Stone Machinery Glossary: Must-Know Terms for Beginners

The stone processing industry may look rugged, but it requires a surprising amount of technical knowledge. For newcomers in this field — whether you're buying equipment, working in sales, or operating machines — understanding industry terms is essential. This guide explains the most common terminology you'll encounter when dealing with stone machinery.

1. Common Stone Machinery Types

Bridge Cutting Machine: A large stone saw with a bridge structure, used to make straight and cross cuts on stone slabs.

Infrared Cutting Machine: A bridge cutter equipped with infrared laser for alignment, improving accuracy.

Profiling Machine: Used to create decorative edge shapes such as trims and molding on stone surfaces.

Edge Polishing Machine: Polishes the sides or curved edges of countertops and tiles.

Manual Push Cutter: A small hand-guided machine for trimming or cutting small stone sections.

Vertical Cutter: Designed to make vertical cuts on thick or block-shaped stones.

2. Key Components in Stone Machinery

Main Spindle Motor: Drives the rotation of the saw blade.

Guide Rails: Supports the movement of the machine head and ensures cutting precision.

Inverter (VFD): Controls motor speed and protects the motor during startup and operation.

Diamond Blade: The circular blade used for cutting granite, marble, and other hard stone materials.

Cooling System: Uses water to reduce heat and dust during cutting.

Electrical Control Panel: Manages the functions and safety of the machine.

3. Stone Processing Terminology

Dry Cutting / Wet Cutting: Dry cutting does not use water; wet cutting uses water to reduce heat and dust.

Chamfering: Creating a 45-degree angle on stone edges for clean joints or design.

Grooving: Cutting slots into stone surfaces for installation or fixtures.

Multi-Blade Cutting: Using several blades at once to process large volumes of stone efficiently.

Edge Grinding / Polishing: Finishing the edge of a stone to make it smooth and presentable.

Laser Alignment: Using infrared or laser lines to guide and align the cutting position.

4. Understanding Equipment Specifications

Max Cutting Size: The largest size of stone slab the machine can cut.

Motor Power: Indicates the power capacity of the machine’s main motor, usually in kilowatts (kW).

Blade Size Range: Diameter range of blades the machine supports.

Table Size: The dimensions of the working platform where the stone is placed.

Vertical Stroke (Z-axis Travel): The range of up-and-down movement for the cutting head.

Rail Type: Refers to whether the guide rail is linear or round, affecting precision and stability.

5. Buying and Business Terms to Know

Free Delivery and Installation: Indicates whether the seller includes shipping and setup service.

Tax Included / Excluded: Whether the price includes VAT or not.

New or Second-Hand: The condition of the machine and whether a warranty is available.

In-Stock / Ready for Demo: Machine is available for test cuts or immediate delivery.

Standard Configuration: Lists the basic components included in the purchase. Extra parts may cost more.

Conclusion

Learning stone machinery terminology can save you time, money, and frustration — especially when communicating with suppliers, comparing quotes, or training staff. Keep this guide bookmarked as a reference for everyday use in the stone machinery industry.

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