The following is a look at some of the latest advancements in stone fabricating machinery. For more information on any of these items, circle the corresponding “Circle Number” for any product on the Reader Service Card attached to this issue.
(Editor’s note: Part II of our Fabricating Technology Roundup - focusing on handling and storage, tooling and accessories, software/electronic templating and diversified shop products such as air and water treatment systems - will appear in the February 2007 issue ofStone World.)
Sawing/Cutting
AccuGlideStone Saws are engineered to deliver fast, smooth and accurate cuts up to 6 cm deep and up to 11 feet, 1 inch in length. Built for heavy production use in the shop or on the job, AccuGlide Saws have been industry proven workhorses for the past 10 years, the company reports. AccuGlide’s unique track-to-stone calibration system provides a cut setup time of just seconds, without guesswork, according to the manufacturer, and no clamps or suction cups are needed. The patented precision tracking system harnesses the power of more than a 3-hp-equivelant gear reduction motor with an oil bath, and then tracks the blade with optimum precision.With the MiterMaster and VersaTable accessory, an AccuGlide operator can quickly transform his slab production saw into a mitering, quirk-mitering and beveling saw for shop or site work. The rigid design of the MiterMaster ensures high quality clean cuts, minimizing polishing on bevel and miter profiles, the company reports.
Circle No. 315
TheAGMMastercut CNC saw was designed to introduce smaller fabrication shops to large-scale automation. The Mastercut is fully automated and uses a CAD/CAM system to write and store programs. The Mastercut also increases productivity because of its highly automated nature; it is programmed similar to a CNC router and uses a CAD/CAM system to locate and optimize cuts on slabs.
Mastercut is a combination of innovation and reliability specifically designed for fabricators who look to automation and technology to get a competitive advantage. This competitive advantage is built on being able to produce and reproduce cuts accurately, and on slab optimization that will allow users to achieve cost savings. The Mastercut also uses a camera system, which helps operators to optimize cuts and material, saving time and money. For special cuts and small quantities, the saw can also be operated in manual mode.
The Mastercut derives another unique advantage, since it can be connected seamlessly with other machines - such as waterjets and routers. This is because the Mastercut uses the same CAD/CAM system as AGM’s CNC routers and AGM’s Masterjet machines. One CAD/CAM system simplifies operator training and increases capacity utilization of all machinery, therefore leading to further cost savings.
Technical Specifications
- Horsepower: 20 hp
- Level of Automation: Fully automatic - 4-axis, CNC controlled
- Machine Size: 16.4 x 8.9 feet
- Control Description: CNC Osai Series 10 controller
- Turntable Description: By head of machine
- Blade Size: 400 mm
- Production Rate: Up to 5m/min.
Circle No. 314
The BD-3624 bridge saw fromBarranca Diamondhas powder-coated, heavy-gauge steel and die-cast aluminum components for exceptional strength and corrosion resistance. Sealed, maintenance-free carriage bearings travel on a precision-ground stainless-steel guide rail to insure smooth, accurate tracking and precise cuts up to 36 inches. This saw has an easy-to-use tilting head for accurate 45-degree miter cuts up to 1 ½ inches deep and plunge cut capability for scoring or cutting large tile. The blade guard on the BD-3624 can accommodate profile wheels up to 10 inches in diameter.
Circle No. 313
The Multiwire Gold 60 fromBideseimpiantihas been designed to cut slabs of stone with high output levels. Its engineering comes from many years of experience in building various models of diamond wires and research and development in tools. Although the unit is quite small, it reaches high productivity figures with low labor requirements, the company reports. It also cuts slabs with a high level of smoothness, which allows for a decrease in polishing time.
Circle No. 312
Braxton-Bragg Corp.offers the Achilli MBS 3000-CE, which has long been a constant among the stone industry’s most reliable bridge saws, the company reports. The Italian manufacturer, Achilli, recently celebrated its 56th anniversary in business.
Braxton-Bragg, the North American distributor for Achilli, announced two new optional features available with the purchase of a new MBS 3000-CE. The first new option is a front-loading, hydraulic-powered tilt table that measures a full 8 feet, 4 inches across and tilts to an 80-degree angle for easy loading and unloading, with 36 fixed rollers to facilitate positioning the slab onto the worktable surface.
The second new feature is a wireless pendant control, available as an option on both the MBS and ABS models. The wireless pendant control allows the fabricator to position the cutting head at a closer vantage point, allowing more accurate cuts, without the typical cumbersome and heavy electrical cord, according to the company. The machine can also be stopped from the wireless pendant control.
Circle No. 311
The Antea fromCMS North America/Brembanais a one-of-a-kind automatic bridge saw for processing slabs. The machine is designed to cut shapes from imported DXF files. The saw’s onboard software turns the DXF into cutting instructions. Optional equipment includes a tilting table and “PaSS,” the Photo and Slab System.
Circle No. 310
Diamond Techdescribes its Diamond Laser 5000 as being able to cut through glass, tile, stone and porcelain with ease, speed and comfort. The key is its three-wheel system, according to the company. The top wheel assembly pivots on a separate bearing with suppressors controlling its motion. By absorbing more vibration, the saw is capable of extremely effective blade-material contact. Accurate adjustments can be made using the blade-tensioning knob that is directly connected to the top wheel assembly.
Precision cutting is accomplished with a 61.5-inch, diamond-coated steel blade. The saw also 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, as it weighs just 55 pounds and has its own carrying handle. The ½-hp, variable-speed motor enables the user to cut through glass, granite and anything in between.
Circle No. 309
Designed for the shop setting, theDiamond TechDL7000 is a ¾-hp wet band saw that makes precision cuts through natural stone, porcelain, glass and ceramic tile. It can also handle slab materials up to 1 ½ inches thick.
Its durable metal construction stands up to heavy shop use, according to Diamond Tech. Easy-to-use adjustments allow installers to cut quickly, and the machine’s large two-wheel design creates a 13-inch throat depth for deep diagonal cuts. The DL7000 includes an instructional manual, toll-free technical support and a one-year warranty.
Circle No. 308
Fabricator’s Choiceoffers theLöfflerTB series of digitally automated bridge saws. Their design is recognized worldwide for precise engineering and durable construction, according to the company. The unit features motorized blade tilt from 0 to 90 degrees, and a modular design allows users to customize the Löffler equipment with 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. Löffler bridge saws also feature automatic cut sequencing, a programmable turntable with thread control, step-cutting at angles from 0 to 45 degrees, and two-dimensional profiling capability plus milling and drilling. Dimensional workpieces can be processed with the TB Series saws, which are seamlessly connected to the most modern electronic controls available. Additionally, Löffler’s digital networking links to office PC-based programs for complete management and job control. All Löffler equipment works readily with any digital templating system like PhotoTop or with overhead template projectors such as LaserTop. Product training along with ongoing service and support are provided by countertop production specialists at Fabricator’s Choice.
Circle No. 307
The Fab Saw SS fromGranite City Toolis a rail saw designed for stoneworkers that want a deeper cutting saw. The Fab Saw SS takes a 14-inch blade and is capable of cutting 2 ¾ inches deep. The height adjustment allows for full plunge cuts. The motor is positioned higher than the saw arbor to achieve the 2 ¾-inch cutting depth that was not possible with the previous model. The motor is 2 hp, 120 volts and 1,725 rpm with a built-in GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter). The blade flange is 6 ½ inches in diameter to reduce blade flex and minimize blade noise. The saws arbor is 60 mm to accept most 14-inch blades. Standard water fittings and flex hoses are included, and the saw weighs 83 pounds.
The new innovative rails are a captured guide system that firmly holds the saw and will not allow it to rise up from the tracks during the cut, Granite City Tool reports. It comes with three 6 ½-foot rail sections that can all interlock together.
Options for the Fab Saw SS include a variable-speed, power-feed motor for hands-free operation. A vacuum/float rail-clamping device is also available, which will “float” on the stone, and when in position, the vacuum will secure rail to the stone.
Circle No. 306
The Turbo 525 bridge saw - available fromInternational Machine Corp. (IMC)- features a European design, exclusively and specifically produced for IMC with the fabricator in mind. The 525 is extremely versatile for small to large facilities, and it operates with optimum cutting speed and accuracy, the company reports.
Technical Specifications
- Main Motor: 20 hp, direct-drive, 220v 60Hz
- Blade Capacity: 525 mm (20 inches)
- Maximum Sawing Depth: 80 mm (5.2 inches)
- Rise and Fall: 400 mm (6 inches) (motor-driven)
- Saw Travel: On a precise "V" guide
- Cutting length and width: 149.5 x 149.5 inches
- Powered Gantry: variable speed
- Powered Cross Travel: variable speed
Features
- Blade miter of 0 to 90 degrees
- Laser sighting system
- Movable remote control panel arm
- Automatic program system
- Tilting hydraulic turntable
- Two-speed motor for marble and granite
- Electro water valve
- Six steel columns for rail support
Circle No. 305
International Machine Corp. (IMC)also offers theLevi Tunisi546 bridge saw, which is designed with Italian craftsmanship for optimum reliability and efficiency. The bridge saw is compact and engineered for ease of use, making it well suited for small and medium workshops, the company reports.
Technical Specifications
- X-axis cutting stroke (useful): 140 inches
- Bridge movement (Y axis): 136 inches
- Vertical stroke (Z axis): 14 inches
- Maximum disc diameter: 20 inches
- Disc hole diameter: 2 inches
- Maximum cutting height: 7.6 inches
- Disc motor power: 20 hp
- Head gear motor power: 1 hp
- Bridge gear motor power: 0.5 hp
- Slide for step cut gear motor power: 0.75 hp
- Total power: 23 hp
- Table dimensions: 132 x 72 inches
- Machine dimensions: 212 x 168 x 98 inches
- Total weight: 8,818 pounds
Features
- Programmable cutting inclined step cut up to 45 degrees
- Blade miter of 0 to 90 degrees
- Tilting turntable with 0- to 45- and 90-degree precision blockage
- Variable speed gantry and cross travel
- Electro water valve
- Optional laser
Circle No. 304
Another bridge saw option fromInternational Machine Corp. (IMC)is theZonato500 bridge saw, which was constructed for reliability and precision output. The 500 is suited for small to large fabrication shops, according to the company, and it processes marble and granite slabs with optimum efficiency.
Technical Specifications
- Main Motor: 20 hp, direct-drive, 220v 60Hz
- Blade Capacity: 525 mm (20 inches)
- Maximum Sawing Depth: 80 mm (5.2 inches)
- Rise and Fall: 400 mm (6 inches) (motor-driven)
- Saw Travel: On a precise "V" guide
- Cutting length and width: 149.5 x 149.5 inches
- Powered Gantry: variable speed
- Powered Cross Travel: Variable Speed
Features
- Blade miter of 0 to 90 degrees
- Laser sighting system
- Movable remote control panel arm
- Automatic program system
- Tilting hydraulic turntable
- Two-speed motor for marble and granite
- Electro water valve
- Six steel columns for rail support
Circle No. 303
Komohas introduced its new Meridian bridge saw. Designed to complement the Summit Stone Machining Center, the Meridian is built in the same tradition of the company’s other machines. It was designed for high quality and high speed to increase a company’s productivity. The Meridian is designed to handle all sizes of slabs. It can be run in manual, automatic and MDI operational modes. Common cut cycles can be saved as programs to make for ease of use.
Circle No. 302
Marmo Machinery USAoffers theMarmo MeccanicaHTO-Garbi bridge saw, capable of performing precision cutting of marble and granite. The HTO-Garbi is a medium-duty bridge saw featuring motorized bridge movement, a rotating table and adjustable cutting and movement speed.
Marmo Machinery USA’s new bridge saw is constructed of heavy metal with a single beam bridge. The table measures 118.19 X 63 inches, and it can be manually rotated and pneumatically locked in any position - in addition to the fixed positions of 0, 45 and 90 degrees. Bridge movement is on cylindrical rollers contained in a covered oil bath. All saw functions on the HTO-Garbi are incorporated in a swing arm control panel.
The HTO-Garbi’s blade diameter can range from 13.79 to 19.70 inches. Adjustable cutting and movement speeds are accomplished by means of an inverter. Longitudinal guides, combined with a ribbed belt transmission, provide a high-precision, fluid cut.
Other machine specifications include a 10-hp motor, a water requirement of 3.96 gpm, and a weight of 5,732 pounds.
Circle No. 301
Marmo Machinery USA’s Marmo MeccanicaHTO-1B is a fully automatic bridge saw engineered for quickly and accurately cutting granite and marble slabs. The HTO-1B is made with a double-beam bridge and oversized steel construction. Bridge movement is on cylindrical rollers contained in oiled guides. Rack-and-pinion gearing with helicoidal teeth ensure smooth movements.
