Description
Engineered quartz has become the dominant countertop material in residential installations, and the eased/straight edge on a 3cm slab is by far the most common combination fabricators encounter daily. This template addresses the defining challenge of quartz fabrication: preventing resin burn caused by excessive heat during polishing. Every RPM setting is reduced by approximately five percent compared to granite parameters, with the roughing pass at 3325 RPM and the maximum polishing speed capped at 3800 RPM rather than the standard 4000. These calibrated reductions apply across the entire eight-position sequence and reflect the thermal sensitivity of the polyester resin binder that holds quartz aggregate together in engineered products from Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria, and other manufacturers.
Related Templates
Eased/Straight Edge Profile (Granite) - 2cm+2cm Laminated
Eased/Straight Edge Profile (Marble) - 2cm+2cm Laminated
Eased/Straight Edge Profile (Porcelain) - 2cm+2cm Laminated
Eased/Straight Edge Profile (Quartz (Engineered)) - 2cm+2cm Laminated
Engineered quartz has become the dominant countertop material in residential installations, and the eased/straight edge on a 3cm slab is by far the most common combination fabricators encounter daily. This template addresses the defining challenge of quartz fabrication: preventing resin burn caused by excessive heat during polishing. Every RPM setting is reduced by approximately five percent compared to granite parameters, with the roughing pass at 3325 RPM and the maximum polishing speed capped at 3800 RPM rather than the standard 4000. These calibrated reductions apply across the entire eight-position sequence and reflect the thermal sensitivity of the polyester resin binder that holds quartz aggregate together in engineered products from Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria, and other manufacturers.
Installation Overview
Quartz edge fabrication on a 3cm slab follows the standard eased/straight workflow with modifications for thermal management. Position the slab securely on the CNC bed, noting that engineered quartz is heavier per square foot than most natural stones due to its dense composition. Load the DXF and configure the 20mm roughing finger bit at 3325 RPM with a feed rate of 50-70 IPM. The slightly lower roughing speed compared to granite reduces initial heat generation at the cutting interface. Progress into the polishing sequence starting at 50 grit metal bond at 2660 RPM. This is noticeably slower than the 2800 RPM granite setting, and the difference is intentional. Metal bond positions at 100 grit run at 2850 RPM. The transition to resin bond pads begins at 200 grit at 3040 RPM and progresses through 400, 800, 1500, and 3000 grit with a maximum of 3800 RPM at the buff pad. Throughout the sequence, watch the edge surface closely for any whitish discoloration, which indicates heat damage to the resin binder. If you spot it, immediately reduce RPM by an additional 100-200 and increase water flow. Once resin burn occurs, it cannot be polished out and the affected section must be re-roughed and re-polished from scratch.
CNC Cutting Notes
Quartz demands lower RPMs than granite across the board. Roughing at 3325 RPM with 50-70 IPM feed rate. Metal bond polishing at 2660-2850 RPM. Resin bond progression from 3040 to 3800 RPM. The buff pad caps at 3800 RPM rather than the standard 4000. Use 0.5mm stepover with consistent lateral movement, never dwelling on one spot. Water flow of 2.5 GPM keeps the resin binder below its softening temperature. If white or yellow marks appear during polishing, immediately reduce RPM by 100-200 and verify water delivery. Darker quartz colors show burn marks more obviously than lighter shades.
Material Compatibility
Optimized for all major engineered quartz brands including Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria, MSI Q Quartz, Viatera, Hanstone, and similar polyester resin-bound composite surfaces. The reduced RPM parameters are essential because engineered quartz contains 7-10 percent polymer resin that begins to soften at temperatures above approximately 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Natural quartzite, despite its similar name, is a completely different material requiring higher RPMs and should use the quartzite-specific template. Recycled glass quartz surfaces may need even lower RPMs due to their modified composition.
Where to Buy
Engineered quartz polishing pads are widely available from GranQuartz, Braxton-Bragg, Weha, and Alpha Professional Tools. Pads specifically labeled for engineered stone feature modified bond formulations that generate less friction heat.