Sintered stone is a very hard and dense material, which means that special tools and equipment are needed to cut it properly. Using the wrong tools or equipment can result in chipping, cracking, breaking or damaging the material and wasting time and money.
Therefore, it is important to choose the right tools and equipment for cutting Sintered stone to help you achieve the desired shape, size, and finish of the material and ensure the quality and durability of your project.
Here are some basic tools and equipment for cutting Sintered stone:
-Diamond Blades: Diamond blades are the most important tool for cutting Sintered stone because they are specifically designed to cut hard and abrasive materials. Diamond blades have a metal core with diamond crystals embedded in the edges to provide a sharp and durable cutting edge. Diamond blades come in different sizes, shapes and types depending on the material and the cut to be made. For example, there are segmented, continuous and turbine blades, which offer different advantages and disadvantages. Segmented blades have gaps or grooves in the edges for better cooling and chip removal, but they also produce more noise and vibration. Continuous blades have smooth, uninterrupted edges that provide a cleaner, smoother cut, but also generate more heat and friction. Turbo blades with serrated or wavy edges combine the benefits of segmented and continuous blades, but they also cost more and wear out faster.-Waterjet: This is a powerful and versatile tool that can easily and accurately cut Sintered stone of any shape and thickness. Waterjets use a high-pressure stream of water mixed with abrasive particles, such as garnet or sand, to cut through material. Waterjets offer many advantages, such as: they don't generate heat or dust, they don't damage the material or the blade, they can cut complex and delicate shapes, they can cut multiple layers of material at once, they can cut in any direction and at any angle, and they can cut any type and finish of Sintered stone. However, waterjets also have some drawbacks, such as: they are expensive and require a lot of maintenance, they are noisy and messy, they consume a lot of water and electricity, they require a large and stable space, they are not suited for small cuts or simple cuts, and so on.
-Miter Saws: These are high-precision and rigid tools that allow for straight, clean miter cuts. Miter saws have round blades that can be tilted and rotated to cut material at different angles. Miter saws are ideal for cutting Sintered stone slabs, especially for countertops, backsplashes and fireplaces. Miter saws offer many advantages, such as: they are accurate and consistent, they are easy and safe to use, they can cut any length and width of Sintered stone, and they can cut any type and finish of Sintered stone. However, miter saws also have some disadvantages, such as: they are limited to straight and angled cuts, they are not suitable for curved or irregular cuts, they are bulky and heavy, they require a flat and stable surface, they produce a lot of noise and dust, etc.
-Angle Grinders: these are handheld and portable tools that cut, grind and polish Sintered stone. Angle grinders have a rotating disk that can be fitted with different attachments such as diamond blades, grinding wheels, polishing pads, and more. Angle grinders can be used to cut Sintered stone tiles, especially for floors and walls. Angle grinders have many advantages, such as: they are flexible and easy to use, they can cut Sintered stone of any shape and size, they can cut Sintered stone of any type and finish, and they can grind and polish the edges of the material, among others. However, angle grinders also have some disadvantages, such as: they are not very precise or stable, they are not suitable for large or complex cuts, they are dangerous and require care, they generate a lot of noise, dust and sparks, etc.
These are some of the tools and equipment needed to cut Sintered stone. Of course, there are other tools and equipment you can use, depending on your preference and budget. However, these are the most common and effective tools and equipment that we recommend and use.
For installation instructions, check out our Sintered stone installation video!
Best Practices and Tips
Cutting Sintered stone is not a simple task. It requires careful planning, preparation and execution. There are many factors that can affect the quality and outcome of the cut, such as the type, size and thickness of the material, the speed and direction of the blade, the amount and pressure of water, and the temperature and humidity of the environment.
Therefore, it's crucial to follow best practices and tips for cutting Sintered stone, which can help you avoid common mistakes and problems and improve the efficiency and safety of the process.
Here are some best practices and tips for cutting Sintered stone:
1.Measure and Mark Material: Before you start cutting, you need to measure and mark the material to be cut. This will help you ensure accuracy and alignment and avoid waste and mistakes. You can use a tape measure, ruler, pencil, chalk or marker to measure and mark the material. You can also use templates, stencils, or patterns to depict the shape and size of the cut. Be sure to mark both sides of the material as well as the cut line and direction of the cut.
2.Securing and supporting the material: After marking the material, you will need to secure and support the material on a flat, stable surface. This will help prevent the material from moving, sliding or falling during the cutting process and protect the material and surface from damage. You can use clips, screws, nails or tape to secure the material to the surface. You can also use blocks, braces, or brackets to support the material and raise it above the surface. Make sure to leave enough space and clearance for blades and tools to move freely and safely.
