Representing some of the latest slab processing capabilities, Rossi Graniti of Ardenno, Sondrino, Italy, has invested in a new slab polishing line that has been engineered to run with an optimum level of automation and efficiency.

The new Rossi plant is equipped for granite processing, and the centerpiece of the machinery is a Pedrini Galaxy B220GV polishing line, which has 14 polishing heads. The machine features “gearless” engineering for smooth and fast movement of the beam. Additionally, the rotor spindles have an individual centering system and a fixed device for water delivery to the tools and activating the heads. The Pedrini polishing heads have seven swinging sectors to maximize processing efficiency. All steps of the process are controlled by an advanced software program.

Even though the polishing line has only 14 processing heads, which is below the traditional standard for granite slab polishing, the machine works at a belt speed of 80 cm (31.5 inches) per minute on granite slabs averaging 170 cm (67 inches) wide. This has allowed Rossi Graniti to make a fast return on its investment, with solid quality and profitability, the company reports.

And due to a high level of automation, manpower requirements for the new slab processing line are minimal. In fact, the slab loading/unloading robots allow Galaxy B220GV to be controlled by a single part-time operator.