The lineup of machinery available to stone fabricators has shown new advances every year. From efficient sawing and polishing equipment to computer-controlled, multi-axis (CNC) stoneworking centers and bridge saws and combination bridge saw/waterjets, these new developments are giving fabricators a chance to increase volume and the level of craftsmanship in their operation.

The following is a look at some of the latest advancements in stone fabricating machinery.

(Editor’s note: Part II of our Fabricating Technology Roundup - focusing on tooling and accessories, handling and storage, software/electronic templating, air and water treatment systems and other shop products - will appear in the February 2009 issue of Stone World.)

Abaco Site Saw Mod. S2
www.abacomachines.com

Sawing/Cutting

The powerfulAbaco Site Saw Mod. S2 is suited for construction sites and workshops. On one side, the saw has roller conveyers, which make loading easy. On the other side, adjustable stops allow for precise parallel cuts. This saw has a cutting length of 1.8 yards (1.6 m), and it has incorporated wheels and rollers for effortless, single-handed transportation. The Mod. S2 features an electric direct-drive fully submersible water pump with a capacity of 1,000 liters/hour. The Abaco Site Saw Mod S2’s accessories include two side benches with rollers and two support arms with stops.

The dimensions are 82 ¼ x 82 5/8 x 65 3/8 inches (2,090 x 2,100 x 1,660 mm).

Braxton-Bragg Corp./Achilli JBS 3700
www.braxton-bragg.com

TheAchilli JBS 3700 gantry saw fromBraxton-Bragg Corp.features a more traditional-style gantry saw design, but incorporates several advanced features. A 12-foot bridge-and-gantry cut with a 15-horsepower motor that accepts a 20-inch blade makes processing the biggest slabs possible. An electro-chrome-coated, maintenance-free beam with a rack-and-pinion gearing system makes cutting extremely precise and positioning the head incredibly accurate and smooth, the company reports. Programming by means of the CNC axis control unit allows cuts to be stored, along with varying lengths, starting and stopping points and distances between cuts as well as a multitude of other specialty programmable features. Cuts can also be made using the remote control pendant. A hydraulic tilt table features 360-degree rotation with automatic positive locking every 45 degrees and hydraulic braking at any angle. Another unique feature is the worktable with hydraulic pop-up rollers that make moving material on the work surface easy. The worktable features either a marine treated wood surface or concrete.

Breton Smartcut 800
www.breton.it

TheBreton Smartcut 800, which was officially released at Marmomacc 2008, is a 5-axis CNC bridge saw. Riding upon Breton’s trademark extreme-duty bridge and rack-and pinion-system, the cast-iron-housed, 35-horsepower spindle is capable of automatically moving to 90 degrees, synchronized with a +/-190-degree rotation, which allows the machine to perform operations from simple two-dimensional countertops to advanced three-dimensional shaping.

A key feature of this system is its ability to use drilling or milling tools, therefore potentially performing radius operations on countertops and complex finishing work on billets (strips). While the saw head is at the 90-degree position, it is equipped to accept core drill bits, finger bits or other milling tools without interference from the blade assembly.

The machine may be equipped with Breton’s innovative photo layout system, and may be fully integrated with the Imagemaster inventory control system. For more complex geometry, a tracing or probing device is available and can be used in conjunction with advanced three-dimensional software that is fully supplied and supported by Breton.

The standard Z travel of the machine is 21.6 inches, allowing for operations on columns and other architectural work that requires lathe turning.

Coch C 34 Max
www.coch.com.ar

The C 34 Max bridge saw fromCoch has been specially designed for cutting marble, granite, slate and quartz slabs. This unit has been engineered as a fast, strong, heavy-duty, reliable and easy-to-use machine.

A 45-degree manual inclination disc allows users to miter cut - even when step cutting. The ball bearing linear guides and the new Siemens electric and electronic components allow the saw to operate with optimal precision and reliability.

Comandulli Bisso CB 350
www.comandulli.it

The Model CB350 Bisso bridge saw, available fromComandulli, is a medium-sized electronic machine for stonecutting. The machine features a strong cast-iron structure, which is mechanically machined with high-quality precision processes.

The spindle slides on an assembly of linear guides and pads. Bridge traverse is on steel guides with ball rollers in an oil bath. Both the spindle motion and bridge motion occurs through a rack-and-pinion system with variable speed.

Spindle lifting occurs on round guides and bronze brushes with screw kinematic motion and variable speed. The disc holding electro-spindle allows for manual slant up to 45 degrees with slant visualization.

The turntable moves on a special ball-bearing pivot block, which can be moved with a full load.

According to Comandulli, particular attention has been devoted to the selection of the electrical control panel parts, resulting in a machine with fast, yet “soft” movements that runs with minimal noise.

The machine is supplied with a water system with solenoid valve and flow-indicator, which stops the machine automatically in case of a lack of water.

An arm-mounted control panel can easily be reached by the operator, along with a push-button panel located directly on the machine. The unit also has a linear laser for material alignment and cut indication.

Options include the following:
  • Bench with automatic rotation and precision locking every 45 degrees and electronic positioning on 360 degrees. Bench rotation visualization with control.
  • Overturning bench from 0 to 80 degrees with a wood loading platform and hydraulic control unit
  • Adjustable disc rotation speed (inverter): 700:2000
  • Automatic centralized lubrication


Diamond Tech DL5000
www.diamondsaws.com

The DL5000 saw fromDiamond Techintends to help fabricators and installers deal with the challenges that they are facing with the increased use of glass mosaics and glass tile in today’s interior designs. Precision cutting is accomplished with a 61.5-inch diamond-coated steel blade. The saw features a 15- x 13-inch work surface and a “block and bearing” guide system, which adjusts to the thickness of the material being cut. The DL5000 saw also has the advantage of being portable, weighing 55 pounds with its own carrying handle. The 1/2-horsepower, variable-speed motor enables the user to cut through glass, granite and other materials. The DL5000 includes an instructional manual, toll-free technical support line and a one-year warranty.

Diamond Tech DL7000
www.diamondsaws.com

The DL7000 fromDiamond Techwas designed for use with high-end materials and specialized inlay installations. Designed for the shop setting, this ¾-horsepower wet band saw makes precision cuts through natural stone, porcelain, glass and ceramic tile. It can even handle slab materials up to 1 ½ inches thick. Its durable metal construction intends to stand up to heavy shop use. Easy-to-use adjustments allows installers to cut quickly, and its large two-wheel design creates a 13-inch throat depth for deep diagonal cuts. The DL7000 includes an instructional manual, toll-free technical support line and a one-year warranty.

Edgemarc 2500 HT
www.edgemarctools.com

The 2500 HT bridge saw fromEdgemarc Tools comes fully loaded with all the necessary state-of-the art features for stonecutting, including touch-screen, programmable cuts, remote pendant, laser and more. Installation and training is included in the purchase price. Edgemarc Tools reports that all of its products are American made and carry a one-year warranty and lifetime factory support.

Granite City Tool Mega Manta
www.granitecitytool.com

The Manta Mega stone slab saw fromGranite City Tool is an automated machine that cuts slabs 11 feet long x 6 feet wide. It cuts automatically in the longitudinal and traverse ways, as the head can turn for the traverse cuts. It has a built-in laser for precision cutting, and the head also tilts for bevel cuts from 0 to 90 degrees.

The marine plywood worktable has built-in omni-roller wheels that help to quickly position the slab.

Technical specifications:
  • Blade motor: 10-horsepower, three-phase, 240volt, 60Hz, 1,700 rpm
  • Lengthways travel: 11 feet
  • Cross travel: 6 feet
  • Vertical travel: 9.5 feet
  • Standard Blade Diameter: 14 to 18 inches
  • Maximum cutting depth: 5.8 inches with an 18-inch blade
  • Size: 16 feet (length) x 7.5 feet (width) x 7 feet (height)
  • Total weight: 4,850 pounds
  • 50-mm arbor


GranQuartz/Emmedue Astra
www.granquartz.com

GranQuartzof Tucker, GA, offers a complete selection of Emmedue bridge saws for the stone fabricator. Emmedue’s complete lineup includes the Astra, Eclipse, Moon and three Euromec portable bridge saws. The Astra is Emmedue’s top-of-the-line, three-axis machine, featuring heavy-duty steel construction, motorized bridge movement, a rotating worktable and a hydraulic tilting table. The unit measures 18.4 x 7.4 x 6.6 feet, offers axis travel of 137 inches (X) x 64 inches (Y) x 10.8 inches (Z), with a cutting capacity of 137 x 75 inches.

Astra Specifications
  • Horsepower: 10 HP
  • Level of automation: Semi-automatic
  • Machine size: 18.4 x 7.4 x 6.6 feet
  • Control description: Remote swing-arm panel
  • Turntable description: Manual rotating worktable with pneumatic stops at 0, 90 and 180 degrees
  • Degree of head tilt: 0 to 90 degrees
  • Blade size: 16 inches (granite); 20 inches (marble)
  • No foundation required
GranQuartz utilizes three full-time certified technicians to assist shop owners and operators in optimizing saw performance. These technicians are available to fabricators through a special program at GranQuartz.

International Machine Corp./Levi Tunisi 546
www.internationalmachinecorp.com

The Levi Tunisi 546 bridge saw fromInternational Machine Corp.is designed with Italian craftsmanship, making it extremely reliable and efficient, the company reports. The bridge saw is compact and easy to use, according to the company, and it is well-suited for small and medium workshops looking to balance features and price.

International Machine Corp./Zonato 500
www.internationalmachinecorp.com

The Italian-designed Zonato bridge saw fromInternational Machine Corp.is constructed for reliability and precision output. The Zonato 500 is suited for small to large fabrication shops and is engineered to be extremely efficient in processing marble and granite slabs.

International Machine Corp./Zonato I-CUT
www.internationalmachinecorp.com

The Zonato I-CUT CNC bridge saw fromInternational Machine Corp.was created to optimally satisfy every requirement the company’s customers had requested during its in-depth market study. The I-CUT was designed to be easy to use and adapts to any project a shop may have for marble, granite and agglomerate. The new technical characteristics of the I-CUT combine the utility of a normal bridge saw with the flexibility of CNC machinery, resulting in a 5-axis machine. Two key advantages of the I-CUT saw are the variety of uses and the lack of need for foundations in its positioning and assembly. The principal technological innovations of the I-CUT is its multifunctional rotating head, which has the capability to cut, saw or drill any type of material with optimal results, the company reports.

