Enhancing Stone Processing Capability via CNC Router

Understanding the nuances of granite stone sink making

CNC systems are the cornerstone of stone fabrication. Advancement of production techniques using stone is primarily due to the use of computer numerically controlled routing machines. One such machine that is getting appreciation all over the world is the OMNI-CNC Stone Carving CNC Router. This Chinese CNC router is becoming popular primarily for the robust construction, precision and affordability.

The stone carving router from OMNI CNC is a 3-axis machine equipped with a powerful 4.5kW water cooled spindle capable of 24000 rpm (revolutions per minute). The feature of this CNC router is the machine table with coolant tray on wheels that allows moving the stone plate easily.

Anatomy of Stone Sinks Routing

CNC machines can slab cut stone particularly granite which is the hardest stone. . After cutting the stone with bridge saws the edges are routed on the CNC machine for application of epoxy. The edge work involves half bull nose edges and sink bottoms with a radius generally measuring three eights of an inch. This prevents flat bottom edge of the sink allowing the slope to the drain. CNC machining forms the perfect shape.

The other advantages of CNC stone routing is there is hardly any wastage of the granite or engineered stone. Remnants (remaining pieces from a larger slab) are utilized in countertop production which has made the use of CNC router an important cog in the kitchen production industry.

China produces some of the finest granites as stone quarrying is big business. The evolution of CNC stone routing in China has taken the industry into world class status as Chinese engineers such as OMNITECH began the process of innovation. In less than a decade the name of OMNI CNC is synonymous with CNC routing. One of the hallmarks of the OMNI CNC Stone Router is the machine frame which has extra thick steel tubes welded providing stability to the heavy stone workpieces. Along with the gantry that also has reinforcing ribs constructed out of tubular steel the firm beam assembly is a fine example of OMNI’s precision engineering and quality of workmanship.

To understand the beauty of granite stone sink routing a quick perusal of the You Tube video (link at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_VRp2XTzMI.) shows the efficiency of the machining under a bed of water on the wheel configured table. The CNC machine’s chief feature is the accuracy particularly when making ogee edges. The quality of machining is exemplary – of course it does not matter if the CNC router has to bevel edges or straight edges or has to have a Dupont edge (a combination of ogee and half round). The OMNI CNC router is up to the task with its high spindle power and advanced control system.

Affordable CNC Routers for Aluminum Composite Machining

Aluminum composite materials are the most preferred material in the signage industry. There are several reasons for the popularity of the material the main is its relative affordable cost and the second being it very versatile. The material is waterproof, rust proof and the smooth finish is ideal for durability in outdoor signs.

Aluminum composites comprise the bonding of a non-aluminum layer sandwiched between two aluminum layers. The process of cutting through these three layers with a clean edge or finish requires engineering tools.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSYyF0uVFQ8

While it is true that a sharp knife can do the job for a straightforward cut it is very slow and when large sheets have to be cut it can be cumbersome. Also corners and rounded profile are indeed challenging to use a sharp knife. The other known tools are panel saws, circular saws and table saws that can easily cut through composites. Handling large sheets is an issue for these tools.

Fortunately the use of CNC routers has solved the problem rather admirably. These routers such as the OMNI CNC Basic Type Router are perfect for indoor and outdoor signage cutting as well as engraving. The Router can cut several types of material such as

•  Plastics

•  Composites which include
o  ACP – aluminum composite panels
o  ACM – aluminum composite material
o  Other solid surface material

•  Non-ferrous material among others.

The CNC router from OMNI CNC is widely used in-
ACP Cladding of building facades. Thermoplastic core is bonded between two aluminum panels. The bonded ACPs are light in weight, rigid and strong. Patterns similar to other materials such as wood, stone or marble can be painted lending to imaginative interiors in partitions or as wall screen decorative paneling. ACP panels can be drilled, punched and cut into complex shapes making installation easy which saves cost and time. Other uses include

•  Creating signage for indoor and outdoor use
•  Models and prototyping
•  Architectural elements for decoration

The router is robust in build with strong machine frame and its high frequency spindle of 3kW or more is powerful and rated to work with minimum or zero maintenance. The spindle can handle 6000 to 18000 revolutions per minute which can tackle the most intricate cutting job with precision. Another feature that allows this high positioning precision is quality stepper motors. This motion system can divide steps into micro steps due to stall torque and high power at low speeds. This is an essential feature for accurate cutting of aluminum composites with smooth finished edges.