Granite is a natural stone that was formed after compression under the surface of the earth for thousands of years. Naturally, therefore, the stone has a look that is impressive. However, beneath the apparent look of the granite lies the actual brilliance of the stone. The processing of the granite brings that out. Obviously therefore, it is imperative to purchase a perfectly processed stone which will add to the glamour and sheen of your house.
Over the centuries, granite processing is a process which is practiced by human beings. As the basic aim of the processing is the same, there is hardly any change in the process of processing over the years. However, with the advent of the modern technology, it has become more dependent on the automation. Also, the machines are now able to meet the particular requirements of the owner. Thus, granites and marble slabs have witnessed a more refined array of color and textures in recent times.
Basically, the huge stones of marble or granite are taken out of the quarries. After that, they are cut into pieces and shaped according to the need of the people. The entire processing of the granite was first modernized by the Greeks. Since then, we are still following the same goal, though the execution has undergone sea change.
These days, different types of machines are used in the different stages of the granite processing. They are the saws, the polishers and the routers. Each of them is used for different purposes. However, the saws are used for multiple purposes. It is used to cut the tiles from the slabs. The bridge saws, on the other hand are used to give the granite proper shape. So, this is the instrument that shapes the granites into flooring, countertops, and mantels.
The polishers, on the other hand, have a distinct role to play. They are used to give proper texture to the piece of the rock. Thanks to them, a piece of granite can be turned to something as shining as a mirror. For that purpose, the rotating pads are used. However, with the advent of different techniques in recent times, the variety of finishes has also increased. Now, one can have soft, smooth, slick or shinny finishes. Also, the hammered or the flames finishes have changed the known look of the granites.
The routers, however, adds the finishing touch to the granite countertops. This tool cut the designs into larger ones so that the pieces of granites can be used for the fireplace mantels. In short, the routers are used to give edge profiles to the granites. Earlier, this job was done by hands. Naturally, this used to take days to shape a piece of granite properly. But, the new machines have added pace and accuracy to the entire operation.
This is precisely the change that the industry has seen over the years. With the computer taking control of the entire system, it has turned completely automatic and the nature has changed considerably. Naturally, the process can be completed in a very short span of time. It is expected that the CNC to the computer numeric control will develop further in the years to come.
Showing posts with label granite fabrication. Show all posts
Showing posts with label granite fabrication. Show all posts
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Why You Need a Professional for Granite Polishing?
Since his arrival on the earth, man has looked for shelter. Sometimes, he got it under the tree, sometimes he got it in the caves. The concept of modern house has come much later. In fact, it was the Greeks who were the first to build houses. Millenniums have passed since then. There has been much evolution in the nature and the kind of housing that the human community now has.
As far as house construction is concerned there are certain basic things that have remained the same. Added to it has been the style which is a component element intrinsic to human dwellings of present. Today, houses are no longer simply the place to stay; they are also abodes which portray the esthetic temperament of an individual. So, only those things of the past that still have the aspect of style in them have found their place in a home. It has been certainly the survival of the fittest.
The survival of the granite thus says everything for itself. It is tough, it heavy, durable and at the same time, it is stylish, colorful and elegant. However, the treatment of granite has changed over the years. In present times, the slabs of granites are cut into small tiles and then installed for floorings. Post that the stones are polished to bring shine and smoothness to it.
This is where the modern machineries have outwitted the traditional method. Consequently, the polish that we are getting today is far superior to the previous times. In fact, when we look at the types of machines used for the purpose, we are simply amazed.
Basically, there are three different machines to fabricate the granite; they are the polishers, saws and routers. Polishers are used to smooth the surface of the granites. It makes the surface somewhat like a mirror. It uses abrasive materials attached to the rotating pads. However, the surface of the abrasive varies according to the requirements.
The saws, on the other hand, cut the blocks of the stones into slabs. Recently, the diamond wire saws are used to make the task easier and faster. After making the cut, the bridge saws are used to give it the proper shape.
Finally, the designs are created with the help of the routers. Different edges of the routers are used to create different types of designs. This machine has a spinning blade that uses diamond to create the designs required.