Also, the multifunctional rotating head is programmable and can be personalized for various types of specialty cuts such as curved cuts, profiles, copying templates and pieces drawn with CAD.

Löffler/Fabricator’s Choice TB bridge saws
www.loeffler-mb.com
www.fabchoice.com

Fabricator’s Choice offers the Löffler TB Series of bridge saws, which have a proven design recognized worldwide for precise engineering and durable construction, the company reports. The digitally automated bridge saws offer motorized blade tilt from 0 to 90 degrees.

A modular design allows the user to customize the Löffler equipment to fit specific shop requirements, from the standard bridge saw to the highly advanced CNC-controlled profile sawing machine with optional router spindle and drilling tools available. The Löffler saws feature built-in material handling equipment for easier job management and greater production facility. Löffler bridge saws also feature automatic cut sequencing, a programmable turntable with thread control, step-cutting at angles from 0 to 45 degrees, two-dimensional and two-and-a-half-dimensional profiling capability plus milling and drilling. Seamlessly connected to the most modern electronic controls available, Löffler digital networking links to the user’s office PC-based programs for complete management and job control. All Löffler equipment works readily with any digital templating system with overhead template projectors. Product training along with ongoing service and support are provided by Fabricator’s Choice.

Marmo Machinery USA EZ Cut
www.marmousa.com

Marmo Machinery USA announces the new EZ Cut, a fully automatic bridge saw that is well suited for quickly and accurately cutting granite and marble slabs. The EZ Cut is an extremely heavy-duty, well-built machine designed for tough cutting jobs. It features a cast iron bridge, rails and table with a single-beam mast, along with heavy-duty steel stands. The machine floor print is 17 x 20 feet.

The bridge saw is programmable and comes complete with a touch-screen control package. A remote control pendant can be used for lateral, vertical and bridge movements. The controls have been designed to be easily understood and simple to operate.

A 25-horsepower, direct-drive blade motor provides cutting speeds of 1 to 17 feet per minute. A laser provides visual aid for cutting path accuracy. The maximum blade diameter is 18 inches, vertical blade travel is 10 inches, bridge blade travel is 12 feet and cutting travel is 11 feet. The unit’s cutting blade head tilts up to 90 degrees. Thanks to its precision components and construction, angle cuts are accurate and easily made.

The EZ Cut features an oversized, heavy-duty 7- x 12-foot manually rotating table with hydraulic tilt and brakes. The hydraulic table tilts 85 degrees and has a 3,300-pound capacity.

The EZ Cut is rated for 208/230-volt, three-phase, 60-HZ operation.

Marmo Meccanica HTO-1B
www.marmomeccanica.com

The HTO-1B fromMarmo Meccanicacan manually, semi-automatically or automatically cut one or two overlying slabs. Thanks to its standard technical characteristics, the machine is extremely quick and precise, the company reports.

A double-beamed bridge in oversized structural steel moves on cylindrical rollers contained in oiled guides. Rack-and-pinion gearing with helix-shaped teeth ensure smooth movements.

A sliding overhead support is mounted on two oiled and protected cast iron guide saddles of adequate length.

The flat, flanged electric disc chuck manually tilts from 0 to 90 degrees, supported by two well-distanced, large-diameter, chromium-plated circular columns that vertically slide through long tubes built into the same support.

A vertically fixed bench was designed to be easily manually turned on a horizontal plane with any load, thanks to a large-diameter protected fifth wheel. It is hydraulically lockable in any position, along with the fixed positions, by an electric device on the command panel.

The command panel itself is supported by an adjustable arm hinged at the far right of the bridge, with all the necessary commands to control the machine, including the programmer.

The programmer has up to eight different cutting measures, each one repeatable “n” number of times, according to the blade thickness. Automatic cuts are executed on the forward stroke (controlled speed and quick return) or on the forward and reverse stroke (controlled speed on both strokes).

Other accessories are available on request.

Ogyu 800 wire saw
www.ogyu.co.jp

Ogyu supplies its 800 wire saw to markets around the world, and the wire has been engineered for optimal sharpness and longevity. Ogyu reports that the EDW and EEW wire saw models are most popular, and options include an optical tracing system for curve cutting, a horizontal cutting device and an automatic feeding system, among others.

The maximum material size processed is 4 x 7.9 x 13 feet (1.2 x 2.4 x 4 m).

Park Industries Yukon II
www.parkindustries.com

Park Industries reports that it has continued to increase machine performance with the release of the Yukon II stone dimensioning saw. This bridge saw has easy-to-use machine controls, a bilingual language option, saw cutting speed and accuracy and diagnostic screen capabilities.

The Yukon II can be controlled with the intuitive joystick or the touch-screen computer control. Dual potentiometers allow operators to independently control out-of-stone speed and cutting feed rates. The Yukon II also has 10 programmable cut widths available in the automatic cut mode. With just a touch of the screen, the programming instructions and guidelines can be displayed in either English or Spanish.

A powerful 20-horsepower arbor-drive electric motor powers diamond blades up to 24 inches in diameter. In addition, the 1-horsepower cross-travel motor allows for a rapid traverse rate of 1 to 50 feet per minute. In addition, a laser saw blade alignment indicator improves set-up for long passes.

A new diagnostic screen allows operators to review the machine’s control status while providing helpful, onscreen directions and troubleshooting guidance. Operators also receive Park’s customer service, including the “Next Day or No Pay” parts guarantee and 24-hour troubleshooting customer support, seven days a week.

Pedrini GS131 gangsaw
www.pedrini.it

ThePedrini GS131 gangsaw has a fixed-height blade holder and a lifting block holder platform available with front or side block trolley entry. The company reports that the machine was built with technical properties, mechanical components and large dimensions that allow for optimal simplicity, quality, sturdiness and reliability, with maximum performance.

The GS131 can be equipped with 80 or 100 blades, and the large-dimension battery is connected to the blade frame through two seamless connecting rods that have been created through machining operations of hot rolled steel blocks.

The blade holder frame straight cutting stroke is guided through special maintenance-free articulated units that rotate onto conical roller bearings, thus causing rolling friction only.

The vertical stroke of the block holder platform is driven through four lead nuts that are located onto the structure’s upper side, (i.e. away from the water splash), and it is synchronized through solid connecting shafts.

Pedrini M594 and M596
www.pedrini.it

ThePedrini “Arco di Trionfo” M594 and M596 granite cutting centers operate on stationary granite blocks with maximum mounting capacity of 54 and 80 vertical discs. The unit can produce billets (strips) as wide as 25.6 inches (650 mm) with a thickness ranging from 0.4 to 3.1 inches (10 to 80 mm). These strips are used for a wide range of products such as standardized tiles, flooring, pavers, kitchen and vanity tops.

According to Pedrini, the Arco di Trionfo units offer optimal cutting performances due to the machine’s layout, which allows for continuous and contemporaneous utilization of vertical and horizontal discs.

The M594 works on granite blocks arranged in a single row, and it has a cutting capacity of 13 cubic meters per day. Meanwhile, the M596 works on two rows of blocks, and it has a cutting capacity of 20 cubic meters per day.

The Pedrini Universal M930TG revolving and twisting head NC bridge saw has a 625/700-mm disc diameter capacity to cut and shape building stone, furniture, monuments, countertops, and other elements. The machine has a 500-mm-long vertical stroke and performs step cutting in any tilted position as well as “spatula” cutting.

The numeric control is managed through an industrial PC and a touch-screen color monitor. Brushless motors are used to drive the axis movement.

The head tilts from 0 to 90 degrees and has 0- to 185-degree rotation. The motor can be equipped with a double-locking system for the disc and for vertical axis shaping tools. The cast iron bridge is reinforced by a vertically extended section, and the main slide runs on prismatic guides that are featured by a very large holding base. They are also equipped with a clearance adjustment device.

The M930TG performs square/angular cuts and shaping operations through the rapid interpolation of C axis (head axis rotation on the horizontal plane) with X and Y axes -thus allowing for the elimination of dead time while the bench rotates.

Through imported software, the PC performs curved trajectories on the X, Y and Z axes, and with the inclusion of C-axis interpolation, it offers a broad range of three-dimensional stone processing.

Pedrini M960TG
www.pedrini.it

ThePedrini Universal M960TG revolving and twisting head NC bridge saw has a cast iron bridge and is used for countertops, building products, furnishings and memorial work in any type of stone. All movement is driven through brushless motors, and the numeric control is managed through an industrial PC that allows for automatic cycles. Programming is done through a touch-screen color monitor.

The large, rigid trolley assembly provides the Universal M960TG with exclusive features such as the capacity to use 900-mm-diameter discs, a 700-mm-long vertical stroke, the possibility to perform the step cutting in any head tilted position and a “spatula” cutting system.

The tool head has 0- to 90-degree tilting capacity with automatic lock in any position, along with revolving capacity from -15 to +365 degrees. The tool head is prepared to house an independent electro-spindle for vertical axis shaping tools.

The PC controls up to seven axes and performs the linear interpolation of X, Y, and Z axes as well as the circular interpolation of two axes.

With a stationary workpiece, M960TG performs square and angular cuts as well as electro-spindle-shaping operations through the rapid interpolation of C axis (head axis rotation on horizontal plane) with the X and Y axes.

With ISO code programs, the PC performs curved trajectories on the X, Y and Z axes, including the interpolation of C axis.

Pellegrini Diamantfil Jolly
www.pellegrinispa.it

The Diamantfil Jolly is a single-wire diamond wire saw fromPellegrini Meccanica, and it is capable of processing two-dimensional profiles as well as vertical, horizontal and inclined cuts.

The machine has been engineered to be easy to use, as it has been equipped with AutoCAD with a CNC and PLC control system that guarantees maximum cutting precision, Pellegrini reports.

The Diamantfil Jolly has also been designed for maximum flexibility, allowing for block squaring and block slabbing with an automatic cutting cycle up to 1,000 cuts in variable thickness with automatic control process.

The machine is equipped with an electrical trolley with a 40-ton capacity as standard equipment, but depending on the blocks to be processed, it is also available with a 60-ton-capacity trolley.

Pellegrini Polywire 34
www.pellegrinispa.it

The multiple-wire saw range fromPellegrini Meccancianow includes a new model, the Polywire 34. Designed for fast and flexible production, the Polywire 34 allows an operator to cut 34 slabs at a time. According to Pellegrini, this allows the production of three granite gangsaws with a single machine. The block size can be up to 11 ½ feet long (350 cm) x 6 ½ feet high (210 cm).

