Fabricator Case Studies / International Coverage

Marble shop is built on craftsmanship

January 31, 2012
/ Print / Reprints /
ShareMore
/ Text Size+
Trans

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. 

Did you enjoy this article? Click here to subscribe to Stone World 

Jenniferadamsphoto

Jennifer Adams has been covering the stone industry since 1996 as Managing Editor of Stone World and Editor of our sister publication Contemporary Stone & Tile Design. Much of her work focuses on design, and it has also appeared in a range of consumer and shelter publications. Email:  jennifer@stoneworld.com

 

Column-picsmall

Michael Reis has been working for Stone World Magazine since 1993. In his role as Editor and Associate Publisher, he covers all aspects of the stone industry, from quarrying to fabrication to installation. He contributes feature articles as well as writes the Stone Column, which is a monthly commentary on industry issues and trends. Emailmichael@stoneworld.com

Recent Articles by Jennifer Adams

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Multimedia

Videos

Image Galleries

Surfaces 2013 preview

Surfaces 2013 -- to be held in conjunction with StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas -- is slated for January 29 to 31 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. The show, which also includes an extensive educational program that will be held from January 28 to 31, provides a place for thousands of floor covering retailers, distributors, installers, architects, designers and builders from around the world to gather and view the latest products, get vital education, network with other floor covering professionals and conduct business.

More than 600 of the largest manufacturers and suppliers representing products in every major category, including carpet, tile, hardwood, rugs, laminate, resilient and stone, are expected to exhibit at the trade show. Hanley Wood, owner and operator of the exhibition, reports that they have many new exhibiting companies and returning ones who have expanded their booth size. Additionally, Surfaces 2013 will host more than 40 workshops, seminars and mini sessions led by industry experts in the fields of business, sales, marketing, installation and design. Attendees can earn AIA, NKBA, AIBD, IICRC and AIA/CES industry designation. Here is just a small sampling of some of the displays that will be present at Surfaces 2013.

THE MAGAZINE

Stone World Magazine

June 2013 Stone World cover

2013 June

Stone World's June issue highlights a series of stone companies and quarries such as PBA Stone, Mag Ban, Gramil and San Gabriel Black quarry. Also, check out some exclusive coverage from the annual Vitoria Stone Fair, which took place in Espírito Santo, Brazil.

Table Of Contents Subscribe

Contemporary Stone & Tile Design Magazine

CSTD Summer 2013 cover

2013 Summer

The Summer issue of Contemporary Stone & Tile Design highlights some of the top products from Coverings 2013, which took place in April. Also, read about the designing of a custom pool and spa by Rock Solid Tile.

Table Of Contents Subscribe

Green Practices

Are you promoting green practices and the life-cycle of stone in your sales and marketing efforts?
View Results Poll Archive

The Stone World Store

How_To_Polish_&_Restore_Mar.gif
How to Polish & Restore Marble Flooring

This video will show you step-by-step how to resurface and polish marble flooring from grinding and removing lippage and scratches to achieving a highly reflective polish.

More Products

Stone Guide

cover

The directory for Stone, Equipment and Supplies - the single information resource readers turn to.

Visit Stone Guide today!

  

Stone Industry Education

stone industry educationStone Industry Education is sponsored by Stone World Magazine and Marble Institute of America. The SIE events will help you: strengthen your skills, build your business, and  increase profit in your shop.  Check out stoneindustryeducation.com to register for upcoming fabricator and installer seminars.

STAY CONNECTED

facebook logo Twitter  YouTube