AXYZ Router Centre Stage at Leading Scene Maker

An AXYZ 6010 twin head router supplied by AXYZ has provided Surrey-based Steel the Scene with a very cost-effective solution to its machining requirements by enabling the company to bring all of these in-house where hitherto they had to be outsourced. Adding to this cost efficiency is the fact that the router is one of the many high-quality used machines that AXYZ can now supply and maintain at extremely attractive prices, thus eliminating the need to invest in new machinery for budgetary or production requirement considerations.

Formed in 1997, Steel the Scene is a leading manufacturer of stage and scenery settings used extensively in theatre, conference and TV studio locations as well as at numerous live events and corporate sites. Spearheaded by three working partners and supported by skilled freelance employees contingent upon the level of business, the company has an impressive portfolio of high-profile clients that demand a high quality of finished product on frequently tight delivery times. Major contracts have been successfully completed on behalf of well-known clients such as Thames Diamond Jubilee Foundation, National Theatre of Scotland, English Touring Opera and Royal College of Music, in addition to leading corporate and retail brands like Samsung, BMW, B&Q, EDF, Kraft and Dairy Crest.

At Steel the Scene the AXYZ 6010 router is employed for machining panel parts, invariably based on wood and aluminium or plastic components, used in scenic items as well as for signage and prototype products. Managing partner at the company, Barry Ashwick commented: “Prior to purchasing the router, we were outsourcing CNC machining at some expense and with the usual variables on quality and reliability. As these requirements escalated to meet increased levels of business, it was decided to bring them in-house, enabling savings in production costs, a faster response capability and minimal turnaround times to the obvious satisfaction of our customers.”

The AXYZ 6010 router installed has a three by two-metre process bed and offers the ability to handle a wide variety of materials employed at Steel the Scene. These include solid woods, plywood, MDF, aluminium composite sheets, laminates and plastics. The router is one of the AXYZ 6000 series of machines renowned for their robust construction, speed of production and ultimate precision. They are supplied as standard with a host of machining enhancements that include the latest A2MC controller for optimum smooth machine motion, a high-precision helical rack and pinion system for exceptional machining accuracy, automatic machine squaring and direct-drive servomotors. Optional enhancements include a 21-station ATC (Automatic Tool Change) facility to accommodate multiple cutting tool requirements and AVS (AXYZ Vision System), compatible with all of the cutting tools used on AXYZ routers, for unparalleled material alignment and cutting.

On the service provided by AXYZ, Barry Ashwick concluded: “We were impressed by the all-round service provided, by the care demonstrated during installation and by the ongoing customer support. Collectively, these reassured us that we had chosen the right supplier for our CNC machining solutions.”

For information on the services provided by Steel the Scene, visit www.steelthescene.co.uk or telephone 01342 893237.