The machine has variable diamond wire speed, which allows the user to set the ideal cutting parameters for any type of stone, and the patented Multi-Pull® electro-hydraulic wire tension system ensures ideal tension in each wire. This, together with the large-diameter flywheels, ensures long diamond wire life and fast, accurate cutting, the company reports. By cutting with diamond wire, the resulting slabs polish quickly and easily, according to the company, and the machine offers a quick turnaround time between blocks.

Pellegrini reports that the foundation of the machine is simple and low-cost, as operators simply need to ensure that the block carriages are under a gantry crane of adequate capacity. Additionally, if the local climate allows, the machine can be installed outdoors, thus eliminating the need for a building.

Regent Express 3200
www.regentmachinecorp.com

The Express 3200 fromRegent Machine Corp. is designed specifically for stone countertop fabricators and comes standard with a range of features. These include a heavy-duty cast iron bridge; a cast iron, fully synchronized and oil-filled rack-and-pinion gantry system that is sealed from the elements; and a direct-drive, 20-horsepower motor with hand-held remote control. The Z axis tilts to plunge cut at 45 degrees, and a motorized hydraulic tilting table automatically turns to 45 and 90 degrees with a digital readout of the position. Rounding out the list of standard features is an automated cutting program. The Express 3200 is professionally installed and serviced by the factory-trained technicians at Regent Machine Corp., directly from its East and West Coast service centers.

Technical data
  • Approximate production rate: 10 feet in 50 seconds in 1 ¼-inch stone
  • Blade diameter: 16 to 24 inches
  • Maximum cutting thickness using a 24-inch blade: 8 inches
  • Maximum cutting length: 10.5 feet
  • Blade motor power: 20 horsepower
  • Blade rotation: 1440 rpm
  • Automatic plunge tilting head: 0 to 45 degrees
  • Transformer supplied to convert 380-volt 3-phase power to 220-volt 3-phase (40-hp) 60 amps
  • Water consumption: 5 gallons per minute
  • Beams bathed in oil with protective housing on all four beams
  • Blade-bearing slide feed with electric drive
  • Approximate loading capacity of table: 1,320 pounds
  • Size: 9 feet long x 16 feet wide x 11 feet high
  • Approximate total weight: 17,500 pounds


Regent Storm+
www.regentmachinecorp.com

The Storm+ fromRegent Machine Corp. was specifically designed to provide rapid and accurate processing of slabs in the most demanding of stone fabrication shops. To increase production and maximize the ease of operation, the unit is delivered with the following standard features: two steel support post structures for easy installation; a fully automated touch-screen computer to allow programmable cuts with the ability to store up to 99 of the most frequently-used programs; a covered double beam bridge; a 20-horsepower, direct-drive saw motor with laser; and a 45-degree manual tilting saw head. All saw head, gantry and bridge movements are motorized and controlled via hanging pendant and/or hand-held remote control. A tilting saw bed makes for easy loading and unloading of slabs, and the rotating and double-locking turntable has stops at 0, 45 and 90 degrees, or it can be manually locked at any other position. The Storm+ is professionally installed and serviced by the factory-trained technicians at Regent Machine Corp., directly from its East and West Coast service centers.

Regent/Scandinvent SX5
www.regentmachinecorp.com
www.scandinvent.com

Regent Machine Corp. also represents the Scandinvent SX5, a five-axis, fully automated CNC saw. The SX5 has a powerful 20- to 27-horsepower spindle and follows a model that combines innovation with simple operation.

With a unique three-side-open gantry and hydraulic table tilt, the SX5 is easy to load. With an intelligent speed regulator, the SX5 can be left to work. No operator is required to monitor the machine during single or multiple cuts, as the full-programmed shape will be cut without the need for adjustments. The saw can also be switched to manual mode for simple sawing operations.

Like all of Scandinvent’s CNC machines, the SX5 comes with ScandSOFT software, allowing users to cut shapes automatically, in one program. Among other benefits, ScandSOFT allows the actual slabs being used to be photographed and imported into the CAD program. This allows the proposed cut-outs to be virtually arranged in the program, on top of the photo of the actual slab. The image can be printed for final approval, and the customer can review the stone patterns, fissures, anomalies or defects in the stone before cutting.

Salem Stone/GMM Eura
www.salemstone.com
www.gmm.it

Salem Stone represents GMM bridge saws as well as a complete line of stone fabrication equipment, and it maintains and services all of its lines from its 50,000-square-foot facility located in Winston-Salem, NC.

The GMM Eura is a versatile bridge sawing machine equally compatible with small workshops as well as large plants. It is designed to be easy to use, compact and efficient. This versatile sawing machine is uniquely suited for small jobs as well as handling the most demanding production output. All operations can be executed manually or automatically by the easy-to-use Multicut program, which is capable of processing parallel cuts with fixed dimensions - repeatable up to 99 times.

Salem Stone/GMM Rotex
www.salemstone.com
www.gmm.it

The GMM Rotex fromSalem Stone answers the need for high-speed, high-accuracy applications such as automated production lines and complex interior work, and it is intended for medium- to large-scale plants. It features an innovative rotating head rather than the conventional rotating table. This configuration has proven to increase production up to two-fold, the company reports, with increased cutting accuracy.

The Rotex features cuts from CAD and Slab-Cam technology, which puts the operator in complete control of the sawing process from fast accurate set-up to increasing production to reducing waste.

Salem Stone/GMM Brio
www.salemstone.com
www.gmm.it

The GMM Brio fromSalem Stoneis a one of the new generation of bridge saws from the company that features a 180-degree rotating head. This new bridge saw answers the need for high-speed, high-accuracy applications for small- to medium-size plants. It can be operated manually or it can perform automatic parallel, perpendicular and diagonal cuts. The Brio features an innovative rotating head rather than the conventional rotating table. This configuration has proven to increase production up to two fold and to greatly increase cutting accuracy. To further increase production and efficiency, the Brio features a tilting table to assist in easy loading of the slabs.

The Brio does not utilize masonry wall foundations, making it compact and very cost-effective to install.

Thibaut TC04 N
www.thibaut.fr

The TC04 N fromThibaut is a numerically controlled, four-axis CNC cutting machine for any type of cutting, profiling, three-dimensional shaping and complex drilling. The TC04 N allows cuts in all directions automatically without moving the slab, due to 360-degree rotation of the sawing head.

The TC04 N also allows easy and extremely accurate cuts in materials up to 200 mm (8 inches) thick.

Technical specifications
  • Maximum blade diameter: 625 mm (24.60 inches)
  • Tilting head 0 to 100 degrees
  • Z stroke: 350 mm (13.77 inches)
  • Longitudinal railway (Y axis): maximum of 12.14 feet
  • Transversal movement (X axis): capacity of 7.21 feet
  • Disc motor power: 10 to 17.6 kw (14 to 24 horsepower)


Thibaut TC750 N
www.thibaut.fr

TC750 N fromThibaut is a CNC bridge or semi-bridge saw capable of cutting in all directions thanks to its rotating table. This machine has a 360-degree rotating head, offering numerous cutting and milling possibilities. Coupled with a blade tilt of 0 to 100 degrees, the head of this new saw is very versatile. This multipurpose machine is ideal for processing granite, soft stone and other materials.

The machine accepts blade diameters up to 750 mm (29.53 inches) and a granite-covered table measuring approximately 11. 81 x 6.56 feet, which can be installed.

VIC International/Denver Skema C-180
www.vicintl.com

The Denver Skema Logic C-180 CNC bridge saw fromVIC International has the ability to cut an entire kitchen automatically. It offers a 15-horsepower motor and a CNC rotating head capable of cutting right angles and diagonal cuts from 0 to 180 degrees, eliminating the need for a rotating table. The uni-body construction means a smaller footprint than a standard gantry saw. Increasingly popular with modern granite shops, the Skema C-180 is designed for optimal accuracy, speed and ease of use. Precision linear guides provide higher accuracy than roller bearings or v-guides. The package includes a hydraulic tilting table and optimization software, improving the efficiency of this advanced, yet easy-to-use machine.

The 4-axis CNC gantry saw combines high technology with user-friendly CAD/CAM software, delivering increased productivity and numerous processing options. With the Skema C-180, the user has full control of drawings and processing of shapes and profiles with the blade on vertical, inclined or horizontal positions. The convenient control panel, mounted on a swiveling arm, includes serial and USB ports. Projects can be loaded into memory, and the machine does the work.

Alpha/Ghines Systar
www.alpha-tools.com

Stoneworking Centers

The Ghines Systar multifunction workstation, available fromAlpha Professional Tools, was conceived as a simple and performing solution for fabricating the most frequent jobs. It is capable of shaping and polishing internal and external contours (with or without a template). It can also be used for every kind of profile; holes, sink cut-outs, recessed drains, grooves (inclined or flat), slots on edges, etc.

The operating head - driven by a powerful and reliable electro-spindle - works with internal and external lubrication. The double lubrication, together with an extreme ease in changing the tool holder, allows the use of many kinds of tools. The Systar operating head is set on high-precision orthogonal guides, and three digital displays show the tool position on the X, Y and Z axes in real time.

The machine has been designed to be easy to install, and it does not require any masonry.

Braxton-Bragg Oma Antarex
www.braxton-bragg.com

The Oma Antarex hydraulically powered stone cutter fromBraxton Bragg Corp.uses a vertical diamond cutter to make free-hand cutouts, drill pilot holes for faucets and cut sink holes. It also allows the operator to follow templates in PVC or plywood to cut ornamental shapes, make bas-relief designs or stencil and engrave. The Antarex is powered by a 4-horsepower hydraulic power unit (sold separately) that has a 220-volt, three-phase, 60-Hz hydraulic engine. This eliminates all electric motor vibration, since no electricity is at the head of the machine, and the absence of electric motor vibration greatly increases machine life. The Antarex is constructed of aluminum and steel with a fiberglass cover, making it lightweight but durable, built to last for high output shops. This machine will cut 1 foot of 2-cm granite every minute or 1 foot of 3-cm granite every 90 seconds.

Coch R30
www.coch.com.ar

TheCoch R30 has been engineered as a strong, easy-to-use machine for sink cut-outs and internal and external edge profiling on marble and granite countertops. A 10,000-rpm core bit allows for fast manual sink cut-outs using a PVC or plywood template, and a standard router bit is required for edge profiling. A powerful vacuum pump with suction cups holds the piece during the job.

Other applications are also possible using the Coch R30, including drilling of faucets holes, surface polishing and edge polishing.