The advent of modern machines and scientific methods has created a whole new dimension in the craft of polishing the granites. However, if we look at the basics, things have not changed much from the ancient times. The processes of granite polishing remains the same; what has changed is the administration of the processes. In fact, now there is a computer that supervises the actions of the three different machines to give the stones the optimum look.
Naturally, handling such a complex operation requires a certain amount of expertize. After all, giving a stone the look that a customer wants is not a matter of joke. There can be the smooth, shiny, slick, soft, and many other looks that can be given to the stone thanks to this technology. No doubt, therefore, that we must look for an expert to get the best of the marble.
As far as house construction is concerned there are certain basic things that have remained the same. Added to it has been the style which is a component element intrinsic to human dwellings of present. Today, houses are no longer simply the place to stay; they are also abodes which portray the esthetic temperament of an individual. So, only those things of the past that still have the aspect of style in them have found their place in a home. It has been certainly the survival of the fittest.
The survival of the granite thus says everything for itself. It is tough, it heavy, durable and at the same time, it is stylish, colorful and elegant. However, the treatment of granite has changed over the years. In present times, the slabs of granites are cut into small tiles and then installed for floorings. Post that the stones are polished to bring shine and smoothness to it.
This is where the modern machineries have outwitted the traditional method. Consequently, the polish that we are getting today is far superior to the previous times. In fact, when we look at the types of machines used for the purpose, we are simply amazed.
Basically, there are three different machines to fabricate the granite; they are the polishers, saws and routers. Polishers are used to smooth the surface of the granites. It makes the surface somewhat like a mirror. It uses abrasive materials attached to the rotating pads. However, the surface of the abrasive varies according to the requirements.
The saws, on the other hand, cut the blocks of the stones into slabs. Recently, the diamond wire saws are used to make the task easier and faster. After making the cut, the bridge saws are used to give it the proper shape.
Finally, the designs are created with the help of the routers. Different edges of the routers are used to create different types of designs. This machine has a spinning blade that uses diamond to create the designs required.
The advent of modern machines and scientific methods has created a whole new dimension in the craft of polishing the granites. However, if we look at the basics, things have not changed much from the ancient times. The processes of granite polishing remains the same; what has changed is the administration of the processes. In fact, now there is a computer that supervises the actions of the three different machines to give the stones the optimum look.
Naturally, handling such a complex operation requires a certain amount of expertize. After all, giving a stone the look that a customer wants is not a matter of joke. There can be the smooth, shiny, slick, soft, and many other looks that can be given to the stone thanks to this technology. No doubt, therefore, that we must look for an expert to get the best of the marble.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
FAQs of Granite Polishing
The home construction industry might have evolved over the ages yet certain traditional mechanisms remain almost the same. Till this date stones remain one of the popular choices for decorating various parts of a home like kitchen and bathroom. Granite is one such stone which is preferred by the homeowners for its elegant looks and unmatched durability. It can last for several years if proper care is taken by the users.
Like other rocks granite is also acquired from quarries. The huge chunk of granite is retrieved from the mines after which they are cut in to slabs and tiles. They are also polished before being shipped to the granite sellers. The kind of machinery for polishing granite has changed over the years though the main method has not altered much. Of course the present generation granite polishing machines save a lot of time.
As a matter of fact three types of devices are used for granite fabrication. These are routers, polishers and saws. The gang saw or block saw is used for cutting the huge chunks of granite into slabs. However, in some places diamond wire saw is being used. Diamond is the hardest stone and it can cut granite. To make the granite surface smooth, the polishers are used. After polishing, the surface of the granite resembles that of a mirror. The revolving pads used in the polisher are fixed with an abrasive material.
To make designs on the surface of the granite slabs the routers are used. This machine is equipped with a rotating blade fixed with diamonds. It makes the required design patterns on the stone surface.
The granite polishers play a vital role in kitchen countertop fabrication process. The veteran polishers can transform the coarse rock acquired from the mines to a polished slab with a mirror finish. For both marble and granite countertops the rotating pads are used. The present generation polishers can generate a plethora of finishes in the kitchen countertop production. There are choices like shiny mirror finish, soft looks etc for the customers. Specialized finishes like hammered and flamed are also popular.