The bridge saw is programmable, which allows the operator to program its movement in manual, semi-automatic and automatic cutting mode. It can program up to 792 different cuts for maximum flexibility. The controls are easily understood and simple to operate.
A 20-hp motor provides cutting speeds of approximately 120 lineal feet of 3-cm (1.18-inch) material per hour. The motor is connected directly to the cutting blade without the use of V belts, which allows the HTO-1B’s motor to obtain the characteristics of a 25-hp, belt-driven motor, the company reports.
The unit’s cutting blade head can tilt from 0 to 90 degrees, and each HTO-1B is equipped with a hydraulic tilting table to assist loading slabs on the cutting surface, greatly reducing manpower requirements and potential injuries to shop personnel.
The unit is equipped with a rotating table lockable at any angle position. The table is easily rotated, and the angle shot indicator displays the angle at which the table is being rotated through.
The bridge saw is built for U.S. power standards of 230 v. 60 Hz.
Circle No. 301
The Sebring bridge saw fromMatrix Stone Productsis constructed using the highest grade components, such as a powerful 20-hp, direct-drive Italian motor, precision ground saw bridge, German-made laser, amperage meter for maximum cutting efficiency and direct-drive, DC-Electric motors with fingertip speed control for all drive motions. The heavy-duty rotary saw table features four positive position stop locks for accurate angle cutting and the “Any Angle Position Lock” for easy angle set-up. Additionally, remote control pendant, digital read-out and electric water control valve makes operation convenient for the operator.
Circle No. 300
ThePark IndustriesPredator II was designed to provide precision and high production capabilities. Powered by a 40-hp motor, the Predator II’s arbor drive can use 48-, 60- or 64-inch-diameter diamond blades. With a rise-and-lower speed up to 90 inches per minute, a crosstravel speed up to 40 feet per minute and a gantry speed of up to 40 feet per minute, this high-production saw is designed to cut stone up to 24 inches thick.
The Predator II’s simple touch-screen interface allows operators to do unattended operations with extraordinary ease and precision. No previous computer control or software experience is needed, as the control takes the operator through set-ups and cutting cycles faster than manual processes, Park reports.
Circle No. 299
Park Industrieshas also introduced the Yukon® II stone dimensioning saw. The saw features enhanced machine controls, a bilingual language option, improved saw cutting speed and accuracy, and diagnostic screen capabilities, the company reports.
In terms of machine controls, 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 20-hp arbor-drive electric motor powers diamond blades up to 24 inches in diameter. In addition, the 1-hp cross-travel motor allows for a rapid traverse rate of 1 to 50 feet per minute. In addition, a laser saw blade alignment indicator also 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.
Circle No. 298
Pedrinimanufactures multiple bridge saws with various capabilities for different applications and fabrication shops, available fromIGE Solutions Inc.The base models are the M920 and M940, but each of these come with many options. All the Pedrini saws are highly advanced, precision machinery with heavy-duty cast iron construction. They are designed for maximum flexibility, as well as reliability and long life. Some models are equipped with CNC controls and are easily programmed by color touch-screen monitors. Some machines use an electro-spindle, which is appropriate for machining with shaping tools, and some models serve as a lathe to manufacture columns. Step cutting is possible in 0- to 90-degree tilting positions. Also, these machines are designed with a high resistance to cross stresses, so they are excellent for “spatula-cutting” applications. All of the Pedrini bridge saws are available in North America exclusively from IGE Solutions, Inc., which provides all service, support, training, spare parts, supplies, tooling, etc. for the equipment provided.
Circle No. 297
ThePedriniM960TG twisting head NC bridge saw was built with a cast iron bridge for manufacturing and shaping building stone products such as furnishings and funerary art in any material. All movements are driven through brushless motors, and the NC is managed through an industrial PC that allows for simple automatic-cycle programming through a touch-screen color monitor.
The large and strong trolley assembly provides the 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 with the head tilted in any position; and the “spatula-cutting” system.
The tool head has 0- to 90-degree tilting capacity, with automatic locking in any position. It can rotate on its vertical axis from –15 to +365 degrees, and it can house an independent electro-spindle for vertical-axis shaping tools.
The machine’s PC controls up to seven axes and performs the linear interpolation of the X, Y and Z axes as well as the circular interpolation of two axes.
With a stationary workpiece, the M960TG performs square and angular cuts as well as electro-spindle shaping operations through the rapid interpolation of the 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 by dividing them in many small interpolated linear segments, including the interpolation of C axis, to magnify the range products in the three-dimensional shaping field.
Circle No. 296
ThePedriniArco di Trionfo M594-M596 granite cutting centers operate on stationary granite blocks with a mounting capacity of 54 and 80 vertical discs. Material is cut into strips up to 650 mm wide with a thickness ranging from 10 to 80 mm. This is suitable for a wide range of products, including modular tiles, flooring, pavers, kitchen countertops and vanity tops.
The M594 works on granite blocks that are lined 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.
M594 and M596 Arco di Trionfo cutting centers by Pedrini are currently operating at plants in Europe, Asia and South America.
Circle No. 295
ThePedriniGS131 gangsaw, which can be equipped with 80 and 100 blades, has a fixed-height blade holder and a lifting block-holding platform available with front or side block trolley entry.
The unit has been engineered for optimum quality, sturdiness and reliability. The motion transmission from motor to flywheel is performed through a sole flat belt that can be replaced very easily without disassembling the supports.
The straight cutting stroke is guided through special maintenance-free articulated units that rotate onto conical roller bearings, thus causing rolling friction only. Additionally, the block-holding platform vertical stroke is driven through four lead nuts that have been located onto the structure’s upper side - away from water splash and synchronized through solid connecting shafts.
Circle No. 294
The Diamantfil diamond wire saw fromPellegrini Meccanicais composed of a stiff metallic structure with a box section beam and tubular columns - each with two “V” guides. The machine can carry flywheels with diameters of 2,000 or 2,5000 mm. The machine is characterized by the following exclusive features, which are designed to maximize wire life, cutting precision and operator safety:
- The "Top" version has an inverter to adapt the wire speed to the type of stone to be cut.
- The basic machine has a fixed wire speed, set for the material to be cut.
- The switchboard is separate from the machine, and includes a number of safety devices which stop the plant at the end of each cut. Issues such as a lack of water, low oil pressure or wire breakage are signaled by LEDs on the control panel.
- The unit has electronic drop speed control and a 5.5 Kw motor that allows fast lift with forced ventilation.
- The machine uses only two large flywheels (diameter 2,000 or 2,500 mm), thus reducing wire fatigue and allowing the wire to rotate on its own axis during cutting. This in turn prevents the diamond beads from developing an oval shape due to uneven wear.
- Diamond wire tensioning uses one of the two flywheels, which travels 800 mm on a slide due to a hydraulic piston. This prevents localized stress on the diamond wire and allows the wire to be shortened if accidentally broken.
Circle No. 293
Designed for fast and flexible production, thePellegrini MeccanicaPolywire 32 allows users to cut 32 slabs at one time, giving it the production of three granite gangsaws, the company reports. The block size can be up to 350 cm in length (11 ½ feet) x 210 cm in height (6 ½ feet). The variable diamond wire speed 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.
In warmer climates, the machine can be installed outdoors, eliminating the need to create a building for the unit. Foundations are also lower in cost, as plants only need to make sure the block carriages are under a gantry crane of adequate capacity.
Additionally, the diamond wire cutting results in clean slabs that polish quickly and easily, Pellegrini reports, and the machine offers a quick turnaround time between blocks.
Circle No. 292
Pellegrini Meccanica’s Pentawire 2/5 series of diamond wire saws can cut from two up to five slabs of marble or granite at the same time. Dimensions of the blocks can be as large as 3.5 meters long x 2.1 meters high. This family of machines is a combination of the larger Pellegrini “Polywire” series of multi-wire saws and the Pellegrini DF stationary single-wire series.
It features the patented “Multi-Pull®” electro-hydraulic tension system, which ensures the same tension in each wire, even if they are different in length. The wire drive and tensioning units both use a set of independent flywheels made of aircraft-grade Peraluman aluminum, ensuring high strength and a light weight, while the large 235-cm-diameter flywheels ensure wire long life.
The precision block carriage is able to handle up to 40-ton blocks (60 tons by request), and the unit also features precision rails for the block carriage. This, combined with the high quality of the tension system and strong frame, allow a slab cut tolerance of +/- 1 mm, according to Pellegrini. As such, they can be directly moved to the polishing or resin unit. The wire speed is adjustable from 0 to 40 meters per second using an inverter. The compact format of the machine and the reduced need of a foundation allows for easy installation, even where space is limited.
Circle No. 291
The Express 3200 fromRegent Machine Corp.is designed specifically for the stone countertop fabricator and comes with a range of standard 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-hp motor with hand-held remote control. The Z axis tilts to plunge cut 45 degrees, with a motorized hydraulic tilting table that automatically turns to 45 and 90 degrees and features a digital readout of its 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.
Circle No. 290
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-hp 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.
Circle No. 289
TheGMMRotex 39, available in North America fromSalem Stone, was designed to address the need for high-speed, high-accuracy applications such as automated production lines and complex interior work 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 and to greatly increase cutting accuracy, Salem reports.
In a fully automatic setting, jobs can be staged on a conveyor and quickly moved into position, automatically cut and moved to the next operation, one after the other. One-off and custom jobs are performed just as quickly.
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.
Cuts from CAD allows for fast and accurate transfer of template drawings as DXF files via a LAN network. Slab-Cam utilizes an overhead camera to display a real time image of the slab positioned on the table. It interfaces with the Cut from CAD system to retrieve templates. The templates are simply “dragged and dropped” to be viewed superimposed over the actual slab. Utilizing a touch-screen, the template can be positioned anywhere on the slab to include or exclude features from a particular area of the workpiece. Once the template is positioned, the Rotex will automatically cut the shape.
To further enhance the Rotex’s efficiency, the Slab-Cam incorporates an Optimization Package. This Optimization Package can automatically “nest” or arrange the individual pieces of the job to minimize the number of cuts and to reduce costly waste.
Salem Stone maintains and services all of its lines from its 50,000-square-foot facility in North Carolina.
Circle No. 288
The Bear Claw saw fromSawing Systems Inc. (SSI)is new and loaded with patent-applied innovations. It replaces the company’s 521 model and can be equipped with a 72-inch blade and 75+ horsepower. Axial speeds are more than four times faster, which allows the unit to spend more time cutting and less time moving. For example, the 30-inch Z axis traverses in about 2 seconds. Linear ways are rust-proof, hardened and ground steel shafting, which is clamped (not drilled or bolted) for longer life. Rollers have a “Gothic Arch” profile for precise, easy rolling and exceptional dirt resistance. A double reduction drive delivers high torque to the blade for optimum cutting speed. The Bear Claw can be equipped with SSI’s exclusive Force Control system, which ensures optimum blade performance, the fastest cuts possible and crash protection from careless operators. Other options include a tilting arbor or the low-maintenance Long Belt Drive System. A 5th axis and CNC control are available for cutting in any direction. Sawing Systems will also consider custom modifications to suit particular applications.
Circle No. 287
Sawing Systems’Duplex Thin Stone Veneer Saw provides dual independently operated heads mounted over dual independently operated conveyors to provide essentially two production systems in one machine. Users set the conveyor speed on one side to process smaller stones and the other to cut through larger pieces with each at its appropriate conveyor speed for maximum output.
The wood slat conveyor provides a rugged cutting surface that will hold the workpiece securely, according to Sawing Systems, and the slats are reversible for double life and can be replaced quickly and cheaply.
Corners can be processed in two passes by dialing up the spindle height. Stone up to 13 inches tall can be processed in one pass with a 36-inch blade. Thanks to blade raise-and- lowering capacity of 24 inches, flats up to 26 inches tall and corners up to 27 ½ inches can be processed with the same 36-inch blade with two passes.
The Duplex TSV incorporates Sawing Systems’ proprietary Bear Claw force control technology. This technology allows the operator to dial in the maximum force that the conveyor can feed stone into the blade without the fear of “crashing” the saw.
Circle No. 286
TeCo Macchineintroduced the Model SF25 bridge saw - available from Sierra Tools & Abrasive - in 2003. This latest addition to its stable of precision machines was designed specifically for the American market. Like all TeCo saws, the SF25 features a dual beam, oil bath and V-groove slide design. This design was conceived to provide precise cutting with no adjustments or wear parts for operator concern or adjustment.