3.Use Extra Water: One of the best practices for cutting Sintered stone is using extra water, which helps cool the blade and material, reduces friction and dust, and prevents overheating and chipping. You can use a water jet, wet saw or spray bottle to spray water onto the cutting area. You can also use a bucket, hose or faucet to supply water to the tool or blade. Make sure you are using enough water to keep the blade and material moist, but not too much to cause flooding or splashing.
4.Reduce Blade Speed: Another tip for cutting Sintered stone is to reduce the blade speed, which helps prevent the material from cracking and breaking and extends the life of the blade. You can use a variable speed controller or dial to adjust the blade speed based on the type and thickness of the material. You can also use a soft start or gradual acceleration to avoid sudden or sharp movements. Make sure you are using a slow and steady speed to cut the material, but not too slow to avoid jamming or stalling.
5.Make Shallow Cuts and Multiple Cuts: A great way to cut Sintered stone is to make shallow cuts and multiple cuts, which helps to minimize pressure and stress on the blade and material, and improves the quality and smoothness of the cut. You can use depth stops or guides to set the depth of the blade and make sure you don't cut too deep or too shallow. You can also use scoring or notching to create grooves or notches in the material before making the final cut. Make sure to make several cuts into the material, gradually increasing the depth of cut until you reach the desired thickness.
6.Checking and adjusting blade alignment: another important practice for cutting Sintered stone is to check and adjust blade alignment, which helps ensure accuracy and consistency and avoids uneven or curved cuts. You can check the angle and orientation of the blade using a straightedge, level, or protractor to ensure it is perpendicular and parallel to the material and surface. You can also check the position and path of the blade using a laser, light or shadow to make sure it follows marks and lines. Make sure you check and adjust blade alignment before and during the cutting process and after changing blades or tools.
7.Cleaning and Maintaining Tools and Equipment: After cutting, you need to clean and maintain your tools and equipment, which helps prevent rust, corrosion, or damage, and improves the performance and longevity of your tools and equipment. You can use a cloth, brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any dust, debris or residue from your tools and equipment. You can also wash and sanitize tools and equipment using water, soap, or detergent. Make sure to air dry your tools and equipment and store them in a cool, dry place away from moisture and heat.
8.Wear Protective Gear: The final and most important tip for cutting Sintered stones is to wear protective gear, which can help protect yourself and others from injury and comply with safety regulations and standards. You can wear gloves, goggles, earplugs, masks, helmets, boots, or aprons to protect your hands, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, head, feet, or body from cuts, burns, impact, noise, dust, or sparks. You may also wear undershirts, badges or signs to identify yourself and your role and to alert others to your presence and activities.
This is a video illustration of the Sintered stone cutting technique from Dektton.
These are some of the best practices and tips for cutting Sintered stones. Of course, there are other practices and techniques you can follow, depending on your experience and preference. However, these are the most common and effective methods we recommend and use. For more information on the fabrication process, please visit our article: Sintered stone fabrication
Steps and procedures
Cutting Sintered stones is not a universal process. Depending on the type of cut and project you want to achieve, you may need to follow different steps and procedures. For example, cutting straight edges, curved edges, holes or mitered joints requires different tools, techniques and skills.
Therefore, it is important to follow the steps and procedures for cutting Sintered stone to help you get the shape, size and finish of the material you need and to ensure the quality and durability of your project.
Here are some steps and procedures for cutting Sintered stone for different types of cuts and projects:
Countertops: countertops are one of the most popular and common projects using Sintered stone because they provide a functional and beautiful surface for kitchens, bathrooms, bars, and more. To cut Sintered stone countertops, you will need a miter saw, diamond blade, guide, jig, tape measure, pencil, water source, planer, and polisher. Here are the steps to follow:
1.Measure and mark the locations on the Sintered stone slab to be cut according to the size and layout of the countertop. You can also use a template or pattern to depict the shape and size of the countertop.
2. Secure and support the Sintered stone slab on a flat, stable surface, such as a workbench or table. Make sure to leave enough space and clearance so that the blade and tools can move freely and safely.
3. Align the guide rails with the markings and clamp them to the Sintered stone slab. The guides will help you make straight and accurate cuts and prevent the blade from deflecting or slipping.
4. Attach the diamond blade to the miter saw and adjust the depth and angle of the blade to the thickness and edge of the Sintered stone slab. You can also use a soft start or gradual acceleration to avoid sudden or sharp movements.
