Tiflex has implemented AXYZ and Wardjet tailored cutting solutions.
Tiflex Ltd is a British company that has been manufacturers of cork and rubber bonded materials for over 70 years. The company specialises in the design, manufacture and distribution of industrial rubber products, including rubber sheeting, matting, and gaskets. Tiflex's products are used in a wide range of industries, such as construction, transportation, marine and agriculture. The company has developed a reputation for high-quality products, which are designed to be durable, reliable and cost-effective. Based in Cornwall and employing 160 people, Tiflex has four divisions Trackelast, Treadmaster, Tico and Oxbridge cricket balls and has a strong presence in the UK market, as well as a growing international customer base. Tiflex has a strong commitment to quality and the company was accredited to ISO 9001 in 2015 and offers custom design and manufacturing services, which allow customers to create bespoke products that meet their specific needs.
Historically, the company faced challenges in manufacturing shaped parts due to the high cost and low production rates associated with traditional moulding methods. As the business expanded, they recognised the limitations of this approach, particularly for bespoke and low-volume parts. The company sought innovative solutions to improve production capabilities and cater to a more diverse customer base.
In 2007, Tiflex decided to adopt AXYZ routers, part of AAG, a leading global manufacturer of CNC routers and waterjet cutting solutions, focused on helping companies of all sizes improve their automation. With over 30 years of experience, they have built and installed thousands of CNC routers and waterjet cutting systems across a wide array of industries. Tiflex started with a router to revolutionise their production process and offer a broader range of cutting services to their customers. The success of the first router led to the acquisition of a second machine in 2013, enabling the company to enhance productivity and efficiency significantly.
The primary use of these automation machines was cutting rubber sheets and pads into specific shapes. Over time, the scope expanded to include cutting large volumes of plastic sheets as well. Although the routers were occasionally employed for cutting small metal parts or moulds for internal use, this was not their primary function.
“The integration of AXYZ routers significantly improved Tiflex's productivity and efficiency,” said Matthew Orton Operations Director at Tiflex Ltd. The routers allowed the company to cut parts much quicker than traditional moulding methods. This improvement in production speed opened up opportunities to offer a wider range of products, which was not feasible before due to limitations in moulding sizes.
The implementation of AXYZ routers required some changes for Tiflex. Employees needed to learn how to operate the machines and understand their capabilities effectively. Additionally, cutting a diverse range of materials required learning optimal settings and techniques for each material. With the invaluable support and advice from AXYZ, Tiflex made these changes and fine-tuned their processes for improved productivity and efficiency.
The use of AXYZ routers led to substantial cost savings for Tiflex. The high cost of moulds for low-volume parts was eliminated, making it feasible for the company to produce a broader range of parts at lower volumes. This capability enabled Tiflex to secure orders that were previously unattainable, ultimately contributing to increased profitability. With AXYZ routers, Tiflex achieved greater accuracy and precision in cutting, resulting in significantly improved product quality. The company could offer a wider range of products with shorter lead times, meeting customer demands more effectively.
“Employees at Tiflex welcomed the introduction of AXYZ routers, as they significantly improved production techniques and offered solutions to customer problems. The machines have become a key part of the company's operations, and more staff have been trained to operate them across all shifts, including the night shift. The introduction in 2022 of the Wardjet waterjet has opened up even more markets enabling us to cut extremely small product with precision and accuracy would not be possible with more traditional cutting methods. We are able to produce one offs or volume runs quickly and efficiently. We were blown away by with the results that the Wardjet waterjet cutter delivered,” said Matthew Orton Operations Director at Tiflex Ltd.
To ensure smooth operation, Tiflex invests in annual service plans offered by CNCSHOP the after-sales service and OEM supplier of consumables, spare parts and upgrades for AXYZ CNC routers and Wardjet waterjets. The company remains open to future integration of automation in their processes. Another AXYZ router is being considered to increase cutting capabilities for larger pieces of material, demonstrating Tiflex's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
The adoption of AXYZ and Wardjet machines has been a transformative journey for Tiflex. With the routers and waterjet, the company has achieved higher productivity, cost savings, and improved product quality. By embracing automation, Tiflex has positioned itself as a leading player in the manufacturing industry, catering to a diverse customer base with a wide range of products and cutting services. The future holds great promise as Tiflex explores additional automation opportunities to further enhance their production capabilities and maintain their commitment to delivering top-quality products and services.