CNC Work Centers for Granite Countertops
How Granite And Stone Fabricators Can Advance To The Next Level
By: James Callaghan and Steven Collick
Marmo Mechanica USA
Southfield, Michigan
 The rapidly expanding popularity of countertops made of granite and other stone presents growing business opportunities for stone fabricators who must constantly upgrade to increase production to meet demand. In just the last five years alone, the number of fabrication shops in the United States has nearly doubled from around 8,000 to more than 15,000. That trend is expected to continue because market demand shows no signs of slowing down. By carefully choosing stone fabricating machines with automated equipment that can improve both production and quality, a fabricator can guarantee itself security in the industry.
If your shop is a small, 2,500-sq. ft. facility turning out one or two kitchens a week, today's market demand could easily let you grow into a medium-sized operation producing two or three kitchens a day. If you have a medium-sized shop, careful selection of automated equipment could help you become a large facility producing five to 10 kitchens a day. Regardless of a fabrication shop's size, automation will help to please builders and other customers through consistent quality work, short turnarounds, and fast delivery.
Computer Numerical Control
As it has in nearly every industry, computer technology is now revolutionizing the way that stone is processed. Computers can help two ways, first with designing the part, then by controlling the motions of machine. CNC (computer numerical control) machines are found in large facilities and in medium shops that want to grow into large facilities.
A large fabrication shop is usually 8,000-sq. ft. or larger and employs some 20 to 40 employees. Production is around five or 10 kitchens a day. Such a facility will often have multiple lines of automated tooling to reduce set-up times and speed production, including a CNC machine or two.
Stone fabricating CNC machines, like the C-Tech 3 from Marmo Meccanica USA, are versatile, easy-to-use and affordable. They easily process kitchen counter tops, sink holes and table tops. Plus, they can accurately router, profile and polish any edge style or 2-dimensional design. They have a large table, approximately 122" X 66", that can process slabs up to 10" thick.
A typical numerically controlled 3-axis machine is based on the traditional moving bridge architecture. The axis movement is on linear guides and skates. The movement of the X an Y axis is transmitted by precision screws, while the Y axis is transmitted by tempered racks and pinions. All moving parts are lubricated by oil controlled by the CNC, and the mechanical moving parts are protected from dust and humidity by protective covers.
The most exciting feature of a CNC machine is it's easy to learn AutoCAD-lite software. Writing a new program for a sink, for example, typically takes about 10 minutes and running the program is a simple two-step process. A CNC machine is versatile enough to sequentially process up to four sink vanities in one set-up, maximizing processing time. In addition, at 1800 mm per minute for edge work, a CNC machine can process a 3 ft. X 8 ft. counter in about an hour and a half.
CNC machines typically have all the bells and whistles, such as easy tool changing. The machine will have an indicator light to alert the operator when a tool change is needed. Once the machine is stopped, the operator simply presses the release valve and installs the next tool. This process only takes 10 seconds, maximizing uptime.
Also maximizing uptime are floating vacuum cups included with the CNC machine. These vacuum cups help move workpieces and facilitate a rapid set-up that reduces normal set-up time of other machines by up to 80%, increasing productivity with the first use.
Marmo Meccanica USA
23455 Telegraph Road
Southfield, MI 48034
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