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FORKARDT GRIPS INTEREST AT MACH
The FORKARDT chuck range generated a lot of attention from visitors to the Brown & Holmes (Tamworth) Ltd stand at MACH. In particular, the newly launched Precision Tool Grind Chuck, High Precision Diaphragm and High Precision Chucking system created a great deal of interest during the show.
The 6TGC Precision Tool Grind Chuck is ideal for any tool grinding or hard turning operation that requires both a wide gripping range and micrometer accuracy, the pneumatically operated 6 VMCHP High Precision Diaphragm chuck is designed for a wide range of grinding applications, and the retractable, compensating 3OVEKAV 180 High Precision Chucking system is ideal for use when hard turning and grinding takes place on the same machine. They are the latest additions to the FORKARDT workholding range of standard and special rotary power chucks, expanding mandrels and steady rest packages, which is only available in the UK from Brown & Holmes.
Visitors to the stand also saw examples of how, as well as extensive expertise in jigs and fixtures, Brown & Holmes can also produce high precision machining and undertake complex assembly work, from one-off specials to small batches.
Kevin Ward, Joint Managing Director of Brown & Holmes (Tamworth) Ltd said: “We wanted our stand to not only showcase our FORKARDT range, but also to set out our ability to offer a complete turnkey solution from project management, design and manufacture through to support and installation.”
For more information, telephone 01827 63591.
WIN AN IPOD AT MACH
Visit the Brown & Holmes stand 5401 in Hall 5 during MACH 2010 and you could win an iPod. This special MACH competition is easy to enter and will be running for the duration of the show.
Brown & Holmes (Tamworth) Ltd will be exhibiting its precision machining expertise, alongside its range of standard and semi-standard CNC Cubes and Tombstones, test rigs, jigs and fixtures, special machines and checking gauges at the show. On display will also be the extensive FORKARDT workholding range of standard and special rotary power chucks, expanding mandrels and steady rest packages, which is only available within the UK from Brown & Holmes.
For more information on Brown & Holmes, visit www.brownandholmes.co.uk or telephone 01827 63591. Full entry details for the competition will be available on the stand.
PRECISION MACHINING ON SHOW AT MACH 2010
Brown & Holmes (Tamworth) Ltd will be exhibiting its precision machining expertise, alongside its range of standard and semi-standard CNC Cubes and Tombstones, test rigs, jigs and fixtures, special machines and checking gauges on stand No. 5401 in Hall 5 at MACH 2010.
Visitors to the stand will see examples of how Brown & Holmes specialises in designing and manufacturing a wide range of tooling and sub-contract machined parts for customers within the automotive, aerospace, oil and power generation industries.
On display will also be the extensive FORKARDT workholding range of standard and special rotary power chucks, expanding mandrels and steady rest packages, which is only available within the UK from Brown & Holmes. The exhibition will also see the launch of three brand new FORKARDT precision chuck ranges: the 6TGC Precision Tool Grind Chuck is ideal for any tool grinding or hard turning operation that requires both a wide gripping range and micrometer accuracy, the pneumatically operated 6 VMCHP High Precision Diaphragm chuck is designed for a wide range of grinding applications, and the retractable, compensating 3OVEKAV 180 High Precision Chucking system is ideal for use when hard turning and grinding takes place on the same machine.
Popular FORKARDT products, such as the F+ Manual chuck and the QLC universal power chuck, will also be on display on the stand alongside these new product innovations. The F+ manual chuck delivers quick jaw changes, high gripping forces at less locking torque and is suitable for a wide range of lathes. The QLC universal power chuck range delivers a patented wedge hook mechanism, lubrication system and centrifugal force compensation. Both products are backed by a 5-year warranty.
Visitors to the stand will also be able to find out how, as well as extensive expertise in jigs and fixtures, Brown & Holmes can also produce high precision machining and undertake complex assembly work: from one-off specials to small batches. The stand will set out the company’s ability to offer a complete turnkey solution from project management, design and manufacture through to support and installation.
For more information, telephone 01827 63591.
BROWN AND HOLMES TO LAUNCH NEW FORKARDT CHUCKS AT MACH
Brown & Holmes (Tamworth) Ltd is launching three brand new FORKARDT precision chuck ranges at MACH 2010. The sole agent for FORKARDT in the UK, Brown & Holmes will be using the event to showcase the launch of the Precision Tool Grind Chuck, the High Precision Diaphragm and the High Precision Chucking system.
