AcroMat, a custom anti-fatigue mat manufacturer headquartered in the Minneapolis Metro, has launched the next generation of its proprietary custom mat building tool, AcroSketch 2.0.
The only tool of its kind, AcroSketch 2.0 gives users the ability to design custom mats to any size, shape and features in minutes – making custom as easy and fast as standard, off-the-shelf matting and eliminating the hazards caused by pieced-together solutions.
Preview of AcroSketch 2.0 via desktop computer.
"Done right, anti-fatigue mats can genuinely be a safety and ergonomic solution that transforms health, safety, even culture building," continues Russell, the architect behind AcroSketch. "AcroSketch 2.0 has made this possible for our clients."
Before: This windows manufacturer was piecing together "rock hard" tiles that were breaking apart and sliding around. After: With AcroSketch, the continuous improvement specialist designed a one-piece custom mat guaranteed to never sink, flatten or come apart.
Before: An operator for this lawn mower manufacturer tripped on 5+ pieced-together mats, breaking their wrist in the process. After: The safety team used AcroSketch to design a single custom mat – creating consistent cushion and traction throughout the work cell.
We sat down with Russell to talk about the launch of AcroSketch 2.0, the history of AcroMat, industry trends that led to the need for custom anti-fatigue mats, and the importance of quality materials in conjunction with custom shapes, sizes and features.
Q&A With AcroMat General Manager, Russell Herbert
Why did you initially create AcroSketch?
When we started making anti-fatigue mats over 15 years ago, we saw a huge gap in the market. There are a lot of really good mat companies out here and a lot of really good mats, but everybody was selling standard, off-the-shelf sizes. In other words, rectangles.
Nobody specialized in custom matting – or rather, anti-fatigue mats specifically designed for more complex workspaces and workstations.
So, what we set out to do, and what has led us to who we are today, was to not only make custom anti-fatigue mats available, but make designing them as easy and fast as standard mats.
This plumbing products manufacturer replaced 30+ small rectangular mats with a 1,300 sq. ft. custom mat, eliminating trip hazards caused by gaps between mats, eliminating any threat of sliding because of the glove-like fit, and putting an end to ergonomic issues caused by constant on/off stepping.
Mats custom designed to fit sounds great, but if it’s overly complicated and time consuming, it’s just not going to stick. Recognizing the need for efficiency and ease, about 5 years ago we started trialing various technologies that would give end-users the ability to design their own custom mats. Over time and a lot of trial and error, in 2022 we developed our own proprietary custom mat builder, which we call AcroSketch.
The tool is freely available on our website, and can be used by anyone at anytime.
After feedback from users over the past two years, we concepted the next iteration to improve precision and the user experience, and to multiply the custom capabilities. This is what we've launched in 2024 – AcroSketch 2.0.
Today, whether you’re a plant manager looking to kit out your facility, a manufacturing engineer responsible for a single engine line, or even a homeowner in need of a custom mat for your kitchen, you can hop into the tool and design the shape, size and features you need in minutes.
Why are custom anti-fatigue mats are important? What safety problems do they solve?
We've been surveying our audience over the past few years, including safety managers, production supervisors, manufacturing engineers and even ergonomists. Over 40% say “having to piece together rectangular mats” to cover complex layouts is their No. 1 challenge with anti-fatigue mats, ahead of issues like sliding and curling.
This reaffirms what we have known for years. Disconnected mats are ‘out on an island,’ making them more likely to slide, the gaps create entirely preventable trip hazards, and the collective group of pieces lead to inconsistent thicknesses, surfaces and life expectancies.
In brief, workstations come in all shapes and sizes. To maximize the ergonomic impact and prevent unnecessary slip, trip and fall hazards for fast-moving standing workers, your anti-fatigue mats should too.
A simple example of the safety benefits created by custom anti-fatigue mats. Medtronic replaced multiple rectangular mats pieced together around a wash station with a single custom mat that seamlessly wraps around it. The circular cutout allows for a glove-like fit (no sliding), the ADA-compliant yellow borders highlight entry/exit points (no trip hazards), and the drainage holes help maintain surface traction (no slip hazards).
What's new with AcroSketch 2.0? What sets the tool apart from the previous version?
With the launch of AcroSketch 2.0, we have added a host of design features to make sure users can get exactly what they need without limit. This means any shape, any size, and any features.
New AcroSketch 2.0 features include:
1. Seamless step-by-step process, improved user-interface design, and improved visuals during each stage of the design process.
2. Visibility into every angle designed within the tool.
AcroSketch ensures precision with visibility into every unique angle.
3. Ability to save and edit custom mat designs at any point.
4. Instant pricing based on square footage of material (zero customization costs); intricate pricing matrix ensures users have immediate access to costs, no delayed times.
5. Ability to immediately download official anti-fatigue mat quote.
6. Ability to immediately download anti-fatigue mat design in DXF format.
7. Ability to design curves and circular mat shapes and cutouts.
One of AcroSketch 2.0’s new features includes the ability to design circular shapes and sizes. The video above shows a handful of recent circular designs.
