth has a 12 ft × 12 ft internal working area and both the humidity and the temperature are continuously monitored and recorded on a paperless recording system.

Brookhouse Aerospace offers an integrated capability to the aerospace industry, especially in the manufacture of flying parts and metal detail components, from aircraft skin panels and frames to ailerons, engine mountings and floor structures. Its surface treatment facilities have been sized to meet the existing requirements and for future growth needs, both in the aerospace and general engineering sectors.

Consequently, Brookhouse Aerospace is able to offer its surface treatment facilities to outside organisations, who require the high quality they provide, as well as to other members of the Brookhouse Group, including Brookhouse SPD Tool Company Ltd, which is also located at the extensive Hyde factory and office complex.

Details available from: Brookhouse Holdings Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1254 706000.