Italian edge polisher manufacturer CMG lays claim to having invented the floating head for edge polishing that is used in its Flotter and other models.
The result of the heads ‘floating’ up and down by 1º in each direction is that the polisher copes better with minor imperfections in sawing (although it cannot work miracles) and speeds up the operation while producing a mirror finish.
Edge polishers, along with CNC saws and workcentres, form a machinery triumvirate in many stone processing firms.
Possibly the edge polisher is seen to perform a subordinate role to the saw and workcentre, but companies that have them say they would not be without them. They might not be working for as long each day as the saw and workcentre, but they can do wonders for productivity.
The floating heads of the Flotter System were developed by Giovanni Faccioli, who founded CMG in Verona in 1984. They were introduced first on manually controlled machines – machines such as the smallest yet 520 that are still considered perfectly adequate by many processors, although there are CNC versions available these days – such as the new Flotter 810 automatic and the Centaurus for rounded edges with its double rotating bridge.
A vital feature of any edge polisher is rigidity, so that the edge and chamfers end up straight. It is also important to protect the metal from corrosion. CMG addresses these issues by building arc-welded
heavy-duty steel frames that are sandblasted then finished with seven layers of paint, starting with a base of galvanized epoxy.
The Flotter 810 has a tank to collect water with a drain on the side. The feed belt runs on 12mm precision machined plates. All the protective guards, electrical and control box covers are made of stainless steel. Each polishing head is controlled automatically during the entire working cycle and the machine can be programmed for the length of the edge to be polished.
CMG does not make polishing discs, but describes them as being like the tyres of a car – you need different versions for various conditions. CMG’s agent in the UK is D Zambelis, which offers a variety of polishing discs and is always happy to discuss your polishing needs with you. Call Stella Zambelis on 01621 742577.