Digital Technology .taxonomy-header__description{ width: 675px !important; max-width: 100% !important; }

Image courtesy of: Fani Kurti (iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Explore how digital technology is transforming the stone and tile fabrication industry. From automation and software solutions to digital templating and CNC machinery, discover the tools and innovations driving greater efficiency, precision, and business success.]]> https://www.stoneworld.com/rss/3022-digital-technology en-us 5 Amazing AI Tools and Ideas That Every Stone Countertop Shop Can Implement rich@thryvein.ai (Rich Katzmann) Many of the most useful AI tools in our industry can be built and used by owners, sales leaders and managers with only a working understanding of how modern AI tools behave.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95629 Wed, 06 May 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95629-5-amazing-ai-tools-and-ideas-that-every-stone-countertop-shop-can-implement Learn Why Precise Measuring Leads to a Successful Install Sal Romero of Laser Products Industries demonstrated the capabilities of the LT-2D3D Laser Templator at a recent Stone Industry Education event.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95587 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95587-learn-why-precise-measuring-leads-to-a-successful-install AI Talk Is Everywhere -- Where Does a Countertop Fabricator Begin? rich@thryvein.ai (Rich Katzmann) The real question is not whether artificial intelligence matters to fabricators. It is where to begin in a way that produces measurable financial results.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95539 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95539-ai-talk-is-everywhere-where-does-a-countertop-fabricator-begin Why We Started Talking About AI (And Why You Should Too) Members of The Rockheads Group having started to turn to AI to enhance various areas of their fabrication business -- learn how it has benefitted them.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95099 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/95099-why-we-started-talking-about-ai-and-why-you-should-too The Leica iCON: An AI-Powered Digital Templating System A digital templating solution combining laser technology and a wireless measuring pen.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94899 Mon, 07 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94899-the-leica-icon-an-ai-powered-digital-templating-system TISE 2025 Product Preview A roundup of some of the latest product introductions that will be on display at the 2025 event.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94530 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94530-tise-2025-product-preview SlabVision Vertical Slab Scanner from Park Industries The ultimate slab capture tool for stone fabricators.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94294 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94294-slabvision-vertical-slab-scanner-from-park-industries The Javelin™ CNC Sawjet Offers Small Footprint and Large Work Envelope The Javelin showcases how digital CNC technology is revolutionizing shop operations by boosting efficiency and precision, allowing fabricators to elevate their processes.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94271 Wed, 23 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94271-the-javelin-cnc-sawjet-from-park-industries-is-the-only-sawjet-that-hits-every-target Updated SRWall 5 Design Software Available Through Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) has released newly updated SRWall 5 Design Software -- the first new release for the software in 15 years.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94023 Fri, 19 Jul 2024 11:15:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/94023-updated-srwall-5-design-software-available-through-concrete-masonry-and-hardscapes-association Fifth Gear Technologies Receives Disruptor Award at StonExpo 2024 Fifth Gear Technologies honored with Disruptor Award at StonExpo 2024 for SPEEDtemplate.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93666 Mon, 29 Jan 2024 14:36:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93666-fifth-gear-technologies-receives-disruptor-award-at-stonexpo-2024 TISE Product Preview 2024 A showcase of the several product introductions that will be on display at The International Surface Event 2024.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93629 Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93629-tise-product-preview-2024 Digital Templating with Ted Allen kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) Where do you start as a fabricator? With a CNC? With a templating machine or something else?

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93458 Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93458-digital-templating-with-ted-allen Quartz Installation Sets New World Record richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) Celtic Marble & Granite experienced a part of history by templating and installing the longest permanent continuous bar of 518 feet at Humble Baron Bar in Shelbyville, TN – setting a new record for the Guinness World Records.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93091 Wed, 26 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93091-stone-installation-sets-new-world-record SW 0423 Humble Baron Bar 01 Celtic Marble & Granite of Murfreesboro, TN, template and installed the longest permanent continuous bar in the world by Guinness World Records at Humble Baron Bar, which is located at Nearest Green Distillery. | Photos of courtesy of Celtic Marble & Granite SW 0423 Humble Baron Bar 02 Liberty Black quartz from Daltile was chosen for its dramatic marble design and classic black-and-white color combination, as well as its ability to provide durability, hygienic benefits and consistency required for an application such as this. SW 0423 Humble Baron Bar 03 The bar measures 518 feet long with 17 stations and 202 seats. SW 0423 Humble Baron Bar 04 The job would not have been easy to do without LPI’s LT-2D3D digital templator with Raptor software, according to Joe Upshaw, general manager of Celtic Marble & Granite. SW 0423 Humble Baron Bar 05 Templating was completed in five days. SW 0423 Humble Baron Bar 06 “The Humble Baron Bar was a very special project to get to be a part of,” said Upshaw. “If it wasn’t for our good partnership with Daltile Nashville -- Corey Napper (right) and Jon Evans (left) played a huge part in making this happen -- I don’t know that this would have all happened as quickly as it did.” Podcast: Technology to Help Your Business kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) The Importance of Technology for all fabrication shops.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93080 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/93080-podcast-technology-to-help-your-business Video: Transitioning to a Digital Stone Shop Blake Christensen of Valley View Granite discusses the process of becoming a digital shop

