When large stones need to be cut, a bridge saw is often used to cut them. For example, a large block of granite or marble is cut into small rock fragments that require a bridge saw to process into manageable stone slabs. Typically, bridge saws are several feet in size to accommodate large stones and similar materials. In this article, we will discuss the basic functions of bridge saws, their operation, classification, and the best bridge saw recommendations for stone cutting. Let’s learn about bridge saws.

What Is A Bridge Saw?

A bridge saw is used for stone cutting and as the name suggests, a bridge saw is a machine that resembles a bridge. It consists of a beam, two posts or brackets, passing through a bridge that spans several feet. The bridge is the track on which the saw head moves. The size of the stone slab that can be cut is limited by the width of this bridge.

Like all stone cutting saws, bridge saws are equipped with diamond blades to perform the stone cutting. A water pump system flows water through the stone and the saw blade during the cutting process to keep the blade cool and reduce dust emissions in the air.When using a bridge saw for stone cutting, the cutting head and saw blade simultaneously pass through the bridge while passing through granite, marble and other materials.

How to Operate A Bridge Saw?

The first step in cutting stone with a bridge saw is to set up and check the machine correctly. First, make sure the diamond blade is suitable for any type of stone to be cut, that it is the right size for the bridge saw, and that it is installed correctly. The water pump and any other power cords, cables, or belts should also be checked to ensure they are compatible with the machine. If applicable, check the oil level and gasoline level of the motor. The operator of the bridge saw should also wear the correct personal protective equipment and make sure there are no other people around to ensure the safety of other people.

When cutting, the stone should be placed on the table under the bridge saw. The saw blade should be aligned with the mark on the stone to be cut. First, turn on the water pump and carefully check that water is flowing freely over the saw blade. Then, you can turn on the saw blade.

The operating procedures will vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer and you will need to consult the user manual. Generally, the machine is usually operated in a semi-automatic program. The operator sets the parameters through the control panel, and the cutting head moves down into the stone and across the bridge, cutting all the way to the other end. You can set the height of the cutting head during the cutting process to control the cutting depth.

Classification and Price of Bridge Saws

There are many types of bridge saws. The main types include 3-axis bridge saws, 4-axis bridge saws, 4+1-axis bridge saws and 5-axis bridge saws.

Three-axis Bridge Saw

The three-axis bridge cutting machine is a CNC processing equipment for countertops that integrates cutting, trimming, chamfering, and drilling. It realizes automation, saves labor, and improves efficiency. The multifunctional 3-axis bridge cutting machine can cut bevels, straight lines, cut basin holes, drill holes, and other countertop processing processes. One machine can complete all of them.

It also has functions such as sucking plates and taking photos. It realizes the integrated processing of countertop panels, from cutting plates, forming, opening basin holes, to drilling, grinding, polishing, etc. All processes can be completed, realizing the automation and mechanization of countertop panel processing.

The countertop panel processing center can not only cut stone slabs of different thicknesses, but also complete the drilling, edge forming, grinding and polishing of countertop panels, with high production efficiency and good product quality. It solves the problem of manual grinding and polishing of countertop panels, realizes mechanical grinding and polishing, and makes the processing technology of stone countertop panels achieve a revolutionary breakthrough.The price of bridge cutting machines with different configurations is different, and the current price range is 10000-100000¥.

Four-axis Bridge Saw

Four-axis bridge saw can be used for various stone processing. Four-axis bridge saw is mainly used for special-shaped cutting, polishing, edging, drilling, etc. of marble, quartz stone and other stones. We can also call it 4-axis stone bridge saw, quartz 4-axis stone bridge saw, granite 4-axis stone CNC bridge saw, etc. It is also equipped with 85° flip table, 360° cutting head, vacuum adsorption device, camera, saw blade, roller device, etc., to achieve multi-angle and arbitrary shape cutting of stone slabs. In addition, it also has dust-free processing, European edge technology, inner angle cutting and pit cutting and other functions. The price of four-axis bridge saw is between 10000-50000¥.

Five-axis Bridge Saw

The main processing function of ordinary bridge cutting machines is stone slab cutting. For the overall countertop processing, there are many processes, and cutting plates is only one of the functions. Ordinary stone bridge cutting machines cannot complete special-shaped cutting, 45° trimming, drilling, polishing and grinding.

Using a five-axis bridge cutting machine, the above processing steps can be completed in one go without secondary processing, saving manpower, reducing power consumption, and high efficiency, which can greatly improve the efficiency of the enterprise. The functions of the five-axis bridge cutting machine include accurate positioning, guaranteed completion of the process, accuracy, and speed; special-shaped trimming can be performed to achieve sawing and grinding of various angles.

With an automatic tool change spindle, engraving can be completed simultaneously, and the saw blade, milling cutter, forming wheel and polishing wheel can be switched automatically. Cutting, chamfering, and polishing functions can all be realized without repeated positioning, improving processing accuracy, processing quality, and processing efficiency. At present, the price of a 5-axis bridge cutting machine is in the range of 60,000-80,000 ¥, and the price varies due to different configurations.

