The union that makes the stone sector advance - Technologies that make it possible to do more and better with a focus on the sustainability and quality of natural stones
Behind the beauty and exuberance of ornamental stones there is a chain of processes that require geological knowledge, skill, advanced techniques and cutting-edge technologies to deliver the best to customers in a sustainable way.
It all starts with the extraction of stones in the quarries, where large blocks of stone are extracted and transported to the industries where the cuts will be made. The ability of professionals to visualize the final parts within these blocks is essential for the final product to be of quality.
In companies, the blocks undergo an inspection and are prepared so that the cutting surface is smooth and uniform. Computer-aided design (CAD) technology plays a special role in this phase, allowing professionals to visualize the final result even before cutting begins.
After selecting the block, it is the turn of the diamond multiwire looms to cut the stones into plates, with precision and with minimal waste. The use of this equipment in the natural stone industry is considered a milestone, as the technology dispensed with the use of lime and grit in the process, making the waste much cleaner. In addition, it made sawing the blocks faster and more efficient.
It is worth remembering that currently more than 95% of all the water used in the beneficiation process is fully reused, with a focus on the sustainability of the stone industry. Production residues can also be reused or sent to licensed warehouses, which subsequently send the materials to industries in different segments, which are capable of transforming leftovers into countless products.
Automated cutting
With the plates obtained, companies that have Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machines are able to perform highly precise cuts according to the previous design made on the computer. These automated machines are also capable of carving intricate reliefs, designs and patterns on the surface of the stnes, ensuring unique and personalized details.
CNC machines, associated with creativity, can be great allies for companies in the development of new products made with natural stones. Furniture, signed design pieces, decorative objects and countless other projects are made possible with technology.
Currently, avant-garde Brazilian companies, in partnership with designers and architects, develop differentiated pieces that are successful all over the world, thanks to the possibilities that this tool offers.
Polishing and Finishing
After being cut, the slabs go through the polishing process. At this stage, the idea is to enhance the beauty of ornamental stones. Polishing is carried out using special abrasives and polishes, which create a shiny and smooth surface. The skill and technique of the professionals handling the equipment at this stage is crucial to ensure that the surfaces not only shine, but also maintain the structure and integrity of the stones' natural patterns and veins.
Some natural rocks are also submitted to resin and screen processes. The purpose of resin coating is to increase the resistance of the stone and maintain its durability in the face of bad weather, in addition to improving the visual appearance of the surfaces. Screening, on the other hand, is done on the part that will not be polished, in order to increase the resistance to flexion of the material, avoiding possible breaks or cracks.
In the final stage of polishing, a color intensifier can also be applied to highlight the details of the stone. This procedure is performed using a waxing machine attached to the end of the polishing line.
Polishing is the most common process, however, natural stones can be subjected to other types of finishes such as flamed, levigated, brushed, spiked, graphited, etc.
Quality control
Before the beneficiation process is completed, each piece goes through the inspection and quality control stage. The materials must meet high standards and the professionals responsible for this area are always on the lookout for minor imperfections, which could end up devaluing the material.
Items such as porosity, water absorption, resistance to friction and analysis of the coefficient of thermal expansion are also taken into account in the process. Any flaws found are corrected immediately, and only parts that meet the highest standards are approved for shipment to customers.
From extraction to delivery of the final product, each step is carried out with precision and care, resulting in pieces that delight customers around the world. All these meticulous and delicate processes make Brazil a reference when it comes to natural stone.
