Following a decision to replace traditional galvanised steel ductwork production with the more economical Kingspan KoolDuct system, Cousdon, Surrey-based Sterling Thermal has seen a significant improvement in productivity and commensurate growth and profitability. Central to this success has been the adoption of a router and dedicated software program supplied by Wolverhampton-based AXYZ International, one of the UK’s foremost suppliers of integrated routing solutions to, among others, the building services sector.
Director of Sterling Thermal, Paul McCubbin explained: ‘The main focus of our business has been to replace traditional labour-intensive galvanised steel ductwork production with the more economical all-in-one KoolDuctl System for which we are a leading authorised manufacturer and installer. As a result, we no longer have to rely on highly skilled workers using conventional hand tools and productivity and quality have increased significantly. The integrated AXYZ solution was a key factor in the success of the transition as well as making a huge contribution to our ongoing success as a specialist in thermal insulation, trace heating and now the KoolDuct alternative ductwork solutions.’
The AXYZ 4010 Twin Z Series CNC router and dedicated MAP Camduct software were supplied by AXYZ International and have proved to be the ideal cutting solution in the manufacture and installation of this latter solution. According to Paul McCubbin, ‘the router has worked tirelessly and virtually problem-free during the four years since it was installed and the AXYZ team of engineers has always been available to help in ongoing development work.’
The AXYZ 4010 router is part of the AXYZ 4000 Series renowned for its robust construction, high performance-to-cost capability and utmost reliability under continuous operation. The machine has an effective processing area of 3,048mm (length) x 1,524 (width) and can run continuously to allow either high-volume production or one-off prototypes with the same degree of quality and reliability. It can also be configured to accommodate a host of additional production tools (including an Automatic Tool Change facility) and has the capacity for multiple cutting heads to further accelerate production speeds.
Paul McCubbin concluded: ‘Whilst the main focus of our business is driven by the manufacture and installation of the Kinspan KoolDuct System to the building services sector, we are looking to expand into other areas. These include under-floor heating and low-carbon retrofitting support facilities and the AXYZ routing solution will continue to play a major part in our development.’
|