4+1 Axis Bridge Saw

4+1 axis is based on the 4-axis bridge saw machine, adding a function, such as adding a milling cutter, adding a water-cooled spindle, etc. The function is more comprehensive than the 4-axis bridge saw machine, and can achieve cross-cutting, vertical cutting, diamond cutting, circular cutting, elliptical cutting, 45° chamfering, under-counter basin, under-counter basin cutting, etc. The current price of the 4+1 axis bridge saw machine is 14000-20000¥.

Best Bridge Saw Recommended for Stone Cutting

4-axis Bridge Saw

The following four-axis bridge cutting machine is equipped with infrared and camera, which can automatically layout and position. In addition, it is equipped with an air-cooled spindle, which can better engrave stone patterns. At the same time, this 4-axis bridge cutting machine of Blue Elephant adopts a CNC control system customized by Blue Elephant to achieve high-quality and precise cutting.
This machine has the following features:
1. The saw head can be tilted at 0° or 45° to achieve stone chamfer cutting.
2. The bridge saw table can be tilted at 85° for easy loading and unloading.
3. The main core components adopt international first-line brands such as Schneider, which is more stable.
4. It adopts an integrated structure with a small footprint and can be installed and moved at will.
5. The top camera can automatically layout and position the stone slab.
6. Equipped with a water-cooled spindle to achieve fast and precise stone engraving.

The following are the parameter configurations of this machine:

Infrared 4 Axis CNC Marble and Granite Bridge Saw Machine with Water Cooling Spindle for Sale

This 4 axis stone bridge cutting saw has infrared ray head and camera, which can automatically realize typesetting and positioning. In addition, it has an air cooling spindle to better engrave stone patterns. So we can also call it 4+1 bridge saw machine for stone. Blue Elephant customized CNC control system will realize high-quality and precise cutting.

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Five-axis Bridge Saw

This 5-axis bridge cutting machine from Blue Elephant integrates cutting, milling, drilling and polishing, and can realize cutting of granite slabs, quartz faceting, marble rough material, etc. It is mainly used for tombstone manufacturing, cabinet countertop processing, bathtub processing, etc.
This machine has the following features:
1. It has a complete stone processing line, realizing automatic loading, automatic unloading, automatic typesetting, automatic tool setting, automatic unloading, etc.
2. This CNC granite bridge cutting machine cutting line can be used for cutting marble, granite, jade, bluestone, etc., and is widely used in hotels, construction, etc.
3. This 5-axis bridge cutting machine can realize X-Y-Z-A-C five-axis linkage processing, rotate 0-365°, tilt 90°, and realize cutting in any direction and at any angle.
4. The equipped granite saw blade can complete the cutting, chamfering, polishing, grooving, drilling, arc grinding, etc. of granite stone.

The following are the parameter configurations of this machine:

Industrial 5 Axis CNC Granite Bridge Saw Machine Slab Cutting Line for Ceramic, Marble, and Stone

This 5 axis granite CNC bridge saw machine cutting line integrates cutting, milling, drilling, polishing into one. It can realize granite slab cutting, quartz section cutting, marble block cutting, etc. It is an ideal choice for tombstone manufacturing, cabinet stone countertops, bathtubs, etc.

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4+1 Axis Bridge Saw

This 4+1 axis bridge saw from Blue Elephant adds a 5.5kw water-cooled spindle on the basis of 4 axes, which can work alternately with the saw blade, greatly improving processing efficiency. However, unlike the heavy-duty 4-axis CNC bridge saw, it cannot be equipped with a camera or material transfer device.
This bridge saw has the following features:
1. The economical 4-axis 4+1 CNC bridge saw can achieve cross-cutting, vertical cutting, bevel cutting, diamond cutting, circular cutting, elliptical cutting, 45° chamfering, under-counter basin, in-counter basin cutting, etc., but does not support edge grinding and polishing.
2. The blade diameter of the 4+1 CNC bridge saw for stone is 350mm, and the spindle speed of the 4+1 CNC bridge saw for stone is 24000rpm/min, which can achieve a maximum cutting thickness of 80mm, and the spindle and saw blade can work alternately without affecting each other.
3. The Blue Elephant customized control system and imported components are adopted to ensure the high-precision processing and smooth operation of the 4-axis 4+1 marble CNC bridge saw.
4. We can customize and upgrade the high-power saw blade motor, size, and voltage of the economical 4+1 quartz bridge saw.
The specific parameters can be referred to as follows:

Economical 4+1 CNC Bridge Saw 4 Aixs Marble Stone Bridge Saw Machine for Sale

This 4 axis 4+1 stone CNC bridge saw has an additional 5.5kw water-cooled spindle. It can work alternately with the saw blade, so it greatly improve processing efficiency. But unlike the heavy-duty 4 axis 4+1 CNC bridge saw machine, it can’t add a camera or material moving device.

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Conclusion

Bridge saw is an important tool for stone cutting. The processing of various plates in life depends on bridge saw. When choosing a bridge saw, you need to choose according to your actual needs. If you only want to perform simple plate cutting and do not need to cut complex shapes such as patterns, it is recommended that you choose a three-axis bridge saw. If the shape to be cut is more complex, you can choose a 4-axis bridge saw. If the processed shape needs to be cut in any direction and at any angle, it is recommended that you choose a 5-axis bridge saw. At the same time, as the number of axes increases, the price of the bridge saw will become higher and higher. It does not mean that the more expensive the machine, the better. You still have to choose according to the actual needs of the processing.