5. Sprinkle the cutting area with water and turn on the miter saw. Slowly and steadily move the miter saw along the guide rails and make cuts. Make sure to cut the Sintered stone slab at a slow and steady pace, but not too slow to avoid jamming or stalling. You can also make shallow but multiple cuts as described in the previous section.
6. Turn off the miter saw and remove the guides and clamps. Clean and polish the edges of the Sintered stone slab with a groover and polisher, as described in the next section.
Backsplash: Backsplashes are another common and popular project using Sintered stone because they provide a decorative and protective surface for walls (especially behind sinks, stoves, or counters). To cut Sintered stone for use in a backsplash, you'll need an angle grinder, diamond blade, tape measure, pencil, water source, planer knife, and polisher. Here are the steps to follow:
1.Measure and mark the location of the Sintered stone tiles to be cut according to the size and layout of the splashback. You can also use a template or pattern to depict the shape and size of the splashback.
2. secure and support the Sintered stone tiles on a flat, stable surface, such as a workbench or table. Make sure to leave enough space and clearance so that the blade and tools can move freely and safely.
3. Attach the diamond blade to the angle grinder and adjust the depth and angle of the blade to the thickness and edge of the Sintered stone block. You can also adjust the speed of the blade using a variable speed controller or dial, as described in the previous section.
4. Sprinkle the cutting area with water and turn on the angle grinder. Slowly and carefully move the angle grinder along the markings and make your cut. Make sure to cut the Sintered stone tiles at a slow and steady rate, but not too slow as to cause jamming or stalling. You can also make shallow but multiple cuts as described in the previous section.
5. Turn off the angle grinder and remove the Sintered stone tiles from the surface. Clean and polish the edges of the Sintered stone tiles with a paring knife and polisher as described in the next section.
Floor: Floors are another common and popular project using Sintered stones because they provide a durable and beautiful surface for both indoor and outdoor spaces. To cut Sintered stone for flooring, you will need a tile saw, a diamond blade, a tape measure, a pencil, a water source, a planer, and a polisher. Here are the steps to follow:
1.Measure and mark the location of the Sintered stone tiles to be cut according to the size and layout of the floor. You can also use a template or pattern to depict the shape and size of the floor.
2. Secure and support the Sintered stone tiles on a flat, stable surface, such as a workbench or table. Make sure to leave enough space and clearance so that the blade and tools can move freely and safely.
3. Attach the diamond blade to the tile saw and adjust the depth and angle of the blade to the thickness and edges of the Sintered stone tiles. You can also use a water jet, a powerful and versatile tool that can easily and accurately cut Sintered stone of any shape and thickness, as described in the previous section.
4. Sprinkle water over the cut area and turn on the tile saw or water jet. Slowly and steadily move the tile saw or water jet along the markings and cut. Make sure to cut the Sintered stone tiles at a slow and steady pace, but not too slow to avoid jamming or stalling. You can also make shallow but multiple cuts, as described in the previous section.
5. Turn off the tile saw or water jet and remove the Sintered stone tiles from the surface. Clean and polish the edges of the Sintered stone tiles using a planer and polisher, as described in the next section.
Walls: Walls are another common and popular project using Sintered stones as they provide a sleek and modern surface for both indoor and outdoor spaces. To cut Sintered stone for walls, you will need a circular saw, a diamond blade, a tape measure, a pencil, a water source, a planer and a polisher. Here are the steps to follow:
1.Measure and mark where to cut the Sintered stone slabs according to the size and layout of the wall. You can also use a template or pattern to depict the shape and size of the wall.
2. Secure and support the Sintered stone slab on a flat, stable surface, such as a workbench or table. Make sure to leave enough space and clearance so that the blade and tools can move freely and safely.
3. Attach the diamond blade to the circular saw and adjust the depth and angle of the blade to the thickness and edge of the Sintered stone slab. You can also use a soft start or gradual acceleration to avoid sudden or sharp movements.
4. Sprinkle the cutting area with water and turn on the circular saw. Slowly and steadily move the circular saw along the markings and make the cut. Make sure to cut the Sintered stone slab at a slow and steady pace, but not too slow to avoid jamming or stalling. You can also make shallow but multiple cuts, as described in the previous section.
