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.”
Performance that fits the business
When assessing the market for fibre laser cutters, Inventair identified broadly comparable technical capabilities across several brands. However, capital cost and footprint proved decisive factors.
“Many machines seemed similar in performance, but the price differential for the Accurl Smart Cube Compact really got our attention,” says Bob. “We saved significant capital outlay. As a small business, we cannot justify expenditure of £200,000+, which is what some new laser cutters cost.”
Space is equally important. The Smart Cube, with its manually retractable cutting table and ultra-compact footprint, slotted neatly into Inventair’s unit.”
Before committing to the investment, Bob visited the Axe & Status showroom in Milton Keynes to assess factors like cut quality and speed first-hand. The improvement over plasma cutting was immediately clear. Axe & Status also arranged a visit to an existing Accurl user within easy reach of Inventair’s location, enabling Bob and his team to see the machine processing real-world components.
“It’s so valuable to speak with a company already using the technology,” he says. “The Accurl laser got a glowing report – and seeing it cutting live gave us confidence.”
By January 2026, the Accurl Smart Cube Compact was in place and operational. Two members of staff received training during commissioning, followed shortly by final training/sign-off. The learning curve proved shallow.
“We’re getting better at maximising the benefits of the laser every day.”
Elevating bending precision
Alongside the new laser cutter, Inventair opted to upgrade its forming capability with an Accurl Genius Plus CNC press brake, replacing an earlier pressbrake model.
“The previous machine was good,” Bob acknowledges, “but compared with the Accurl it seemed a little ‘entry level’ if I had to describe the difference.”
Once again, specification versus price proved compelling.
“It was an opportunity to buy a press brake with a specification comparable to the so-called big players, but without spending the money those companies ask.”
The result is a tangible uplift in bending quality and repeatability, complementing the enhanced profiling performance delivered by the Accurl fibre laser. The press brake’s hybrid ‘ECO’ configuration represents a further benefit. Here, the innovative Delta servomotor ensures precise control of ram motion using a minimum amount of oil and energy.
The latest Genius Plus series of hybrid servo CNC press brakes from Accurl offer increased working speeds, stroke, daylight and pressing capacities. With advanced motion technologies and impressively quiet running, the Genius Plus is adept at bending complex parts.
Together, the two new Accurl machines at Inventair create a cohesive cutting and forming platform that improves consistency from flat sheet to finished component.
Investment with intent
Inventair operates in competitive markets, facing pressure from a growing contingent of suppliers located in mainland Europe. Retaining a strong quality-to-price ratio therefore remains central to its strategy.
“We offer well-built, robust machines at a fair price,” says Bob. “We need that because competition is aggressive.”
By increasing throughput, improving part quality and eliminating secondary operations, the new Accurl machines reinforce Inventair’s proposition.
“With such a big advance in cut quality and profiling speed, we’re confident the laser will generate new opportunities.”
The current market remains robust, with a consistent flow of orders across end users, joiners and industry partners. However, by investing in new manufacturing technologies that enhance productivity without overstretching finances, Inventair is further strengthening its resilience and growth potential.
A trusted machinery partner
The relationship between Inventair and Axe & Status dates to 2014 with the purchase of a guillotine shear. Over the years, the partnership has continued to flourish based on machine reliability and responsive support.
“Across all the machines supplied by Axe & Status, we’ve had no issues,” states Bob. “Whenever I call, nothing is ever too much trouble. They’re so friendly and willing to help with advice and tips.”
For Inventair, the twin Accurl installation represents more than a machinery upgrade. It signals intent: sharper quality, faster throughput and stronger competitiveness in demanding markets.
“The new Accurl machines make us even more competitive and will help secure our future for years to come,” concludes Bob.
