CNC Saw vs. Robotic Sawjet for Stone Cutting

If cutting hard-surface materials is part of your stone fabrication company’s capabilities, you need to have precise, practical tools. Most shops have a CNC saw to cut materials such as quartz or granite countertops. Saws are cost-effective and can be automated to fulfill your requirements. However, Sawjets are becoming increasingly popular with high-volume fabrication shops. Shop owners should understand the pros and cons of each device before purchasing a CNC stone cutting tool. 

Robo SawJet 2.0

What Are CNC Saws? 

Computer numerical control saws have been a mainstay in the stone fabrication industry for several years. CNC is the most common technology for automated machinery configurations. CNC saws are ideal for achieving cost-effective, precise stone cuts. 

Most CNC saws offer five-axis control so the operator can perform a full range of cuts for countertops, faucets, sinks and more. Most CNC saws offered by BACA Systems allow operators to cut stone at a rate of up to 160 inches per minute. CNC saws can make extensive cuts, but they may have difficulty handling complex or intricate cuts. 

Pros and Cons of CNC Saws 

There are numerous advantages of using CNC saws for your stone fabrication needs. First, these saws are cost-effective and significantly less expensive than comparable tools. CNC saws can also make quick, precise cuts and can be automated using CAD or CAM technology. 

However, there are a few disadvantages of using CNC saws. First, these saws cannot make specific complex cuts, especially inside corners. Second, CNC devices often require extra material to finish the job, particularly when unequal parts are involved in the cutting process. Further, an operator is often necessary to move pieces and ensure the efficiency of the cutting process. 

What Are Robotic Sawjets? 

A Sawjet is an upgraded CNC saw that offers a powerful blade with a precise waterjet capable of making large and minor cuts. The waterjet can cut 90 degrees inside complex sink and faucet configurations. Sawjets can complete many of the same cuts as a CNC saw in half the time. Sawjets are intuitive and only use the integrated waterjet if the blade alone cannot complete the cut.  The blade quickly makes large, symmetrical cuts and the waterjet makes minor intricate cuts. Although CNC saws can complete straight cuts quicker, Sawjets cannot be matched in their ability to complete detailed cuts. 

Pros and Cons of Sawjets 

There are numerous advantages of using robotic Sawjets for your countertop fabrication needs. First, the waterjet offers flexible cutting options that can create corners better than CNC saws. Second, less material is needed for cuts because of the precision of the device’s tooling. Further, there is no need for an operator because of the automated control functionality. 

However, there are a few disadvantages of using a Sawjet rather than a CNC saw. First, Sawjets are more expensive than traditional saws because of their complex tooling configuration. Also, Sawjets cannot complete significant, straight cuts as quickly as a CNC saw. 

Sawjets and Stone Fabrication Companies 

Depending on your product needs, a Sawjet is likely a good investment for your business. Sawjets can produce intricate cuts and seamless corners in a matter of seconds. With no operator required, Sawjets are entirely automated and do not need constant oversight. If you plan to expand your production capabilities, investing in a Sawjet is a necessity. 

BACA Systems supplies many production firms with reliable stone-cutting equipment. We offer several fabrication solutions, including CNC saws, Sawjets and more. We fly all interested clients to our factory in Detroit for a live demonstration to help them choose the best device for their business. We also offer extensive training and support opportunities if you decide to purchase a Sawjet for your firm.