Granite Worktop Technology: Andy visits the Verona Stone Show
Granite worktop technology has evolved rapidly. An installation of quartz or granite worktops in Surrey or Sussex is likely to involve materials which started life continents away, using machinery which could have come from anywhere in the world.
Today’s complex features, decorative edge profiles and mitred downstands require greater precision in measuring and cutting than ever before. That’s why we keep investing in our staff and machinery to keep pace. Even so, it is still essential to keep in touch with best practice and new innovations. One great way to do that is at Marmomac. This, the largest stone show in Europe at Verona, allows me to get my hands on the latest equipment, meet industry experts, and see all kinds of stone offerings all in one day.
Granite Worktop Templating Technology
Measuring a kitchen for a granite worktop has been revolutionised by Laser Templating combined with numerically controlled machinery. That’s why at Affordable Granite we have switched almost entirely to LPE Raptor laser templates.
At Verona I was able to test the latest LPI Version 5 hardware and software, designed specifically for templating kitchens for quartz and granite worktops. Because the new technology works in 3D, it is able to check the level of units – a vital part of a good template. It is also more responsive on darker and highly reflective surfaces. Fantastic!
I was delighted to be able to compare the LPE Raptor gear with the Leica iCON iCS50. As you might expect from one of the greatest brands in optics, Leica takes the technology to another level, allowing full 3D scans of a room.
The iCS50 has a remote control and brilliant probe, allowing you to accurately measure surfaces out of the direct line of sight. Combining the Leica with powerful CAD software allows planning of fully realised 3D structures.
This gives us challenges, of course. Working out which system may be the most valuable to a granite worktop company will keep me and the management team occupied!
Stone and Ceramic Cutting Technology
Large format ceramic tile cutting is another service that is increasingly in demand. The excellent porcelain and ceramic materials now coming into the market require skill and the right equipment to cut well. Although bought principally for granite worktop and other kitchen-oriented stone cutting, our Waterjet machine has turned out to be superb for other peopel’s very special cutting jobs too.
On the other hand, the waterjet is expensive to run, and not really suited to cutting very high-volume orders. We are the go to for your intricate, bespoke ceramic and stone work – but can AG Waterjet gear up to volume work too?
Cutting ceramic tiles is a technology that the Italians have been experts in for years. Specialist conveyer-based machines allow for precise, repeatable results, across large volumes of product. It got us thinking, “Is this a market we should break into?”
At Verona 2025 I was able to discuss the technical characteristics, maintenance and performance of these machines, and was introduced to a UK-based agent who would be willing to support us. Â If you have a requirement to cut ceramic tiles to new fixed sizes in volume, Â this machine is the tool for the job. Now I just need to see if I can fit it in our workshop!
So what is next for Affordable Granite and AG Stoneworks as we look beyond our traditional quartz and granite worktop market? Â Perhaps AI solutions, combining high resolution scanners and robotic polishing? Â Or possibly increasing our integration with the latest workshop management software? Â In all of these decisions there is no substitute for face to face discussions, forging expert relationships and deepening our partnerships.
Oh, and a granite worktop man never misses an opportunity to try to find the best Tiramisu in Verona!
We are Affordable Granite, the leading quartz and granite worktop company in Surrey, Sussex and across the South East. If you have any questions about granite, quartz or ceramic worktops, or want to talk with us about your specialist stone or ceramic cutting project, feel free to call. It is easy to contact us on 01293 863992 or by email on [email protected].