The cutting motor is a 220-volt, 3-phase, heavy-duty, 20-hp unit with an optimal 1,450 rpm. The maximum blade capacity is 20 inches, and the machine has a 12-inch rise and fall (X axis). All movements on the X, Y and Z axes are motorized and variable. The manual head tilt provides a full 90-degree travel, which enables miter cuts, slotting and profiling. The cut length is 10 feet, 5 inches, and the gantry travel from front to rear is 12 feet.
The heavy-duty turntable has positive mechanical locks at 45 and 90 degrees and a brake to lock the table at any degree required. The SF25 is equipped with an automatic water valve, remote cable control and cut-marking laser.
Circle No. 285
Simec S.p.A.produces a wide range of two-column blockcutters for limestone, sandstone, soapstone and bluestone, in versions with vertical discs ranging from 2 to 32. The NT2 2M features discs measuring up to 1,600 mm in diameter, complete with an automatic strip-unloading system. The structure has two fixed uprights with very high rigidity to guarantee greater freedom from vibrations, high precision cutting and the ability to exploit all the power of the main motor. The NT2 2Super is structurally sturdier and is distinguished by the higher power installed both on the vertical cutting spindle and on the horizontal spindle. The NT2 10MG offers the possibility to install as many as 10 discs on the vertical spindle and can also be used to cut granite. The NT2 32 is a full-fledged cutting center with extremely high productivity. It also features a double spindle-holder bridge for simultaneous and separate horizontal and vertical cutting of the strips. All machines can be equipped with automatic unloaders to minimize operator intervention.
Circle No. 284
Simec S.p.A.recently renewed its range of River bridge sawing machines, expanding their functions. All the new models are characterized by the use of guide rails with recycling balls in an oil bath to move the cutting spindles, which ensures high accuracy and reliability over time, the company reports. Additionally, variation of the spindle rpm is controlled with an inverter-controlled motor, and the movement of the axes is also controlled by inverter-controlled motors.
The entry level model of the range, River 625, is a compact, versatile sawing machine which can be equipped with discs up to 625 mm in diameter, and has a manually tilting cutting head which can be set at any angle from 0 to 90 degrees. It also has a manually rotating table capable of a full revolution from 0 to 360 degrees.
The River 800 and River 1000 are mainly distinguished by the maximum diameter of the cutting discs applicable, 800 and 1,000 mm respectively. Both machines are equipped with a motor-driven spindle that can be automatically tilted from 0 to 50 degrees, for step cutting or with full passage. They also feature an automatically revolving table with 0- to 360-degree rotation.
Circle No. 283
Sommer & Maca’snew Tri-Axe Warrior II bridge saw features a hydraulic worktable that tilts to 85 degrees for easy loading and unloading. The tilting cutting head is belt-driven by a 15-hp motor. The hydraulic worktable also rotates 360 degrees with eight preset positions, and it locks at any angle for accurate cross cutting. Laser guides allow for precise set-up, and computerized digital controls make repeat cuts easy and fast, according to the company.
The machine can be erected on concrete piers or optional metal legs.
Circle No. 282
The Manta 300 Special bridge saw fromSommer & Macais suited for large and small fabrication shops. The plywood bench surface is equipped with a lifting system that allows multi-directional positioning of slabs, and 90- through 45-degree angle cuts are possible on any kind of stone material. Motorized head movements simplify step cutting, and an electronic speed-control system, adjustable by the operator, controls longitudinal head movements.
Circle No. 281
The Manta LX aluminum bridge saw fromSommer & Macahas a light aluminum structure that typically weighs 25 to 30% less than similar steel saws, the company reports. Standard equipment includes folding legs, transport handles and floor rollers for easy movement. The saw head uses linear bearing guides riding on chrome-plated steel slides. The depth of cut is adjusted by a hand wheel, and the saw head tilts up to 45 degrees and holds up to a 14-inch blade.
Circle No. 281
The Thibaut TC 04 - available in North America fromEuroStone Machine- is supplied both as a standard bridge saw and as a numerically controlled saw with rotating head. A U-shaped and rigid monoblock structure and sturdy design provides fast cutting rates, according to the company, and simple, menu-driven screen commands make operation easy, yet flexible. A camera and related software permits the operator to nest workpieces on-screen in order to get the greatest yield from the slab, while also streamlining production.
The TC 04 NC can also be integrated into the “Thibaut Optimized Production Solution” (TOPS) with other equipment for fast-track production and much reduced labor, Thibaut reports.
While one workpiece is being sawn, another is being prepared in front of the saw table via camera with click-and-drag layout. Meanwhile, at the exit table, off-cuts are removed and cut pieces forwarded on downstream.
The full range of Thibaut machines is backed by 27 years of after-sales support in the U.S.
Circle No. 280
The Denver Skema Logic fromVIC Internationalis a monolithic-structure bridge saw series available in very conventional configurations to fill the needs of most basic fabrication operations. It is built with high-precision components and has control options that will introduce CNC sawing technology to those who see that need. The design of the Skema Logic was conceived to offer a machine with a small footprint that will cut large slabs with complex layouts.
According to the company, the standard cutting requirements in countertop applications only need the 0- to 90-degree rotating saw head and pop-up rollers in the table. Squared and rectangular cuts are performed, along with normal angles. Upgrades are available in both hardware and software to achieve multi-directional cutting automatically - including angles. Some of these upgrades would include 0- to 80-degree automated head movement and interpolated axis controls. All these configurations would virtually negate the requirement of a turntable, the company reports, and a hydraulic tilt table can be supplied for ease of loading and unloading.
Circle No. 279
The Denver Unika fromVIC Internationalis designed and built to cut slabs of marble, granite and other stones to the highest level of precision. The bridge is made of heavy-duty steel to ensure accurate cuts and to eliminate vibration. The motor carriage is gear driven and utilizes linear bearings, which assures precision. Independent forward-and-reverse speed controls maximize productivity. The head tilts up to 45 degrees for bevel cuts, and the rugged construction of the saw allows step cutting at any degree up to 45, according to the company. The rotating worktable has fixed stops every 45 degrees, and a movable control panel allows the operator complete access either at the rotating table or the workstation. Pendant control is also standard.
Circle No. 278
Waterjet Technology
The new Masterjet 3600 series waterjet cutting systems fromAdvanced Industrial Machinery (AIM)- available fromAGM- were developed specifically for the stone industry. A heavy industrial cantilever design allows loading from three sides and above. All motion platforms ride on oversized, preloaded permanently lubricated linear bearings and are driven by brushless AC servomotors through ultra-low backlash gearboxes with helical rack-and-pinion. All axes are enclosed by heavy industrial bellows-type way covers.The 50-hp intensifier is large enough for the most demanding jobs, according to the company, which added that this intensifier has a low stroke rate of 23 strokes per minute. Slower strokes and a large attenuator mean less fatigue and longer life for all high-pressure components. A large 800-pound hopper holds enough garnet for a full shift of continuous operation, and it is equipped with a low level alarm that sounds when there is two to three hours of garnet left. An adjustable mini-hopper mounted on the cutting head insures the right amount of garnet for all cutting conditions.
Custom tooling and cutting routines that set tool standoff precisely and consistently make operation simple, even for inexperienced workers, according to the company. Five-inch-tall stainless steel slats in the oversized tank support the largest slabs available. One-inch slats and waterjet brick are included for cutting small fine artwork.
A garnet removal system - complete with self-dumping hopper on casters - removes excess garnet and kerf material.
Circle No. 277
The MasterJetSaw fromAdvanced Industrial Machinery (AIM)- available fromAGM- has high reliability and uses proven technology, according to the company, which adds that it is also simple to program and operate and is easy to maintain.
The MasterJetSaw incorporates the top features of the MasterCut stone saw and the MasterJet waterjet to produce a stone cutting system with optimum performance, power, precision and productivity. The company reports that at a recent trade show, technicians finished cutting rectangular vanity tops - complete with corner radiuses and sink cutouts - in less than five minutes. Additionally, vanities with ogee fronts and oval sinks were completed in less than 10 minutes.
The JetSaw eliminates the need for routing, which provides up to 25% of CNC edge finishing time. Optional shuttle transfer tables help to eliminate downtime by loading and unloading offline while the MasterJetSaw continues production.
Like the MasterCut, the MasterJetSaw is fully automated and uses a CAD/CAM system to write and store programs.
The unit also increases productivity because of its highly automated nature; it is programmed similar to a CNC router and uses a CAD/CAM system to locate and optimize cuts to be done by both the waterjet and the sawing heads.
The Mastercut also uses a camera system, which helps operators to optimize cuts and material.
Circle No. 276
In the area of waterjet accessories,Barton Mines Co., LLCis a part of The Barton Group of companies and has been in business for over 130 years. The company mines and markets garnet for sandblasting, abrasive waterjet cutting and other applications. The company is a world leader in waterjet abrasives, and the hard rock abrasive is produced from its mine located in North Creek, NY.
Barton Mines also offers a wide variety of waterjet machine parts. These include high-precision cutting heads, nozzles and orifices.
Circle No. 275
TheBideseimpiantiwaterjet cutting machinery was designed for optimum quality and reliability, the company reports. The “Water Power” model utilizes technology that can cut any stone material with or without abrasives. It also features a cutting bench that has been engineered to offer reliability, precision and production flexibility.
Circle No. 274
A revolutionary system is now available fromBretonfor cut-to-size operations on marble, granite and engineered stone. The new Combicut DJ/NC500 combines the speed of a regular saw with the flexibility and capability of a waterjet. In fact, with the Combicut DJ/NC500 it will be possible to execute all of the straight cuts with the blade while the corners can be finished with the waterjet. The Combicut DJ/NC500, already patented by Breton, will minimize the waste of material by eliminating the overcuts, with lower operating costs, the company reports. A user-friendly, Windows-based interface allows the operator to import DXF drawings, to optimally locate the desired pieces within the available slab, program the cutting operation and record the technical characteristics of the material to be processed. This feature allows the user to make use of the current cutting speed and feed data for future use within similar material. The sink geometry can be imported in order to obtain a cut-to-size piece ready to be profiled by the CNC or by the edge profiler. The Combicut DJ/NC500 can be equipped with automatic loading/unloading station and with a digital camera, which allows the operator to consider the dimensions and characteristics of the slab and potentially avoid any defects.
Circle No. 273
TheCMS North America/BrembanaAquatek 1740 features a 157- x 78-inch bed with mono-block construction and a stainless steel tank using the revolutionary 60-hp “Jet Power” that includes three computer-controlled parallel intensifiers. The benefit is the efficiency of a crank-driven pump, while having all the advantages of less maintenance and faster cutting speeds of an intensifier, the company reports. This built-in redundancy allows the unit to run on two intensifiers, so users can decide when to do the maintenance, and it is not based on when the machine automatically stops production. The intensifier is self-contained, with its own air-oil cooling system that eliminates water cooling or the expense of a chiller. Other features include: automatic servo-controlled Z-axis control for the optimum cut, an automatic collision sensor that avoids broken focusing tubes and an automatic dredge for cleaning the tank, which helps eliminate downtime. A single-table model can be retrofitted with a twin-table shuttle, nearly doubling production. An optional 5th axis is also available for miter cutting, as well as a patented “Fire Jet” for honing or hydro flaming stone.
Circle No. 199
The StoneCenter™ fromCalypso Waterjetis designed specifically for stone and tile fabricators. Elements of the machine include a bridge gantry designed to accommodate large slabs of material and sturdy table construction. Highly accurate and extremely versatile, the StoneCenter is loaded with features designed to improve productivity and reduce costs for stone and tile fabrication. Calypso’s easy-to-use software was developed specifically for waterjet operations. The StoneCenter is available in multiple table sizes, starting at 130 x 78 inches, as well as several pump sizes to fit any environment.
Circle No. 272
The HammerHead™ fromCalypso Waterjetwas designed for optimum accuracy and versatility, and its software was developed specifically for waterjet operations. The HammerHead is available in two table sizes - 10 x 5 feet and 12 x 6 feet - as well as several pump sizes to fit any environment. The HammerHead can be fitted with either a single or dual cutting head.
Circle No. 271
TheCalypsoWater Recycling System™ (WRS) is designed to control water quality and temperature, which the company reports are the two critical areas that affect the performance of the high-pressure pump. The Calypso Chilling System™ is designed to optimize pump operation and reduce operating costs by cooling the hydraulics on the high-pressure pump and is engineered to meet Calypso’s standards for water temperature, flow and pressure.
Circle No. 270
TheCalypsoAbrasive Removal System™ (ARS) is engineered to continuously remove the spent abrasive that accumulates in the catch tank. This eliminates the periodic cleaning of the catch tank, which in turn reduces downtime, increases production and reduces operating costs.
Together with the complete line of cutting tables, pumps, and software currently offered by Calypso, these new products offer a total waterjet-cutting solution that is designed to operate as an integrated system.
