Description
Natural quartzite occupies a unique position in the countertop material hierarchy, combining the beauty of marble-like veining with a hardness that exceeds granite. This eased/straight template for 3cm quartzite acknowledges that reality with elevated RPMs starting at 3675 for the roughing pass and topping out at 4200 RPM for the buff, the highest settings in the natural stone template library. The 1.181-inch profile height displays quartzite's stunning crystalline structure along the edge face, where light catches the quartz grain boundaries in a way that no other natural stone replicates. Fabricators accustomed to granite will immediately notice the increased resistance to cutting and the faster diamond pad consumption that quartzite demands.
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
Natural quartzite occupies a unique position in the countertop material hierarchy, combining the beauty of marble-like veining with a hardness that exceeds granite. This eased/straight template for 3cm quartzite acknowledges that reality with elevated RPMs starting at 3675 for the roughing pass and topping out at 4200 RPM for the buff, the highest settings in the natural stone template library. The 1.181-inch profile height displays quartzite's stunning crystalline structure along the edge face, where light catches the quartz grain boundaries in a way that no other natural stone replicates. Fabricators accustomed to granite will immediately notice the increased resistance to cutting and the faster diamond pad consumption that quartzite demands.
Installation Overview
Quartzite edge fabrication on a 3cm slab tests both equipment and operator patience. The extreme hardness of this metamorphic rock means every stage takes longer and consumes more tooling than equivalent granite work. Begin by ensuring your CNC spindle is in excellent mechanical condition, as quartzite's cutting resistance will amplify any bearing wear or shaft runout into visible chatter marks on the finished edge. Load the DXF and configure the 20mm roughing finger bit at 3675 RPM, about five percent above standard granite settings. Feed rate should be measured at 35-55 IPM because faster rates cause bit deflection that leaves waviness in the roughed profile. After roughing, begin the polishing sequence at 50 grit metal bond running at 2940 RPM. Progress through 100 grit at 3150 RPM, then into the resin bond pads from 200 grit at 3360 RPM through 3000 grit at 4200 RPM. The buff pad also runs at 4200 RPM. Quartzite rewards thorough polishing with exceptional depth of gloss, but every grit must fully replace the scratch pattern of the previous position. Skipping or rushing any stage will produce a finished edge that looks polished at first glance but reveals scratches under close inspection. Maintain water flow at 3 GPM due to the higher friction heat generated by elevated spindle speeds.
CNC Cutting Notes
Quartzite demands elevated RPMs across all positions. Roughing at 3675 RPM with 35-55 IPM feed rate. Metal bond positions at 2940-3150 RPM with firm consistent pressure. Resin bond pads from 3360 RPM at 200 grit up to 4200 RPM at 3000 grit and buff. Use 0.3-0.5mm stepover for complete scratch pattern replacement at each stage. Water flow of 3 GPM minimum is essential due to higher friction heat. Inspect edge quality between each position under raking light. Diamond pad life is reduced approximately 30-40 percent compared to granite. Budget extra pads for quartzite production runs.
Material Compatibility
Designed specifically for natural quartzite, a metamorphic rock formed from sandstone under extreme heat and pressure. Compatible with popular quartzite varieties including Taj Mahal, Super White, Sea Pearl, Calacatta quartzite, Cristallo, Mont Blanc, and Fantasy Brown (when it is true quartzite rather than dolomitic marble). Quartzite rates approximately 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. Do not confuse natural quartzite with engineered quartz, which is a manufactured composite requiring significantly lower RPMs. Some stones sold as quartzite are actually dolomitic marble and may perform better with slightly reduced parameters.
Where to Buy
Premium diamond polishing pads rated for hard natural stone are available from GranQuartz, Diamut, Braxton-Bragg, and Weha. Specify pads designed for quartzite or hard granite for optimal results and tool longevity.