FORKARDT 6TGC Precision Tool Grind Chucks are ideal for any tool grinding or hard turning operation that requires both a wide gripping range and micrometer accuracy. As well as incorporating a highly precise blade arbor with clamping fingers and axial fixed end stop, an internal air purge system eliminates contamination.
The pneumatically operated 6 VMCHP High Precision Diaphragm chucks are designed for a wide range of grinding applications. Workpieces can be gripped with both the highest precision and a cyclic testing repetition accuracy of <= 0.002 mm as the retracting effect of the diaphragm pulls workpieces back on the end stop.
The retractable, compensating 3OVEKAV 180 High Precision Chucking system is ideal for use when hard turning and grinding takes place on the same machine. Hydraulically front end actuated with a 35mm axial chuck retraction, it offers a gripping force of up to 2000 daN and a maximum clamping pressure of 50 bar.
Visitors to the Brown & Holmes stand will also be able to see a full selection of FORKARDT standard and special rotary power chucks, expanding mandrels and steady rest packages available. There will also be information on the technical support and installation services on offer from Brown & Holmes to help with incorporation or retrofitting of any of the components.
For more information, telephone 01827 63591.
EXTENDED BROWN & HOLMES WEBSITE TO SHOWCASE FORKARDT CHUCKS
As the sole UK agent for FORKARDT, Brown & Holmes (Tamworth) Ltd has extended its website to include more detailed information on the FORKARDT range plus the high level of installation and support on offer.
Visitors to the Brown & Holmes website can now find detailed information on the full selection of FORKARDT standard and special rotary power chucks, expanding mandrels and steady rest packages available. The website now includes information on the technical support and installation services on offer to help with incorporation or retrofitting of any of the components.
Kevin Ward, Joint Managing Director of Brown & Holmes (Tamworth) Ltd said: “The changes to our website are designed to reflect the fact that we don’t just supply FORKARDT chucks, we specialise in delivering the right FORKARDT workholding solution for end user requirements. So, as well as providing more in-depth product information, we also wanted to show how we can work with customers to design, machine, deliver and install to their exact specifications and budget.”
For nearly 70 years, Brown & Holmes has built its reputation on offering a wide range of quality workholding solutions and reliable precision machining services. For more information, telephone 01827 63591.
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF PRECISION WORKHOLDING AND MACHINING
When two draughtsmen from Coventry went into business together in 1939, little could Mr W. E. Brown and Mr C. Holmes have imagined that, 70 years later, their firm would still be going from strength to strength.
These days, Brown & Holmes (Tamworth) Ltd has the very latest CNC machines working side-by-side with conventional toolroom machinery. The company has broadened its products and services over the years to suit the needs of customers and now specialises in the supply of standard and semi-standard CNC Cubes and Tombstones, test rigs, jigs and fixtures, special machines and gauges. The company also offers high precision machining and complex assembly work for the automotive, aerospace, oil and power generation industries.
Brown & Holmes has maintained its reputation for design excellence and high accuracy, precision machining and works as a sub-contractor for the three main machine tool builders in the UK, as well as supplying directly to a large number of local, national and international customers. The company is also the sole UK agent for Forkardt workholding standard and special rotary power chucks, expanding mandrels and steady rest packages.
Part of the company's success can be attributed to a commitment to training. Many current employees have been with the company since starting work and the firm still takes on apprentices every year. In fact, Carl Baker and Kevin Ward, joint Directors of Brown & Holmes, both started as apprentices with the company back in the 1970's. Kevin Ward said: "As a company, we have survived a World War and two recessions and even in these challenging times we are maintaining our workforce levels. We remain focused on offering our customers the right workholding solution for their needs, on-time and within budget, whether they require an off-the-shelf product or a bespoke solution."
PRECISION ENGINEERING ON SHOW AT MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY IRELAND 09
Brown & Holmes will be exhibiting its precision machining expertise, alongside its range of standard and semi-standard CNC Cubes and Tombstones, test rigs, jigs and fixtures, special machines and checking gauges at Manufacturing Technology Ireland 09 in October.
Visitors to stand No 212 will see examples of how Brown & Holmes specialises in designing and manufacturing a wide range of tooling and sub-contract machined parts for customers within the automotive, aerospace, oil and power generation industries.
