AK Rubber & Industrial Supplies Ltd increases efficiency & capacity with AXYZ CNC routers

Conveniently located near the M11 between London and Cambridge, AK Rubber & Industrial Supplies Ltd has built a reputation as a trusted manufacturer and supplier of high-quality, non-metallic products. Its extensive product line includes rubber sheeting, strip, matting, extrusions, mouldings, gaskets and washers. With a commitment to bespoke manufacturing and quick turnarounds, AK Rubber supports a diverse client base across industries such as construction, structural steel and custom manufacturing.

As a company that thrives on delivering precision, flexibility and speed, AK Rubber has continually sought innovative ways to scale production while maintaining high standards of quality. The adoption of AXYZ CNC routers has been pivotal in achieving these goals.

AK Rubber began considering CNC router technology when its thermal break manufacturing business began to rapidly expand. These essential components are widely used in the construction and structural steel sectors to prevent thermal bridging and AK Rubber’s growing client base required a scalable, repeatable production process.

“The decision to work with AXYZ was motivated by a clear need to support the growth of our business partners. We knew we needed to scale up, and fast. Given the positive experiences others in our network had reported with AXYZ machines, it was a logical choice,” said Jack Fellowes-Prynne, Operations Manager.

The company chose to invest in three Infinite series routers from AXYZ, a line known for versatility, robustness and the ability to handle a wide range of materials – from rubber and plastic to composites and foams. The Infinite router is a highly configurable CNC machine suitable for one-off jobs, small-batch production and high-volume applications, including woodworking, plastic fabrication, engineered plastic machining and more. Users can choose high-speed spindles ranging from 5HP to 15HP for routing operations or select knife-cutting options such as a tangential knife for creasing and folding, or an oscillating knife for processing soft goods materials.

Although AK Rubber had years of experience with manual cutting processes and bespoke fabrication, adopting CNC router technology represented a significant shift. As first-time users of automated routing systems, the learning curve could have been steep, but thanks to AXYZ’s customer support and training, the transition was smooth.

“AXYZ provided on-site training for both the machine and drawing software, which was key to helping our staff quickly build confidence in using the equipment effectively,” Jack continued.

This hands-on support allowed AK Rubber to bring complex, custom cutting jobs in-house, improving speed and repeatability without compromising quality.

Today, AK Rubber operates three Infinite routers across its facility. The impact on production has been immediate and significant, as Jack explained: “We’ve seen a substantial increase in capacity. The machines allow us to take on more work while reducing lead times across the board. It’s improved our efficiency and allowed us to serve clients faster and with even more precision.”

AXYZ routers now handle the bulk of cutting and shaping for thermal breaks, gaskets, washers and custom rubber components. Whether producing a one-off prototype or a large production run, the machines offer the flexibility AK Rubber needs to keep up with demand.

Beyond productivity, the integration of AXYZ routers has brought deeper operational improvements:

• Time savings: Jobs that once took hours now take minutes, with no need for manual rework.

• Increased output: Higher production volumes have boosted workloads and profitability.

• Workforce development: The company has expanded its team to support machine operation and production, with role adjustments to reflect new technology – a positive development for staff.

“Any piece of machinery is only as good as the maintenance behind it – and we take that seriously,” Jack commented.

AK Rubber’s routers undergo monthly deep cleaning and lubrication to ensure continued performance and longevity. This structured maintenance schedule maximises uptime and minimises the risk of costly interruptions.

Looking ahead, AK Rubber plans to invest in additional machinery to further enhance its capabilities and stay ahead of customer demand. This proactive approach reflects the company’s philosophy: embracing tools and technologies that help deliver better, faster and more competitively in a dynamic marketplace.

For AK Rubber, AXYZ has been more than just a vendor – they’ve been a true partner in growth. From the initial consultation to training, installation and after-sales support, AXYZ has played a central role in ensuring a successful technological transition. Their Infinite series routers continue to prove themselves daily on the factory floor, helping AK Rubber maintain its reputation for quality, reliability and responsiveness.

By investing in AXYZ CNC routers, AK Rubber has been able to scale while maintaining its hallmarks: bespoke solutions, short lead times and outstanding customer service. Whether crafting complex thermal breaks for construction or custom gaskets and washers for industrial clients, the team now has the tools, training and technology to meet every challenge head-on.

With a focus on continual improvement, AK Rubber is already looking to the future – and AXYZ routers will be right there with them.

For more information on the AXYZ range of routers, see www.axyz.com and to discover more about AK Rubber & Industrial Supplies Ltd, visit www.akrubber.co.uk.