As it has been mentioned, polishing stones is not a new concept. However, granite polishing methods has been aided considerably by the advancement of computer technology. A procedure named CNC or computer numeric control implements digital technology to regulate the machines simultaneously. It streamlines the workflow and also saves time.
This process is very useful for taking granite and marble slabs and converting them into esthetic looking mantels, counters. The difference with yesteryears is that now this can be accomplished within a few hours in place of weeks. CNC has enhanced the efficiency of the majority of kitchen countertop polishing shops. After using the technology the quality of the products has improved significantly. The technology used in making marble and granite countertops is likely to witness major improvement in the coming years.
To sum up till this date granite remains one of the favorite choice of home owners to spruce up the décor of certain rooms of their home, especially the kitchens and bathrooms. With the improvement in polishing technology, this stone is now likely to be more in demand.
The home construction industry might have evolved over the ages yet certain traditional mechanisms remain almost the same. Till this date stones remain one of the popular choices for decorating various parts of a home like kitchen and bathroom. Granite is one such stone which is preferred by the homeowners for its elegant looks and unmatched durability. It can last for several years if proper care is taken by the users.
Like other rocks granite is also acquired from quarries. The huge chunk of granite is retrieved from the mines after which they are cut in to slabs and tiles. They are also polished before being shipped to the granite sellers. The kind of machinery for polishing granite has changed over the years though the main method has not altered much. Of course the present generation granite polishing machines save a lot of time.
As a matter of fact three types of devices are used for granite fabrication. These are routers, polishers and saws. The gang saw or block saw is used for cutting the huge chunks of granite into slabs. However, in some places diamond wire saw is being used. Diamond is the hardest stone and it can cut granite. To make the granite surface smooth, the polishers are used. After polishing, the surface of the granite resembles that of a mirror. The revolving pads used in the polisher are fixed with an abrasive material.
To make designs on the surface of the granite slabs the routers are used. This machine is equipped with a rotating blade fixed with diamonds. It makes the required design patterns on the stone surface.
The granite polishers play a vital role in kitchen countertop fabrication process. The veteran polishers can transform the coarse rock acquired from the mines to a polished slab with a mirror finish. For both marble and granite countertops the rotating pads are used. The present generation polishers can generate a plethora of finishes in the kitchen countertop production. There are choices like shiny mirror finish, soft looks etc for the customers. Specialized finishes like hammered and flamed are also popular.
As it has been mentioned, polishing stones is not a new concept. However, granite polishing methods has been aided considerably by the advancement of computer technology. A procedure named CNC or computer numeric control implements digital technology to regulate the machines simultaneously. It streamlines the workflow and also saves time.
This process is very useful for taking granite and marble slabs and converting them into esthetic looking mantels, counters. The difference with yesteryears is that now this can be accomplished within a few hours in place of weeks. CNC has enhanced the efficiency of the majority of kitchen countertop polishing shops. After using the technology the quality of the products has improved significantly. The technology used in making marble and granite countertops is likely to witness major improvement in the coming years.
To sum up till this date granite remains one of the favorite choice of home owners to spruce up the décor of certain rooms of their home, especially the kitchens and bathrooms. With the improvement in polishing technology, this stone is now likely to be more in demand.
Like other rocks granite is also acquired from quarries. The huge chunk of granite is retrieved from the mines after which they are cut in to slabs and tiles. They are also polished before being shipped to the granite sellers. The kind of machinery for polishing granite has changed over the years though the main method has not altered much. Of course the present generation granite polishing machines save a lot of time.
As a matter of fact three types of devices are used for granite fabrication. These are routers, polishers and saws. The gang saw or block saw is used for cutting the huge chunks of granite into slabs. However, in some places diamond wire saw is being used. Diamond is the hardest stone and it can cut granite. To make the granite surface smooth, the polishers are used. After polishing, the surface of the granite resembles that of a mirror. The revolving pads used in the polisher are fixed with an abrasive material.
