Another new machinery company, called High Technology Machines, has been set up by James King, formerly with Bavelloni and Harbro, to sell a range including the T&D Robotics’ Lapisystem robots and Donatoni CNC saws.
In a little over a year, five masonry companies in the UK have invested in robotic arms, which illustrates there is a demand in the sector for a machine like this that can perform a variety of masonry functions.
Now there is a new version of the robotic arm being sold by a new company, High Technology Machines UK Ltd, that was formed at the beginning of the year by James King to supply machines, tools and consumables to the UK stone industry.
James is currently working closely with T&D Robotics to set up a global network of stock and service centres, with the immediate focus on the UK, Holland and Italy.
The robot’s capability and flexible production capability means that it can saw, mill, drill and machine any shaped product that is demanded – and in these difficult and unsure economic times flexibility has distinct advantages.
T& D Robotics have set their target high – they aim to be the market leader in the stone sector.
They have a range of robots, their most popular being the seven axes Lapisystem 12/R30 EVO-7, which has a working diameter of 6m. It can operate on three tables – two fixed 3m x 1.5m and a motorised 950mm diameter table. The maximum working height above these tables (the Z axis) is 3m.
The EVO-7 is a fully automated production unit with options such as automatic tool change, with a magazine that can carry between 14 and 42 tools, an automatic tool measuring system, an integrated lathe and even a waterjet cutter adaptation and 3D scanner.
It can be used to produce three dimensional statues, pillars, architectural stonework, fireplaces, vanity units, kitchen worktops and pretty much anything else that can be produced in stone.
The operator uses the standard Alphacam CAD / CAM software either to create a drawing on the machine itself or import it.
The Lapisystem can easily be changed or modified to enable it to turn its head to most stone production requirements and there is a team of technicians and engineers to provide after-sales service with a network of warehouses holding stocks of spare parts, consumables and tools.
Not that High Technology Machines are only selling the robot. Having worked in the stone industry for the past seven years, first with Bavelloni and then Harbro Supplies, James King decided to start High Technology Machines because he felt there were aspects of stone machinery supply that he could improve to offer stone companies a better service.
One aspect of that was to represent the right companies and the products he is selling include Donatoni CNC bridge saws, Cavani edge polishers and Motogen bench saws.
The latest Donatoni is the Quadrix DG 1600 that was introduced last month at Marmomacc in Verona. With a 1600mm saw and a lathe attachment it is at the top end of their range. At the other end of the range is the Sprinter 625.
Donatoni Macchine is a young and dynamic company that says it is challenging its more established competitors by focusing on quality and innovation.
All the Donatoni saws have fixed working tables and four or five axes rotating saw heads, which means they have the standard facility of using a milling tool or drill bit so they can, with the right attachments, shape, produce hollows on solid stones, cut relief carving, engrave, and turn columns.
Both the X and Y axes are operated by brushless motors and high precision reduction gears using rack / pinion with tempered oblique teeth to minimise backlash. The double linear guides in an oil bath ensure accuracy while sealed bellows protect the moving parts.
Donatoni bridge saws are all heavily engineered and stress relieved to give a robust and sturdy structure. The saw head rotates through 0-370º and tilts through 0-90º, all directly controlled from the touch screen operator panel mounted on a swing arm.
The software allows the easy creation of drawings or the importation of external DXF files. It is easy to use but versatile enough to accommodate more unusual requirements.
Straight, convex or concave cuts can be produced using the horizontal or vertical blades. Standard slab programs include multiple, combined, parallel oblique or slanted step cutting and bench planing. Multi template cutting is also possible.
Options include tilting bench, photographic slab visualisation, parametric software, integrated lathe, and bas-relief module.