Craftsman Tools completes bespoke aerospace order

T-shaped brackets to be fixed to horizontal machining centres An order for bespoke fixturing brackets to be used in the manufacture of an array of aerospace components has been completed by West Yorkshire’s Craftsman Tools. Six T-shaped brackets, with a total value of around £21,000, have now been delivered to Stoneswood Engineering, near Manchester, to be fixed to horizontal machining centres. Craftsman Tools is a long-standing supplier the Hyde Group, the parent company of Stoneswood. Robert Johnson, Craftsman Tools Managing Director, said: “On this occasion the brackets were a bespoke design taken from Stoneswood’s dimensional requirements, to accept their own fixtures. “However, one of our areas of specialisation is our complete design and manufacture service for fixtures to suit any component during any stage of manufacture or inspection. “A Craftsman-designed fixture can significantly improve productivity by reducing set-up times, through purpose-built part location and quick-release clamping. In addition, parts can be mounted to allow maximum access, thereby reducing the number of machining set-ups. “Our fixtures also help increase rigidity at set-up to allow faster machining and improved accuracy.” Craftsman Tools utilises the latest 3D CAD packages in designing its workholding equipment, and is accredited to ISO 9001:2000. FEBRUARY 2009