Craftsman Tools Wins Prestigious Workholding Award

Craftsman Tools Wins Prestigious Workholding Award Everyone at Craftsman Tools was delighted to receive a prestigious National award at the Metal Working Production (MWP) Award Ceremony at the MACH 2010 exhibition in Birmingham earlier this month for the Best Workholding and Fixture Design. The award was presented for the Series 9200 Ring Steady developed for use with Doosan Puma Lathes as part of a fully automated robotic machining cell. Craftsman Tools developed this fixture with the assistance of BAE Systems and Mills CNC to improve the machining of artillery shells by supporting the shells at their small nose section during the machining of the fuse hole and related features. This steady was designed from the start to work reliably in a fully automated cell environment and, as such, is contributing to minimising the cost and maximising the efficiency of production. It is believed that unit costs have been reduced and quality has been raised significantly by the combination of all the elements in these automated cells. No other style of steady will perform the required task that the series 9200 Ring Steady does and it provides unique benefits to the user across the entire manufacturing process. Craftsman Tools would like to thank everyone who was involved in the design and development of this fixture as well as BAE Systems and Mills CNC for their co-operation and assistance during the development process. Craftsman Tools has also designed and manufactured other work-holding items for these and associated automated cells. In this instance, they include: collet chucks, expanding mandrels, chuck jaws, pushers, and support pots. This award is the third MWP award for best Workholding in recent years with awards won in both 2002 and 2004. Craftsman Tools has long been associated with the successful development of new and innovative work and tool holding solutions and this work has been recognised in various forms over recent years. In addition to the MWP awards, Craftsman Tools have a history of success at the Machinery Awards winning Best Workholding development in 1998 and Highly Commended New Product in 2000. Craftsman Tools was awarded a DTI SMART award for its research and development of the next generation of tool holders, this project has proved hugely beneficial with well over £1,500,000 added to Craftsman Tools’ turnover since 2005 with over 80% of this figure being exported to over 20 different countries. Craftsman Tools has also been a key supporter of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (formerly Teaching Company Partnership) which looks to bring in specialist project managers to develop core areas of the company whilst working in conjunction with an academic institution. These partnerships produce numerous benefits and have been of a huge success to all parties involved. Craftsman Tools are now taking part in their fourth and fifth KTP since 1995 with the associates working with the existing staff to develop lights-out inspection and a new design process for the company. Craftsman Tools is at the forefront of work and tool holding technology with the skills and expertise to meet the most exacting and demanding engineering tasks. On-going investment in latest design techniques, state of the art machinery and plant makes Craftsman Tools an industry leader. With more than 50 years’ experience the growth continues today with the dedication and commitment of a family-led highly trained and skilled workforce. If you would like more information on how Craftsman Tools can help your company through the creation of work holding and fixturing solutions please do not hesitate to contact us.