On display will also be the extensive Forkardt workholding range of standard and special rotary power chucks, expanding mandrels and steady rest packages, which is only available in Ireland from Brown & Holmes.
UK MANUFACTURER SOURCES VARIED ENERGY CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGY AT THE ENERGY EVENT
UK manufacturing company Brown and Holmes (Tamworth) is set to save £18,000 per year following the installation of a range of technologies that were sourced at the 2008 Energy Event.
The technologies in question were recommended to Brown and Holmes (Tamworth) as part of an energy conservation proposal supplied by Carbon Control Limited, a nationwide solution provider in the energy conservation field, and covers heating, lighting, compressed air and voltage optimisation.
Carbon Control managing director, Andrew Fletcher, and his team are regular visitors to The Energy Event having attended for the past three years. With his company's aim of permanently reducing energy use and CO2 emissions for its clients Andrew finds the event, which in 2009 will take place on 9th and 10th September, to be the perfect mix of the latest technology and service providers. "I have a plan of the companies that I want to see and can do so at the Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham without embarking on an orienteering exercise."
A main focus of attention for Andrew in 2008, with the challenges that were facing Brown and Holmes (Tamworth) very much in mind, was to find a company which could work alongside Carbon Control Limited in understanding compressed air and was able to identify savings and propose solutions. Atlas Copco Compressors, a long-standing exhibitor at The Energy Event, was present again in 2008 and it was here that the two parties embarked upon initial discussions. Andrew Fletcher says, "We had been looking for a long time for a compressed air specialist to work with. The knowledge of the companies we had spoken to previously or their reliability had seriously underwhelmed us but Atlas Copco was able to support us with everything we need in terms of technical expertise, air survey experience, infrastructure and superior products."
Atlas Copco conducted a full compressed air survey at Brown and Holmes Tamworth site which included monitoring the compressed air consumption over a seven day period. Ian Ashcroft, of Atlas Copco's Air Audit Team said, "We were then able to produce a report which, through empirical data, demonstrated the opportunity to reduce compressed air use on the site by 65% through replacing the current oversized compressors with a Variable Speed Drive machine and other, smaller capacity units, by implementing time scheduling and by reducing the system operating pressure."
Following the energy conservation proposal Brown and Holmes has invested £47,000 across a whole range of measures including replacement lighting throughout the factory; voltage optimisation and heating system control. This investment is being funded through an interest free loan secured for the manufacturer with the help of Carbon Control via the Carbon Trust.
Speaking about the project Kevin Ward, Director, Brown and Holmes (Tamworth) commented, "Accessing such affordable credit is even more important in the current recession and the 30 month payback period on the equipment will provide us with the competitive edge we need to move forward. It is clear from our work with Carbon Control Limited that The Energy Event is highly important for those companies looking to source a wide range of energy conservation products and services."
BROWN & HOLMES SIGNS UP TO SC21
Brown & Holmes has signed up to the 21st Century Supply Chains accreditation (SC21) change programme. This UK initiative, endorsed by the SBAC and MAA, is designed to transform the UK Defence and Aerospace industry standards.
Brown & Holmes designs and manufactures a wide range of tooling and sub-contract machined parts for the Aerospace industry. Joint Director of Brown & Holmes, Kevin Ward, commented: "We believe that signing up to this programme demonstrates our commitment to accelerating our levels of competitiveness and raising the overall performance of our company within this sector".
For nearly 70 years, Brown & Holmes has built its reputation on offering a wide range of quality workholding solutions and reliable precision machining services. Brown & Holmes is also the sole UK agent for Forkardt workholding standard and special rotary power chucks, expanding mandrels and steady rest packages.
For more information on Brown & Holmes, visit www.brownandholmes.co.uk or telephone 01827 63591.
BROWN & HOLMES STILL INVESTING FOR SUCCESS
Brown & Holmes has just invested in two brand new vertical machining centres for its precision machining workshop.
As well as offering complete workholding solutions, Brown & Holmes also offers a bespoke, precision machining service. The new machines, which were delivered in January, will help Brown & Holmes improve flexibility, machining speeds and accuracy on both one-off component projects and batch production parts.
Kevin Ward, Joint Director of Brown & Holmes, said: "We believe it is vital to continue investing in the business, despite the current economic climate, to ensure we offer the best possible service and support to our customers."