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92654 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92654-video-transitioning-to-a-digital-stone-shop Podcast: Talking with Rich Katzmann Rich Katzmann discusses his journey from Laser Products to the Rockheads Group and the future plans of the group. 


]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92311 Mon, 04 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92311-podcast-talking-with-rich-katzmann Podcast: One-on-one with Stone Profits kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) Stone World magazine had the chance to talk to Stone Profits about resources to help the digital side of the business.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92099 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/92099-podcast-one-on-one-with-stone-profits Stone Profit logo Technology Update: CounterGo and Systemize from Moraware http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91797 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91797-technology-update-countergo-and-systemize-from-moraware 2021 Fabrication Technology http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91728 Mon, 01 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91728-fabrication-technology-baca-pure-filtration-system Automation and digital software in your shop richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91725 Mon, 01 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91725-automation-and-digital-software-in-your-shop Stone Summit, presented by Stone World and the Natural Stone Institute A recent Stone Summit, presented by Stone World and the Natural Stone Institute, and sponsored by Triton Stone Group, held a panel discussion about automation and digital software, which can assist in growing a fabrication business. software and managerial processes A portion of the two-part event focused on software and managerial processes. Hikmet Pauls of Marjan Stone in San Diego, CA “Go step by step,” Hikmet Pauls of Marjan Stone in San Diego, CA told viewers. “Don’t over jump. I purchased a robotic sawjet and a CNC. I did it within six months.” Technology Update: LT-2D3D Laser Templator Widely recognized as one of the most user-friendly digital templating software in the industry, LPI’s Laser Templator combines an intuitive interface with robust editing and integration capabilities. Text-based instructions allow users to quickly template digitally without the need for CAD experience.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91535 Tue, 08 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91535-technology-update-lt-2d3d-laser-templator Working as a freelance templator kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) Stone World had the opportunity to talk to a couple freelance templators to understand how their business works. We spoke with Sam Azimi of Dinozio Design Digital Survey, located in Toronto, Canada, and Rodney McCurdy of Redline Templates located in Denver, CO.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91451 Wed, 15 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91451-working-as-a-freelance-templator Rodney McCurdy of Redline Templates “In 2014, an old friend called one day and said, ‘You need to try out this digital templating thing,” said Rodney McCurdy. “Once I was introduced to it, I never looked back. I templated solely for one company for a couple of years, but after having my own company once before, It was hard not being able to control my day-to-day activities that I had become accustomed to, and decided it was time to start RedLine Templates.” Photo Credit: Rodney McCurdy of Redline Templates located in Denver, CO Working as a freelance templator “I work with a few dedicated shops and am consistently building new relationships with other fabricators,” said McCurdy. “I strive to look for new opportunities to measure the most difficult applications instead of just countertops.” Flexijet “I can do so while using the Flexijet, as I feel it is the most capable machine on the market, and it allows me to look for more specialized shops not only in Colorado, but the entire U.S,” said McCurdy. Pricing changes for the level of difficulty No contracts with anyone yet. I measure everything based upon square feet with certain minimums. Pricing changes for the level of difficulty and the amount of CAD that is required. Stoneworking technology fuels growth kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91443 Mon, 06 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91443-stoneworking-technology-fuels-growth Alpha & Omega Stone Brown believes that technology is also what differentiates Alpha & Omega Stone compared to other fabricators in the area. The International Surfaces Event (TISE) in Las Vegas, NV After joining together, Arrabito and Brown went to The International Surfaces Event (TISE) in Las Vegas, NV, that year to purchase the latest machinery. Saber and Fastback from Park Industries The company currently has the Saber and Fastback from Park Industries, a LT-2D3D from Laser Products in Romeoville, IL, and receives the majority of its tooling from Stone Boss, located in Fair Lawn, NJ. templating Arrabito does the templating for the company, while they have one two-man install crew, two polishers and a sawyer. 56-Alpha05.jpg Seconds matter: The cumulative impact of robotics on the countertop industry http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91390 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91390-seconds-matter-the-cumulative-impact-of-robotics-on-the-countertop-industry state-of-the-art machine development Technological advances have led to state-of-the-art machine development, including robots, which are pick and place machines and excel at repetitive motion work. robotic sawjet’s out-of-cut speed A robotic sawjet’s out-of-cut speed is typically faster than that of a bridge-style sawjet. waterjet cutting It is important to understand the cutting capabilities of the machine, as well as the costs associated with waterjet cutting — most notably the cost of consumables and slower processing speeds. Going fully automated in stone fabrication kameryj@bnpmedia.com (Jason Kamery) http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91389 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91389-going-fully-automated-in-stone-fabrication Egon Hinss, national sales manager of Breton USA Stone fabrication automation is the new hand grinder “The world is changing and finding skillful and reliable employees to work in the stone environment is getting harder and harder every year,” said Egon Hinss, national sales manager for Breton USA. “Also, the workforce is changing. People are more tech savvy. You can almost say automation is the new hand grinder.” Automate sawing process with Genya or Smart-Cut “Whenever we get this question, we ask, ‘What are your needs and goals?’” said Hinss. “And we evaluate that. To generalize the first step most fabricators make is to get a saw and automate their sawing process. You want to look for something that’s similar to our Genya or Smart-Cut.” Automation is definitely not for everyone “Automation is definitely not for everyone,” said Hinss. “In order to do it properly, you need a detailed study of what your business is and what your market is.” Fabricating Technology 2020: Tooling & Accessories http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91177 Mon, 03 Feb 2020 17:54:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91177-fabricating-technology-2020-tooling-accessories Machine of the Month: Brembana Formax BT by CMS Brembana Formax BT is the state-of-the-art automated high-production sawing line that is available in the stone market today. This line begins with a tilting table to receive the slabs to be processed.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91159 Tue, 21 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91159-machine-of-the-month-brembana-formax-bt-by-cms Machine of the month: Emmedue Astra 5 Axis Plus Bridge Saw Braxton-Bragg is the preferred national supplier for Emmedue Marble & Granite Machinery, and is one of only two suppliers in the U.S.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91076 Mon, 18 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91076-machine-of-the-month-emmedue-astra-5-axis-plus-bridge-saw CMS opens showroom for stone fabrication machinery technology richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) After much preparation, CMS recently opened its new showroom in Caledonia, MI, and held a grand opening to introduce the new display area to its customers at the end of the summer.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91052 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/91052-cms-opens-showroom-for-stone-fabrication-machinery-technology CMS showroom area for machine demonstrations CMS opened a showroom at its North American headquarters in Caledonia, MI, which includes a 13,000-square-foot area for machine demonstrations. new conference for webinars Overlooking the display area is a new conference room where the company plans to hold webinars. CMS spare parts storage CMS’s new space also allows it to store numerous spare parts. Galloy & Van Etten: A century-long commitment to quality richinellij@bnpmedia.com (Jennifer Richinelli) My favorite thing to say about us is: ‘We are not the best stone company in Chicago because we are the oldest. We are the oldest, because we are the best,’” said Tom Van Etten, when speaking about his family owned business Galloy & Van Etten, which was started in 1899.