Circle No. 269
Flow International Corp.offers a range of waterjet-cutting technology for stone fabricators looking to diversify their operations. These units can cut granite, marble, slate, limestone, soapstone, travertine or other material for floors and counters; as well as porcelain or ceramic tile for inlays or medallions. The abrasive waterjet’s ability to cut very intricate designs at a high speed without breakage offers a virtually limitless range of design ideas and allows a company to expand its business, Flow reports.
Whatever the shape, dimensions or material, the company’s easy-to-use FlowMaster® 6.0 software brings architectural and design concepts to life, while bringing versatility to a business, according to Flow. Users simply import digitized images and computer-generated designs, or they can scan hand-drawn designs directly into FlowMaster, enter basic cutting parameters, and FlowMaster does the rest.
Flow waterjets require minimal fixturing and tooling, which allows users to save time on your shop floor. The company’s waterjets have been engineered to cut accurate, clean edges that allow for tight nesting and reduced scrap. Flow’s Vacuum Assist option further reduces expense by piercing brittle and laminated materials without breakage.
Circle No. 268
Perfect Technologies (PTC), in cooperation withHard Rock Tool, is offering waterjet technology that is designed specifically as an affordable solution for the stone industry. With a stainless steel frame and water tank, this machine offers optimum corrosion resistance, and PTC offers a five-year structural performance warranty.
The drive system is a linear servo motor system, using magnetic coupling to power movement of the cutting head. This magnetic system requires no belts, screws or rack/pinions to achieve positioning. This results in increased accuracy, improved mechanical reliability, lower maintenance costs and faster operating speed, according to the company.
The post processor software is Lantek Expert Cut an industry-recognized software package enabling conversion of DXF-formatted CAD drawings to cut-ready CNC files.
Circle No. 267
Jordon Waterjets, a division ofJordon Glass- a supplier of industrial glass and stoneworking equipment - presents the abrasive waterjet HJ380. The unit comes equipped with tilt-loading table, dual-step water filtration system, British-made pump, and operator-controlled cutting pressure of up to 55,000 pounds per square inch for precise work on all types of materials.
Circle No. 266
Marmo Machinery USAhas announced the availability of a CNC waterjet, which is capable of cutting complex granite and marble countertops in a single pass. The waterjet cuts at 11.8 inches per minute on marble and granite thicknesses up to 120 mm. 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. The Waterjet can cut complex interior pockets, and all movements are precisely controlled by a user-friendly CNC.
The machine has a welded steel frame. It uses a working table dimension of 10.5 x 6.5 feet and handles 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.
Circle No. 265
Waterjet Powered by Mitsubishi Electric - available fromMC Machinery Systems, Inc.- has advanced programming capabilities that provide a great complement to saw cutting and routing. This technology enables straight-line cutting for countertops with the added flexibility of radius. Users can preserve accuracy while achieving more complicated, intricate countertop inlay designs, the company reports.
Waterjet Powered by Mitsubishi Electric is available in three models to best fit a fabricator’s individual needs. Companies can choose the two- to three-axis Classica; the four-axis Suprema; and the five-axis Evolution X5, plus several variations in table size.
The line is available with one or two heads and features stainless steel tables for easier maintenance and cleaner cutting conditions. Mitsubishi motors and drivers provide optimum performance, while the 60-hp pump delivers high speed.
The Mitsubishi 700 Series Control results in high productivity and operating comfort, and dedicated Nano control helps achieve high-precision machining. The unit is controlled on a 15-inch, waterproof screen, with improved graphics and NC design to simplify operation.
The 2-axis Classica features 2D CAD-CAM software with nesting capabilities, and accuracy and repeatability of +/- 0.004 inch.
Circle No. 264
TheMitsubishi Electric/MC Machinery Systems4-axis Suprema and 5-axis Evolution’s software features Intelligent Tapering Control, which corrects tapering of the cut automatically. The CNC tilts the high-pressure waterjet +/-7 degrees which allows for increased cutting speeds in a contour. Both can achieve accuracy and repeatability of +/-0.001 inch.
Circle No. 263
TheMitsubishi Electric/MC Machinery SystemsExclusive 5-axis Evolution 3D System uses a self-positioning rotation point device on the material to automatically maintain a constant distance from the nozzle to the workpiece. This protects the nozzle through a working range from flat work to a contoured interpolation of +/-69 degrees.
Circle No. 262
TheNorthwood SawJETs™(technology patent pending), available in both single and twin table configurations, combine the flexibility of abrasive waterjet technology with the speed and economy of cuts common to CNC sawing. Those technologies are now combined into a new approach for the stone fabricator that has proven to be a significant reduction in the cost of producing countertops, the company reports. The Northwood SawJETs also take advantage of the StoneLaser™, StoneScan™ and the new LaserShift technologies.
Circle No. 261
The Fabricator JetCutting Center isOmax Corp.’slatest abrasive waterjet addition, designed specifically to support large-format cutting in stone fabrication shops. The versatile Fabricator easily accommodates standard stone slabs up to 6 feet, 8 inches wide x 14 feet long. A major attraction of the Fabricator is its ability to add on any number of 6-foot table extensions to increase its cutting length and enable the machining of even larger materials.
Well-suited for the stone industry, the Fabricator is engineered for rapid cutting of a wide variety of materials, including granite and other varieties of stone up to 6 inches thick with a maximum table load of 250 pounds per square foot. Its high cutting speed, combined with minimal setup times, maximizes a user’s flexibility and productivity.
Based on the Windows® XP operating system, the Fabricator provides user-friendly software that greatly simplifies a traditionally challenging and complex cutting process. Materials can be machined directly from existing CAD drawings or DXF files.
Like all Omax products, the Fabricator comes with the “Omax Technology Guarantee,” which provides software upgrades for all existing customers at no additional charge.
Circle No. 260
Park Industrieshas introduced the Fusion CNC Precision Dimensioning System, a powerful, efficient and versatile combination saw and waterjet. The saw is supported by a 20-hp motor, which cuts at 12 feet per minute. The 50-hp waterjet can cut up to 17 inches per minute for inlay or exceptionally detailed stone cutting. The Fusion is also supplied with parts nesting software, increasing stone yield all while reducing material costs, Park reports. In addition, this system manages slab photos and inventory data, and it has a barcode system for inventory control and management.
The Fusion can also be adapted into a future Park Integrated Production System (IPS). The IPS is a system approach, integrating software that links machines together, transforming a standard fabrication shop into a mass production facility. The IPS modular system design allows fabricators to install a Fusion with the goal of integrating it into a future Integrated Production System.
Circle No. 259
WARDJetdeveloped the Z-813 waterjet with the goal of offering shops the ability to cut 8-foot-diameter medallions - as well as to load several large pieces at one time. The overall cutting envelope is 8 x 13 feet. Many companies who cut metals use this to load three sheets that are 4- x 8-feet at the same time, but the same principle can be applied in stone cutting, the company reports. This machine will allow users to cut larger pieces one at a time, or run multiple cutting heads to increase production of smaller parts.
Circle No. 258
TheWARDJetvariable-speed mini-hopper allows the abrasive flow on a waterjet to be reduced automatically from within the software and the program. When cutting stone or any material that is fragile, brittle or difficult to pierce, a low-pressure pierce is critical to reduce the risk of damage to the material in the pierce procedure, the company reports. As the water pressure is reduced, the abrasive flow to the cutting head needs to be reduced to balance the reduction in vacuum generated by the cutting head. The result is less blockage in the pierce procedure, and a substantial increase in consistency with low-pressure piercing.
Circle No. 257
Edging
The newComandulliSynthesis machine, available fromAGM, comes equipped with a calibrating wheel, two pre-forming wheels, seven wheels in the oscillation group and four beveling spindles. This results in production speeds of at least 1 linear foot per minute for 3-cm granite bullnose profiles. The machine can process slabs up to a thickness of 100 mm.The new Synthesis offers some unique features, such as a calibration wheel that can be rotated 90 degrees so that laminated edges can be properly rectified. This ensures a truly flat and perpendicular edge, which allows for better finishing by the oscillation group, the company reports. In addition, the pre-forming spindles heights and depths are programmed in the user interface, and the spindles then move automatically to the programmed height. The first forming spindle’s adjustments are motorized, enabling the operating to make quick and simple setups.
The new Synthesis also has a heavy-duty roller conveyor system, which ensures no slab slippage and hence no loss of production. Additionally, 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. This mechanism ensures smoother motion and eliminates the conventional guide and rack-and-pinion system, which reduces maintenance, according to the company.
Circle No. 256
TheComandulliOmega 100, available fromAGM, 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.
Circle No. 255
TheComandulliPenta, available fromAGM, 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.
Circle No. 254
TheComandulliSpeedy D, available fromAGM, was engineered for shops looking for a machine that can offer them production flexibility. It is capable of processing standard profiles such as flat, bevel, miter, bullnose and half-bullnose, and was constructed with high craftsmanship, the company reports.
A key feature on this machine is the automatic tool changer available up to six positions. This makes the machine less operator dependent and saves in tool changeover time. The Speedy D also includes a squaring bridge for accurate slab positioning, which ensures no slab-positioning errors and hence a straight edge. The motor is inverter controlled and has two speeds for different edges.
Circle No. 253
The Oma CP99 profiling machine from Braxton-Bragg Corp. provides the operator with many advantages and can be used on basically any job, offering a high level of edge-milling output on all types of marble and granite as well as performing straight and curved edges with any profile edge, the company reports. The CP99 is powered by a 4-hp, 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. In addition to the added safety factors of wet profiling without electric shock hazards, the absence of electric motor vibration greatly increases machine life, Braxton-Bragg reports. The CP99 is constructed of aluminum and stainless steel with a fiberglass cover, making it lightweight but durable, built to last for high-output shops. This variable speed machine (0 to 7,500 RPM) was designed to be easy to use, while also providing precision profiling. The CP99 is equipped with a factory-installed water-base plate to reduce surface scratching.
Circle No. 252
Fabricator’s Choiceoffers Löffler Vario edge processors for high-demand production shops looking for optimum output while maintaining high quality and meeting rigid delivery deadlines. Löffler edge processors firmly fix surface materials to the worktable while the polishing head groups travel along the edge, ensuring that the workpiece cannot slip or vibrate out of position.
The Löffler KSL 80 model handles workpiece thicknesses of 80 mm in marble, 40 mm in granite, has eight facial grinding-polishing heads, two upper and two lower chamfering heads and one A/S combination unit.
The KS: 100 MG can accommodate granite and marble up to 130 mm in thickness, 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 conveyor 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 specific shop configuration requirements. Product training plus ongoing service and support are provided by the countertop production specialists at Fabricator’s Choice.
Circle No. 251
The newGhinesEasybevel is able to transform an angle grinder into a beveling machine.
By mounting the angle grinder onto this simple, functional, smooth-gliding device, Ghines reports that the Easybevel allows users to bevel any kind of material with high precision. Thanks to its low weight of 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) without the angle grinder and small dimensions of 120 x 185 x 150 mm, the unit is simple to operate and achieves bevels from 0.1 to 5 mm x 45 degrees. Easybevel is supplied with a universal adapter (M14 or 5/8” UNC thread).
The structure of the Easybevel device is wrought and sandblasted aluminum, and its guides are in stainless steel. The slidings and front guide are made of unscratchable PVC.
Micrometric adjustment of the tool depth allows users to obtain optimum beveling results, and tools with different abrasive grits, which allow to achieve a good polish, will `be supplied by Ghines upon request.
Ghines reports that the Easybevel was unveiled for the first time at the Marmomacc show in Verona, Italy, and at StonExpo in Las Vegas, NV, where it was met with success.
Circle No. 250
TheGhinesSector Triplespeed electronic portable shape-milling machine takes its name from the three distinct rotation speeds. According to Ghines, the advent of synthetic materials made it necessary to incorporate an intermediate speed that does not overheat the resin-bonded components.
Each speed is set to carry out a specific function. At the maximum speed of 10,000 rpm, the company reports an outstanding performance of stock removal and finish of natural materials is obtained. Meanwhile, the intermediate speed of 6,000 rpm is for stock removal and finish of synthetic materials, and the minimum speed of 2,600 rpm guarantees perfect polish of all the materials (natural and synthetic) using vulcanized Ghines Tools wheels.
The Sector Triplespeed is equipped with an electronic vectorial inverter to optimize the supplied power, maintaining constant the torque at any rpm. Even though it has a three-phase motor, without capacitors, Sector Triplespeed works with single-phase 230V/50-60Hz supply tension; therefore it can be plugged in standard single-phase outlets. Triplespeed is supplied to the U.S. market with its optional 115V input/230V output transformer.
