The use of technology in the architectural stone industry
The architectural stone industry has existed for thousands of years, and has seen many technological developments that have helped to change the shape of working with natural stone.
Here are just a few examples of how technology helps us to offer the best possible service while minimising our impact on the environment at Stamford Stone.
Architectural stone drawing and production
The technology used for architectural stone drawing and production has evolved greatly over the years. As well as increasing accuracy, evolutions in drawing and production software improves the efficiency of taking a project from concept to final product.
AutoCAD
AutoCAD has long been a popular choice for computer-aided design and drafting. It’s used to create detailed 2D drawings and 3D models, as well as electrical diagrams and construction drawings.
Autodesk Inventor
Autodesk Inventor links directly to the manufacturing process. It allows us to accurately produce complex designs and simulations to check the form and practicality before even quarrying the stone.
Autodesk Revit
Autodesk Revit BIM software is a tool for creating 3D parametric models, which we use to design highly accurate models that can be easily edited to accommodate changes. This allows our large-scale architectural stone projects to benefit from a smoother workflow and more efficient collaboration during the design and construction phases.
3D point cloud software
Using the latest 3D point cloud software, we can scan buildings in readiness for any reconstruction or restoration work. This gives us an accurate 3D model of the building down to the smallest detail, which is extremely useful when fixing new stone to existing structures.
Architectural stone cutting and processing
Our quarry at Swaddywell is perhaps better described as a stone engineering processing centre. While we’ve witnessed huge advances that have improved our processes, the careful finishing by hand of our skilled stonemasons will never be replaced.
CNC machines
Modern CNC machines offer accuracy and consistency that simply isn’t attainable through traditional natural stone processing methods. Investing in advanced cutting equipment such as our Terzago CUTe CNC machine and 6-Axis Marchetti CNC machine speeds up production time and minimises waste, as well as allowing us to add lightweight ashlar cladding pieces to our product range.
Architectural stone production templates
Using our Graphtec vinyl plotter allows us to generate architectural stone production templates directly from the CAD software. As well as ensuring consistent and accurate production information throughout all stages of the process, this enables us to work with extremely detailed stone designs.
Sustainability technology
Stamford Stone is an architectural stone company that cares greatly about the environment. We take our corporate responsibilities seriously, using green processes and efficient technology to minimise the environmental impact of our work.
Transport of natural stone
We carry out 85% of our haulage in house, allowing us to use our modern motor fleet with Euro5 diesel engines. This offers efficient and low-polluting transportation for our architectural stone, while our careful planning of part loads and multi drops allows us to reduce unnecessary journeys.
Utilities
By utilising rainwater harvesting systems at our quarries and works sites, we can make use of this natural resource, while our water filtration plant recycles 100% of the water used in our natural stone production processes. We also regularly investigate further energy-saving opportunities with funding from the carbon trust to keep our energy usage as low as possible.
Administration in the natural stone industry
Even the administration work that takes place behind the scenes benefits from technological advances to improve efficiency and sustainability.
Production scheduling
We use paperless systems that integrate with our CRM software, reducing paper waste and helping to speed up the overall ordering and production process. Using a single digital source for all information across our entire architectural stone company means fewer delays and production errors.
Accounting and invoicing
Like many modern businesses, Stamford Stone uses a cloud-based digital accounting system. As well as being more efficient to manage, emailing PDF quote documents, invoices and statements allows us to avoid using the postal service, which saves on transportation emissions and minimises paper use.
A modern, efficient architectural stone company
If you are looking to work with an architectural stone company at the bleeding edge of industry developments and sustainability processes, get in touch with Stamford Stone.