Edgemarc/GranQuartz
www.edgemarctools.com
www.granquartz.com

The Edgemarc FabMaster, available fromGranQuartz, can handle several different tasks. It can be used as an edge profiler, and it can also cut out any shape sink (including square, drill faucet holes, create drain boards, surface polish or hone, polish backsplashes and more.

Virtually any CNC or router bit will fit on the FabMaster. The variable-speed spindle is adjustable from 1,000 to 10,000 rpm, and it is digitally displayed on the touch screen. One of the key features of the FabMaster is the programmable head oscillation, which is useful when polishing and milling. Another notable feature is that the table height is adjustable, which allows the fabricator to parallel the stone to the beam before edge profiling. Also, users can adjust the table height for drain board cutting and fluting. There are no hand cranks on this machine, as it has fully motorized up/down (Z-axis) positioning, along with the adjustable vacuum support rails. The product also features center and bit flood water feeds, adjustable water flow.

GranQuartz Scorpion
www.GranQuartz.com

With its small footprint, versatile radial arm, and powerful 3-horsepower, variable-speed 2,700- to 10,000-rpm motor, the Scorpion, available fromGranQuartz, has been engineered to work through granite and marble in minutes. Drilling is as simple as turning a hand crank. Almost any size piece of granite or marble can be machined because of the 4-foot reach. The Scorpion is the most affordable all-in-one workcenter on the market. The Scorpion runs on standard 220-volt, single-phase, 20-amp service, which makes it well suited for jobsite use.

Fabricator’s Choice/Löffler LBZ
www.loeffler-mb.com
www.fabchoice.com

TheLöffler LBZ CNC stoneworking center with Twin TableTM, available from Fabricator’s Choice, is a modular-design stone router, custom configured to a shop’s individual workflow. The Twin Table allows loading and unloading on one table while material is processed on the other - with as little as 30 seconds change-over time. Straightforward and safe loading and unloading of the project pieces occur outside the working area.

Formatted as the Löffler 1 MachineTM, it is also a fully automated machine center version that allows wet cutting of stone or solid surface for shops streamlining operations or expanding product offerings. Löffler CNC machines feature high-quality ball rail systems, high-precision ball screws and digital servo drives for the X, Y and Z axes. A fourth axis is available as an option. The tool rack has 44 stations. The units also feature variable-speed electro-spindles and automatic tilting spindles up to 2 degrees for drain board processing.

LBZ Series CNCs are built as modular designs and are supplied to meet specific operational requirements. The highest level of shop automation is available with Löffler Galileo DesignerTM software, making machine parameters such as tool selection, feed speed, tool delivery and in-and-out paths automatically generated. All Löffler equipment works with digital templating systems and template projectors. Löffler equipment is supported by Fabricator’s Choice training programs, ongoing service and support.

Northwood FabCenter FC 138SW
www.northwoodmachine.com

TheNorthwood FabCenter FC138SW was designed to do the work for a bridge saw and edging machine, while also having the ability to shape bump-outs and special shapes as easily as a straight edge. It can also process complex edges as simple as a flat edge.

The FabCenter, built on the SW 138 Stone Router platform, is Northwood’s latest innovation, and it was designed to provide an affordable, yet high-tech solution for smaller shops that process as little as four or five slabs per day.

The overall concept was to allow small shops to join the “digital revolution” and build a kitchen using one machine from start to finish. This technology revolution starts with Northwood custom software, StoneVision. The digital template is imported into StoneVision, allowing for 100% digital operation with no need for mylar templating. When coupled with Slabsmith software, users can digitally lay out and grain-match each slab without leaving the office. Born from technology and lessons learned with the introduction of Northwood’s SawJetTM, the StoneVision software automatically tool-paths the parts to be cut. The cutting process begins with the slab saw, powered by a Fanuc-drive, extreme-duty spindle. All straight edges are cut with the slab saw, and all radius cuts are done with the with the finger bit, providing a complete cutting process. Pods are then placed on the table with the help of the unit’s laser pod and part placement system. Edges are processed and polished in one setup with the proven EDS (Extreme Duty Spindle).

Marmo Machinery USA CTEC 3A
www.marmousa.com

The three-axis CTEC 3A fromMarmo Machinery USAwas engineered as a versatile, easy-to-use, affordable CNC stoneworking center. It is suited for granite shops in North America that process kitchen countertops, sinkholes and tabletops out of marble, granite and other stone materials.

The CTEC 3A is a CNC milling machine with an automatic tool changer for fast and precise processing of granite, marble and other stones. A 20-position tool holder is standard, and the machine uses ISO40 conical tool holders.

Movements of the three axes (X, Y, Z) are on precision linear guides and ball bearing screws. A powerful 7.5-horsepower motor at 6,000 rpms allows deep cuts in the toughest of stones. Oversized workpieces can be machined on the CTEC 3A’s large 144- x 63-inch worktable.

The machine also includes floating vacuum cups that help reduce set-up time. These rapid set-up features intend to reduce set-up time by up to 80%.

At 1,800 mm per minute for edge work, the unit can process a 3- x 8-foot countertop in about an hour and a half, the company reports. In addition, it is versatile enough to sequentially process up to four sink vanities in one set-up, maximizing processing time.

The C-TEC3A operates using 220-volt power. It also uses filtered, reclaimed water throughout, eliminating the need for fresh water.

Ogyu core drilling machines
www.ogyu.co.jp

Ogyusupplies large-scale coring machines that operate both horizontally and vertically. The coring bit, segment chips and all materials and parts are made directly by Ogyu. The horizontal coring machine can core holes on thin slabs (50 mm thickness) in only a few seconds, the company reports.

Meanwhile, the high-power Gantry Vertical coring machine can create large bathtubs out of solid boulders of stone. All of the coring bits produced by Ogyu are equipped with diamond segments attached by a special soldering technique that allows for optimum durability and longevity, enhanced by tall segment chips.

Coring bits with diameters ranging from 50 to 1,600 mm are always available, and smaller or larger bits can be custom made.

Ogyu Verti-1500
www.ogyu.co.jp

The Verti-1500 fromOgyu can profile stone up to 300 mm thick in a manner similar to cutting paper with scissors, the company reports. The Verti-1500 diamond wire saw with optical sensor operates by tracing the edge of a paper template automatically. The stone pattern being created can be two to four times as large as the template, and the unit works without the need of computer operation and servomotors.

The workable space for curve cutting is within a radius of 750 mm from the center of turning table, except within a radius of 150 mm from the center.

Park Industries Titan Digit-AllTM SlabCenter
www.parkindustries.com

Park Industrieshas introduced the new Titan Digit-AllTM SlabCenter, an all-in-one CNC stone fabrication machine for countertop production. The Titan Digit-All allows fabricators to dimension, shape and edge-finish full slabs using just one machine, on one table, with one operator. The machine saves time and labor by eliminating material handling steps on separate machines, the company reports, as there is no need to lift material from one set-up to another.

The Digit-All’s footprint also conserves shop space when compared to dual zone or shuttle table CNC systems, according to Park. With just a few simple steps, fabricators can completely fabricate an entire slab at one station with finger-push part positioning.

The Titan was designed to be fast and easy, as operators can call up programs using a point-and-click method with a bar code reader. An overhead laser projects where the vacuum pods should be placed on the table, with precise accuracy. After the pod placement, the operator starts the sawing cycle. An independently controlled CNC saw dimensions natural stone or quartz material slabs with extraordinary accuracy. After the parts have all been separated on the slab, the edge-finishing program is called up by bar code, and the parts are floated into position by reverse vacuum airflow. One operator can effortlessly guide the common-line cut separated parts to their edge-finishing location using the guidance from the overhead laser. There is no need for a second worktable or a material handling system. The parts are then ready for shaping and edge polishing.

For smaller shops, this concept allows fabricators to produce kitchens with just one machine. For medium to larger shops, the Titan Digit-All CNC SlabCenter gives fabricators the flexibility to route their job flow processes based upon their production schedule. The machine also provides the peace-of-mind to schedule machine maintenance on other machines without impacting a production schedule.

Park Industries Titan 1016
www.parkindustries.com

The Titan 1016 CNC stoneworking center fromPark Industrieswas conceived as a combination of advanced stoneworking technology and high-performance productivity. The integrated base architecture and massive step-up aluminum worktable of the Titan 1016 offers easier table access for maximum part placement in one set-up. The 96- x 192-inch worktable allows for multiple parts to be set up so operators can process many parts (even an entire kitchen) with unattended cycle time.

Users can quickly convert templates into accurate machine code with point-and-click simplicity directly at the machine, due to an on-board laser digitizing system. Alternatively, users can convert and program from the standard electronic DXF files at the control unit with the TouchStone programming system.

The machine can cut at a rate of 2,360 inches per minute, or more, with the 24-horsepower, variable-speed spindle drive system that runs up to 10,000 rpm. An optional 3-horsepower saw blade drive with its own precision slide system is available for complete, programmable 360-degree continuous rotation.

The automatic tool changer was designed to get to the right tool position quickly, and it also washes the tool holders between every change for less wear, less operator intervention and a better grip. There’s also a smart sensor that prevents putting a tool back into a full pocket, and a laser tool management system measures and accommodates for tool wear, prolonging the life of your tools and saving operator set-up time.

The Titan’s HyperdriveTM precision-ground, helical rack-and-pinion drive maximizes tool life and improves cut quality (accurate to .0004 inches in 13 feet of travel). The fast acceleration and deceleration makes for quick tool changes. Plus, the smooth, quiet operation and easy maintenance makes the Titan easier on the operator.

Regent Stone Products Compact CNC workstation
www.regentmachinecorp.com

The Compact CNC workstation fromRegent Machine Corp.is a numerically controlled machining center with three interpolated axes for stone cutting, milling, drilling, polishing, and for manufacturing bath and kitchen countertops. The spindle can be rotated in regard to the Y axis, allowing the execution of inclined surfaces (spindle inclination 5 degrees). The Compact features a PC interfaced with Microsoft Windows 98 or later versions; a color monitor LCD TFT with membrane keyboard, hard disk, floppy disk; software module for managing 256 tools; high-level programming language, expert for CAD/CAM, on-line assistance; and automatic lubrication of the moving parts. Other features include a 12.5-hp main spindle motor, a working area of 130 x 58 inches and a 25-position tool holder.

