Marble Miracles Via Water Jet
When 26-year-old Michelangelo sculpted the statue David from
a block of Marble 500 years ago, his tools were basic and crude compared
to what is available today. And although solid Marble floors were created
for the wealthy back then, the artists did not have the tools to make
intricate, delicate patterns in the Marble. A slab of Marble remained
a slab of Marble cut to the required size.
Today’s technology for creating masterpieces of architectural
design from Marble is centered on the cutting technology of water jet.
A Master Designer is no longer limited in expressing his creativity
as the water jet machines can cut, with meticulous precision, the thousands
of various-shaped pieces that comprise a work of art. Marble-granite-onyx
floor medallions, an example of the practical use of water jet technology,
can be seen not only in hotel lobbies, restaurants and airports, but
in fine homes around the globe. These medallions express uniqueness,
quality and originality, and are considered an excellent investment.
They come in original designs, or pre-made, ready-to-install designs,
or a customized version of the pre-made version. And, they are economical.
What is waterjet Cutting?
•An environmentally friendly process
•A process that does not create chemical air pollution
•A process that does not create dust, grindings, or chips
•A process that does not generate pollutants or fumes
•A process that does not require cutting oils or emulsions
•A process that is clean and efficient
What items can be cut with water jet?
•Marble and granite, and all other stones
•Ceramics and porcelain
•Linoleum, vinyl, and sports flooring
•All metals, including brass, muntz, Cortez Steel, stainless steel
•Glass
•Almost any material that you want to cut into a two-dimensional shape
•Being a clear, cold process, water jet cutting does not distort, heat,
or harden materials
•When conventional cutting methods can’t cut through a material, water
jet can
•No pressure or heat is exerted on the material, making it safe for
plastics or composites, or items that cannot tolerate mechanical damage
or heat
What patterns can be cut with water jet?
•If you can draw it on a computer, water jet can cut it
•Images come from electronic files, drawings, blueprints, etc.
•The images are converted into a language the water jet machines can
read.
•This ‘converted image’ is downloaded onto the water jet machine
What about the cost?
•Water jet cutting is the most economical way to cut stainless steel,
porcelain, or any stone into complex shapes.
•Being environmentally friendly makes it very cost effective
•The savings over traditional cutting methods is often substantial
•There are no molding or tooling costs associated with water jet
What are some of the main architectural uses of water jet technology
in the commercial world? The intricate masterpieces created with the
water jet technology are found around the world in:
•Airports
•Government Buildings
•Hospitals
•Hotels, Resorts, Casinos
•Restaurants
•Malls
•Outdoor Public Spaces
Medallions are found in all of the above places, along with an
artistically designed whole floor concept that delightfully leads one
from the entryway into all the areas where the public or employees walk.
The medallions are sometimes the logo of the local sports team, or the
trademark of the business.
Other uses of water jet technology in these commercial areas
include architectural sign age, plaques and murals. These murals can
depict famous places that attract tourists to the area.
What are the main architectural uses of water jet technology
in residences?
•Stone Floor Medallions may be located throughout the home, starting
with a Custom Entryway
•Border Tiles, along with an artistically designed whole, flowing-floor
concept, gently carry one from the entryway to living room, dining room,
halls, kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms in an integrated, beautiful way.
•Bathrooms – a sublime bathing experience when planned by a Master Designer
•Kitchens – blending the floors, countertops, and dining areas into
a daily delightful cooking/baking/eating experience
•Fireplace Surrounds
•Stone Furniture
•Wall Murals and Art
Harri Aalto is cofounder and Creative Director
of Creative Edge Master Shop, the country's largest watjerjet
fabricator. He designs all of the company's projects, for both commercial
and residential applications.
