Here's the truth about 4 of the top returned searches.
Here's what custom is supposed to mean:
Here's what custom too often means:
Search No. 1
This company gives you the ability to order different-sized rectangles in black, black with yellow borders, or grey. The custom option is strictly width and length (rectangles).
Search No. 2
This company gives you the ability to order different-sized rectangles in black or grey. It’s possible to select two different mat thicknesses, but the extent of the custom feature is width and length (rectangles).
Search No. 3
Despite promoting "endless possibilities," this company gives you the ability to create mats with custom graphics, patterns, words, and colors. The only shape offered is a rectangle that comes in one size.
Search No. 4
This company gives you the ability to order two thicknesses and multiple colors, along with widths from 2-5 ft. and up to 75 ft. in length. Still, just rectangles.
These are all valuable features for the right situation, and most mats are premium quality. But rectangles aren't custom. Different patterns, logos, and phrases are a neat future, but it’s not what safety leaders need to reduce trip hazards and MSD injury risks.
Of the 10 mat providers we researched, not one allowed users to create and order a truly customized mat shape – a mat that wraps around machinery, has a combination of yellow beveled edges and flat cable covers built in exactly where needed, or covers a complex work station to avoid constant on/off stepping.
A Broken Arm Spurred this Search
The Toro Company, a leading lawn maintenance and turf product company, shared with us that worker fell and broke their arm due to rectangular mats that were pieced together to cover a complex layout. The inconsistencies and exposed cement flooring created a trip hazard in tight areas.
They didn't know custom mats were an option before partnering with AcroMat.
We had another client email us after searching for "custom anti-fatigue mats" through Google:
"Searching for L-shaped mats came up only with 1) mats that came in jigsaw puzzle type pieces that you have to interlock, and I didn’t want that, or 2) one long and one short mat that I would have to lay next to each other. So, I started using 'custom anti-fatigue mats' for my search. I actually requested a sample from [Company No. 1 above], but when I went to order the L-shape, they said they couldn’t do it even though they advertised 'any size and shape.'"
Another safety manager we talked to said their biggest issue is, "Our operators are taking the rectangular mats we order and cutting them to fit their areas."
This was the result:
Trip hazards. Ergonomic challenges. Productivity barriers.
We want you to know with confidence your people are going home from work as safe and healthy as when they arrived. So, we created our online custom mat building tool, AcroSketch, to empower you to to design the mat you need with no limitations, in minutes.
Any shape.
Any size.
Any pivots.
Any angles.
Any cutouts.
This aerospace manufacturer went from 5+ mat pieces and exposed metal grating to 2 custom mats designed to fit with AcroSketch, held in place with GripCoteX.
Three different colors.
Multiple surfaces made from 100% nitrile rubber foam depending on work environment.
Multiple thicknesses.
Custom cable covers as flat as the mat.
Beveled edges designed standard with every mat.
Yellow 20-degree beveled edge option, or not, or a combination.
Drainage holes.
Class 5 Cleanroom Certified.
This metal can manufacturer eliminated the trip hazard and ergonomic inconsistencies of 4 stacked mats and designed a single custom mat that "fits like a glove."
Antimicrobial, chemical-resistant, liquid-proof.
Zero customization costs (you only pay for the sq. ft. of material).
Designed and delivered as a single mat, no individual pieces or interlocking.
Hand-crafted and shipped within 10 business days.
Up to 8 years of support, can be cleaned and even repaired.
Andersen Windows designed one of the most unique custom mats we've ever made to completely cover a complex layout with non-slip, proven ergonomic support.
You can design it all yourself with AcroSketch. Or, we can do it for you in minutes. In brief, if you can imagine it, we can build it.
The video at the top of this post show 10 custom mats drawn in less than 10 minutes.
How quickly can you draw the custom shape you need?
Try AcroSketch.
Custom doesn't have to be complicated. But it should be honest. Don't settle for offers of custom that don't provide exactly what you need.