]]> http://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90960 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.stoneworld.com/articles/90960-galloy-van-etten-a-century-long-commitment-to-quality Galloy & Van Etten of Chicago, IL Galloy & Van Etten of Chicago, IL, has been fabricating custom limestone pieces since it was founded by the present owners’ great-grandfather, Abram Van Etten, in 1899. skilled team of craftsman The company’s focus on quality is enforced by maintaining a skilled team of craftsman in its shops. Block saws Block saws are in place to cut the stone blocks down into smaller pieces. Intricate details on the limestone Intricate details on the limestone pieces are finished with hand tools. Galloy & Van Etten’s reputation for producing quality stone products Galloy & Van Etten’s reputation for producing quality stone products reaches well beyond Chicago, as the company does work for projects nationwide. Park Industries Infinity CNC machine The recent purchase of a Park Industries Infinity CNC machine has allowed the company to dramatically improve production time on radial work. the shop can be working on up to 25 projects at one time Depending on the size and complexity of the job, the shop can be working on up to 25 projects at one time during a month. Residential projects in the Chicago area Residential projects in the Chicago area comprises a portion of the company’s work. Until 1957, Galloy & Van Etten solely cut Indiana limestone Until 1957, Galloy & Van Etten solely cut Indiana limestone. The company still uses the five original planers in its shop today. 28-SW0919_VanEtten09b.jpg