The Process Of Fabricating Granite Tops

Fabrication of granite counter tops is the process that takes granite from the quarry to the manufacturer, and finally to your kitchen or bathroom. It starts with raw granite extraction that usually takes place in a quarry. There are three different machines that are used in the process of fabricating granite tops, and though the sequence of these steps has been changed since the beginning of granite fabrication, they are the basic tools used. The saws are responsible for several different functions of the fabrication process for granite tops. Both the block saw and the gang saw work to cut the giant granite blocks into slabs. These saws use diamond wires to easily slice through the massive stones, and shape the slabs. After these large crude blocks are cut into smaller, thinner, and slightly uniform slabs, they are sent to the bridge saw in order to further cut the granite tops in more precise shapes depending on their application. Water is sprayed directly onto the diamond wire saws or the circular blades in order to cool both the stone and the saw. Some modern machines have even started using a combined water-jet/abrasive saw to do the work of the bridge saw in even less time than before.
Once the granite countertops have been cut to specification, according to their use, they are sent to the polishers. The polishers are machines that implement rough pads that cover the granite tops in a swift and circular motion in order to buff away imperfections, and create a glossy, shiny and over all smooth appearance. By grinding down the natural tough exterior, stones like marble and granite get their signature appearance, and granite tops can even be buffed and polished so much that they give a mirror finish. There are different grades of pads and solutions used to polish the granite tops and the nature of their use dictates the amount of time that they are put through the polishing step. The finishes range from smooth, hammered, tumbled, flamed, and of course, the reflective finishes.
The last machines and tools used to perfect the granite tops are the saws and routers. Routers are used to create the different edge profiles used on a particular design. There are edge diamond bits that are used by the edging machines to shape the different edge profiles. Each edge profile reflects the personal taste and style of a person who chose it. They range from highly decorative corners for mantles and counters, to basic square, bevel, bullnose, halfbullnose or round edges.
Some of the more modern machines use computer programs that control a laser that is highly powered to make precision cuts or engraving. Though this is more expensive, manufacturers opt for this type of machine over traditional machines to do sink cut outs or engraving because they are less likely to make a mistake, and are fully programmable. There are many different machines used to make cuts and edging, simple saws that make a single cut or programmable machines that can run through a series of cuts.