Circle No. 249
IGE Solutions, Inc.is the exclusive North American distributor for CMPI. The CMPI Jet Edge edger is automatic and suitable for every type of roughing and polishing. This is a heavy-duty, multi-head edger designed for optimum speed, and it can achieve 18 to 24 inches per minute for 3-cm bullnose material. This machine includes the following wheels: six polish, two high chamfer, one lower chamfer, one swinging out and one gauging. A unique feature of this machine is the adoption of grinding wheels for the polishing of the sections, as this type of machining makes it possible to achieve long-lasting ground polished surfaces. IGE Solutions, Inc. provides all service, support, training, spare parts, supplies, tooling, etc. for all the equipment provided.
Circle No. 248
Keystone Toolsoffers two portable edging machines for different needs: the Avanti™ VS3000 variable-speed (3,500 to 10,000 rpm) router with a 3-hp motor and the fixed-speed (10,000 rpm) DaVinci™ 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.
Circle No. 247
The Master 3500 is the most up to date machine in the Master series fromMarmoelettromeccanica, represented in North America by Regent Stone Products. This machine can be equipped with the hydro-base water system that allows the machine to glide on a film of water flowing between the slab and the machine, replacing the traditional system of using wheels. This new hydro system assures that the operator will scratch the material. The Master 3500 allows the operator to vary the spindle rpm, and it can be equipped with Marmoelettromeccanica tooling that includes the following:
Frangistone: This unique wheel uses a series of discs, placed horizontally, that crushes the stone. Since the discs are independent of each other, users only replace the worn discs; not the entire bit.
Zenith: These are sintered diamond wheels which never lose their shape, Marmoelettromeccanica reports. They have been engineered for long life and optimum grinding power.
BiPower: This rectification diamond wheel has multiple functions. Marmoelettromeccanica reports that it never loses its shape; it is long-lasting; and it eliminates all imperfections or waves left by the profiling wheels.
Longlife: These are polishing wheels which Marmoelettromeccanica has created with high-quality diamonds, which they report offer a very long life span and will not leave any scratches, even on straight edges.
Circle No. 246
Matrix Stone Products’Daytona XL automatic edge profile system is a blend of technology and simplicity wrapped up in a heavy-duty package. The Daytona XL is capable of producing a variety of popular edge profiles to a high luster polish by simply recalling one of the pre-programmed edge profiles. In addition, custom shapes can be quickly created by the operator and added to the recall list.
Matrix placed a high priority on ease of programming and operation of the Daytona XL as well as fast travel speeds, which result in efficient output and an effective learning curve for the operator.
The Daytona XL uses brushless servo motors for both axis of motion. Servo motors are commonly used on most CNC machines due to their high degree of accuracy, high-speed capability, and high-torque ratings. The benefits of using this technology allow greater flexibility in the design of the machine and very high repeatability of motions, reports Matrix Stone Products.
Circle No. 245
The Edgetec 3500 fromRegent Machine Corp.was engineered as a solution for fabricators 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 was designed to be versatile yet compact, measuring 15 x 5 x 5 feet.
Standard features include an easy-to-use touch-screen control panel that comes preprogrammed with eight standard edges and the capacity to store and save up to five customized programs per edge with a working thickness of ¾ 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-hp hydraulic spindle motor affixed to a precision heavy duty C frame.
According to Regent, this machine produces up to 400 feet of flat edgework or 130 feet of full bullnose edgework per shift. The machine’s performance can be enhanced by adding an optional quick-attach system for thinner tile less than ¾ or narrow backsplash jobs. Additionally, extra side tables can be added 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.
Circle No. 223
TheMontresorLola 400, available fromSalem Stone, polishes straight marble and granite pieces from 3.15 inches wide up to 7 feet, 8 inches wide to a mirror finish utilizing four mobile frontal heads. The gentle rocking movement compensates for any possible cutting defects of the workpiece by enabling the grinding wheel to be in constant contact with the surface of the stone, exploiting the fullest grinding and polishing properties. The Lola 400 is capable of automatically polishing and beveling the edges of the workpiece even when “fan shaped.” The conveyor belt slides on an interchangeable wear-resistant stainless steel surface equipped with supporting structures adjacent to the pressure wheels. This innovation produces maximum stability of the workpiece, which is firmly held in position during the polishing process by inclined pressure units to eliminate the use of frontal guides positioned by the operator. The starting of each individual motor as well as the frontal pressure of the grinding units against the workpiece are automatically activated and controlled by the passage of the workpiece. The working pressure of each grinding wheel is individually controlled.
Technical Specifications
- Overall Dimensions: 13 feet, 5 inches x 6 feet
- Useful Working Length: Limitless
- Useful Working Width: 3.15 inches to 7 feet, 8 inches
- Useful Working Thickness: 10 to 40 mm
- Production Speed Per Minute: 12 to 47.24 inches
- Total Power (kW): 18.24
- Maximum Water Consumption: 18.48 gallons/min.
- Maximum Air Consumption: 100 liters/min.
- Weight: 7,717 pounds
Salem Stone maintains and services all of its lines from its 50,000-square-foot facility located in Winston-Salem, NC.
Circle No. 244
Sawing Systems’5RP machine, although primarily used as a router for undermount sink profiles and to polish, can also function as an easy-to-use edge profiler, the company reports. The concept for this process is as follows: mount a template to the workpiece and utilizing a bearing follower-equipped tool, follow the template to create an edge. Sawing Systems reports that the machine’s radial arm design allows for fluid, controlled movement around the template. The 5RP is typically used for this work in a shop where hand tools have been the norm and where CNC and linear edge machines are not an option.
With 10 inches of powered raise-and-lower movement in the rear post, the 5RP provides a convenient way to adjust spindle height relative to the workpiece, according to Sawing Systems. The operator can drill faucet holes, cut out the bowl and profile the edges without having to adjust the material height. The machine’s 6- x 10-foot maximum distance from back post to spindle provides workpiece coverage from 4 x 4 to 3 x 8 to 2 x 10 feet.
Circle No. 243
TheThibautT-55 Advance - available from EuroStone Machine - is a profiling and polishing center for straight edges, and it is able to polish nearly all profiles as well as standard flats and eased edges.
With an automatic tool changer using standard BT 40 cones, the machine can proceed unattended and produce the profiles quickly and professionally, the company reports. It features a working capacity of 12 feet, 6 inches in length, and an easy, menu-driven touch-screen permits quick set-up.
The T-55 Advance permits polishing with a choice of flat wheels (130 mm diameter) or shaped CNC tools, with 16 spaces in the magazine.
Circle No. 242
The 1T-Touch edge profiling machine is sold and serviced in North America byUMT Techand manufactured byMonlevi Engineeringin Italy. The 1T-Touch was engineered to be user friendly, while also working extremely fast without sacrificing quality. It was also designed for optimum reliability, durability and accuracy.
Circle No. 241
TheDenver Quasar Tech, available fromVIC International, is the evolution of the proven Denver Quasar. While being extremely fast, the Quasar Tech does not sacrifice quality, the company reports. The machine was engineered to be fast, reliable, rugged and accurate, and it has the following features:
- Easy to use
- High productivity
- Auto cut-off safety system
- Heavy-duty construction
- Precision linear bearings and guides instead of round way
Circle No. 121 BC: Polishing and Backsplash Machinery TheBarranca DiamondBD-2321WR rear exhaust wet polisher was designed for optimum durability. The exhaust air is vented at the rear of the tool for operator comfort, and the water and air controls on the polisher are simple-to-use and conveniently located. Watertight sealed bearings and the cold-formed gun steel rotary piston drive provide long service life. The BD-2321WR comes with a 25-foot water hose, 5-foot air hose, 3-foot air/water hose protector, D-handle, wrenches and a one-year limited warranty.
Circle No. 240
The Mach 5 Profiling System, available fromBraxton-Bragg Corp., was developed by stone professionals especially for the busy shop environment. It will transform most standard air or electric wet stone polishers into an edge profiling system that grinds and polishes marble and granite. The Mach 5 system incorporates an attachable plate that squares the tool to the material and has a specialized hydro system that directs water to the cutting/polishing wheel and underneath the plate to remove debris and provide smooth operation. The sturdy compact steel construction reduces the weight and size, which allows for easy use on the jobsite or in the shop to edge tile, backsplashes and sink holes. Braxton-Bragg recommends using the Weha Q-B9 Air Polisher (sold separately) with the Mach 5 system. The Q-B9, precision-engineered for low vibration, comes with a removable side or front T-handle. The compact, 4-pound air polisher also has adjustable center water and air feeds.
Circle No. 239
The new EasyEdge V7 fromBretonrepresents the ideal vertical edge profiler for any shop. The machine has been designed by following the indications given by Breton’s customers. It includes a powerful 7.3-hp motor suitable for using shaping or calibrating tools. Seven oscillating 2-hp heads grant the best polishing of the flat edge, and two additional 2-Hp heads execute the beveling.
The machine is well suited for polishing backsplashes, but it can also be used to polish the flat edge on kitchen counters due to its sturdiness. Additional edges can also be performed on the same machine.
Circle No. 238
The Isimar BRM 2000 fromInternational Machine Corp.is an Italian-engineered multi-task workstation, used to produce vanities, kitchen countertops, tabletops and monuments. The BRM was designed to be easy to use and extremely versatile and precise when polishing faces and edges, coring holes and processing undermount sinks.
The arms can be pneumatically locked at any position, and the machine features electrically pre-arranged suction cups. The copying roller comes in three diameters.
Technical Specifications
- Bench Size: 2,500 x 800 mm for all versions
- Column: 0 to 200 mm chromium-plated and ground
- Arm: Articulated and rotating on 360 degrees with 2,000 mm radius
- Vertical Stroke: Motorized, 400 mm
- Spindle: Pneumatic pressure with 150 mm stroke; center and side water feed
- Motor: Variable speed from 300 to 3,000 rpm controlled by inverter
- Maximum Power: 7.5 hp
Circle No. 116
International Machine Corp.’sIsimar Octagon 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.
The machine can work with one or two heads, and features articulated arms and two-speed wheel rotation. It can process materials from 1 to 14 cm thick and includes pneumatic hold-downs.
Technical Specifications
- Useful Working Length With One Head: 3,200 mm
- Useful Working Length With Two Heads: 3,800 mm
- Working Bench Width: 1,000 mm
- Working Thickness: 140/10 mm
- Total Weight of the Machine: 4,300 kg
- Machine Dimensions: (5,920 mm length x 1,550 mm width x 2,000 mm height)
- Electric: 220V/three-phase/60 Hz
Circle No. 237
Jordon Waterjets, a division of Jordon Glass - a supplier of industrial glass and stoneworking equipment - presents a stoneworking version of its popular DY232S vertical half-bullnose/ogee polisher for backsplash and tile edging. The seven-spindle stone polisher has been enhanced to work from 3- to 25-mm-thick materials. The DY232S has increased water feed to reduce grinding friction. The first-position diamond wheel is fixed at 45 degrees for maximum front-face material removal. The second position is set as a back-grading wheel for the exact gauging of the stone/tile back side. The remaining five wheels can be fitted with any profiling wheels and/or high polishing wheels. The machine can process material weighing up to two tons.
Circle No. 234
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.)
Circle No. 233
Marmo Machinery USAannounces availability of theMarmo MeccanicaLCT 522 CAI, a highly effective edge polishing machine featuring a user-friendly operating system that ensures a high rate of production at a low cost per lineal foot. Its small footprint, combined with its reliability and affordability, make it well-suited for granite shops in North America, the company reports.
The LCT 522 produces 30 to 60 lineal feet of 3-cm bullnose edgework per hour with no human intervention. That’s because edge processing on the LCT 522 CAI machine is continuous. Different pieces of identical thickness can be inserted sequentially without the need to change forming or polishing heads.
Granite and marble slabs are vertically inserted into the LCT 522 CAI. Handling slabs vertically not only reduces the possibility of material breakage, it also considerably reduces the floor space and work area requirements, according to the company.
Many types of edge treatments can be processed on the LCT 522. In addition to squared or inclined edges, it polishes toroidal edges, rounded and other convex shapes on slabs of marble or granite. The LCT is extremely user-friendly, as the operator needs only to input the thickness of the material as well as the appropriate angles for the type of edge being processed. Typically, this is 7 to 173 degrees for full bullnose and 7 to 90 degrees for a half-bullnose.
Machine dimensions are: 3700 mm (12.14 feet) long x 1,200 mm (3.94 feet) wide x 1,500 mm (4.92 feet) high. Its weight is 2,300 kg (5,071 pounds).
