(openPR) - Stone is an integral part of building in all its forms – it is used in its natural state in garden and landscape design, and in building construction for façade claddings, staircases, cornices, flooring etc. And of course it is used as an aggregate in mixing concrete or cast stone. Stone is in high demand. According to a recent survey the quarrying side alone within the EU has reached a production level of around 5.5 billion euros. At the 28th bauma, which takes place from 23 to 29 April 2007 in Munich, visitors will be able to review the entire spectrum of machinery and equipment used for quarrying and processing natural stone.

The range of stones quarried extends from B for basalt to T for trachyte. Just as diverse are the methods used to extract these materials. Drilling equipment, driven by compressed air and fitted on hydraulic excavators or special mounts and specially designed stone-drilling machinery are suitable for drilling the blast holes or the guideholes for the wire saws. In particular with automatic stone-drilling machines there are many ideas for improved efficiency and enhanced environmental compatibility.

Automation is advancing in all areas. On view at this 28th bauma, for example, will be machines which are equipped with a GPS-based navigation system for drilling holes. Using these, it is possible to keep to the planned drilling scheme, even when individual drill holes are not marked or when they are covered up. In combination with a laser-supported levelling system and automatic cut-out when the drilling depth has been reached, for example, better fragmentation of the stone can be achieved.

More service + enhanced environmental compatibility
The few specialist manufacturers in this field will be coming along to this next bauma to display equipment that combines improved fuel efficiency with modern handling for easier work operations. Drill performance has also improved, and dust, noise and vibration levels further reduced.

Long before the conventional stone splitter came onto the scene, hydraulic splitters were used for extracting blocks, for example. This was common everywhere where it was not possible to use large-scale machinery. A modern alternative to splitters are diamond wires. They cut rough blocks from the face with little wastage. High-performance automatic saws are now available within this very specialised product segment. They have stepless engine speed controls and can thus reach maximum torque in the start-up period. The latest technology in this area will be on view at the 28th bauma from 23 to 29 April.

High-precision stone sawing with minimum personnel
Bridge saws are an essential tool in any stone processing operations. Thanks to modern technology they enable rationalised, largely automated cutting processes. Computerised controls can be programmed in advance, and it´s even possible to integrate external CAD programs into the work stages. Time savings are also achieved through ‘manless’ production, which can carry on working through the night. The classic turntable for the stone workpiece has now been replaced in modern machinery by a rotating support. This doesn´t turn the workpiece, but the saw blade. The result is that much less mass has to be moved and the cuts can be executed with a greater degree of precision.

Waterjet cutting as an alternative
It´s not just concrete blocks that can be cut using water. Waterjet cutting techniques are now a high-tech solution used in processing stone workpieces, too. It is offered by service companies, but is now also found in the larger stone-masonry businesses. Waterjet cutting opens up new creative opportunities and therefore gives the chance of addressing new customer groups. The technology itself is essentially simple. It is based on pressure, created by means of a pump, and cutting speed.

Diamonds are not just ‘a girl´s best friend’
For the majority of all stone-extraction and processing machinery, diamond tools are essential. In the case of wire saws, not only performance is important but also safety. Manufacturers are again introducing improved connection solutions in this area, and new ways of fixing to the actual carrier cable. The shape of the individual components also facilitates water flow, in order to avoid overheating and any associated damage to the wire saw. A whole range of solutions are now available, giving the flexibility required of the cables; these solutions differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.

For the saw blades, the choice of plate material is important, but so, too, is shape, the way the segments interlock and how they are fixed to the plate. Here, too, several new developments have been announced by manufacturers exhibiting at bauma 2007.

Further information: www.bauma.de

bauma
The world´s biggest international trade fair for machinery for the building and construction, building-materials and mining industries takes place at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre from 23 to 29 April 2007. This event, organised by Messe München GmbH, will take up over 540,000 m2 of indoor and outdoor exhibition space. The last bauma in 2004 attracted 2,801 exhibitors from 47 countries, all making full use of the fair as a platform for communication, product presentation and marketing. 50% of the exhibitors were from countries outside Germany. 416,000 trade visitors came to bauma in Munich in 2004, 29% of them from abroad. The number of exhibitors and the number of global brands among them is evidence of bauma´s central significance as an international forum for the sector. 93% of the exhibitors at bauma 2004 reported contacts with international trade visitors at their stand.

Messe München International (MMI) is one of the world´s leading trade-fair organisations. It organises around 40 trade fairs for capital and consumer goods, and new technology. Over 30,000 exhibitors from more than 100 countries, and over two million visitors from more than 200 countries take part each year in the trade fairs in Munich. In addition, MMI organises trade fairs in Asia, Russia, the Middle East and in South America. With four subsidiaries in Europe and Asia and 66 foreign representatives covering 89 countries, MMI has a truly global network.

Henrike Burmeister, Press Officer, Capital Goods Fairs
Messe München GmbH
Tel. (+49 89) 949-20245, Fax (+49 89) 949-20249
Henrike.Burmeister@messe-muenchen.de
29/e/MarComGB1/hk