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THE START-TO-FINISH PROCESS OF A CUSTOM CUT To produce a custom cut stone order, the first step, obviously, involves obtaining all the detailed design specifications - measurements, layout, etc. - from the client. Three samples of the stone to be used are also required, so that design engineers can define such aspects as how quickly the stone can be cut and the degree of accuracy with which the stone can be cut. Installation instructions are needed as well to help ensure that the finished product can be designed to fit the final installation requirements. Other details needed by the design and production staff include quantities required, the desired completion time, and the ultimate shipping location of the custom material. This information helps accurately determine the production schedule and shipping schedules. Once all this data is obtained, technicians scrutinize all the facets of the design blueprint and program the waterjet computer with the appropriate facts. Any geometric designs can be keyed in numerically or graphically drawn into the computer program, while other artistic shapes are electronically digitized into the same program. Once the project pattern is entered into the computer, it is necessary to decide which cutting program to use. Factors that influence the cutting program include time economy, ease of cutting, and the necessity to make |
maximum use of all the material used. A final program is then created that automates the cutting process into the computer in the most efficient manner. Details included in the final cutting program include the exact shape of the pattern to be cut and the mechanics of machine operation. The cutting operation begins by loading the program into the computer, calling up the name of the program, and pressing the start button. From this point on, the waterjet system automatically completes the cutting process. The process can be used to cut as much as 50 linear inches per minute in some types of stone. The size of a single piece of material can be up to 4' x 12' x 5" thick, and the accuracy achieved can be as close as 1/32", depending on the type of stone and the type of cut configuration. THE FUTURE OF THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY In an effort to explore the full range of applications of the waterjet technology, World Marble Designs is continuing to expand its research and development activities, as well as researching the international stone producers industry in order to provide necessary expansion of inventory requirements. As the stone cutting industry is moving from man operated technologies to more automated systems, many more exciting innovations can be expected to take place. |
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