Circle No. 232
Marmo Machinery USAalso offers theMarmo MeccanicaLCV 711 M, a highly effective edge polishing machine that produces perfectly polished flat edges in one pass, the company reports, adding that the machine features a high rate of production at a low cost per lineal foot.
The LCV machine polishes straight, flat-squared 1- to 6-cm-thick marble or granite edges. It also automatically chamfers upper and lower edges if desired.
Production speeds are up to 100 lineal feet per hour. In addition, 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 LCV, which reduces the risk of breakage and also reduces the floor space and work area requirements.
The LCV’s supporting structure consists of a steel body of suitable thickness with tubular reinforcements and of a finely milled bench, protected by wear-resistant material on which the conveyor belt runs.
Circle No. 231
TheMarmo MeccanicaLTT, available fromMarmo Machinery USAis a horizontal automatic edge polisher for round and flat edges. The unit is a compact, six-head, continuous belt edge polisher with one single “cup-shaped” diamond wheel for all radiuses and micro-oscillation for flat edges or flat portions of edges. It can process materials that range from 1 to 6 cm.
Circle No. 230
TheMarmo MeccanicaLTV, available fromMarmo Machinery USA, is a vertical edge polishing machine for flat and round edges from 1 to 6 cm in thickness without shaped diamond wheels. Marmo Meccanica reports that the machine was developed based on the company’s already tested experiences, including the evolution of the lever and connecting rod system, where no maintenance is required, for which the company received an original patent in 1987.
According to the company, the machine can be installed in any environment, due to its hull, which brings all the wastewater into a single collector and operates with low power absorption.
Among its main features, round edges are shaped by only one “cup-shaped” diamond wheel for all radiuses. Meanwhile, the micro-oscillation of the polishing mandrels achieves flat edges and parts of flat edges (included between two radiuses). Extra accessories include an automatic positioning device for the first auto-shaping mandrel and/or the chamfers, and electronic starting for the pneumatic mandrels, which allows users to process non-squared pieces and to program the working start and end, with separate advances and delays for each mandrel.
Circle No. 227
Finally, theMarmo MeccanicaLCV Magnum, available fromMarmo Machinery USA, is a vertical edge polisher for flat edges ranging from 1 to 6 cm. The machine was engineered to be compact and practical, with seven heads and 150-mm abrasives. The company reports that it has sold 4,500 units around the world.
Circle No. 226
ThePark IndustriesVelocity decorative edge shaper and polisher is designed to process material in a single pass. The 13-spindle system allows fabricators to profile seven different profiled edges with the touch of a screen, and additional profiles can be added into the directory. The Velocity’s seven heads will grind and polish a flat edge, a flat edge with radius top and bottom, a bullnose and a half-bullnose, as well as a wide variety of other convex shapes.
The Velocity can shape and polish natural stone or quartz materials ranging from 2 to 6 cm in thickness and up to 12 feet in length and width. With just a single pass, Park reports that the Velocity will profile and polish a bullnose on a 3-cm slab of Dakota Mahogany granite at 12 inches per minute, resulting in over 400 linear feet per 8-hour shift.
Circle No. 225
PedriniGalaxy B220 slab-polishing machines for marble or granite feature exclusive technology that achieves a high production speed with reduced costs for maintenance and depreciation, the company reports.
The machine can process up to 2,200-mm-wide slabs with a beam speed of up to 6 meters per minute. The PC-controlled touch-screen programming monitor and the “Bus Field” data transmission system make the unit easy to use and extremely reliable in performance, according to Pedrini. In addition to its other functions, the software controls the head’s minimum lift as slabs pass through.
The beam’s transversal movement is driven through a maintenance-free gearless transmission that works within protected and clean housings inside the bridges. This moves the beam smoothly and does not harm the mobile beam with additional weight, the company reports.
The polishing heads are directly driven through patented beltless rotor spindles, which are assembled in the center of the mobile beam. They are equipped with a standard individual centering device and a stationary and extractible abrasives and water lubrication system.
A pneumatic system uses counter-pressure of the spindle mass to assure stability to the polishing heads.
Circle No. 224
TheRegentSplash is an automatic multi-head polisher designed for the high production of flat and bevel edge polishing on pieces up to 48 inches wide. It utilizes an adjustable vertical feed, which allows the machine to polish at up to 4 feet per minute, depending on the material.
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. The first position is a 4-hp multi-function spindle, which can gauge the thickness of the stone or provide a drip edge. This position insures that the edge is flat and honed sufficiently, allowing the five 2-hp polishing motors to quickly do their job, Regent reports. All five polishing motors have individual pressure gauges that allow the operator to fine tune the pressure, assuring the best polish on any stone. Two beveling wheels at the end of the sequence provide a final touch to the job. The water is contained within the machine and exits from a central point where it can be collected and routed to a suitable recycling system.
Circle No. 223
Sawing Systems’10P radial arm polisher comes standard with a variable-speed spindle from 45 to 450 rpm. The powerful 10-hp inverter-duty motor enables the operator to polish without the distraction of bogging down, according to the company. The machine is capable of processing material ranging from 5 x 10 feet to 3 x 14 feet covering material with its 9-foot, 4-inch arm, which is well-suited for honing large slabs that have already been polished. The back post raise-and-lower is 14 inches, enabling the operator to adjust the spindle position to the workpiece. The post and lift screw have bellow-type covers to protect from rust and potential seizing.
Circle No. 218
Sawing Systems’444 Series of grinding, honing and polishing machines are available in a number of different configurations. The basic concept for the 444 machine is to generate a large volume of finished stone through multiple heads riding atop a fixed, built-in conveyor. Typically ranging from one to 10 heads (fixed and/or floating type), 12-inch to 72-inch capacity; and from 20-hp to 100-hp motors, this machine can be custom built for virtually any stone finishing application. For example, if a user needs a honed finish in 24-inch bluestone, Sawing Systems could recommend a 24-inch, three-headed version of the 444.
Circle No. 217
SimecF600 RX and F2200 RX calibrating machines provide preparation of the material for the subsequent step, which is dressing and polishing, giving it optimum flatness and even thickness. These calibrators can work on different widths (up to 610 mm for the F600 RX model and up to 2,200 mm for the F2200 RX), without having to change the diamond tools for the different product dimensions. The calibrators can be equipped with a variable number of calibrating units, depending on the production capacity needed. The calibrating units employ two or three cylindrical diamond tools and are provided with two different types of rotation. The head rotates on its own axis at low speeds to allow the tool to attack the material under the best conditions, while the cylindrical tools rotate at high speed to provide the cutting speed required by the diamond tool. The C.2. and C.3. heads are equipped with special spindles with independent triple motor drive. Due to the type of aggression that the diamond tool can perform on the material, and peripheral working speeds that are suited to the needs of the diamond, this new calibrating system eliminates breakage and the need for additional passages, Simec reports.
Circle No. 216
The LM 2100 RX slab-polishing machine fromSimecresults from 35 years of research and experience in the field of polishing stone materials. The machine employs technical solutions already tried on granite polishing machines, and found to ensure high productivity and unprecedented reliability, the company reports.
Available in versions with four to 16 spindles, the LM 2100 RX offers a working width of 2,100 mm, a bridge sweeping speed of 37 meters per minute and extremely accurate beam movement, due to a transmission system that features large helicoid pinions.
The dressing/polishing spindles are equipped with plates for marble that measure 480 mm diameter with six concentric abrasive sectors. Every spindle has its own general lubrication system and can be equipped with a system for control of the abrasive consumption (optional).
Electronics play an important part on the LM 2100 RX, as all the functions can be called up in an instant by the machine’s control panel, which provides intuitive adjustment options for every aspect of the work.
Circle No. 214
TheThibautT 500 surface polisher and texturing center - available in North America fromEuroStone Machine- permits quick re-polishing of damaged slabs as well as honing, “leather” and antiqued finishes, bushhammering and calibrating on virtually all stone materials. It is also possible to polish some convex or concave surfaces and odd-shaped pieces (round tables, etc).
The machine features a cast iron bridge and framework, which provides the strength needed for proper finishing. It has a simplified spindle head and an increased vertical stroke of 12 inches, which permits thin and thick stone to be worked. A user-friendly, menu-driven console features simple teach-in programming, diagnostics and alarms.
The bed width can be either 7 feet, 3 inches or 10 feet, 5 inches, with any choice of bed length.
Circle No. 209
Stoneworking Machinery
The Master 33, available fromAGM, is the latest development in CNC router technology fromIntermac. The new CNC router offers many new features such as PC-based controls, which allows users to load the CNC programming on a PC, eliminating the need for replacement industrial controls. The motion control and I/O is totally digital for optimum reliability. Additionally, the machine is fully networkable, comes with remote diagnostics and runs under the familiar Windows XP environment, making it very user friendly to the operator.The Master 33 also has a new high power (20-hp) electrospindle, which includes a stack of four ceramic high-speed spindle bearings – dramatically increasing electrospindle life and reliability, the company reports. The electrospindle comes equipped with a closed loop cooling system, allowing for 24-hour operation. In addition, the new rotary tool changer allows operators to load tools from outside of the machine, which can save time and improve operator safety.
The doors on the Intermac have been engineered to be misalignment-free to increase operator safety. Optional rear doors are also available.
The Master 33 also has some unique options such as an on-board tool presetter, which enables operators to save time on wheel setups, and a tool changer on the head of the machine, which reduces the time between tool changes and increases machine productivity.
Circle No. 207
TheIntermacMaster Plus 45, available fromAGM, features five interpolating digital axes for stone processing.
The main features of this model are:
- Ease of use and low set up time, due to the numerical control on the PC, to the new software interface and to the wide range of optional devices.
- Greater flexibility, due to the unlimited C axis and to the A axis (+90 degrees, -90 degrees).
- A wide processing area and large Z-axis stroke allow the processing of large and thick workpieces, further widening the possibilities of this stoneworking center.
The Master 45 Plus was engineered as a solution for companies that want to work without dimensional limits and with the flexibility of a five-axis machining head.
Circle No. 206
TheIntermacMaster 30, available fromAGM, further enriches the range of Intermac stoneworking centers. This machine has been designed for companies requiring a high productive pace as well as small businesses needing to automate their production process. The unit is equipped with a worktable of over 3 meters in length, and it was designed for precision and speed at a reduced investment.
AGM/Intermac Master Plus 30
Circle No. 205
The PC-controlled stoneworking center,IntermacMaster 23, available fromAGM, is a new machine designed especially for stone processing. The machine was designed for ease of use, where the numerical control is completely integrated into the PC structure with Windows XP. This allows for automatic machine management and a high level configurability, the company reports. Thanks to its high-level technology and flexibility, the Master 23 can be adapted to very specific requirements of end-users, the company reports, and the machine offers the possibility to select among many different options to further customize the unit.
Circle No. 204
The “Five” stoneworking center fromBideseimpiantiis a numerically controlled unit with five interpolated axes. It can profile, polish, mill and drill marble and granite on plain and three-dimensional surfaces (even undercut).
It also allows fabricators to create bas-reliefs, fountains, regular and irregular basins and - using a disc - straight and inclined cuts. The machine can also be equipped with a numerically controlled lathe.
Circle No. 203
The CTV 3 is a new machine produced byBretonfor V-Groove industrial applications. This unit will produce vanity tops, kitchen countertops and home furnishings with edges that connect with the plane perfectly at 90 degrees, the company reports. For this purpose, fabrication shops utilize machines that can cut two edges to be connected at 45 degrees. Moreover, the CTV 3 also allows the workpiece to maintain the actual slab pattern.
The unit has three main spindles (two for roughing and one for finishing) for a total of 43 continuous horsepower. It can process natural stone up to 0.79 inches in thickness and composite material up to 1.57 inches in thickness - with dimensions of 142 in length and 138 in width. The machine has a special device to do the perpendicular V-Groove on very long pieces.
Circle No. 202
The new NC 260 K series represents a CNC concept proposed byBretonto meet the most varied needs of its customers. The NC 260 K offers working tables ranging from 138 x 59 inches to 138 x 146 inches. The machine also has the possibility to grow its working capacity by adding modular structural elements, such as tool magazines starting from the standard configuration of 24 tools, increasing to 52 tools. Also, the machine can be upgraded with accessories such as angular circular saw heads, tool and tool shape presetting, a touch probe, varied kinds of suction cups, etc. The machine was designed for cutting, contouring and polishing different shapes of edges as well as drain boards for vanity tops, kitchen countertops and home furnishings of marble, granite and engineered stone.