8. Additional drawing capabilities such as snapping lines to length, a protractor tool for added precision, and a tape measuring tool to design to the inch.
9. Ability to enter full screen mode for easier design, clarity and visuals.
10. Ability to add company logos or custom safety messages, up to 3 ft. by 3 ft. and placed anywhere on your custom mat design.
AcroSketch allows users to add logos and custom safety messages to their custom mat design, up to 3 ft. by 3 ft. in size, place anywhere. Learn more about AcroMat's Logo & Custom Safety Message Printing capabilities.
Are shape and size enough? What about the quality of your mat materials?
While shape and size are critical, they are only one piece of the puzzle. We design and manufacture our anti-fatigue mats from closed cell, premium nitrile rubber foam. Unlike mass-produced, 'box-store' mats made from PVC foam and other blended materials, which break down really quickly in our clients' work environments, our mats are strategically designed to endure in even the harshest 24/7 environments for years without interruption.
We try to stand behind every mat we manufacture on behalf of our clients, and we do this by offering a 60-day moneyback guarantee to every first-time customer and having a 2-year full-replacement performance warranty in place for our mats.
Whether you partner with AcroMat or another mat provider, we always encourage a rigorous sample process by testing mats in your production environment, carefully reviewing the warranty to make sure you're protected from highly common issues like sinking, flattening and curling, and gathering feedback from your team members before making any major decisions.
This manufacturing company replaced stacked and pieced-together mats and tiles, including the trip hazards and ergonomic issues they caused, with a single custom mat.
Do you charge customizing fees?
AcroMat is the only anti-fatigue mat manufacturer in the world to specialize in custom matting. In fact, over 50% of all client purchases are for custom mats. Traditional mat suppliers occasionally offer the ability to customize, and they make top-quality mats, but they also 3-4X costs because of the added labor.
While customizing is a much more involved, precise manufacturing process than mass-producing standard 2 ft. by 3 ft. or 3 ft. by 5 ft. mats, we refuse to charge any customizing fees here at AcroMat. Our pricing is configured on a per sq. ft. basis only; you pay only for the mats, not our labor.
AcroSketch also includes an intricate pricing matrix, giving users immediate access to pricing directly within the tool. This removes the highly common hassle of delayed and laborious quoting process and lead times.
If custom isn't a need, we also offer standard-sized mats (2-4 ft. wide, up to 75 ft. long) at a reduced price. These can be viewed in the Shop Mats tab on our website.
How long does it take to make a custom mat?
Every anti-fatigue mat order, whether 5 mats or 500, is precision-cut, assembled and shipped from right here in our Minnesota-based production facility within 10 business days. We have a brilliant production team here at AcroMat that has perfected the mat-making process, not just in terms of speed but precision, quality, innovation and accountability as well.
We recently made over 11,000 sq. ft. of custom anti-fatigue mats for a Fortune 500 luxury retail department store within 10 days. This included 1.3 miles of specially designed, ADA-compliant yellow borders. Safety doesn't wait; with AcroMat, you will never have to either.
Related: Fortune 500 Receives 1.3 Miles of Custom Matting in 10 Days
Do users have to design their own mats?
The intention with AcroSketch is to make custom easy and fast. However, you may not always have the time or know exactly what shape, size and features you need for each workspace.
In cases like these, our team is always available to design the mats you need. We can easily work from your measurements or floor plan. Our team is also readily available to come on-site, provide a complete mat inspection, measure areas in need of custom mats, and design them on your behalf at no cost.
AcroMat is a strategic ergonomic and safety solution provider that has been fortunate to partner with the world's leading brands for their mat needs. We're not looking for a quick sale. As a true partners to our clients, and with two decades of experience and thousands of site visits and safety inspections under our belt, our team is available to help with any need at any time.
This windows manufacturer put AcroMat's "any size, shape and features" promise to the test in a unique way. They designed yellow sections into their custom mats to spotlight elevation changes, letting fast-moving employees know to step carefully.
What's next for AcroSketch?
AcroSketch is being honed daily by a team of developers. We are constantly testing and evaluating the tool, and looking for ways to improve it for users. If you happen to encounter a limitation or have ideas to improve, please always be encouraged to share with our team.
Ultimately, we want AcroSketch to be a tool that saves you time, saves you money, completely re-shapes what you thought possible with anti-fatigue mats, and puts a permanent end to the safety and ergonomic hazards cause by traditional anti-fatigue mats.
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About AcroMat
At AcroMat, quality, customization and service are our promise, and a part of all that we do. Our industrial-grade materials are designed to endure even the harshest environments, offering consistent performance and exceptional durability year after year. Our mats are precision-cut specifically for your workspace, providing a perfect fit that eliminates slip, trip and fall hazards, and ergonomic support that cushions every step. And our dedicated team provides a seamless, personalized process from start to install.
Media Contact
Rich Ward
Marketing Manager
651-350-4298
rich.war@acromat.com