To make designs on the surface of the granite slabs the routers are used. This machine is equipped with a rotating blade fixed with diamonds. It makes the required design patterns on the stone surface.
The granite polishers play a vital role in kitchen countertop fabrication process. The veteran polishers can transform the coarse rock acquired from the mines to a polished slab with a mirror finish. For both marble and granite countertops the rotating pads are used. The present generation polishers can generate a plethora of finishes in the kitchen countertop production. There are choices like shiny mirror finish, soft looks etc for the customers. Specialized finishes like hammered and flamed are also popular.
As it has been mentioned, polishing stones is not a new concept. However, granite polishing methods has been aided considerably by the advancement of computer technology. A procedure named CNC or computer numeric control implements digital technology to regulate the machines simultaneously. It streamlines the workflow and also saves time.
This process is very useful for taking granite and marble slabs and converting them into esthetic looking mantels, counters. The difference with yesteryears is that now this can be accomplished within a few hours in place of weeks. CNC has enhanced the efficiency of the majority of kitchen countertop polishing shops. After using the technology the quality of the products has improved significantly. The technology used in making marble and granite countertops is likely to witness major improvement in the coming years.
To sum up till this date granite remains one of the favorite choice of home owners to spruce up the décor of certain rooms of their home, especially the kitchens and bathrooms. With the improvement in polishing technology, this stone is now likely to be more in demand.
The home construction industry might have evolved over the ages yet certain traditional mechanisms remain almost the same. Till this date stones remain one of the popular choices for decorating various parts of a home like kitchen and bathroom. Granite is one such stone which is preferred by the homeowners for its elegant looks and unmatched durability. It can last for several years if proper care is taken by the users.
Like other rocks granite is also acquired from quarries. The huge chunk of granite is retrieved from the mines after which they are cut in to slabs and tiles. They are also polished before being shipped to the granite sellers. The kind of machinery for polishing granite has changed over the years though the main method has not altered much. Of course the present generation granite polishing machines save a lot of time.
As a matter of fact three types of devices are used for granite fabrication. These are routers, polishers and saws. The gang saw or block saw is used for cutting the huge chunks of granite into slabs. However, in some places diamond wire saw is being used. Diamond is the hardest stone and it can cut granite. To make the granite surface smooth, the polishers are used. After polishing, the surface of the granite resembles that of a mirror. The revolving pads used in the polisher are fixed with an abrasive material.
To make designs on the surface of the granite slabs the routers are used. This machine is equipped with a rotating blade fixed with diamonds. It makes the required design patterns on the stone surface.
The granite polishers play a vital role in kitchen countertop fabrication process. The veteran polishers can transform the coarse rock acquired from the mines to a polished slab with a mirror finish. For both marble and granite countertops the rotating pads are used. The present generation polishers can generate a plethora of finishes in the kitchen countertop production. There are choices like shiny mirror finish, soft looks etc for the customers. Specialized finishes like hammered and flamed are also popular.
As it has been mentioned, polishing stones is not a new concept. However, granite polishing methods has been aided considerably by the advancement of computer technology. A procedure named CNC or computer numeric control implements digital technology to regulate the machines simultaneously. It streamlines the workflow and also saves time.
This process is very useful for taking granite and marble slabs and converting them into esthetic looking mantels, counters. The difference with yesteryears is that now this can be accomplished within a few hours in place of weeks. CNC has enhanced the efficiency of the majority of kitchen countertop polishing shops. After using the technology the quality of the products has improved significantly. The technology used in making marble and granite countertops is likely to witness major improvement in the coming years.
To sum up till this date granite remains one of the favorite choice of home owners to spruce up the décor of certain rooms of their home, especially the kitchens and bathrooms. With the improvement in polishing technology, this stone is now likely to be more in demand.
Monday, May 11, 2009
How To Cut And Polish Granite?
Granite being one of the hardest stones available, the only thing that can cut it is either a saw made up of granite itself or a diamond-edged cutter. That is why granite is extremely difficult to form and shape. This is one of the major factors that make granite counters expensive. The granite is cut into granite slabs, with dimensions of around 54 square feet and thickness of about 2 to 3 inches. Granite slabs need extra care at this stage as they are more prone to breaking.
