Stone Working Technologies and Water Cutting Systems

Computerised stone cutting technology has given the stone industry an ability to cut designs with accuracy in a short span of time. It has put the stone industry into a bright millennium to come. Over a period of time this system can be more economical than existing one. This system can tailor the stone to any design' to suit the taste of customers worldwide. Computer technology continue to advance,allowing the stone industry to implement the latest technology Of precision and optimal production, Computerized designs (CAD), computer Assisted manufacturing (CAM), computer Numerically controlled (CNC) and other Computer controlled systems to integrate working machines for very good result in designing and mass production.

According to top stone designers from the USA, designs can be planned by computer And transferred to the machine to fabricate, Enabling the multiple finished products to be An exact duplicate of the original design. Thing can be done with human hands they can not do the same cutting several times like machine in a quick span of time with utmost precision. In the USA, Orlanofl, has employed computerized Fabrication technology ever since it began Production in January 1996 using the flow Jet system . According to Jonathan Smiga, a Leading stone designer in the USA, Intrasia Is a new method used to cut natural stone In complex pattern without any cracks.

Cost Control

Computer technology enable stone designers to repeat designs with precise specification. Use of such a technology can ultimately lower the cost for customers. Speed, together with ability for mass production are the two main benefits of computerised machinery which also reduces cost. For example, due to the CNC technology, the Burlington Stone Industry has the ability for mass production of vanities, kitchen counter tops, intricate tops and circular works such as flowing skirting, table tops, counter tops and legs. The use of such a technology can also cut down on labour force thus reducing the production cost.

Stone Products

With the application of computerized technology, various designs can be accomplished. The Pellegrini Wire Saw is used for profiling as well as removing large amount of materials with a single profile cut, while the Omag is used for its milling capacity and accuracy for repeated laser digitised objects. In addition to CAD, CAM and CNC systems, Scan Technologies of Denmark has developed a system for three dimensional work which has just been introduced in the USA. Jhinson Atelier is one of the main users who nicknamed it as CAROSO (Computer aided restoration of stone objects). According to Claus Nealson of Scan Technologies, this system allows the user to scan a picture into the computer. The resulting computer file is a three dimensional model that mirrors the geometry of the object. This system is used to measure and memorise models so that the used can manipulate design and execute it in stone. CAROSO, the three dimensional system is mainly used by companies that are making sculptures, signs, funeral art such as head stones and other artistic designs .A portable version of this machine has been put to use at the Cathedral of Milan, Italy. According to Nealsen, a stone designer this portable scanner does scanning and enables the user to work with stones at a particular place. Designs can then be down-loaded on to computerized stone working equipment so that the pieces tan be replicated and replaced.

Adding the CAD component to the CNC machine makes it more difficult to operate.The CAD and CNC staff must work together to operate the machine. On the other hand, CAROSO system is easier to learn than the CAD or CAM systems. Virtually, all the fabricators who have invested in computerised technology have acknowledged a learning curve. Sometimes, these machines run slowly while experimenting and documenting with different types of stones. The granites are not similar. Black, green and red are the most difficult stones to cut and polish. CAD, CAM; CNC and other computer systems are constantly advancing and this development is very important to the stone industry. Companies in stone industry which are lagging behind in adopting computer technology should immediately adopt the same in order to meet the challenges of ever growing and changing demand for stones worldwide.

Waterjet Cutting System

Waterjet cutting is one of the sophisticated system developed Germany, USA and other countries to cut granite rocks to any shape with high precision, both in the quarries as well as in the processing units. This system can produce any type or pattern of processed granite products. The system can be utilized for granite material which is otherwise considered as waste material in India. India has vast resources of such granite material for producing value added products. Waterjet cutting technology, when utilized for making monuments, markers and memorials,work load and wastage are considerably reduced. In fact, we can make all such products with high precision and less wastage of material. This technology is undoubtedly and indisputably the most suited for granite industry. By adopting this system, the industry can take up all kinds of installations, fabrication and construction work throughout the world, especially in the USA. Besides construction work, this method can be adopted to cut different shapes and sizes of granite material for manufacturing lanterns, vases, curios, wall clocks' and other precision oriented engineering products. By adopting this method, waste material can be converted into value added products.

Later, the entire methods and models can be computerized to have quick access, catering to the need and taste of buyers throughout the world. India can hold a very important position in the world market in processing granite products due to its unique colors, textures, patterns and vast resources of different varieties of granites. Eventually, it is up to the Indian government, quarry owners and processing industries to adopt computer technology and the Water Jet Cutting System and reap its benefits. In the future, these two will prove versatile and economical in cutting and processing the most beautiful Indian granites for the global market.



http://www.worldstonex.com/en/InfoItem.asp?ICat=2&ArticleID=335

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