Regent Stone Products/Scandinvent C4
www.regentmachinecorp.com
www.scandinvent.com

The Scandinvent CnCut C4 is a fully automated CNC machine available from Regent Machine Corp. designed to make accurate cutting out of stone for sinks and cooking tops easy. The machine can not only be used for sink cut-outs, but with 220-mm (8.7-inch) Z-axis travel and oscillating capability, it can cut, polish and engrave monuments and memorials as well as solid stone shower trays.

The C4 features an open gantry with a compact and space-saving design that allows for any size workpiece. The stone is worked “polished side up” to make set-up easier, and a “tilt table” means your stone does not need to be calibrated and helps in the production of drainers and flutes.

The entire process is run from an integrated PC Windows control panel. The user-friendly interface in the computer makes it possible to draw, change and save thousands of drawings and figures at the machine without any knowledge of CNC technique, the company reports.

The machine includes CnCutCam, user-friendly software to make CNC programs of any sink, cooktop or solid stone shower trays. More complex operations are possible with higher CAD/CAM experience levels. The machine has a 15-position tool changer, and a 12.5-horsepower spindle motor that allows for the use of standard CNC finger bits.

Salem Stone/Omag Mill 4X
www.salemstone.com
www.omagspa.it

The Omag Mill 4X, available fromSalem Stone, is a CNC stoneworking center designed specifically for the stone industry. It is designed to yield optimum versatility and flexibility for work on granite, marble and other natural stones as well as compounds. The Mill 4X is ruggedly constructed with a powerful spindle, quality mechanical elements and electronic components as well as ISO50 tool holders to provide maximum profitability on the investment with longer service and life.

In engineering the machine, Omag has integrated simple operation with complex output capabilities. The software package is PC compatible, for use with Omag-customized CAD/CAM programs. The controls have been designed to be easy to learn and simple to operate, making it well-suited for both single-unit production and large-scale manufacturing applications.

Technical Specifications
  • Table Dimensions: 10 feet, 8 inches x 5 feet
  • X axis (transversal): 10 feet, 5 inches
  • Y axis (longitudinal): 8 feet, 2 inches
  • Z axis (vertical): 23.62 inches
  • T axis (tilting): 0 to 28 degrees
  • Spindle Rotation: 0 to 9,000
  • Spindle Power: 11 Kw, 15 hp
  • Installed Power: 26 Kw
  • Tool Storage: 40-ISO50


Thibaut T812
www.thibaut.fr

The T812 is the most compact CNC machining center fromThibaut, and it was designed to comply with needs for space saving and a tight budget. This three- or four-axis machine was designed to concentrate all of Thibaut’s technological advantages in a minimum space.

This new machine, with its reduced dimensions and unusual design, fills specific market requirements. It was engineered as an easy-to-use and innovative CNC workcenter with a touch-screen and lateral door to the tool magazine. The patented front door also makes for easy loading/unloading of pieces.

The tool magazine has space for 32 tools, and the axis strokes are 10.18 x 5.38 x 1.3 feet.

Thibaut T818
www.thibaut.fr

In order to extend its CNC range,Thibaut has made the T818 available with welded structural plinths of approximately 16.4, 26.2 or 39.4 feet. Over 100 machines have been installed in the world in the past 10 years, and the new version of this three- or four-axis machine is now available with a Z stroke of 600 mm (24 inches). The plinth version offers traverse capacities up to approximately 7.22 feet. The T 818 can also be equipped with one or two loading/unloading tables for continuous production. A second row for the magazine can be added, resulting in a total of 90 tool spaces. This machine offers optimal versatility for high production plants.

Thibaut T858
www.thibaut.fr

The T858 is a five-axis CNC machine fromThibaut that can produce complex shapes up to final finishing. Ideal for intricate work, this machine has been engineered for optimal accuracy. Used for machining granite and other types of stone, the T858 can meet a range of challenges in architectural/structural, monumental and countertop production.

With high capacities (11.2 x 6.1 feet) and a Z stroke of 2.7 feet, large-scale jobs can be achieved. The tool magazine can hold up to 47 different tools.

The T858 is available on welded or concrete structural plinths in two lengths - 19.6 and 39.4 feet - with one or two work areas. The new controller includes the very latest generation of software for using five axes.

VIC International Denver Quota Tech
www.vicintl.com

The Denver Quota Tech CNC machining center fromVIC Internationalis a three-axis (optional fourth axis) unit with high-performance components and a 22-position automatic tool changer. Included with the Quota Tech is a CAD/CAM software package that is a simple Windows-based program with graphic symbols for easy operation without the knowledge of the ISO standard machine language. With a uni-body design, the Quota Tech is a heavy-duty CNC with a small footprint. It can mill, drill, cut, profile and polish with optimum accuracy and speed. The Quota Tech has an improved X-axis working length that allows for pieces up to 122 inches long to be processed effectively.

Blick Industries bonded tubing
www.blickindustries.com

CNC Accessories

Bonded tubing from Blick Industries was developed to help fabricators prevent their suction cup tubing from becoming a tangled mess. Two polyurethane tubes bonded together to provide an easy solution to organization. This tubing, coupled with a few Blick Industries tube mats, intends to leave the worktable neat and organized.

Blick Industries universal manifold
www.blickindustries.com

The new universal manifold fromBlick Industries features dual independent vacuum pressure gauges. These will give users the capability to check the vacuum pressure of the top as well as bottom of a suction cup. This high-quality instrument can be adapted to accommodate any CNC machine. The dual chambers allow the ability to turn any line on/off individually, or all of the suction cup tops or bases at once.

Blick Industries core drill supports
www.blickindustries.com

Core drill supports fromBlick Industries intent to prevent blow out when drilling faucet holes on a CNC machine, allowing users to safely core drill all the way through workpieces. The drill supports have a pre-calibrated sacrificial pad that is easily changed by the customer.

Blick Industries pod repair service
www.blickindustries.com

Blick Industriesis also promoting its pod repair service. Users can return used/damaged pods/cups to Blick, and the company will salvage what it can and replace what is necessary to return the items to proper working condition.

Blick Industries Drain Board System
www.blickindustries.com

TheBlick Drain Board System allows users to cut and polish angled surfaces on three-axis machines by inclining the workpiece. Using the machine’s spindle and the special locator tool, the individual suction cups can be placed at exact X, Y and Z locations. This allows surfaces of variable size and inclination to be created with very little setup time and no special dedicated fixturing.

Breton Robocup
www.breton.it

Breton has released its Robocup pod management system initially for its NC260K series of CNC machines. Robocup capitalizes on the 260Ks CNC technology to automate the suction cup placement procedure. This special machine table is configured with a network of suction “nodes” which are patterned to align with suction cups. The cup positions are automatically laid out using the standard included CAD/CAM software. The spindle picks up a special tool stored in the normal tool changer, rapidly moves to a storage rack at the back of the machine, picks up the pod, rotates as necessary and places it precisely in its pre-programmed position.

According to Breton, under normal conditions, the manual process of hand positioning suction cups, connecting hoses and actuating the vacuum depending on the layout can take as little as 15 minutes and as much as 45 minutes or more. The Robocup can perform a full change of 18 pods in less than six minutes.

By normalizing the setup cycle, Robocup facilitates a full range of robotic loading solutions. Breton expects this system will appeal to CNC prospects wishing to maximize daily footage produced by reducing idle time and minimizing manual intervention.

Braxton-Bragg Hercules edge profiler
www.braxton-bragg.com

Edging Machinery

The Hercules edge-profiling machines fromBraxton-Bragg, LLCare available in variable-, double- and single-speed models with an optional hydroplaning or roller system base. All models will quickly and safely mill and shape the edges of slabs of marble, granite or other stone materials in various profiles and thicknesses. They accept virtually all brands of bits and come standard with a 22-mm shaft for the tool holder and 10-mm female thread. Hercules edge-profiling machines come with a six-month warranty, ground fault interrupter and a built-in quick disconnect fitting to attach to the water supply.

Breton Goldenedge CTX/V
www.breton.it

Breton has re-released an updated version of its CNC line polisher, the Goldenedge CTX/V, which is engineered to take advantage of the latest advances in CNC tooling to achieve speeds of upwards of 22 feet per hour of finished CNC quality edge. The operator prepares the work program directly at the machine with an extremely simple CNC control that shows a graphic of the profile to be selected. The tools in the set are confirmed, and the workpiece is simply defined graphically, even when a radius is present.

The Goldenedge CTX/V is capable of full three-axis operations within the 11.8-inch Y axis travel of the machine. This allows full speed finger-bit details and both inside and outside radius, bump-outs and every commercially available CNC tooling profile.

In operating the machine, the user simply places the cut-to-size piece against a mechanical guide. The pneumatic “pressers” are engaged for work-holding and the operator then simply runs the program. This new version of the Goldenedge incorporates an optional straight V-grooving aggregate to execute the V-grooved “box” edges that have become popular in the U.S. This inline machine will appeal to fabrication shops that seek to match CNC quality polishes within the same project or to maximize throughput on their full-size CNC on straight pieces or those that can be seamed after a 3-inch return, with a lower investment and less floor space than a full-size CNC stoneworking center, without the need of a programmer.

Coch LB 32
www.coch.com.ar

The LB 32 from Coch was specially developed to create and polish flat and bullnose edges in any kind of natural and engineered stone. The machine is a single-head machine with manual tool changer, and it was engineered to be fast, strong, heavy duty and easy to use.

The ball bearing linear guides and the new Siemens electric and electronic components allow for optimal precision.

Coch LF 12T
www.coch.com.ar

The LF12T fromCoch is an automatic edge polishing machine that was specially designed for the continuous production of straight, bullnose, half bullnose and beveled edges.

The profiling and polishing operations of the LF12T are carried out in one single automatic operation managed by the PLC. Material is placed on a motorized belt, and goes through a sequence of gauging, pre-shaping, profiling, polishing, beveling and cutting spindles.

Comandulli Omega 100
www.comandulli.it

TheComandulli Omega 100 has two more polishing spindles than the Omega 60, which means that higher processing speeds are possible. The Omega 60 already has documented speeds of 40 linear feet per hour on a 3-cm granite bullnose, according to the company, and the Omega 100 offers more. Additionally, slab thicknesses from 20 to 100 mm can be processed, adding to an already flexible system.

The Omega 100 has a heavy-duty roller conveyor system like the Omega 60. This system ensures no slab slippage and no loss of production. Also, mixed slab thicknesses can be processed without having to change tooling (for flat edges). The section containing the oscillating polishing spindles is actuated by a sealed oil bath mechanism, which is located on each side of the beam and ensures smoother motion and less maintenance, according to the company.

