Cutting granite is a crucial process to obtain high-quality materials, with applications ranging from kitchen countertops to flooring and building facades. With over 25 years of experience in the sector, MEC offers advanced solutions for granite cutting, designed to meet the demands for precision and productivity in every context. In this article, we will review the main types of machines for granite cutting, the advantages of MEC models, and how to choose the right machine to optimize your processing operations. Keep reading to learn more!
Key points of the article
- When granite cutting is necessary. Granite cutting is essential in various sectors, such as the production of countertops, flooring, and cladding, to achieve precise and high-quality results.
- How the cutting process works. Granite cutting relies on specialized machines that use diamond blades or wires to break down the material, ensuring clean and precise cuts.
- Blades commonly used for granite cutting. Diamond blades are the most used for granite cutting thanks to their hardness and wear resistance, with different types adapted to various cutting needs.
- Types of granite and how they influence the cutting process. Different granite types, such as finer or harder ones, affect the choice of machines and blades, as harder materials require more powerful equipment.
- The best MEC machines for granite cutting. MEC offers several granite cutting machines, such as the Fast 1, Fast 2, Fast 3, and Fast 5 saws, each designed to meet specific cutting needs and production capacity.
- Manual machines vs automated machines. Manual machines are ideal for smaller and customized jobs, while automated machines are better suited for mass production to optimize time and costs.
- Why choose MEC machines. MEC machines stand for reliability and precision, engineered to guarantee high performance and long durability, with continuous support to assist you at every stage of the process.
- Alternative solutions for granite cutting. There are alternative methods such as water jet and laser cutting, but MEC machines remain the best choice for precise and efficient cuts on large volumes of material.
- Safety tips during granite cutting. It is crucial to adopt safety measures, such as wearing eye and hearing protection, to avoid accidents during the cutting process, which can be hazardous.
When is granite cutting necessary?
Granite cutting is a required operation in many sectors and fields, including the production of kitchen countertops, floors, and cladding, as well as in the creation of monuments and artistic works.
Granite is an extremely resistant and durable material, making it ideal for applications that demand solidity and natural aesthetics, such as worktops, exterior facades, and flooring.
Therefore, precise and accurate granite cutting is essential to achieve the desired final product, respecting dimensional tolerances and ensuring the material’s aesthetic quality.
How does the granite cutting process work?
The granite cutting process involves the use of specialized tools, primarily saws or diamond wire machines, which combine high speed and precision to cut the material.
Granite is cut by abrasion, where the blade or diamond wire rubs against the surface, removing small amounts of material until the desired cut is reached. It is a delicate procedure requiring expertise to avoid fractures.
Depending on the size and type of granite, different machines can be used, from manual systems for smaller cuts to automated machines for series production.
Blades commonly used for granite cutting
The blades used for granite cutting are generally diamond-tipped, known for their hardness and wear resistance. Diamond blades are the most common in this type of processing because they allow precise cutting without damaging the material. There are various types of diamond blades for granite cutting, including:
- Segmented blades: ideal for fast cuts and materials that are not too thick. Suitable for cross cuts.
- Continuous blades: provide a more precise and smooth cut for high-quality work such as countertops or flooring.
- Turbo blades: used for fast cuts and thicker materials, thanks to their design that improves cooling during cutting.
Types of granite and influence on the cutting process
There are numerous varieties of granite, each with characteristics that influence the cutting process. The mineral composition, density, and hardness of the granite determine the type of machine and blade to be used.
- Fine granite: easier to work and cut due to its lower density. Generally used for precision and finishing work.
- Medium granite: more resistant and requires powerful machines. Cuts must be made carefully to avoid breakage.
- Hard or granular granite: among the most difficult to cut, as its structure slows abrasion. Use of diamond saws and wires is recommended to achieve the desired result.
The best MEC machines for granite cutting
MEC offers a range of high-performance saws ideal for cutting granite and concrete, designed to meet different production needs and material types. MEC saws combine power, precision, and durability, ensuring fast and accurate cuts for large work volumes. Here are some of the top-performing machines:
Fast 1 Saw
The Fast 1 Saw is a compact and versatile machine equipped with a single 900 mm diameter blade, allowing work on stone up to 300 mm in width and height. It is particularly suitable for precision jobs on stone and concrete of limited size, offering an efficient solution for high-quality cuts.
Fast 2 Saw
The Fast 2 Saw is a dual-blade model that can handle stones up to 300 mm wide and 400 mm high. With blades ranging from 600 mm to 1200 mm diameter, this saw is perfect for those needing a machine that combines speed and precision. Ideal for medium-sized projects requiring a good work volume.
Fast 3 Saw
The Fast 3 Saw features three blades, offering even greater cutting capacity, with stone width up to 300 mm and height up to 400 mm. Like the Fast 2, it supports blade diameters from 600 mm to 1200 mm, making it suitable for series cuts or thicker materials.
Fast 5 Saw
The Fast 5 Saw is the most powerful and productive cutting machine in the MEC series, equipped with five blades that allow simultaneous cuts on multiple sections of stone. With stone dimensions of 300 mm width and 400 mm height, this model is designed for high-capacity applications. Perfect for those who need to process large volumes in reduced time.
Horizontal Blade Option
To add cutting versatility, MEC offers the Horizontal Blade Option, which can be integrated into vertical saws. This 600 mm diameter horizontal blade allows for angled cuts in a single pass, increasing precision and reducing processing times. It is ideal for complex cuts on specific angles or projects requiring special machining.
Manual machines vs automated machines
Manual machines are often used in artisan environments or for jobs requiring more customization but tend to be slower and require more human effort.
On the other hand, automated machines are designed for large productions, offering higher speed, greater precision, and reduced operational costs over time. Naturally, the choice between manual and automated machines depends on specific production needs, workload, and available resources.
Why choose MEC machines?
Choosing MEC machines means opting for reliability, innovation, and precision. Our granite cutting solutions are designed to guarantee high performance, durability, and ease of use.
Each MEC machine is equipped with advanced technologies to optimize the cutting process, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency. Moreover, our team of experts is always available to assist you in selecting the most suitable machine for your needs, as well as providing continuous support, including remote assistance.
Alternative solutions for granite cutting
There are various alternative solutions for granite cutting, but none can match the efficiency and precision of MEC machines. Among alternatives:
- Water jet cutting: uses a high-pressure stream to cut soft granite, but it may be less effective for very hard ones.
- Laser cutting: suitable for very precise cuts but limited to thin materials and specific types.
- Manual circular saw cutting: good for smaller jobs but time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Safety tips for granite cutting
Granite cutting can be hazardous, so safety measures are essential. Here are some useful tips:
- Wear eye protection: granite fragments can be dangerous to the eyes.
- Use hearing protection: machine noise is often very loud, so protecting hearing is important.
- Wear sturdy gloves: to avoid hand injuries while handling granite slabs.
- Comply with safety regulations: ensure all equipment meets safety standards and is well-maintained.
Conclusion
Granite cutting is a fundamental process to obtain high-quality and precise materials. Whether you are working on artisanal or industrial projects, MEC machines are the ideal solution to guarantee excellent results quickly and efficiently. Thanks to our experience and advanced machines, we can help you optimize your processing, reduce costs, and increase productivity. Contact us to discover how MEC machines can improve your work.