Circle No. 201
CMS North America/BrembanaSpeed TR, was designed for intricate working of stone materials. The solution is a prodigious system for pendular working of large-sized workpieces (up to 3,800 mm) with total safety and for minimizing unproductive times in loading/unloading operations, the company reports. Speed TR has all the standard features of the company’s Speed 2.35 and Maxima machines, with the addition of a very large circular rotating table with two working areas that allow material to be loaded and unloaded during the machining process. The positioning of vacuum cups is achieved by laser projection. Supplied with a 26-station tool rack, a GE/Fanuc numerical control and EasyStone software, the Speed TR brings the latest technology to the stone industry, the company reports. The machining center is able to carry out any sort of cutting, shaping and grinding operations. It accomplishes inclined recesses, pockets, grooves, inlays, sculptures and profiles, as well as polishing, circular cutting, drilling, engraving and three-dimension machining operations.
Circle No. 198
The Concept 2.10 fromCMS North America/Brembanacomes with three axes, an 18.1-hp/13.5-kW spindle, an automatic tilting head, telescopic spindle extension, easy stone CAD/CAM software, seven days of training at CMS, one week of onsite training, special voltage, a manual tool presetting device, a 26-position tool station with 26 tool holders, 12 vacuum cups, four supports, two clamps and three reference stops, delivery and installation and a one-year full warranty (all expenses included). Available options include a fourth axis with a 90-degree blade, a 30-degree blade, tools (per complete set) and digitizers, including Neolt-118 x 47 inches, a BVH Gregg radial arm, XLD410-120 x 54 inches and XLD410-144 x 60 inches. The machine has a working area of 142 x 66 inches, with maximum machinable pieces up to 137 x 62 inches. The footprint is 20 x 24 feet, and weight is 13,450 pounds.
Circle No. 197
TheCMS North America/BrembanaMaxima 3.0 comes with three axes, an 18.1-hp/ 13.5-kW spindle, an automatic tilting head, telescopic spindle extension, easy stone CAD/CAM software, seven days of training at CMS, one week of onsite training, special voltage, a manual tools presetting device, a 26-position tool station with 26 tool holders, nine vacuum cups, four supports, two clamps and three reference stops, delivery and installation, and a one-year full warranty (all expenses included). Available options include a fourth axis with a 90-degree blade, a 30-degree blade, tools (per complete set) and digitizers, including Neolt-118 x 47 inches, a BVH Gregg radial arm, XLD410- 120 x 54 inches and XLD410 144 x 66 inches. The machine has a working area of 142 x 104.33 inches. The footprint is 25 x 17 feet, and weight is 23,150 pounds.
Circle No. 195
The new Brembana Maxima 5 Axis is the latest and greatest addition to the range of CNC machines fromCMS North America/Brembana. The Maxima 5 Axis has five interpolated axes to process blocks and slabs. It has a 30-kW (40-hp) electrospindle and a working area of 133.85 x 102.36 inches in mono-block construction. The tool rack is fixed to the workbench on the rear side of the machine and can house a maximum quantity of 26+1 (toolholder for diamond blade Ø 500 mm) tools. It also has a 36-inch Z stroke, making it an ideal mono-block structure machine to process large blocks of stone, the company reports. It is suited for a countertop shop that wants to expand into the carving and three-dimensional market. A laser copying system and lathe also can be added to increase usability.
Circle No. 194
The SR 126 CNC Granite Router fromCNC Auto-Motionis suited for cutting, profiling and polishing granite countertops and vanities. Made from solid steel frame construction, the SR 126 features an actual working area of 12 x 6 feet. Customers have their choice of a 10- or 18-hp, liquid-cooled router spindle up to 11,000 RPM. Control features include color LCD display, USB port access, ethernet and RS232 interface, as well as a remote hand-held pendant. Standard machine features include duralloy coated linear rails, a 16-position rack and a 5-hp vacuum pump with assorted sized vacuum pods. CNC Auto-Motion CAD/CAM software for stone machining is included, which provides the ability to import DXF files from other CAD programs as well as sink manufacturers or templating devices. Optional accessories can also be purchased, such as additional vacuum pods and fences as well as the company’s laser templating device. With the company’s new finger bits, the company reports that the SR 126 is capable of cutting stone at up to 30 inches per minute. Three-day factory training is included in the purchase price, while onsite installation and training from a qualified CNC Auto-Motion technician is also available at a set fee. A one-year warranty covering parts and labor is included. The machine comes in one piece with no parts to assemble.
Circle No. 193
Fabricator’s Choiceoffers the complete line ofLöfflerstone production equipment, which was designed with sturdy construction as well as exceptional engineering and reliability. The Löffler LBZ CNC with twin table is a modular-design stone router, which can be custom configured to a shop’s particular workflow. The twin table allows loading and unloading on one table while the other table accommodates the workpiece being processed, with as little as 30 seconds changeover time. Straightforward and safe loading and unloading of the project pieces occur outside the working area. Formatted as the “Löffler 1 Machine,” it is also a fully automated machine center 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 axis. A fourth axis is available as an option. The tool rack has 44 stations, and the units also feature variable-speed electro-spindles and automatic tilting spindles up to 2° for drain board processing. LBZ Series CNCs are built with modular designs and are supplied to meet specific operational requirements.
To increase shop automation, the machine is available with Löffler Galileo Designer 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 like PhotoTop and template projectors like LaserTop. Löffler equipment is supported by the Fabricator’s Choice training programs, ongoing service and support.
Circle No. 192
TheGhinesSystar, available fromSalem Stone, adds to the company’s broad range of manual multi-functional stoneworking centers, which are comprised of stationary machines that efficiently combine the precision work and the productivity of a CNC with the flexibility and fine handwork of portable shape milling routers. Developed in 2006, the Systar was conceived as a simple and performing solution for the most frequent jobs: shaping and polishing internal and external contours (with or without template) on every kind of profile; holes, sink cut-outs and recess drains; grooves (inclined and flat), slots on edges (linear and shaped), etc. This allows for efficient fabrication of kitchen countertops, vanity tops, arches, sills, steps, monuments, etc.
The motorized spindle, driven by a powerful and reliable hydraulic engine, is fitted with inside and outside lubrication. These features, which are wedded to the easy tool-holder interchange, allow the use of any tool. Systar’s operating head is set on high-precision orthogonal guides. Two digital displays visualize the tool position on the X and Y axis in real time.
The Systar was engineered by Ghines to be easy to install and needs no masonry. It operates with three-phase 400V 50/60Hz or 230V 56/60 Hz supply tension.
The vectorial inverter assures the spindle rotation speed adjustment between a minimum of 1,500 to 7,000 rpm, with real time display on the digital tachometer.
Circle No. 191
ThePrussianiChampion 5 fromIGE Solutions, Inc.is a five-axis CNC cutting saw specifically designed for high-production kitchen countertop fabricators to make them more profitable and efficient. This saw was designed to reduce unproductive downtime by eliminating the time for the operator to program the saw and/or move pieces around in order to cut complex shapes. Suction lifters pick up and move cut pieces for maximum efficiency, and the Champion 5 is designed to work completely automatically. It can automatically cut all types of shapes, including radius cuts, inside 90-degree angles and more. In addition, it also automatically cuts the reinforcement rod channels with a second blade. The Champion 5 uses a true Windows open architecture environment that handles DXF files, allowing the saw to cut while programming. The saw only stops cutting to load and unload stone, and the company reports that the operator requires no previous software programming experience. The Prussiani Champion 5, as well as other Prussiani equipment, is available in North America exclusively from IGE Solutions, Inc., which provides all service, support, training, spare parts, supplies, tooling, etc. for all equipment.
Circle No. 189
IGE Solutions, Inc.is proud to offer the Oceania Elite fromPrussiani Engineering. The Oceania is a high-quality, large-dimension NC stoneworking center with a bridge structure. It is a four interpolated axis work center for machining marble, granite and stone. The Oceania is made as a single unit that had no need of a foundation structure.
Circle No. 187
IGE Solutions, Inc.also offers thePrussianiRabbit, a dedicated sink hole CNC cutting and polishing machine specifically designed for marble and granite fabrication. This machine features a 10-tool holder, prearranged for the automatic changing of tools, and it has all the latest Prussiani Engineering CNC advances. The Rabbit machine is well-suited for large, repetitive projects like apartments, hotels, condominiums, etc., as well as for processing purchased pre-fabricated countertops.
Circle No. 185
Komo’sSummit stone machining center was engineered to offer advanced technology and speed. Built on the experience of 20 years in the CNC machine tool manufacturing business, the Summit stone machining center utilizes a high-powered Fanuc control and drive system. The frame is designed using Finite Element Analysis to provide a strong monolithic frame. Komo also offers powerful CAD/CAM software in its own Stone Productivity Suite, and the machine operates within the power of AutoCAD.
Circle No. 183
Marmo Machinery USAoffers the C-TEC 3A, a three-axis CNC machine for processing granite and marble. It was engineered for processing kitchen countertops, sink holes and tabletops. The C-TEC 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-axis (X, Y, Z) machine are on precision linear guides and ball bearing screws. A powerful 7.5hp motor at 6,000 rpm’s allows deep cuts in the toughest of stones, the company reports. Oversized work pieces can be machined on the C-TEC 3A’s large 144- x 63-inch worktable.
Circle No. 153
The Contour fromMatrix Stone Productsis a powerful CNC workcenter designed to automate the process of cutting and polishing sink holes. From its inception, the company’s engineers focused on applying the power and versatility CNC controls in a compact footprint, along with a full-sized feature package. The Contour has been engineered to efficiently produce an endless variety of sink shapes to a high-quality polish without incurring long downtimes due to programming.
The operator can download DXF, DWG or IGES files to create programs, or create custom shapes with the easy-to-use CAD/CAM software. By using the custom tool library, the operator simply applies the selected tool group to the geometry of the sink shape, and the software does the rest. “G” code programming is not required.
The Contour has a range of standard features to keep the process flowing and minimize set-up time. With the powerful Fagor CNC control, screen navigation and set-up functions are simplified, even for operators with little or no prior CNC experience. Features include a powerful 15-horsepower spindle, a versatile vacuum cup clamping system, integrated multi-directional slab positioning rollers and a three-axis, handheld remote pendant.
Circle No. 152
TheNorthwoodNW-138-EDS CNC stone machining center was egonomically designed with an easily accessible 13- x 8-foot worktable, and it includes a tool management system that can handle up to 96 tools. The broad array of technology enhancements, such as the StoneLaserTM, StoneScanTM and SuperZTM, have provided the machine users with a competitive advantage, the company reports.
Circle No. 151
ThePark IndustriesDestiny® was built to increase a fabrication shop’s production capabilities. With its powerful built-in Park Stone CAM SFP software, operators can convert industry-standard DXF CAD files directly, then they can digitize parts on the machine’s integrated laser digitizing system.
The automatic, 50-position tool changer has a full-length cover which protects the tooling. Additionally, the Destiny has a 200-tool library to make repeat cuts easy and efficient. The unit also has an optional overhead laser, which increases the efficiency and layout process.
The computer-controlled, 20-hp spindle runs up to 10,000 rpm’s, routing and edging straight and decorative radius shapes on stone ranging from 1 to 6 cm thick. The vertical spindle cores a ¼- to 1 ½-inch-diameter hole in 2- to 6-cm stone.
The X-axis (crosstravel) movement is 158 inches with a maximum speed of 2,360 inches per minute; the Y-axis (gantry) movement is 136 inches with a maximum speed of 2,360 inches per minute; the Z-axis (spindle rise-and-lower) movement is 12 inches with a maximum speed of 500 inches per minute; and the C-axis (saw rotation) continually rotates at 360 degrees and operates at a maximum of 60 rpm.
Two table options are available, the 138- x 78-inch standard table or the larger 160- x 96-inch table option. The worktables allow the multiple vacuum pods to hold granite slabs ranging from 1 to 6 cm thickness, 138 inches in length and 78 inches in width. In addition, the vacuum pods feature Park’s air float stone positioning.
Circle No. 149
ThePark IndustriesInfinity CNC stone profiling machine was engineered to fabricate complex structural stone shapes easily and efficiently. The multi-function Infinity offers precision sawing performance with the ability to fabricate complex shapes with a powerful milling attachment and lathe option.
Users of the Infinity can create curved and straight stone profiles such as archways, coping, column caps, sills, etc. in most types of stone. The 30-hp, variable-speed arbor drive spindle runs from 300 to 6,000 rpm to power either the 40-inch-diameter blade or shaping tools, milling bits or a flush-mounted blade. The Infinity can saw or shape stone unattended, which reduces costs.
The Infinity lathe can be programmed to make sculpted columns using either the Z axis or X axis. The lathe cuts the stone by using a step-and-drop process (Z axis), or a drop-and-sweep process (X axis). The lathe can cut rough stone pieces 11 feet in length, rotating at a speed of 5 to 82 rpm’s. The lathe can produce finished products 10 feet long with a swing diameter of 24 inches.
