System and method for processing a workpiece

A movable clamp assembly for use on a system for processing a workpiece, the system of the type having a support surface for supporting a workpiece, the support surface defining a processing path along which a workpiece may travel relative to the system and said system having at least one tool for performing a process on the workpiece, said at least one tool movable in a work zone along a predetermined length of the workpiece in a direction along said processing path, said movable clamp assembly comprising:

• at least a pair of clamping pads, at least one of said pair of clamping pads movable relative to the other one of said pair of clamping pads for clamping a portion of the workpiece within said work zone of the at least one tool, said clamping pads movable into and out of said work zone along said processing path, whereby said movable clamp assembly is configured to move said clamping pads along said processing path into said work zone to clamp a portion of the workpiece located in said work zone prior to said at least one tool performing a process on the workpiece.