I. Mine exploitation
Exploration and planning:
Professionals conduct geological exploration on stone mines to determine the types, reserves, qualities and distribution of stones.
According to the exploration results, mine planning is carried out to design a reasonable mining scheme, including mining methods, mining sequence and transportation channels.
Mining methods:
Open-pit mining: This is the most common mining method. Blasting and excavation are used to separate stones from the mountain. First, drilling and charging are carried out, then blasting is carried out to drop large stones. Next, excavators, loaders and other equipment are used to load stones onto transportation vehicles and transport them to processing plants.
Underground mining: For deeply buried stone deposits, underground mining methods are adopted. Through digging tunnels and mines, mechanical cutting or blasting methods are used to mine stones. Underground mining has high costs and complex technical requirements, but it can reduce damage to the surface environment.
2. Stone cutting
Sawing:
Frame saw: This is a traditional sawing equipment. Steel saw blades reciprocate within the frame to cut stones. Frame saws are suitable for cutting large stone slabs, but the cutting efficiency is low and the precision is relatively low.
Diamond circular saw: Diamond blades are used as cutting tools. High-speed rotating circular saws can cut stones quickly and accurately. Diamond circular saws are divided into single-blade saws and multi-blade saws. Multi-blade saws can cut multiple stones at the same time to improve production efficiency.
Wire saw: Mainly used for cutting special-shaped stones and large stones. Wire saws drive diamond abrasive grains through high-speed rotating wires to cut stones. The cutting precision is high and it is suitable for processing stones with complex shapes.
Sectioning:
For some stone slabs with greater thickness, sectioning processing can be carried out to divide them into two or more thinner slabs. Sectioning usually uses special sectioning equipment such as sectioning machines or gantry saws.
3. Stone polishing
Coarse grinding:
Coarse grinding discs are used to initially grind the stone surface to remove the rough parts and cutting marks on the stone surface. Coarse grinding discs have large abrasive particles and strong grinding force, which can quickly remove the unevenness on the stone surface.
Fine grinding:
On the basis of coarse grinding, fine grinding discs are used to further grind the stone surface to make it smoother and flatter. Fine grinding discs have smaller abrasive particles and high grinding precision, which can improve the glossiness of the stone surface.
Polishing:
Polishing materials are used for the final polishing treatment on the stone surface to make the stone surface present a high gloss. Polishing materials are usually polishing powder or polishing paste. Combined with the high-speed rotation of the polishing machine, the stone surface can achieve a mirror effect.
4. Stone carving
Design and planning:
According to the needs of customers and the characteristics of stones, carving designs are carried out. Designers use computer-aided design software (CAD) or draw design drawings by hand to determine the patterns, sizes and shapes of carvings.
According to the design drawings, carving process plans are formulated and appropriate carving tools and equipment are selected.
Carving processing:
Hand carving: For some complex patterns and fine carvings, hand carving methods are usually adopted. Carvers use various carving tools such as chisels, hammers, and engraving knives to meticulously carve on stones. Hand carving requires carvers to have superb skills and rich experience.
Mechanical carving: For some simple patterns and large-scale carvings, mechanical carving equipment such as CNC engraving machines and laser engraving machines can be used. Mechanical carving has high efficiency and relatively high precision, but lacks the artistic sense of hand carving.
5. Stone protection
Cleaning:
Before carrying out protection treatment, stones need to be cleaned to remove dust, dirt and impurities on the surface. High-pressure water guns, cleaning agents and other tools and materials can be used for cleaning.
Protection treatment:
In order to improve the stain resistance, corrosion resistance and wear resistance of stones, protection treatment needs to be carried out on stones. Protection treatment usually uses protective agents such as waterproof agents, stain-proof agents, and anti-aging agents. Protective agents can penetrate into the stone interior and form a protective film to protect stones from external factors.
6. Stone packaging and transportation
Packaging:
According to the size, shape and weight of stones, appropriate packaging materials and methods are selected. Common packaging materials include wooden boxes, wooden frames, foam boards, plastic films, etc. The purpose of packaging is to protect stones from damage during transportation.
Transportation:
Select appropriate transportation methods such as automobile transportation, train transportation, and ship transportation. During transportation, attention should be paid to the fixation and protection of stones to avoid collisions and damages. At the same time, transportation regulations should be complied with to ensure transportation safety.
