GranQuartz, a leading distributor of supplies, tools and equipment used in the fabrication and maintenance of hard surfaces for residential, commercial and industrial end-markets, has developed a comprehensive CNC program together with vendor partners ADI and Zoller for offline productivity solutions for CNC customers.

Ultra-compact surfaces have been gradually making their way into the market and now are becoming a popular choice for a range of residential and commercial designs. Whether it is being used for cladding or outdoor kitchens, these products have carved a niche out for themselves.

Manufacturers of fabrication machinery continue to research and develop new equipment to satisfy the needs of fabricators. As technology continues to advance it leads to innovative stoneworking machinery that results in better efficiency and less labor in the shop.

The newest addition to the Braxton-Bragg Viper® brand is the Venom™ premium line of blades, created with new technology specifically to cut quartzite. This addition makes the Viper line a complete offering for fabricating all hard surfaces.

Braxton-Bragg is the preferred national supplier for Emmedue Marble & Granite Machinery, and is one of only two suppliers in the U.S.

Waterjetting isn’t new to stone fabrication, though it is still not the norm. Due to being quick, accurate and safe, waterjets are starting to be featured more in stone shops working in the custom architectural and design fields.

Technology continually is evolving to keep up with customer demands. In addition to improving upon CNC tooling and accessories that are already available for cutting natural stone and quartz surfacing, manufacturers are now developing new products for cutting alternative hard surfaces such as compact sintered stone and porcelain slabs.

Established in 1996 by master stone sculptors Amy Brier and Frank Young, the Indiana Limestone Symposium is founded on the Greek model of gathering for discussion and celebration and continues the tradition of sculpture symposia that is common in Europe and Asia.

OSHA and NIOSH have identified exposure to silica as a health hazard to workers involved in finishing and installing natural and manufactured stone countertop products, both in fabrication shops and during in-home finishing/installation.