These machines are available in U.S., Canada and Mexico exclusively from Comandulli USA of Houston, TX.

Comandulli Penta
www.comandulli.it

TheComandulli Penta can edge and polish slabs due to its design, which allows for full support of large pieces. This automatic edge polisher is capable of performing all edge finishes needed on granite and marble slabs in the building, furnishings and monumental fields. The machine is capable of gauging and edging, and it can specifically edge and polish flat and beveled profiles rapidly. It is also possible to groove both on the upper and lower sides of the slab.

The Penta has many features that not only ensure a good finish, but reduce the maintenance requirements of the machine, according to the company. These include slab locking by pneumatic pistons, electrical spindle motors and conveyor belts supported by a stainless machine base that ensures no slab slippage and little maintenance.

Comandulli Spira
www.comandulli.it

TheComandulli Spira is an automatic belt edge polishing machine for marble, granite and engineered stone. The machine can create and polish pencil round profiles, flat edges and flat-plus-bevel edges.

The Spira was designed as a simple machine in terms of mechanical components and electrical and electronic equipment as well as its ease of use.

The machine is capable of calibrating (maximum size of 50 mm), polishing of straight edges, upper and lower 45-degree bevels, upper and lower pencil round profiles and lower/upper grooves.

The machine features a conveyor belt driven by a stainless steel plane; pneumatic slab-holding pistons, a control panel with a touch-screen visualized keyboard; main covers in stainless steel; a water-collecting tank with lateral flows; and an electronic system that controls the advancement, rotation and descent of the holding slab piston - only when the slab passes - without any other lever mechanism with sensory device.

Edgemarc Tools Stinger M1
www.edgemarctools.com

The Stinger M1 fromEdgemarc Tools was engineered to create perfect profiles quickly and easily, with optimum durability of the machine. The Stinger M1 was designed with a solid cast body and patented hydro plate, and it runs on a 220-volt, single-phase, 3-horsepower, continuous-duty, American-made motor. The motor features variable speed from 3,000 to 10,000 rpm, the hydro plate is standard equipment, and the machine features a one-year warranty.

Granite City Tool X-Treme Jr.
www.granitecitytool.com

The X-Treme Jr. router fromGranite City Toolfeatures aquaplaning motion, 120-volt, 12-amp power, a 5/8”-11 threaded arbor and full height adjustment. This new design is the first of its kind. It features the Makita 9565CV with lasting power and variable speed from 2,850 to 10,500 rpm. With its extended 5/8”-11 arbor, it can accept standard diamond drum wheels for clean up of sinkholes as well as the oscillating drum system to polish. With an adapter, it will take standard diamond router bits. The aquaplaning bottom intends to give this lightweight machine effortless movement.

International Machine Corp. Octagon
www.internationalmachinecorp.com

The Octagon, available fromInternational Machine Corp.is a highly precise edge shaping and polishing machine designed and built in Italy. The Octagon is constructed with two heads, which solves the problem of shaping and polishing the internal corners of L-shaped kitchen countertops, eliminating the need to turn the slab upside down. The Octagon comes with an easy-to-use touch-screen computer and can process ogee edges.

Keystone Avanti and DaVinci routers
www.keystonetools.com

Keystone Toolsoffers two portable edging machines for different needs: the AvantiTM VS3000 variable-speed (3,500 to 10,000 RPM) router with a 3-hp motor and the fixed-speed (10,000 RPM) DaVinciTM FS10K with a 1.5-hp motor. Advanced features include computerized controls that automatically turn off the motor if the bit jams; easy-to-use spindle height adjustment and lock; and an industrial grade ground fault current interrupter (GFCI). Keystone’s patented Hydroplate glides on .015 inch of water and is standard equipment, making operation and control easy without scratching the surface of the work.

Keystone Tools Flex edge milling machines
www.keystonetools.com

Keystone Toolscarries the Flex LWW1506VR single-handed and the LWW2106VR two-handed edge milling machines for marble and granite slabs up to 1 ¼ inches in thickness.

The units can be used for milling and grinding sinks, kitchen countertops, vanities and tables. The rotating contact ring on the diamond profile tool enables accurate profiles to be made without any aiding constructions, and the machine can be used for both straight and curved edges. (Caution: For safety reasons, this unit should be operated only in conjunction with the GFI operator protection circuit breaker.)

Fabricator’s Choice/Löffler Vario
www.loeffler-mb.com
www.fabchoice.com

Fabricator’s Choiceoffers the Löffler Vario Edge Processor AdvantageTM for high-demand production shops looking for maximum output while maintaining high quality and meeting rigid delivery deadlines, the company reports. Löffler edge processors firmly fix surface materials to the worktable while the polishing head groups travel along the edge so that the workpiece cannot slip or vibrate out of position, thus allowing for optimal results. The Löffler KSL 80 model handles workpiece thicknesses of 80 mm in marble and 40 mm in granite, and it has eight facial grinding/polishing heads, two upper and two lower chamfering heads and one A/S combination unit.

The KSL 100 MG receives granite and marble up to 130 mm thick, has six planetary heads, two upper and two lower chamfering heads plus one PF/EL profile milling and sawing unit precisely controllable from the LCD control panel.

Löffler Vario edge processors can be integrated with Löffler CNC equipment stations via Löffler-designed conveyors to facilitate workflow or can fit into existing equipment systems to improve shop performance. Options include flexible bellows to provide optimal protection on the guide rail and various table extensions designed to a shop’s specific configuration requirements. Product training plus ongoing service and support are provided by Fabricator’s Choice.

Marmo Machinery USA ECO-BL
www.marmousa.com

The ECO-BL fromMarmo Machinery USA is for polishing straight and bullnose edges in marble and granite. This semi-automatic edge polishing machine shapes and polishes marble, granite and ceramics with a bullnose, straight and inclined profile in thicknesses up to 80 mm. It features a user-friendly operating system that ensures a high rate of production at a low cost per lineal foot, the company reports.

The ECO-BL has a carriage that is driven by a system of levers and rods, on which are mounted five shaping/polishing units driven by hydraulic motors. The shaping of the bullnose edges does not require shaped wheels because it is carried out with a common diamond flat wheel. The continuous movement of the abrasive on the shaped edge during polishing allows excellent finishes to be achieved. The carriage can be locked into any position to make inclined edges.

The rotation of the carriage is also accomplished by means of levers and rods, which are driven by a system that employs highly resistant cog belts and a single-gear motor. Meanwhile, the belt’s sliding surface is plated with anti-wear stainless steel. All versions of the ECO-BL feature a self-diagnostic computerized control system. The control and positioning of all moving parts are performed completely automatically by the computerized system.

Marmo Machinery LVP-9 Flatedger
www.marmousa.com

Marmo Machinery USA also offers the LVP-9 Flatedger, which has been engineered to produce perfectly polished flat edges in one pass. It features a high rate of production at a low cost per lineal foot. According to the company, the machine’s small footprint, combined with its high reliability and low cost, make it ideal for granite shops in North America that want high-quality processing of marble, granite, porcelain and engineered stone.

The LVP-9 polishes straight flat-squared marble or granite edges ranging from 1 to 6 cm thick. It also automatically chamfers upper and lower edges if desired.

Production speeds are up to 100 lineal feet per hour, the company reports, and edge processing is continuous. Different pieces can be inserted sequentially and move past a series of mandrels so that they come out completely finished.

Granite and marble slabs are vertically inserted into the LVP-9. Handling slabs vertically not only reduces the possibility of material breakage, it also considerably reduces the floor space and work area requirements, according to Marmo Machinery USA.

The LVP-9 was designed to be easy to operate. The operator simply turns on power to the various polishing heads; the pressure bar is applied to the desired thickness; the workpiece to be polished is loaded; and the pressure of the various polishing heads is adjusted. Finally, the conveyor belt is turned on and adjusted for speed.

Marmo Machinery Maxi-BL
www.marmousa.com

Also for edging,Marmo Machinery USA offers the Maxi-BL, featuring a user-friendly operating system that ensures a high rate of production at a low cost per lineal foot, the company reports. The Maxi-BL can shape and polish marble, granite and ceramics with a bullnose, straight and inclined profile and with a thickness of up to 80 mm.

This machine has a carriage that is driven by a system of levers and rods, on which are mounted six shaping/polishing units driven by hydraulic motors. The shaping of the bullnose edges does not require shaped wheels because it is carried out with a common diamond flat wheel. The continuous movement of the abrasive on the shaped edge during polishing allows excellent finishes to be achieved. The carriage can be locked into any position to make inclined edges.

The rotation of the carriage is accomplished by means of levers and rods driven by an innovative and unique system that employs highly resistant cog belts and a single gear motor. The belt’s sliding surface is plated with anti-wear stainless steel.

All versions feature a self-diagnostic computerized control system. The control and positioning of all moving parts are performed completely automatically by the computerized system. The MAXI-BL is monolithic in shape, sandblasted, painted and oven dried.

Marmo Meccanica LCH-2L
www.marmomeccanica.com

The LCH-2L fromMarmo Meccanicacan work as a common polisher for flat edges on slabs ranging from 1 to 6 cm thick, and it can also realize a V-shaped mill at 90 degrees on slabs up to 2 cm thick in engineered stone or other materials, with a maximum depth of 13.5 cm.

The first step is polishing and edge chamfering plus the V-shape milling at 90 degrees with two mandrels that are adjustable in height and depth - one at the entrance and the other at the exit. These bear two V-shaped diamond wheels, the first one has a rough grain for the pre-cut, and the second one has a fine grain for refining the first cut.

For the second step, outside the machine, the two portions of slab can be glued along the inclined sides of the 45-degree milling. Meanwhile, for the third step, the L-shaped piece can be refined and chamfered by the same machine along the external gluing line, laying the larger portion on the conveyor belt and vertically inserting the smaller portion between the rubber rollers and the abrasives. This way, the lower chamfer can refine the edge.

In the standard version, this edge polisher can be equipped with one incoming calibrating/drip-cut unit, one outgoing shaping/drip-cut unit or both.

Marmo Meccanica LCV series
www.marmomeccanica.com

The LCV fromMarmo Meccanica is a vertical straight continuous belt edge-polishing machine for flat edges from 1 to 6 cm thick in marble, granite or agglomerates. Besides avoiding possible breakage of material, the vertical system reduces machine clutter and the necessary area for the operator, the company reports.

