The Threat of FOD – and How Datalink is Fighting It
Foreign Object Damage (FOD) might not always be visible on the production floor – but its effects are anything but invisible. In high-reliability industries like aerospace and defence, even the smallest particle of debris can cause catastrophic consequences. FOD can lead to delays, non-conformances, costly rework, and, in the worst cases, in-field failures. These are risks no OEM, supplier, or operator can afford to ignore.
At Datalink Electronics, we treat FOD as a mission-critical challenge. As part of our journey towards AS9100 certification, we’ve built a systematic approach to detecting, preventing, and eliminating foreign object hazards – from initial design right through to final inspection. That includes robust controls across cleanroom processes, tool management, floor discipline, and component handling.
But process alone isn’t enough. That’s why we’ve launched a new internal campaign to address FOD at both the operational and cultural level – introducing: The FOD Force.
This engaging initiative blends visual storytelling with serious intent. By framing quality risks through the lens of fictional heroes, we’re encouraging team-wide vigilance, reinforcing accountability, and embedding a culture of ownership across every stage of production. The campaign aligns perfectly with our compliance goals and supports the behaviours required by AS9100 standards – particularly in the areas of contamination control, visual management, and clean-as-you-go principles.
Foreign Object Damage is relentless – and it doesn’t play fair. Disguised hazards, missed contaminants, or lapses in discipline can appear without warning. That’s why our FOD Force initiative embraces not just proactive prevention, but also resilience in the face of setbacks. Every superhero story needs a villain – and in ours, chaos itself is personified by The Clutterbuck, the self-proclaimed Duke of Debris. His antics remind us that FOD risks are real, unpredictable, and worth fighting every day.
In short, we’re making FOD prevention part of our culture – not just our checklist. With the FOD Force leading the charge, Datalink continues to elevate quality, protect our customers’ products, and uphold the highest standards of aerospace manufacturing excellence.