The basic machines that are used for cutting and polishing granite are saws, polishers and routers. Saw could be a block saw or a gang saw. It is used to cut blocks of stones into slabs. Diamond wire saw has become increasingly popular these days for cutting granite. Diamond wire saw machine has a saw with a commercial diamond fixed on it. Diamond being hard makes the job much quicker. In order to give the slab a proper size, a bridge saw is used. The next step is to make the surface of the granite smooth and mirror-like. For this purpose, polishers are used. A polisher has a rotating pad to which an abrasive material is attached. The smoothness of the surface depends on the abrasive material used. The next step is to create designs on the slab surface. For this purpose, routers are used. A router has a wide variety of edges that are used to create different designs. It has a rotating blade with diamonds fixed on it to create designs.
The basic things needed to cut granite are diamond wet saw, water jet saw, granite router, safety mask, old clothes, and granite slab. First, the area that granite will cover must be measured. Mark the areas that need to be cut out from the granite slab. Then, with a diamond wet saw cut large sections of granite top. In order to cut shapes such as sink opening, use water jet saw. To give shape to the edges of the granite top as desired, use a router. One thing that must be remembered is that since granite tops are fragile, cutting sink openings could be challenging.
The basic things needed to polish granite are commercial granite polish, sealant, and soft cloth, isopropyl rubbing alcohol, dishwashing soap, spray bottle, baking soda, and protective gloves. From a hardware store, purchase a commercial non-abrasive granite polish sealant. Apply polish to the granite area and clean soft cloth. For added protection, use sealant on the granite. Take a cup and mix isopropyl rubbing alcohol, water and a few drops of liquid dishwasher soap. Transfer this mixed solution to a spray bottle and spray it over the granite counter top. Slightly rub the granite counter to bring back the shine. You can also polish the granite counter by mixing baking soda with three cups of warm water in a cup. Spray this solution to the counter top. With a soft sponge, remove stains and deposits.
The basic machines that are used for cutting and polishing granite are saws, polishers and routers. Saw could be a block saw or a gang saw. It is used to cut blocks of stones into slabs. Diamond wire saw has become increasingly popular these days for cutting granite. Diamond wire saw machine has a saw with a commercial diamond fixed on it. Diamond being hard makes the job much quicker. In order to give the slab a proper size, a bridge saw is used. The next step is to make the surface of the granite smooth and mirror-like. For this purpose, polishers are used. A polisher has a rotating pad to which an abrasive material is attached. The smoothness of the surface depends on the abrasive material used. The next step is to create designs on the slab surface. For this purpose, routers are used. A router has a wide variety of edges that are used to create different designs. It has a rotating blade with diamonds fixed on it to create designs.
The basic things needed to cut granite are diamond wet saw, water jet saw, granite router, safety mask, old clothes, and granite slab. First, the area that granite will cover must be measured. Mark the areas that need to be cut out from the granite slab. Then, with a diamond wet saw cut large sections of granite top. In order to cut shapes such as sink opening, use water jet saw. To give shape to the edges of the granite top as desired, use a router. One thing that must be remembered is that since granite tops are fragile, cutting sink openings could be challenging.
The basic things needed to polish granite are commercial granite polish, sealant, and soft cloth, isopropyl rubbing alcohol, dishwashing soap, spray bottle, baking soda, and protective gloves. From a hardware store, purchase a commercial non-abrasive granite polish sealant. Apply polish to the granite area and clean soft cloth. For added protection, use sealant on the granite. Take a cup and mix isopropyl rubbing alcohol, water and a few drops of liquid dishwasher soap. Transfer this mixed solution to a spray bottle and spray it over the granite counter top. Slightly rub the granite counter to bring back the shine. You can also polish the granite counter by mixing baking soda with three cups of warm water in a cup. Spray this solution to the counter top. With a soft sponge, remove stains and deposits.
What Is Granite?