The LCV does not require either a foundation or special inclination for water discharge. It can be simply placed on the ground, and as it is completely streamlined, the discharged water can be easily directed to a point at some distance, by means of a hose connected to a special drain.

This edge polisher is available in four standard models:
  • LCV 711 M : seven polishing heads, two chamfering mandrels at 45 degrees
  • LCV 711 M-SE: seven polishing heads, two chamfering mandrels at 45 degrees, one incoming calibrating/drip-cut unit
  • LCV 711 M-SU: seven polishing heads, two chamfering mandrels at 45 degrees, one outgoing shaping/drip-cut unit
  • LCV 711 M-SE/SU: seven polishing heads, two chamfering mandrels at 45 degrees, one incoming calibrating/drip-cut unit, one outgoing shaping/drip-cut unit.
Other versions are available on request.

Marmo Meccanica LTH series
www.marmomeccanica.com

The LTH fromMarmo Meccanicais a horizontal, rectilinear, continuous-processing, polishing machine for round and flat edges on slabs up to 10 cm thick. The shaping of the rounded edges is carried out with the use of two cup-shaped 150-mm diamond grinding wheels for all curved profiles and thicknesses of the materials used. This feature makes the LTH machine allow for optimum speed and performance, the company reports.

Among its outstanding features, the LTH is equipped with the micro-oscillating of the polishing mandrels, usable either for the flat edges or for flat portions of edges, such as between two rounded corners. It also features automatic positioning of the first and second auto-shaping diamond wheels and electronic action of the pneumatic mandrels.

The standard LTH model is composed of one incoming calibrating/drip-cut mandrel, two chamfering mandrels inclined at 45 degrees (equipped with a mechanical stop) and seven oscillating polishing mandrels for 150-mm wheels (the first two of which are equipped with a mechanical stop for the cup-shaped auto-shaping diamond wheels). New models with the addition of other mandrels can be supplied if requested. <

Marmo Meccanica LTT
www.marmomeccanica.com

The LTT fromMarmo Meccanicais a horizontal, rectilinear, continuous-processing, polishing machine for rounded and flat edges up to 6 cm thick. Among its main features, the machine has a compact design with the rounding operations taking place by means of just one cup-shaped diamond wheel for all radius work. The micro-oscillating facility of the polishing mandrels is usable either for the flat edges or for flat portions of edges, such as between two rounded corners.

The LTT was designed for optimal reliability, due to mechanisms such as an oscillating system that operates by means of levers and connecting rods. The compact length of 3,930 mm, coupled with affordability, are suited for shops looking for standard productivity.

The LTT is equipped with one incoming calibrating/drip-cut mandrel, two chamfering mandrels inclined at 45 degrees (equipped with a mechanical stop) and six oscillating polishing mandrels for 130-mm wheels (the first of which is equipped with a mechanical stop for the cup-shaped, auto-shaping diamond wheel). New models, which derive from the standard LTT 621 model with the addition of other mandrels, can be supplied if requested.

Marmo Meccanica LTV
www.marmomeccanica.com

The LTV fromMarmo Meccanicais a vertical, rectilinear, continuous-processing, polishing machine for rounded and flat edges up to 6 cm thick. Among its main features, the machine has a compact design with the rounding operations taking place by means of just one cup-shaped diamond wheel for all radius work. The micro-oscillating facility of the polishing mandrels is usable either for the flat edges or for flat portions of edges, such as between two rounded corners.

The LTV was designed for optimal reliability, due to mechanisms such as an oscillating system that operates by means of levers and connecting rods. A compact size of 4,100 mm long and 1,300 mm deep, (only 4100 mm length and 1300 mm depth) in combination with an affordability platform, are suited for shops looking for standard productivity.

The LTV is equipped with one incoming calibrating/drip-cut mandrel, two chamfering mandrels inclined at 45 degrees (equipped with a mechanical stop) and six oscillating polishing mandrels for 130-mm wheels (the first of which is equipped with a mechanical stop for the cup-shaped, auto-shaping diamond wheel).

Park Industries Fastback
www.parkindustries.com

ThePark IndustriesFastback flat edge shaping and finishing machine is suited for backsplashes in natural stone and quartz surfacing. The machine’s vertical stone flow-through design is efficient at gauging, polishing, and chamfering, according to Park.

The Fastback can manage material ranging from 1 to 6 cm thick, 16 inches to 12 feet long, and 3 to 30 inches wide (wider stones possible with operator assistance). The unit can produce straight flat edges to a 45-degree chamfer at the top and bottom edge corners up to 1/16 inches, and it can fabricate a 3-cm medium/hard granite with a flat edge (1/16-inch chamfer) at a rate of 12 inches per minute. The spindle oscillating heads are engineered to produce an exceptional overall finish and eliminate any lines.

The 21 spring-loaded, non-marring clamping rollers with manual crank adjustments allow operators to control the pressure on the stone against the conveyor. The powered conveyor is 13 ½ inches wide x 8 feet, 10 inches long, with 7-foot in-feed and discharge conveyors that are engineered with rollers and guide fences that support the material.

The Park Fastback flat edge shaper and polisher offers fabricators optimal finish quality, heavy-duty performance and precision operation. Operators also receive Park’s customer service, including “Next Day or No Pay” parts guarantee and 24-hour troubleshooting customer support, seven days a week.

Regent Splash
www.regentmachinecorp.com

The Splash fromRegent Machine Corp.is a multi-head flat polisher designed for high-production backsplash polishing. It uses a vertical feed, which allows pieces as wide as 48 inches to be processed. The Splash is a compact machine (7.2 feet long x 3.6 feet wide x 4.5 feet high) that has a wide range of applications. It has a 4-horsepower multi-function spindle for the first position that can gauge the thickness of the stone or provide a drip edge. The second position ensures that the edge is flat and honed sufficiently, allowing the five 2-horsepower polishing motors to quickly do their job. All five polishing motors have individual pressure gauges, assuring optimum polish quality, Regent reports. Two beveling wheels at the end of the sequence provide the final touch to the job. The unit is capable of polishing at a rate of 1 foot per minute.

Salem/Monstresor Luna 540
www.salemstone.com

The Luna 540 is the latest model of edge polisher fromMontresor, available from Salem Stone. This innovative small-sized bullnose machine is the product of years of experience and research, culminating in a machine that offers as much versatility and performance as the larger Luna 740, the company reports. At the heart of the Luna 540 is Montresor’s unique polishing head rotation system. According to Salem, this forward-thinking design has greatly simplified this typically complicated area by eliminating the majority of expensive moving parts.

Technical Specifications
  • Overall dimensions: 13 feet, 8 inches x 6 feet, 5 inches (4,160 x 1,920 mm)
  • Useful working length: Limitless
  • Useful working width: 7 inches to 17 feet, 4 inches (180 to 2,200 mm)
  • Useful working thickness: 15 to 40 mm (bullnose); 10 to 40 mm (straight edge)
  • Production speed per minute:  6 to 78 inches (150 to 2,000 mm)
  • Total power (kW/Hp) 20 kW/27 horsepower
  • Maximum water consumption: 80 liters/minute
  • Maximum air consumption: 100 liters/minute
  • Weight: 8,140 pounds (3,700 kg)


Regent Machine Corp./Scandinvent Edgetec 3500
www.regentmachinecorp.com

The Scandinvent Edgetec 3500, available fromRegent Machine Corp., intends to increase the production and quality of straight-edge profiling and polishing without breaking the budget. Designed specifically for the natural and engineered stone countertop fabricator, this machine is extremely versatile, yet has a compact size of 15 x 5 x 5 feet.

Standard features include: a touch-screen control panel that comes pre-programmed with eight standard edges and the capacity to store and save up to five customized programs per edge with a working thickness of ¾ inch to 4 inches; a seamless eight-position rapid automatic tool changer; heavy rollers to quickly and easily load and unload workpieces; a state-of-the-art vacuum table to secure job pieces to the workbench; and a water-secure, 3-horsepower hydraulic spindle motor affixed to a precision heavy-duty C frame. This machine was engineered to produce up to 400 feet of flat edge or 130 feet of full bullnose per shift. Users can enhance the performance of the machine by adding the optional quick-attach system for narrow backsplash jobs and the extra side tables to accommodate the widest job pieces. The Edgetec 3500 is professionally installed and serviced by the factory-trained technicians at Regent Machine Corp. directly from its East and West Coast service centers.

Technical Specifications
  • Spindle power: 3 horsepower
  • Maximum workable length: 11.66 feet
  • Thickness range: 3/8 to 4 inches
  • Automatic tool changer: 8 positions
  • Height of worktable: 38 inches
  • Dimensions:181.6 inches (length) x 56 inches (depth) x 53.6 inches (height)


VIC International/Denver Quasar Tech C Ring
www.vicintl.com

The Denver Quasar Tech C-Ring automatic edge machine fromVIC International is engineered with rigid uni-body construction to withstand the rigors of long hours of use. This automatic, multi-profile, single-head edge polisher offers a superior polished profiled edge on any type of granite, marble and engineered stone.

This highly productive machine features the patented Proportional Control Pressure (PCP), which maintains consistent polishing pressure along the whole profile and is well suited for thinner or more delicate pieces. This allows the Quasar Tech to produce profiles with an optimal level of quality. It can also process a wide variety of profiles and flat edges, and it will even make the initial cut on an ogee edge.

Breton Levibreton One
www.breton.it

Surface Polishing

Born fromBreton’s extensive background in developing the Levibreton KG and KLG series of slab polishing solutions for our slab producers, the company has developed a new machine to bring these capabilities to the smaller fabricator or localized suppliers.

Breton’s new Levibreton One is a single-head bridge polishing and texturing system designed specifically for lower-volume slab processors or the mid- to high-volume fabrication shop to expand their product offerings to include antiqued, honed and other specialty finishes to customers in virtually any material.

The machine is capable of texturing, polishing or re-polishing full slabs up to 138 x 86 inches as well as individual cut-to-size pieces via a simple mechanical location system.

Driven by a rigid cast iron-housed, 19-horsepower spindle, which rides along a cast iron bridge, the 17.7-inch-diameter oscillating head for granite will accept a set of six tilting “brick”-style abrasive segments, which can be manually changed according to the desired effect. Other head styles are also available.

The Levibreton One is equipped with a very simple PLC control, which allows the user to easily define size and location of the material and then select one of five polishing patterns. This machine is expected to appeal to those shops who wish to have better variety and availability of finishes for their customers or who might wish to outsource this capability.