For nearly 70 years, Brown & Holmes has built its reputation on offering a wide range of quality workholding solutions and reliable precision machining services. Brown & Holmes is also the sole UK agent for Forkardt workholding standard and special rotary power chucks, expanding mandrels and steady rest packages.
A FOND FAREWELL AFTER HALF A CENTURY OF SERVICE
On Thursday 5th February, Graham Baker retired from Brown & Holmes after nearly 50 years of service.
Graham joined Brown & Holmes in August 1959, completed an indentured apprenticeship and gained engineering awards at the local college.
As a key member of the workforce, Graham spent the majority of his time with the company in the main assembly and inspection department producing high quality fixturing and gauging.
A presentation in honour of his retirement was held at the company, where Graham and his wife Janet were presented with gifts from both the company and his fellow employees.
Joint Director of Brown & Holmes, Kevin Ward commented: "As much as we are pleased for Graham today and recognise his marvellous achievement, it is also a sad day for us in that we will miss Grahams' presence and personality around the workshop. The skills and knowledge he has acquired are irreplaceable in this day and age."
We wish him a long and happy retirement: he has definitely earned it.
BROWN & HOLMES TO CUT CARBON FOOTPRINT
Brown & Holmes has been awarded a carbon trust loan to upgrade its facilities and reduce its impact on the environment. Working with the carbon trust, Brown & Holmes will replace its current lighting and heating facilities with energy friendly alternatives to reduce both its consumption of energy and total emissions.
For nearly 70 years, Brown & Holmes has built its reputation on offering a wide range of quality workholding solutions and reliable precision machining services. Brown & Holmes is also the sole UK agent for Forkardt workholding standard and special rotary power chucks, expanding mandrels and steady rest packages.
Brown & Holmes Launches New Website And Brochure
Brown & Holmes has launched a new brochure and website as part of a new marketing drive designed to boost awareness within the UK and on an international basis.
The brochure has been re-designed to reflect the wide range of workholding products and services that the company now offers.
The Brown & Holmes website has also been re-launched with an improved structure, new look and new content; all designed to make the site more user-friendly and informative. While the information on the site has been updated and expanded, navigation around the site has also been greatly simplified.
Both marketing tools have been redesigned to more effectively showcase the vast Brown & Holmes range of workholding products services, including its sole UK agency agreement for the supply of Forkhardt workholding standard and special rotary power chucks, expanding mandrels and steady rest packages.
The revamped brochure and website also contain more detailed information on the design, manufacturing, support and installation services offered by this Tamworth-based company.
Carl Baker, Brown & Holmes Director, said: "We receive enquiries from customers throughout the world and we know that our website and brochure are key sales tools so we wanted to make sure they were as up-to-date and customer-friendly as possible."
Brown & Holmes Invests In The Latest Solid Modelling
Brown & Holmes has invested in the latest solid modelling software for its in-house design team as part of an upgrade of its hardware and systems. The company has also recently updated its CAM package for CNC manufacture and inspection.
This is just part of Brown and Holmes' ongoing upgrade of hardware and systems which will also include a new server and workstations with enhanced auto back-up facilities.
Brown & Holmes Employs New Apprentice
Louis Fielding is the latest apprentice to join Tamworth-based Brown and Holmes.
The company is a committed to training apprentices and Louis' arrival takes the apprentice numbers at the company to four. All are at different stages of training towards the NVQ Level 3 in Engineering Workshop Practice. They each attend Tamworth and Lichfield College on a day release basis as part of their studies towards a BTEC qualification in Mechanical Engineering.
Brown & Holmes is also currently sponsoring two previous apprentices in their studies towards Mechanical Engineering Degrees.
Carl Baker, Brown & Holmes Director, said: "Like many in this company, I started as an apprentice and it is definitely the best way for a business to train, and then keep, skilled engineers."
Brown & Holmes Takes Delivery Of Large Capacity Devlieg
Brown & Holmes has recently taken delivery of a Devlieg 3H-72 Jigmill. This investment has substantially increased the company's machining capacity from 1220mm x 920mm x 406mm up to 1828mm x 1524mm x 406mm.
Brown & Holmes offers a complete workholding solution to customers and the Devlieg, which was installed in August, has already had an impact on the company's production capabilities.
Carl Baker, Brown & Holmes Director, said: "We are now able to machine, in-house, a larger range of fabrications and castings for fixtures rather than looking to subcontract these services."