5.Turn off the circular saw and remove the Sintered stone slab from the surface. Clean and polish the edges of the Sintered stone slab with a planer and polisher, as described in the next section
FIREPLACE: Fireplaces are another common and popular project using Sintered stone because they provide a cozy and elegant surface for a living room, bedroom, or outdoor space. To cut Sintered stone for fireplaces, you will need a jigsaw, a diamond blade, a tape measure, a pencil, a water source, a planer, and a polisher. Here are the steps to follow:
1.Measure and mark the locations on the Sintered stone slab to be cut according to the size and layout of the fireplace. You can also use a template or pattern to depict the shape and size of the fireplace.
2. Secure and support the Sintered stone slab on a flat, stable surface, such as a workbench or table. Make sure to leave enough space and clearance so that the blade and tools can move freely and safely.
3. Attach the diamond blade to the jigsaw and adjust the depth and angle of the blade to the thickness and edge of the Sintered stone slab. You can also adjust the speed of the blade using a variable speed control or dial, as described in the previous section.
4. Sprinkle the cutting area with water and turn on the jigsaw. Slowly and carefully move the jigsaw along the markings and make your cut. Make sure to cut the Sintered stone slab at a slow and steady pace, but not too slow to avoid jamming or stalling. You can also make shallow but multiple cuts, as described in the previous section.
5. Turn off the jigsaw and remove the Sintered stone slab from the surface. Clean and polish the edges of the Sintered stone slab with a planer and polisher, as described in the next section.
These are some of the steps and procedures for cutting Sintered stone for different types and projects. Of course, there are other steps and procedures you can follow depending on your preference and budget.
A final word on the advantages and disadvantages of Sintered stone
Sintered stone is not the only material that can be used for paving projects. There are other materials, such as quartz, granite, marble and porcelain, which each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is important to compare the advantages and disadvantages of Sintered stone with other materials to help you make an informed and confident decision about which material to choose for your project.
Sintered stone has the following advantages and disadvantages over other materials:
HIGH DURABILITY: Sintered stone is one of the most durable materials on the market because it is made from a mixture of minerals that are treated with extreme heat and pressure to create a hard, ultra-compact and non-porous surface. Sintered stone is stain-, scratch-, heat-, fire- and UV-resistant, which means it can withstand wear and tear and harsh weather conditions. Sintered stone is also easy to clean and maintain as it does not require sealing, polishing or waxing. However, Sintered stone is not indestructible and can still be damaged by improper handling, installation or cutting. Therefore, it is important to follow best practices and tips for cutting and fabricating Sintered stone, as described in the previous sections.
LOW MAINTENANCE: Sintered stone is one of the easiest materials to maintain because it has a non-porous and non-absorbent surface, which means it won't retain moisture, bacteria or odors. Sintered stone is also resistant to stains, scratches, heat, fire and UV rays, which means it won't fade, discolor or deteriorate over time. Sintered stone does not need to be sealed, polished or waxed, which means it does not require any special or frequent treatment. However, Sintered stone is not maintenance free and still requires regular cleaning and care. For this reason, it is important to follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions for Sintered stone, such as using a soft cloth, warm water and mild soap, avoiding abrasive or acidic cleaners, and wiping away any spills or stains immediately.
Wide variety of colors and textures: Sintered stone is one of the most versatile materials on the market because it comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes that mimic the beauty of natural stone such as marble, granite, and quartz. Sintered stone can also be customized and personalized according to your preferences and tastes. You can choose from different types and styles of Sintered stone such as natural, polished, matte or textured. You can also choose Sintered stone in different colors and patterns, such as solid, textured, speckled or mixed. However, Sintered stone is not unlimited and it still has some limitations and drawbacks. Therefore, it is important to consider the availability and suitability of Sintered stone, such as the size and thickness of the sheets, the matching and mixing of colors and patterns, as well as the compatibility and harmony of the material with your project and environment.
High cost: Sintered stone is one of the most expensive materials on the market because it is made from a mixture of minerals subjected to extreme heat and pressure and has a hard, super dense and non-porous surface. Sintered stone also requires special tools, techniques and skills to cut and fabricate properly, which adds to the cost and complexity of the process. Sintered stone is also limited in supply and distribution, which means it may not be readily available or affordable to everyone. However, Sintered stone is not expensive and still offers good value for money. It is therefore important to consider the pros and cons of Sintered stone, such as the material's durability, low maintenance, wide range of colors and textures, high quality and performance, as well as the cost and difficulty of the manufacturing and installation process.