Granite City Tool S-9
www.granitecitytool.com

The S-9 fromGranite City Toolwas designed as a lightweight, versatile, pneumatic water polisher for marble, granite and concrete. The unit is small enough to polish tight curved corners and sink cut-outs. Features include a metal-encased body, high-performance bearings, dispersed center waterfeed to cover the entire polishing area and an air control valve for variable speed up to 4,500 RPM. The package includes a side handle, water hose, oil, wrench and backer head. The 3.3-pound machine’s air usage is 16 cfm at 90 psi, and it features a 4-inch grinding wheel size with a 5/8”-11 spindle.

Ogyu diamond wheel polisher
www.ogyu.co.jp

Ogyu supplies multiple versions of its diamond wheel polisher, including a gantry slab surface polisher, a slab side face polisher and others. The company also supplies the diamond polishing wheels for this equipment.

The P7G gantry slab polisher is equipped with an automatic grit exchange, automatic sensing for different thicknesses of slabs and automatic pressure regulation. Ogyu reports that the machine can quickly achieve a high-gloss polish through rotary turning of seven kinds of polishing wheels, and it can process workpieces with five different thicknesses automatically. A simple manual polishing machine is also available.

Pedrini Galaxy B220
www.pedrini.it

ThePedrini Galaxy B220 automatic slab polishing machine for marble or granite has been reinforced with exclusive technology that achieves a high production speed with reduced costs for consumables and maintenance. Such results stem from its capacity to process slabs up to 2200 mm wide with a beam speed up to 60 meters per minute. The PC-controlled touch-screen color monitor and “Field Bus” data transmission system are in place to make the machine easy to use and reliable in performance.

The transversal movement of the beam is driven by an extensively tested “gearless” transmission that works into protected dry housings inside the bridges. This moves the beam smoothly and maintenance free, and it does not harm the mobile beam with additional weight.

The polishing heads are operated by Pedrini’s patented direct-drive rotor spindles that work without transmission belts. The rotor spindles are further equipped with an easy-to-use individual device for precise centering to the processing plane that provides the best operating conditions for the abrasives - with minimal tool consumption and high processing quality. The machine’s automation is managed through soft logic on the Windows NT operational system.

Through a simple interface, the operator controls and programs all functions, including minimal lift of the heads upon outlet of the slabs and quick head lowers as slabs enter the line - all while keeping the working pressure unchanged.

Pedrini Resinline
www.pedrini.it

Resinline is the range of plants manufactured byPedrini for the resin treatment of marble and granite. This process improves a material’s mechanical and aesthetic features and allows a company to commercialize dull and inhomogeneous ones that are not otherwise useable in their natural condition. Resinline plants are customized to perform various production speeds, ranging from six to 60 cycles per hour. The structure of the trays provides them optimum positioning, which is particularly needed when crossing seams are present on transported elements. Vertical movements are performed through lifts that move at high speed along four columns. Loading and unloading operations are performed manually or through automatic suction robots. PC-controlled tables allow the slabs to be turned over for application of a reinforcement net when required as well as for book-matching and block reconstruction. All ovens (driers) are equipped with a pipe system that distributes the air on stones upper and lower surfaces, which allows for uniform treatment with maximum energy savings. A manual pump with robotic controls provides for the resin application.

Plants for processing particularly brittle stones are equipped with a station for application of the reinforcement netting, and with a vacuum chamber where depression allows the air bubbles to quickly exit the material, thus improving resin penetration.

Thibaut T508
www.thibaut.fr

The T508 texturingTM machine fromThibaut offers automatic tool changing. It allows users to offer personalized finishing for customers without having to depend on outside suppliers. The T508 produces a range of patterns, including diamonds, waves and lines in various finishes, such as polished, antique, brushed, bushhammered and honed.

This compact monoblock machine was engineered to be easy to use and quickly installed. It features a working capacity of 3,500 x 2,200 mm, and it has a magazine with 10 tool spaces. With the T 508, users can combine different finishes, depending on customer requests, and they can also develop new finishes.

Thibaut T500
www.thibaut.fr

The T500 calibrating and surfacing center fromThibaut is for processing slabs or other pieces in granite, marble, engineered stone and other materials. It can work stone in various thicknesses due to its 300-mm (11.81-inch) vertical stroke.

The T500 is available in two distinct sizes - 7.21 feet and 10.40 feet, and it was conceived as a simple solution to offer a texturing service to customers. Finishes for custom slabs can include bushhammered, antiqued, brushed, honed and others.

The machine can also be used for concrete panels, polishing of petrified wood, calibrating and many other uses. It is also possible to polish convex or concave surfaces, as well as odd-shaped pieces (round tables, etc).

Thibaut T500
www.thibaut.fr

The Denver Vision automatic bridge polishing machine fromVIC Internationalprovides polishing, texturing or honing on all types of stone. According to the company, consistency is provided by PLC-controlled functions, such as the four automatic cycles and variable-speed movements (simultaneous) in the X and Y axes. A remote pendant control with joystick allows processing of non-rectangular components. Linear guides with re-circulating bearing blocks add to the level of precision.


Breton Combicut
www.breton.it

Waterjet Technology

Breton’s waterjet/bridge combination - “Combicut” - is in its fourth year of production since its initial release in late 2005, and the company reports that the machine has established itself as a mainstay in its extensive saw product line.

The Combicut combines a U.S.-made KMT 60,000-psi waterjet system with its well-established CNC bridgesaw, using photographic layout technology and software first released in early 2005. Breton’s concept to combine the high speed, efficiency and lower cost operation of a bridge saw for straight cuts, with the flexibility of a waterjet for radius and other more complex-shaped work has proven to become quite popular globally.

Key design features of the Combicut are its massive dual-supported bridge structure, Breton’s cast iron-housed, 23-horsepower spindle and the innovative “Combicam” software, which employs extremely simple layout tools, automatic tool pathing and automatic nesting. The machine is UL certified and is configured with a full enclosure as recommended by OSHA, thus providing superior sound and flying debris protection for the owner’s staff.

Combicut is offered either as a single standalone machine or with a unique automatic worktop exchanger, which eliminates the need for multiple tanks and related maintenance. It also allows the loading and unloading of projects completely outside the work zone of the machine and automates the photography process. The machine design allows for fully automatic slab loading and unloading operations.

Combicut was intended to appeal to fabrication shops that require capacity for complex shapes and desire to produce a high volume of complete cut pieces with minimal hand router or CNC work.

Marmo Machinery USA CNC waterjet
www.marmousa.com

Marmo Machinery USA offers a CNC waterjet machine that is capable of cutting complex granite and marble countertops in a single pass. The CNC waterjet cuts at 11.8 inches per minute in marble and granite up to 4.7 inches thick. These cuts are made by high-pressure water mixed with garnet, requiring no tools to change or stock. Electronic metering provides the correct mixture of abrasive and water for optimum machine cutting performance.

Cuts require approximately 1 gallon per minute of recycled water with optimal accuracy and no diamond tooling. All movements are precisely controlled by a user-friendly CNC. The machine has a welded steel frame and working table dimensions of 10.5 x 6.5 feet, capable of handling a load with maximum dimensions of 9.8 x 5.2 feet. Linear guideways provide axis movement and are powered by precision ball bearing screws.

Other specifications include a weight of 6,834 pounds, a 50-horsepower pump motor and 220/380-volt, 50/60 HZ electrical power requirements.

MC Machinery Systems, Inc./Mitsubishi waterjet
www.mitsubishi-world.com

MC Machinery Systems, Inc.has introduced the second generation of its newest product line, the Mitsubishi waterjet. The original waterjet line helped broaden Mitsubishi’s supply chain, delivering more manufacturing solutions to Mitsubishi customers. Building on this successful launch, the next generation will deliver technology upgrades and will be designed for even more performance and reliability.

Beginning in early 2009, all Mitsubishi waterjets will be manufactured in America. The company reports that the new Mitsubishi waterjet facility, located in Wixom, MI, will help control costs, allowing these machines to be more competitively priced. Additionally, the close proximity to Mitsubishi’s corporate headquarters in Chicago, IL, will ensure better quality control and provide the ability to make faster upgrades and modifications to machine design.

The Mitsubishi 700 Series CNC control delivers advanced programming capabilities for high-precision machining and optimal productivity. The unit is controlled on a 15-inch waterproof screen, with improved graphics and NC design to simplify operation.

New features and benefits
  • New machine base design with 22-inch I-beam construction
  • 40-mm NSK ball screws
  • Stainless steel work tank is completely isolated from machine frame
  • More rugged and accurate new bridge design
  • Pump control completely incorporated into the NC cabinet
  • New crash protection that works on the X, Y and Z axes
  • Auto grease system for ball screw lubrication
  • New worktable design, where slates are located by slots, but the height is set by a solid indicated flat bar
  • Redesigned ITC (Intelligent Taper Control) is more accurate and robust, with focus tube length of 76 mm
  • New HMI (Human Machine Interface) allows for easier use of the control graphics


Park Industries FusionTM 4000 and 4200
www.parkindustries.com

Mitsubishi reports that it is focused on providing responsive service and support. In addition to the 20 North American locations and more than 100 service employees, the Web site’s service and support section allows users to navigate electronic part and product information or solicit technical support via the Internet.

The FusionTM 4000 CNC saw/waterjet is designed and manufactured with a smaller footprint. This design allows table access from the front or the side, resulting in much more efficient material flow and greater machine productivity, according toPark Industries.

The Fusion’s dynamic CNC duo results in faster cuts, lower production and labor costs and greater uptime. One sawing head does double duty. The saw makes fast, straight cuts, and the waterjet cuts complex curves with precision. The diamond blade cuts up to 180 inches per minute, while the waterjet cuts up to 17 inches per minute.

The easy touch-screen interface for the Siemens 840Di CNC control unit intends to make the Fusion easy to operate. Users simply position the material and scan a bar code, and the machine begins fabricating.

The Fusion 4000 includes Park’s exclusive HyperDriveTM System, featuring dual, digitally synchronized servo motors that drive precision-ground helical gears flawlessly across a hardened rack-and-pinion system. In addition, the Nested Base Stone FabricationTM utilizes common line cutting strategy, which intends to reduce fabrication time and increase stone yield by nearly 10%. Meanwhile, the KerfPathTM Cutting Cycle blends the cuts between the saw and waterjet for significant labor, machine and consumable savings during down-stream production, Park reports.

A dual-tank option is available. The Fusion 4200 has the same power and features of the Fusion 4000, and a second table allows fabricators to load the stone for maximum machine productivity.