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Marble Crafters of Trainer, PA, has made several investments in new technology, including a Destiny CNC stoneworking center from Park Industries.
As one of the first large-scale production shops in the U.S., Marble Crafters of Trainer, PA, has maintained its success despite increased competition in the marketplace over the past decade. Located in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, it has upgraded its fabrication shop with new equipment and technology, and it also opened a new showroom earlier this year.
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The shop is carefully laid out so that the workpieces move smoothly from the layout area to the saws to the CNC machine. Material is handled with an overhead crane as well as jib cranes, which are equipped with vacuum lifters.
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Sawing is completed on two bridge saws, including a Park Yukon, which has touch-screen computer controls.
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Before slabs are processed, the dimensions of the work to be processed are physically laid out on the slabs with tape - or electronically - so the company can determine the exact veining and patterning of the finished piece before cutting begins.
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A Marmo Meccanica LCV 711 M is used for polishing backsplashes.
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A Flow waterjet is also used for cutting intricate floor patterns.
Technology investments
Recently, the company has upgraded its machinery options, and its equipment now includes a Destiny CNC stoneworking center from Park Industries, a 20-horsepower machine that can hold 25 tools. The unit operates with Siemens CNC control technology, and it also features dial-up remote diagnostics and service connectivity.![](/SW/2006/09/Files/Images/SW0906_Marble007.jpg)
Despite the investments in new technology, having a staff of skilled craftsmen is key for Marble Crafters because the work they complete is not standard.
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Marble Crafters recently opened a new showroom, which was organized to be user friendly so customers can make material selections in an environment that is not overwhelming.
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The showroom space has a broad range of vignettes to show off their ability to fabricate stone for “Estate Homes.â€
The shop is carefully laid out so that the workpieces move smoothly from the layout area to the saws to the CNC machine. Material is handled with an overhead crane as well as jib cranes, which are equipped with vacuum lifters.
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Kitchens fabricated by the company range from standard sizes to large-scale projects.
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Waterjet-cut floor patterns are also a specialty of the company.
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With work that spans from the Philadelphia metropolitan area to sites around the country, Marble Crafters has invested in digital templating technology from ETemplate System. After templating the kitchen with ETemplate, ETemplate's BackPlot technology integrates the profile of the countertop back into the photo, so that the fabricators can ensure that it is a proper fit and design.
Sidebar: Electronic templating methods
With work that spans from the Philadelphia metropolitan area to sites around the country, Marble Crafters has invested in digital templating technology from ETemplate System. This unique system helps avoid possible errors and also ensures that customer expectations are met.![](/SW/2006/09/Files/Images/SW0906_Marble-sidebar002.jpg)
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