Stone, a principal material for both interior and exterior applications, holds a significant role in design aesthetics and functional needs. However, an often overlooked aspect is the surface treatment of stone, which, if neglected, can lead to various issues such as lack of slip resistance, susceptibility to scratches, and difficulty in cleaning.
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What Is Stone Surface Treatment?
Stone surface treatment involves using advanced machinery like stone CNC machine centers, ceramic tile processing machines, ceramic tile chamfering machines, and stone engraving machines, among others. These machines provide different processing treatments on the stone's surface without compromising its integrity, thereby enhancing its aesthetic appeal and meeting diverse design requirements.
This process not only brings out the natural textures of the stone, creating an artistic visual effect but also provides opportunities to improve any visual defects. The result is a stone that significantly enhances its value in consumer perception.
Why Is the Stone Surface Treated?
The transformation of stone through different processing techniques is vast. The necessity of treating natural stone surfaces before use in indoor spaces is attributed mainly to three reasons:
Ensuring Stone Safety
Stone is a natural material that, without surface treatment, can easily suffer from alkali return, yellowing, or even weathering and dissolving due to chemical reactions post-manufacturing. This can prove detrimental for subsequent use and may even pose safety hazards.
Providing a Superior Appearance
Each decoration material used in space decoration has its unique requirements. Different stone surface treatment methods can cater to varying design concepts. For instance, engraving plates can realize any surface texture you can think of. The decorative effect of marble engraving plates and special surface treatments are truly stunning and exceptional.
Catering to Diverse Requirements
Different spaces and designs demand unique stone properties. For example, the sandblasting treatment of natural stone ensures excellent anti-slip functionality without compromising its beauty. This wide applicability extends to the processing of thin plates, specification plates, and other natural stone plate products.
What Machines Are Needed for Stone Surface Treatment?
Stone surface treatment involves various machines and techniques aimed at processing and finishing stone surfaces for different applications. Some of the machines commonly used in stone surface treatment include:
Grinding Machines: Used for grinding and smoothing stone surfaces. They come in various types such as handheld grinders, floor grinders, and angle grinders.
Polishing Machines: Polishing machines use abrasives to achieve a smooth and glossy finish on stone surfaces. They can be handheld polishers or large-scale automatic polishing machines.
CNC Machines: Stone CNC machine center is used for precise shaping, carving, and cutting of stone surfaces according to specific designs. CNC routers and CNC milling machines are commonly used.
Waterjet Cutting Machines: These machines use a high-pressure jet of water mixed with an abrasive substance to cut through stone surfaces accurately.
Edge Profiling Machines: Specifically designed to create different edge profiles on stone surfaces, such as bullnose, bevel, ogee, etc.
Sanding Machines: Utilized for sanding rough surfaces of stones to make them smooth. Belt sanders, orbital sanders, and hand sanders are commonly used.
Diamond Cutting Tools: Diamond-tipped tools like saw blades, wire saws, and core drills are used for the precise cutting of stone surfaces.
Flaming Machines: They apply a high-temperature flame to the surface of the stone to create a textured finish, often used for outdoor applications.
Abrasive Blasting Machines: Utilized for surface preparation or roughening the stone surface using abrasive materials propelled at high speeds.
Laser Etching Machines: These machines use lasers to etch intricate designs or patterns onto stone surfaces.
These machines can be used individually or in combination, depending on the specific treatment required for the stone surface. The choice of machine often depends on the type of stone, the desired finish, and the scale of the project.
Conclusion
Every natural stone can undergo surface treatment, but the suitable forms and machines vary depending on the type and pattern of the stone. For any specific task, it is critical to choose the appropriate surface treatment based on the hardness and characteristics of the stone, ensuring a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics.
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