In 1999, a group of craftsmen with a long history in the trade felt there was a niche market for processing and exporting high-end decorative stone products. That year, they formed Vicentina Marmi in Chiampo, Italy, and their work is exported around the world.

Within the company structure, five skilled marble specialists lead a group of highly qualified technicians. Finished products include a range of architectural elements, such as floors and cladding as well as sculptures, columns, furnishings and detailed trim work. It processes material for both interior and exterior applications and commercial and residential use.

In addition to relying upon personal craftsmanship, the company believes in investing in technology to succeed. Complex cutting is achieved using two waterjets, including a Bidesimpianti model from Italy, which is equipped with a pump and cutting nozzle from KMT of Baxter Springs, KS.

Cutting is also completed using a Pedrini M940 CNC bridge saw, which can be programmed to cut stone into a variety of finished products. The cutting head tilts up to 90 degrees, and its multiple axes are capable of interpolated operation for sophisticated, three-dimensional work.

One of the latest investments at Vicentina Marmi is an Omag Blade 5 five-axis CNC stoneworking center, which also features a cutting head and lathe. The machine can accommodate a diamond blade up to 1600 mm in diameter, which can be tilted up to 140 degrees and rotated 360 degrees. The working table is fixed because the blade positions itself automatically according to the profiles and the cuts which are to be executed.

The operation of the unit is programmed in advance, and the lathe allows for processing intricate column work.

Additional equipment in the shop includes a Bavelloni three-axis CNC stoneworking center, a Donatoni CNC saw, a Zambon radial arm polisher and several ItalMarmi dust collection units, which are positioned throughout the shop. Much of the finishing work, such as final polishing, bushhammering and chiseling, is completed by hand.

After processing, much of the work at Marmi Vicentina requires additional steps prior to packaging and shipping. For example, much of the company’s architectural work requires dry setting. To ensure quality, all the pieces are inspected to see if there are any color variations or other irregularities. Additionally, pieces are all numbered so that they can be easily installed upon arrival at the jobsite.

Export markets for Vicentina Marmi include the U.S., the Middle East and the Far East.