How Computers Aid In the Manufacturing of Kitchen Countertops

The process of having new granite, or other natural stone, kitchen countertop installed is much more complex and involved than most home owners realize. Years ago all measurements were taken with the tried and true tape measure, but despite accurate measurements it was not uncommon for there to be some nudging and adjustments when fitting the fabricated stone. In older homes most of the stone work needed to be performed on-site. There are quite a few varying methods used now to achieve precise measurements and the perfect desired natural stone countertop.

Today some fabricators still rely on physical templates created from the cabinet placement by laying a long sheet over the top of the floor cabinets. Marking and measuring for the ends of the cabinetry and sink placement are then notated on the sheet material. Once all shapes and edges are marked out the sheet is then taken to the fabrication shop. Here the template is used to create a granite slab matching the shape and cut-outs on the template sheet.

One alternative to the sheet template method, which also happens to be the most recent advancement in the fabrication of countertops, is laser templating and measuring. An over-simplified explanation of the process of using laser templates is through the use of a stationary computer and some handheld computer, often resembling a pen. This small mobile pen is moved to several different points through the kitchen. At each point the coordinates are transmitted via some form of wireless networking with the stationary terminal and recorded. From each coordinate entered, a picture template can be instantly generated using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software.

Another additional method for acquiring precise measurements is the use of digital photo templating. This process uses a camera to take pictures of a layout which is then processed by computer to create a master template for the desired countertop. Again specialized CAD software is used in this process.

Through the use of computers, what could often take hours to create a template, can now be done in less than 15 minutes in some cases. While the field work may take a few moments, the actual cutting of the stone slab is still a time consuming task. Large digitizing machines and tables measuring 6 feet by 12 feet allow fabricators to perfectly create the precise shape from the template. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) cutters, water jets and automatic saws can be controlled by computer which increases precision and speed, while at the same time minimizing wasted material and errors.

Many websites provide additional information on the topic of granite and other natural stone countertops and vanities. One such site worth visiting is http://www.northstargranitetops.com.

Dan Elliott independently authors articles for WebDrafter.com, Inc. (http://www.webdrafter.com) for search engine marketing. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those solely of the author, and not of any other person, company, or organization. No guarantee or warranty, express or implied, is made regarding the accuracy, fitness, or use of the content herein.

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Computer based Rebar detailing systems help Structural consultants

Accurate Rebar design and detailing for reinforcement of steel or concrete structure plays important role in raising the standards of safety for any building construction projects. The Rebar detailer prepares bar bending schedules, shop drawings and rebar dimensions for effective reinforcement. Rebar design is a time-consuming and complex process.

Improving the communication flow among different trades involved in the rebar design project helps expedite the design process and reduce the amount of reproduction. This in turn helps reduce errors and drawing time with savings in cost.

Structural design consultants generally outsource rebar design drawings work to a subcontractor or team of rebar detailers. The detailers are responsible for providing complete sheets of calculations, shop drawings and general arrangement drawings for fabrication as per the specifications. The detailer is liable to make necessary changes in the drawings till he receives final approval from consultants.

Typically for any project, reinforcement drawings may be revised many times as a result of human error or a change in design suggested by one of the trades involved in the project. This process of revising drawings play crucial role in turn around time and cost of construction. The rebar detailer can save revision time by paying off for time used by the consultant engineer in the production of final drawings. Industry best practices suggest that the detail drawings should be returned for approval and review to the consultant engineer.

Computer based Rebar detailing systems help Structural consultants, detailers and fabricators streamline approvals and co-ordinate on the same single platform. The lack of an agreed data exchange format makes it difficult for them to exchange bending schedules and other details with ease. Modern CAD systems such as AutoCAD and RebarCAD removes this limitations by allowing the user to convert project data from hand-drawn sketches to DWG, DWF or CNC files within clicks of mouse. Once information is fed to bending machine it produces reasonably accurate rebars, but the first one or two bars are taken as samples for quality check.

Post your queries at info@outsourcestructuraldrafting.com

Richard Bose is Rebar detailer at OSD - an established offshore firm offering wide range of Structural Design, Structural 3D Modeling and Structural engineering services at affordable rates. To get answers of your queries visit us at http://www.outsourcestructuraldrafting.com/rebar-detailing-steel.php

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An Essential For The Keen Woodworker

Carbide router bits contain carbide, a tough material meant to stand up to the high speeds and serious demands of woodworking professionals. It provides a each bit with a longer lifespan, allowing for more return on one's investment since it will last longer, provide greater convenience, and be less prone to damage.

Carbide bits are less likely to crack than those that do not utilize carbide, and they are less likely to wear down and need to be replaced. The leading manufacturers of bits make use of carbide in the production of their products specifically because their customers demand a high-quality bit. While some bits do not use carbide or include carbide caps, the more expensive, high-end examples of this product nearly always do. One example is the industry leader in router bits, Amana.

The Amana company boasts the use of carbide in all of its bit lines. Out of all manufacturers, Amana was the first to subscribe to, follow, and meet the standard set by Holz BG German for quality and safety. The carbon alloy steel used by Amana for its router bits contains vanadium particles that improve the quality of the bits, add to their lifespan, and ensure they will be less prone to corrosion, cracking, or any other type of damage.

The leading carbide producers in Europe, Ceratizit, supply the carbide used in all Amana bits, and the grinding is done via a CNC machine more advanced in its applications than those used by competitors. In the router bit market, it almost goes without saying that carbide router bits are the highest-quality router bits available.

Carbide is usually applied at the tip of the bits - that is, the part that actually does the cutting - to ensure a clean, smooth, polished cut that avoids slipping and chattering that may destroy the material used to complete the job.

Carbide-tipped bits are often sold in sets. Besides Amana, another company that makes carbide-tipped bits is Skil, offering an 18-piece set of carbide bits in a wooden storage case among other products.

Skil claims similar quality to the industry leaders like Amana, but keeps the cost of its carbide-tipped bits low. Many brands are available, and many sets with various bits serving a number of functions are made with carbide for a long-lasting, quality bit product.

Get the best deals in Bosch router bits and raised panel router bits and get your FREE woodworking book.

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