When it comes to production failure, it’s often easier for manufacturers to find problems with tooling and machining than with workholding. Largely because they are the visible elements, making a direct impact on the cut. A blunted edge or a machine error code is a more visual clue to act upon than a ‘hidden’ workholding issue like a slightly loose clamp or a vibration.

Championing new techniques and talent whilst retaining the invaluable tacit knowledge of older employees is part of building future resilience in work holding and the larger engineering market.

You might not compare a hydraulic system in an automated fixture, such as the one pictured, to a work of art, but behind every smooth motion and reliable clamp lies the precision craftsmanship of the pipework. Here, at Brown & Holmes (Tamworth) Ltd., the skills and expertise that are at the core of the ‘art’ could not be taken more seriously.