Natural Stones Processing

The Fifth Step: Cutting the Plaques to the Final Dimensions

After the transverse cuts, the plaques are cut to the desired dimensions by the milling machine. These dimensions can be according to the customer’s order or common dimensions in the market. This stage of work is done automatically in modern production units and manually in non-modern production units.

The Sixth Step: Measuring the Thickness

The purpose of doing this is to achieve the final thickness. In this production stage, additional thicknesses are taken from the standard value by the calibration device.

The Seventh Step: Chamfering and Treatment Finish

After the sanding and polishing stage, if ordered, some decorative works are done on the stone plate, such as chamfering or treatment finish. There are very fine machines for chamfering and for treatment finish in a completely automatic way, which grind and polish all stone four sides.
Then the license plate is automatically turned over and its back is grooved in the cross (x) shape. This groove makes the user position better adhesion. In addition to the mentioned machines, there are other machines types that mostly work with diamond elements and are made for cutting, grinding, drilling, or shaping different patterns and shapes on stone.
In each stone type, according to the stone type and the sub required type, specific bits are used to sand the stone surface. The polishing and treatment degree finish of the stone is also different according to the finish type.
There are various treatment finish and procedures for the stone surface, which are described below. In general, the stone surfaces types are divided into four categories, which are:
• Natural stone surface
• Mechanical payment
• treatment finish by impact method
• treatment finish by chemical method
These methods each choice depends on the stone characteristics.

Eighth Step: Sorting, Repairing and Washing

At this stage, the produced product is separated according to quality, color and size, and the parts that are resistant to repair (gluing or plastering), the necessary operations are performed on them, and after repair, they are washed and dried, and finally According to the degree type they have, they are separated and categorized in separate parts.

Ninth Step: Packaging

In case of export abroad, the manufactured products are packed in suitable boxes or pallets and are prepared for loading and shipping. Wooden boxes are made to pack plaques or stone sheets.
Especially for export, which has to travel a long way, enough precision and accurate calculation should be done in making the box and it should be made according to international standards.
The current machines used are determined based on the capacity, structure, wood type used and other factors, and will be different based on whether the packaging is done with lumber or whether the wooden box is made.
Stone packing is done with different purposes, the most obvious and important of these purposes is stone protection. After processing and preparing the stone, it is kept in the warehouse. If the stone is sold, it is time to transport and distribute it. Various physical factors such as heat, cold, impact and dust may cause serious damage to the stone, during the stone storage stage. therefore packing the stone in the warehouse is very important in its preservation.
During the transportation and stones distribution, different machines are used to move and lift these stones.
During the movement of various stones such as travertine, granite, etc., with these machines, there is a possibility of hitting and falling of the stones.
Another important goal of stone packaging is to give the stone its identity. With appropriate packaging and the right design of these packages, the product that is placed inside the package has an identity and is recognized.
Information is another purpose of stone packaging. A proper packaging should introduce the product it contains well and have all the information that a buyer might need.
This information includes all the characteristics of the stone, including the type of stone, dimensions, thickness, color and other characteristics of the stone.
Stone packaging is also important in stone advertising, marketing and sales. One of the stone packaging important goals, is to create a visual appeal that catches the eye of the buyer. Packaging as an advertising element should be able to encourage customers to buy. Also, proper and principled packaging creates trust in the brand among customers and increases the credibility of the brand.

Sources:
Atai, M., (1352), Construction stones, Shahrood Technology University, 1397