Press Release - Fibre Laser and Pressbrake Installation at Inventair

A strategic investment in an Accurl Smart Cube Compact 3015 CNC fibre laser cutter and an Accurl Genius Plus CNC press brake, both supplied by Axe & Status, is delivering measurable gains in quality, speed and competitiveness at Inventair Ltd. While the Bridlington-based manufacturer’s long-serving CNC plasma cutter remains in occasional use, the new fibre laser now processes virtually all profiling work at Inventair, marking a decisive step forward in performance and efficiency.

From its purpose-built facility, Inventair designs and manufactures dust extraction systems for the joinery/woodworking sector, while also producing spray booths, transport fans and waste-wood bagging units. In addition, wood-waste heating systems, manufactured in-house but sold under the CAS brand, further extend the company’s reach. With a strong and diverse order book, production capacity and capability play a critical role in maintaining competitiveness.

“We’ve been running a CNC plasma cutter since 1999,” explains Managing Director Bob Griffiths. “Back then, it was one of the first in the area, helping us to secure new business. That’s the power of investing in the latest advances. Now, the time is right to move forward again.”

A step change in quality and throughput
The transition to laser technology focuses on two primary advantages: edge quality and speed.

“The quality of plasma cutting, in comparison, is nowhere near as good,” states Bob. “With the Accurl Smart Cube Compact, we enjoy a beautiful edge finish. In fact, it eliminates the need for secondary edge-cleaning operations. We’ve saved that time and cost. Clean-cut parts now move straight into fabrication and assembly without additional clean-up, reducing labour input and improving workflow.”

Inventair uses its new laser to cut materials that include mild steel, galvanised steel, stainless steel and aluminium, typically thin gauge but sometimes up to 8 mm. Beyond edge quality and subsequent downstream benefits, the laser’s speed adds further positive impact. The outstanding dynamics of the Accurl Smart Cube Compact series comes from a combination of low-set gantry, digital AC servo motors and precise planetary gearboxes.

“The speed is phenomenal,” continues Bob. “I would say the Accurl Smart Cube Compact is at least 25% faster than our plasma cutter. That’s a conservative estimate, but even 25% adds up quickly when you multiply it across all our profiling work.”

For a lean, 10-employee business, a 25% uplift in cutting throughput represents a significant expansion in productive capacity without increasing headcount. The Smart Cube Compact’s 6 kW power source also provides headroom for future requirements, offering the ability to cut material up to 25 mm thick.

“We chose the 6 kW model over 4 kW for its potential. We didn’t want to limit ourselves. If we need to start processing thicker work, we can handle it.”

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