“Stone sculpturing , carving and cutting

using CNC Machines”

Presentation by:

Pradeepkumar KP
CEO & Chief Consultant

“physical objects from computer models”

www.rpmtools.in
Contents
1.Introduction
2.Techonologies
3.Applications
4.The present Scenario
5.Challenges
6.Future Possibilities
7.Conclusion
 1.Introduction
• CNC ,very common in high-end manufacturing
sectors – where accuracy, precision in demand
– Automobile, Aeronautical, Aerospace, etc..

• Now getting more popular in other sectors –

where creativity and aesthetic requirements -
otherwise done manually using hand tools -
Sculpturing,Carving,Engraving,Cutting on
stone,wood,plastics and etc..
 2.Technologies
• CNC Machine & Related technologies
New Design/Reverse engineering –CAD(2D/3D
model)-CAM-NC Code for CNC Machine
• CAD /3D Scanning for digitalized design data
• Manual Programming for simple
geometry/design
• CAM Programming for complex designs
 Technologies ..
• CAD Software Eg:- AutoCAD,Coral Draw,Solid
works etc..
• Useful to create model and
Check dimensions and shape virtually for
design approval
• Covert to suitable format for CAM ,common
data format are *dwf,*stl,*iges,*step ,etc..
 Technologies...
• CAM take CAD file as input
• Create Tool path based on material properties,
tool and machining parameters, machine
capabilities
• Can apply Different machining strategies
• Can simulate and check movement, time and
finish
• Eg:-
MasterCAM,ArtCAM,AlphaCAM,VisualMill,etc..
 Technologies....
• Optimize machining operation
• Convert /post process to suitable nc codes
compatible to the control systems of the
machine
• Fanuc,Seimens,DSP,NC studio are some
examples of control system
Technologies.....
• 3axis,4Axis,5axis,rotary ,and
robotic movement systems
• Single as well as multi
working heads
• Different types of cutting
tools options, like circular
saw,
flat/round/profile,conical tip
bits
• High pressure water jet as
cutting tool
 Applications
• Processes:-Scultpture, carve,engrave,drill,cut
etc..
• Areas:- Sculpturing, Counter top
manufacturing, detailed decorative carving,
Monuments and Memorials, Kitchens and
Baths, Tiles, Modular Panels, Signs and other
custom applications
 Applications ..

• Functional wise: cnc water jet

generally for cutting
applications, circular saw
cutting as well as rough
material removal, mill bits for
semi finishing and finishing for
carving and sculpturing, v-bits
and conical bits for engraving
 Present scenario
• Earlier it was;
– too high initial investment
– Availability of hand skilled manpower
– Less awareness of these technologies
– Technology it self to mature
 Present scenario..
• Now

– technology became more powerful

– Lot of awareness about this technology
– Scarcity of skilled manual worker
– Machines at affordable price
 Present Scenario ...
• Yet to reach mass workers in stone industry
• Lot of potential in Indian market
• Many companies showing their presence,
mostly imported machines
• Even though there is few takers, yet to utilize
fully
• Use of these machines have gained
momentum in last two years
 Challenges
• Investors concern on
– RoI, suitability and adaptability
• Creativity and marketability ~ limit of
profitability
• Support from supplier ~ foundation for
success
• Getting proper support is most challenging
 Challenges..
• Manual programming is not enough
• User must know CAD/CAM
• High cost machine v/s low cost machine
• Higher/lower quality
• Budget constrains
• Challenge to get a good supplier
• Better quality, better price and better support
• Most important application support
 Future possibilities
• Common machine at every stone working
shop
• More Consistency and repeatability,
productivity
• non stop machining of identical jobs
• minimum supervision
• Operators can do additional tasks
• Easy to work with design changes
 Future Possibilities..
• Capability produce complex and detailed
designs
• Reduce the waste of material
• Frequency of error during work
• Reduce Time to reach market
• CNC machines will meet general, specialized
and multi purpose machining needs
 Future Possibilities...
• Many people in stone industies will start use
– Hi-end CNC machine
– Robots
– Having artificial intelligence
– Additive Manufacturing
• Open up better business opportunities with
use of these technologies
 Conclusion
• CNC Machines use increasing due to
– Reduced investment cost
– Better support on product and applications
– Awareness about technology
– Non availability of hand workers
– More confident and optimism on RoI
 Conclusion ..
• There is many applications and advantages
• Many challenges to implement cnc systems for
stone
• In coming years maximum utilization of these
technology will be done
 Conclusion...

• CNC may not completely replace the

skilled hand workers, but
– Reduce their work load
– Enhance productivity
– Creativity and profitability
– Thus CNC Machines and related
technologies will create more business
opportunities in stone sector.
 Thank
you
very much