Proper Tooling & Accessories Are Vital In Getting The Most Out Of A CNC Machine

CNC stone working centers have taken a leap ahead with the wise use of technology. Fully automated equipment soon pays for itself by avoiding human error and replacing it with a more efficient production process. This enables a shop to deliver more completed orders with less manpower. Obviously, it also increases profit because less labor to manage helps stretch an operating budget that much further.
Getting the most benefit from CNC tooling and accessories is a must. Following is a sample of what’s new in products that utilize CNC technology.

Better Vacuum Cups

Retractable Suction Cups

BVC, Inc. produces vacuum cups used in CNC stone and glass routers. Unique in the industry, these cups can be used again even if they have been routed into. Going to the trouble of shipping them back isn’t necessary, all that’s needed to keep going is recreating the seal with the foam gasket.

Viper CNC Tooling

Retractable suction cups add even more automation to the process of stone fabrication. Sink cutouts are lowered automatically which not only protects valuable equipment, it is a big savings in time, helping to keep the workflow at a steadier, more productive pace. Cuts, profile and polish cut-outs for a single job are able to run without the interruption of stopping and the restarting the machine.

Cyclone S Thin Wall CNC Core Bit

The Viper CNC from Braxton Bragg has 7 steps. 5 are metal and 2 are ceramic polishing steps help to get an order out much quicker than without them. All CNC tooling comes with data sheets that cover every step of installation, including setting parameters which are pre-calibrated. User friendly, detailed operating instructions are also provided as well as complete maintenance information.

Smile Pilot – Tool Presetter

Having a Cyclone S in your shop lowers tool costs and reduces blowouts which increases production. Diamax introduces its Thin Wall CNC core bit, the latest to join their CNC line. The extremely thin rim measures at approximately 1mm thick which allows for quick, clear holes on either quartz, quartzite, granite and ultra compact. Quality manufacture adds long life to this equipment when used as directed.

Zenesis 4 & 7 Finger Bits

With its new design, the Smile Pilot presetter and measuring machine takes efficient countertop production to a higher level. Precise measurements are available within minutes and time saved on set up of new profile tooling is invaluable. With this presetter you get the exact diameters of CNC profiles needed to set up each position with recommended stock removal parameters.

Knowledge Premium Line

These Finger Bits provide the kind of top performance expected from CNC on all stone materials. Zenesis works quietly, provides chip-free cutting at higher speeds and works well with soft to medium-hard material (4 segments) and medium to hard material (7 segments.) Its upgraded design includes the most advanced diamond pattern in the industry which enhances durability and guards against premature wear.

BDT Tooling

Diamut introduces its latest version of profiling and polishing CNC wheels. Seen as industry leaders for over 30 years, they stay at the top in this field by the wise use of technology and producing such things as the Knowledge Premium Line of high-speed tools. More and more often, machines are doing the jobs men used to do in the stone business which makes efficient tooling a necessity. Wheels run at high speeds but due to quality craftsmanship they can be expected to last longer than any high speed tools currently on the market.

Panther CNC Z35 Wheels

The BDT tooling line makes it easier to get maximum benefit from a CNC work center. Their calibration wheel has a “W” pattern and can easily handle two times the diamond cutting surface as compared to traditional designs. Also allows for maximum removal of material left from a bridge saw and also scribes wall curvatures. Larger, reinforced segments outlast other brands and lose no speed or power while doing so. DSZ2L and DSZ3L seaming wheels have a satisfyingly long tool life and provide the kind of precision seaming with clear, sharp edges expected from quality equipment.

Zares II

Used for heavy stock removal, the durability of Panther CNC Z35 Wheels is in no doubt. Depending on stock removal, recommended parameters are 5500 RPM and 80 IPM. Type is granite/engineered stone, size 35mm x 80mm and grit is coarse. Adding these wheels to tool inventory is a wise investment that can be counted on to continue working as expected for years to come. This obviously leaves more cash in operating budgets to replace those tools not as well made as these wheels.

OMA XT CNC Diamond Tool

Nothing much is more aggravating that stopping production to calibrate new or existing tooling for CNC routing machinery. It takes time a busy shop can’t really spare and leaves room for human error to creep in. Loss of production equals loss of income but that is never a problem for shops with Zares II. Completely offline, this 3D optical system easily integrates with CNC routers. All it takes is the click of a button for this user-friendly software to do its job and prevent time consuming errors.

Granite Blades, Quartzite Blade & Granite Tools

OMA XT Diamond tools work well on either natural or engineered stone. Presented by Weha, Oma Systems of Italy manufacture a six position (3 metal and 3 polish) rapid speed CNC tooling. No dressing is needed and it only needs 6 steps to present the perfect polish instead of the 7 other brands require. Oma Systems have a strict policy of quality control and all their products are thoroughly inspected before shipping.

Granite blades offer the diversity a busy shop needs to stay competitive. Contour, flush cut or turbo, all have their place in successful shops and the equipment list shouldn’t stop there. A Quartzite blade may be designed specifically for use on quartz but good ones worth having also do an excellent job on granite or engineered stone. It’s a fact there is no such thing as having too many granite tools when you consider what trying to work with too few could cost.