Limited Supply: Sintered stone is one of the newest and most innovative materials on the market because it is made from a mixture of minerals that are subjected to extreme high temperatures and pressures, creating a hard, ultra-compact and non-porous surface. Sintered stone is also one of the most unique and rare materials on the market, as it is produced by only a handful of manufacturers and suppliers worldwide. The distribution and availability of Sintered stone is also limited, which means it may not be readily available or easy to use for everyone. However, Sintered stone is not scarce and its market continues to grow and expand. It is therefore important to research and compare the availability and accessibility of Sintered stone, such as the location and reputation of manufacturers and suppliers, delivery and transportation options and costs, and customer service and support.
Installation Difficulty: Sintered stone is one of the most challenging and demanding materials to work with, as it requires special tools, techniques and skills to cut and fabricate properly. Sintered stone is also one of the most difficult materials to handle and transport because of its density and weight. Sintered stone also requires specialized and experienced installers to ensure the quality and safety of your project. However, Sintered stone is not impossible and can still be successfully and efficiently installed. Therefore, it is important to follow the steps and procedures for cutting and fabricating Sintered stone as explained in the previous section, as well as hiring qualified and reputable installers who can provide guarantees and warranties for the project.
Sintered stone has the following advantages and disadvantages over other materials. Of course, you can consider other advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs and preferences. However, these are the most common and important pros and cons that we recommend and use.
Sintered stone is a revolutionary material that combines the best qualities of both natural and man-made stone. Sintered stone is stain-, scratch-, heat-, fire- and UV-resistant, making it ideal for countertops, floors, walls and exteriors. Sintered stone is also available in a wide range of colors, patterns and finishes that mimic the beauty of natural stones such as marble, granite and quartz.
However, Sintered stone is not easy to work with. It requires special tools, techniques and skills to cut and fabricate properly. In this article, we show you everything you need to know about fabricating and cutting Sintered stone, including tools, equipment, best practices, tips, steps, procedures, and the advantages and disadvantages of Sintered stone compared to other materials.
By following this guide, you will be able to cut Sintered stone like a pro and create amazing projects using this amazing material. If you are interested in purchasing or installing Sintered stone for your project, contact us today. We are a leading supplier and manufacturer of Sintered stone with over 20 years of experience and expertise. We offer high-quality Sintered stone slabs and custom fabrication services for a variety of projects and industries. We also have a range of stunning projects that showcase our work and craftsmanship, such as the Luxury Wood Sintered stone collection. View our portfolio here: Sintered stone collection.
Thank you for reading this article. We hope you learned something new and useful about Sintered stone fabrication and cutting. If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. We'd love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on the "People Also Asked" section of the SERP results, here are some frequently asked questions related to the manufacture and cutting of Sintered stone:
1.What is Sintered stone made from?
Sintered stone is made from a mixture of naturally occurring minerals such as quartz, feldspar, clay, and silica stone, which are crushed, blended, and compressed under high pressure. The mixture is then heated to over °C to fuse the minerals together and form a strong, dense surface.
2.How do I cut a Sintered stone countertop?
To cut a Sintered stone countertop, you will need a miter saw, a diamond blade, a guide rail, a clamp, a tape measure, a pencil, a water source, a planer and a polisher. You will need to measure and mark the location on the Sintered stone slab to be cut, secure the slab to a flat and stable surface, align the guide rail with the mark and clamp it to the slab, attach the diamond blade to the miter saw and adjust the depth and angle of the blade, sprinkle water on the cutting area and turn on the miter saw, move the miter saw slowly and steadily along the guide rail and make your cuts, turn off the miter saw and remove the guide rail and clamp, and clean and polish the edge of the slab with the grooving planer and polisher to clean and polish the edges of the board.
3.How to polish Sintered stone?
To polish Sintered stone you will need a polishing machine, a polishing pad and a dose of polishing compound. You will need to attach the pad to the polishing machine, apply the polishing compound to the pad, turn on the polishing machine and move it in a circular motion over the surface and edges of the Sintered stone, applying more compound as needed and wiping off the excess compound with a soft cloth.
4.Is Sintered stone better than quartz?
Sintered stone and quartz are both high-quality, durable materials that can be used for paving projects. However, they have some differences and similarities that may influence your choice. Here are some key comparisons between Sintered stone and quartz:
- Sintered stone is more heat-, fire-, and UV-resistant than quartz, which means it can be used in outdoor applications and won't fade or discolor over time.
- Sintered stone is more expensive and more difficult to install than quartz, which means it requires a higher budget and specialized installers.
- Both Sintered stone and quartz are resistant to stains, scratches and bacteria, which means they are easy to clean and maintain.
- Sintered stone and quartz are both available in a wide range of colors, patterns and finishes, which means they can fit any style and preference.
Link to Estrella
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Solid-Color Sintered Stone. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.