Circle No. 147
Two versions of thePellegrini FB220stoneworking center are available - one with a maximum processing width of up to 80 cm, the other for up to 220 cm.
The machine can be supplied with equipment for bushhammering, flaming or sand-blasting, or it can be set up with any combination of these three different functions.
It is possible to install on the machine - even at a later stage - any equipment that was not initially fitted, as the electric control board is arranged in advance to be integrated with additional functions.
A wide range of hammers is available (with 12-, 16-, 18- and 22-mm internal diameter) as well as tools for specific needs.
Circle No. 146
Pellegrini Meccanicadeveloped the Waterstorm-Master for rough-surfacing granite, some varieties of marbles and other types of natural stone. The unit uses a high-pressure jet of water that is directed at the surface. This produces cavities of variable depth, detaching the weaker parts of the stone surface. The level of roughness that can be obtained depends largely on the structure and composition of the material itself. The treated surface has a natural rough appearance, and both the color and the structure of the stone are highlighted by this operation. The system is supplied complete with all a fabricator needs to connect and start the entire plant. On request, the entire plant can be connected to a PC-PLC control system, where all functions are monitored, and both data and diagnostics are visualized on the PC screen.
Circle No. 142
Ravellioffers a broad range of CNC machinery. The Teorema X3 is a three-axis workbench, which was engineered for optimum precision, minimal tool wear and a quick execution time. It features an X-axis stroke of 3,000 mm (118 inches), a Y-axis stroke of 1,200 mm (47 inches) and a Z-axis stroke of 250 mm (9 inches). Spindle power is 15 hp.
Circle No. 140
TheRavelliTeorema SB3 is a three-axis unit with a larger workbench that is disjoined from the bridge to allow the operator to enter into the machine for loading. It features an X-axis stroke of 3,200 mm (126 inches), a Y-axis stroke of 1,950 mm (76 inches) and a Z-axis stroke of 300 mm (12 inches). Spindle power is 17 hp.
Circle No. 136
TheRavelliTeorema XB4 four-axis unit also features a workbench that is disjoined from the bridge to allow the operator to enter into the machine for loading. It features an X-axis stroke of 3,200 mm (126 inches), a Y-axis stroke of 2,000 mm (79 inches) and a Z-axis stroke of 500 mm (20 inches). The C axis continually rotates at 360 degrees, and spindle power is 17 hp.
Circle No. 134
The four-axisRavelliTeorema B22-B26-B35 features a bridge structure with a wide range of personalization, depending on the needs of the fabricator. It can be equipped with a lathe (5th axis) as well as a waterjet. It features an X-axis stroke of 4,000 mm (157.5 inches), a Y-axis stroke of 2,560, 3,040 or 4,000 mm (104.5, 124 or 157.5 inches) and a Z-axis stroke of 500 or 700 mm (20 or 28.5 inches). The C axis continually rotates at 360 degrees, and spindle power is 17 or 30 hp.
Circle No. 132
TheRavelliTeorema B6 is equipped with six axes for fabricating sophisticated large-scale work in reduced time with optimal reliability. Its six axes can all be interpolated with each other. The 6th axis is represented by a lathe, which is used to process columns and capitals of large dimensions and sculptures on non-flat surfaces. It features an X-axis stroke of 3,700 or 4,500 mm (145 or 177 inches), a Y-axis stroke of 3,700 or 4,500 (145 or 177 inches) and a Z-axis stroke of 1,000 or 1,300 mm (39 or 51 inches). The A and C axes continually rotate at 360 degrees, while the B axis rotates at 110 degrees. Spindle power is 30 hp.
Circle No. 131
The Compact CNC machine fromRegent Machine Corp.was designed to increase productivity and quality without hiring extra labor. This heavy-duty, one-piece machine is engineered to quickly and consistently fabricate all of the most difficult natural and engineered stone countertop applications, including cutting and polishing sink openings; processing asymmetrical and radius edgework; and custom concave edging with the ability to do carving and engraving. Standard features include three automatic axes with a manual 4th axis with inclination of 0-5 degrees; an on-board automatic 25-position tool changer; a 0-10,000 rpm, variable-speed,12.5-hp spindle motor; a large work envelope of 130 x 58 inches; X ,Y, Z axes are driven by brushless motors; automatic lubrication of moving parts; color Windows-based monitor; PC-based, simple-to-learn “Easy Stone” CAD program.
The unit is easy to load and unload with see-through enclosures, and it features an electrically welded steel structure with anti-corrosion treatment as well as plug-in online assistance for immediate assistance. In addition, the package is turn-key with a credit towards the exclusive CNC tooling from Marmoelettromeccanica USA. The Compact is professionally installed and serviced by the factory-trained technicians at Regent Machine Corp. directly from its East and West Coast service centers.
Circle No. 129
TheOmagMill 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
Circle No. 128
The newestThibautCNC, the T818 M5 Series, available fromEuroStone Machine, fills a broad range of offerings - from single-table units to multiple tables to continuous flow models.
After the launch in November 2005 of its new T 818 Access CNC machine, French manufacturer Thibaut decided to continue to enlarge its range. It offers a broader range of CNC machines, no longer cast in one piece but on welded low walls measuring 16 feet, 26 feet and 39 feet - according to the needs of the customers. This concept not only allows customers to benefit from larger traverse capacities (2,000 or 2,200 mm), but it also allows users to equip the T 818 with one or two tables, to be able to double the range of tools (up to 90 tools) and to work in pendular mode.
Finally, on the “M” versions, it is possible to install a laser projector on the upstream table in order to set the vacuum pads in idle time. All has been forecast on the T 818 M5 to install an upstream table before and another downstream table after for unloading.
Coupled with the TC 04 Numeric CNC sawing center with conveying belt, (a CNC sawing center), Thibaut supplies a turnkey solution for continuous production flow, called the “Thibaut Optimized Production Solution.”
Circle No. 125
The SP500 engraving and cutting system is the latest product fromTrotec Laser. It has a work area of 50 x 28 inches and is available in power levels from 45 to 200 watts. Maximum engraving speed is 100 inches per second, and the system is available with a pass-through option, which allows the unit to process materials that are larger than the work area.
The machine’s CO2 technology is well-suited for engraving or marking on stone and other materials, and Trotec manufactures four series of flat-bed flying optics motion systems that are available in sizes from 12 x 24 inches up to 51 x 51 inches, with power ranges from 25 watts to 400 watts.
Circle No. 124
TheMonlevi EngineeringCNX3 is a state-of-the-art CNC stoneworking center that is manufactured in Italy and distributed byUMT Techas an exclusive dealer in North America.
The CNX3 is specially designed for the American market, with monolithic construction for easy installation and transport and a welded structure with high-strength re-heated steel for dimensional stability. The 6,000-kg machine also features stainless steel bolts and anti-corrosion treatment, and it is ISO 9001:2000 certified.
The machine was engineered to fabricate everything from complicated designs to simple projects such as flat polishing, edge profiling, sink holes, etc.
Machine features
- Simple programming without ISO code knowledge
- Tagilio Software
- Large color screen display controller
- 40-position automatic tool changer
- 20-hp spindle
- All axis movements on ball linear guides and ball screws
- U.S.-made suction cups
- 24/7 after-sale customer service online diagnostics
- One-year warranty or 2,500 working hours (whichever occurs first)
- Comprehensive training program
- Sold, installed and serviced by UMT
Circle No. 122
TheDenverQuota CNC stoneworking center, available fromVIC International, has been engineered to fit the budget as well as the space constraints of most shops, the company reports. It is fully automated with a 22-position tool changer, and it is capable of cutting, shaping, drilling and polishing.
Machine features
- Simple programming without ISO code knowledge
- Large color screen display
- 22-position automatic tool changer
- Unitized construction allows very simple installation
- Sold and serviced by VIC International
- Comprehensive training program
Circle No. 121
The Cn-Cut Model C3-CNC System fromVIC Internationalis designed to execute accurate cutting, profiling and polishing of stone for sinks and cooking tops. Drainboards, fluting and engraving are also possible. The entire process is run from the integrated control panel with Windows® platform. The user-friendly interface in the modern PC makes it possible to draw, change and save thousands of drawings and figures at the machine with knowledge of CNC technique, the company reports. The unique open gantry, combined with a compact space-saving design, allows for any size workpiece without having to take into account the machine tool envelope. VIC also reports that the Cn-Cut can be combined with the new 15-mm finger bit for faster dropping of bowls.
Circle No. 119
Z. Bavelloni’sEgar CNC stoneworking centers are available in various models to suit different working dimensions, and offer highly customizable solutions according to the customer’s specific needs. Bavelloni’s products are designed to be easy-to-use, and they are engineered for optimum performance in terms of both speed and high quality of the end product. The multi-operational workstations of the Egar Series have been designed to process complex designs in marble and granite as well as synthetic materials with optimum speed.
The Egar machines feature a modular design that allows owners to add accessories and devices as needed, to satisfy the operator’s requests.
The Egar series is designed for the following types of processing: drilling, milling, edging, engraving letters and making incisions, artistic and geometric bas-reliefs, processing elements with a brushed finish, shaping pockets, shower trays, slanted tops and kitchen countertops. It can also polish the surface and inside edges and carve sinks from a stone block.
The spindle offers high torque at a low rpm for high-quality performance, and the Egar series is equipped with a new integrated PC-NC control to govern and calculate processing. A complete, powerful, user-friendly software program in Windows makes the many types of programming fast and easy, the company reports.
A new laser probe is now available as an option, which can detect any type of material, including paper, all kinds of glass, mirror, wood and metal, without coming into contact with the actual template.
Circle No. 118 BC: QuarryingPellegrini Meccanicaoffers a range of diamond wire saws for use in stone quarrying. These units, which include the Telediam, are able to cut marble, granite and other stone varieties. The Pellegrini machine range includes a number of models using diamond wire with different sizes. The series also includes models with different powers (from 25 to 80 hp electric and 120 hp diesel), as well as drilling machines and equipment for tipping and splitting.
Circle No. 115
Sandvikdrill rigs for the dimensional stone industry are designed to drill straight, accurately placed holes quickly, safely, efficiently and economically. Covering applications such as channeling, line drilling, splitting, trimming and pilot-hole drilling, they are available in various designs, each equipped with powerful, energy-efficient hydraulic rock drill(s), ergonomic controls and efficient dust collector(s).
Sandvik’s Trimmer 440 is a hydraulic, excavator-mounted splitting and trimming unit for dimensional stone quarries. Features include advanced automation and three modes for drilling. The unit was designed for maximum drilling hours with even hold spacing, resulting in high-quality blocks. It features a frame length of 4,600 mm and a drilling length of 4,200 mm.
Circle No. 111
Sandvik’sTrimmer 240 is a hydraulic, excavator-mounted splitting and line drilling unit for dimensional stone quarries. It features a robust and proven design with advanced automation features and a high rate of drill meters per shift.
Hole diameters are 38 mm (1 ½ inches), the feed length is 3,670 mm, and the rock drill travel is 2,670 mm. The frame can be rotated 80 degrees vertically and 30 degrees horizontally and extended 200 mm from the ground pin without moving the boom. All drilling functions can be executed from a remote control box.
Circle No. 111
Sandvik’sTrimmer 200 is a hydraulic drilling unit for line drilling and splitting blocks in dimensional stone quarries. The product consists of a Trimmer frame that is mounted with a paraboom unit on a four-wheel drive tractor.
Hole diameters are 38 mm (1 ½ inches), and with the paraboom unit, it is possible to square blocks that are up to 4.5 meters (15 feet) high or are at 2 meters (7 feet) lower than where the tractor is located.
Circle No. 111
Sandvik’sLiner 100 is a hydraulic drilling unit designed for horizontal and vertical line drilling in dimensional stone quarries. The optional Commando 120 carrier is an easily maneuverable 4-wheel drive carrier with excellent rough terrain capabilities. Hole diameters are from 27 to 40 mm (1 1/16 to 1 9/16 inches). With the help of the tilting cylinder, the unit can quickly and easily drill any holes in a 90-degree arch. An additional 400-mm (16-inch) zoom cylinder in main frame is designed to makes the line alignment fast and accurate.
Circle No. 111
TheSandvikRanger SW is a hydraulic, self-propelled, self-contained, crawler-based surface drilling rig equipped with a cabin and rod handling system. It is designed for pilot hole drilling in dimensional stone quarries and drills vertical, inclined or horizontal holes with a diameter of 45 to 89 mm (1 ¾ to - 3 ½ inches). Ranger SW has a hydraulic roll-over boom which makes horizontal hole drilling easy, and horizontal holes can be drilled in any direction.
Circle No. 111