Granite is an igneous rock having a massive structure and is hence popularly used as a construction stone. It is often found as a huge monolith and needs to be processed systematically before it can be used in construction. Granite stone, when polished, turns into an elegant piece of lustrous stone which can be used for making slabs and tiles for kitchens and bathrooms. However, granite doesn’t exist in the lustrous form naturally and has to undergo various processes after which it can be finally used. This is known as granite fabrication.
Granite fabrication involves three basic processes: sawing, polishing and routing. Sawing deals with cutting the monolith into smaller slabs for polishing. There are specialized machines constructed separately for each process. Initially the granite is in the form of a monolith brought directly from the quarry to the processing plant. It has to be cut down into smaller slabs so that it can be polished and processed further. A block saw is used to cut the huge boulder into smaller slabs. Of late, the block saw has been replaced by the diamond wire saw because of the latter’s faster cutting rate. The diamond saw contains diamonds studded on a metal wire to cut faster and more easily. The bridge saw then cuts the slabs further into a designated shape. Water is used as the coolant during the cutting process.
The next stage is polishing the cut granite slab. A polisher is used to grind the stone, polishing it to the required level desired by the user. Since granite is a very hard stone, the degree to which it can be polished is very high. We can obtain an almost mirror like finish by polishing it to a high degree. A polisher contains rotating plates fitted with abrasive materials on its surface. The quality of finish can be controlled by changing the coarseness of the abrasive substance. Once the granite slab is through with polishing, it needs to undergo the routing process. A router basically gives shape to the edge of the granite piece. It is also used to cut designs on larger granite pieces. There are standard edge designs in which the granite slab edges can be shaped. The router has a diamond studded spinning blade which travels from edge to edge, shaping it. Water is used as the coolant in this process too.
Now-a-days, all the three processes are controlled by the CNC (Computer Numeric Control) technology. It uses digital techniques to control all the three processes and the machines associated with them. This technology is very fast and accurate compared to the previous semi-automated functions used to control the machines and is hence fast replacing the old technology. This technology has reduced the time of the fabrication process from about 2-3 weeks to a single day. Once the desired final product is designed on the CAD (Computer Aided Design) program, it is fed to the CNC system which then finishes the job easily and efficiently. The final product is thus obtained.
Granite fabrication involves three basic processes: sawing, polishing and routing. Sawing deals with cutting the monolith into smaller slabs for polishing. There are specialized machines constructed separately for each process. Initially the granite is in the form of a monolith brought directly from the quarry to the processing plant. It has to be cut down into smaller slabs so that it can be polished and processed further. A block saw is used to cut the huge boulder into smaller slabs. Of late, the block saw has been replaced by the diamond wire saw because of the latter’s faster cutting rate. The diamond saw contains diamonds studded on a metal wire to cut faster and more easily. The bridge saw then cuts the slabs further into a designated shape. Water is used as the coolant during the cutting process.
The next stage is polishing the cut granite slab. A polisher is used to grind the stone, polishing it to the required level desired by the user. Since granite is a very hard stone, the degree to which it can be polished is very high. We can obtain an almost mirror like finish by polishing it to a high degree. A polisher contains rotating plates fitted with abrasive materials on its surface. The quality of finish can be controlled by changing the coarseness of the abrasive substance. Once the granite slab is through with polishing, it needs to undergo the routing process. A router basically gives shape to the edge of the granite piece. It is also used to cut designs on larger granite pieces. There are standard edge designs in which the granite slab edges can be shaped. The router has a diamond studded spinning blade which travels from edge to edge, shaping it. Water is used as the coolant in this process too.
Now-a-days, all the three processes are controlled by the CNC (Computer Numeric Control) technology. It uses digital techniques to control all the three processes and the machines associated with them. This technology is very fast and accurate compared to the previous semi-automated functions used to control the machines and is hence fast replacing the old technology. This technology has reduced the time of the fabrication process from about 2-3 weeks to a single day. Once the desired final product is designed on the CAD (Computer Aided Design) program, it is fed to the CNC system which then finishes the job easily and efficiently. The final product is thus obtained.
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