Most worktop templaters/fabricators would be aware that there are two main ways of measuring/templating worksurfaces – fluted templating sheets or digital machines. There are pros and cons to both approaches, and in this article we’ve explored the main ones to help you decide what’s best for you!
Fluted Templating Sheets
Pros:
- Very basic, therefore easy to use and understand
- Once measurements are taken, you have a physical sheet to check against
- Notes/comments that need to be remembered can be added to the sheet itself
- Edges that need to be polished can be easily seen
- Can be cut and scribed
Cons:
- Sheets can warp, or get crushed if walked on, which changes the measurements
- Sheets have to be purchased (an average of 4 sheets per job) – something made more expensive in recent months by the plastic tax
- Once measurements have been taken, sheets have to be carefully transported back to the fabrication centre
- Once used, sheets can’t be reused, so have to be disposed of, creating 1000’s of tonnes of plastic waste anually!
Digital Templating
Pros:
- Time efficiencies – once the system has been learnt, measurements are quick and easy to take, and there’s no time wasted transporting the sheet back to the fabrication centre – all measurements can be digitally transmitted.
- Cost efficiencies – there’s no initial purchase of the fluted sheet and no waste disposal of the fluted sheet. Check out our cost calculator here to see how much you could be saving!
- Forgotten dimensions are eliminated as they’re all stored within the system
- Environmentally, digital works out much better as there’s no more plastic sheets, and no fuel used to transport the sheets back to the fabricating centres
Cons:
- For some of the older generation, it’s understandable that tech isn’t as easy to pick up. However, that’s why we offer training with the Flexijet digital templating system, to ensure you’re not left in the lurch when it comes to using it!
Overall, it’s an interesting study, but for us here at Stonegate, digital has too many pros over against the cons to ignore. With our Flexijet system, there are even more in-built advantages to make your life easier, such as:
- Instant Auto-levelling – there’s no need to manually adjust the tripod legs
- You can measure in 2D, and see results in 3D with a single click
- Site photos and voice recordings can be captured right in Flexijet Stone software, to help you remember key points or anomalies
- Flexijet packs into a small transport case, and it’s easy to carry and operate by just one person!
- Measurements can be visually verified on site with Auto-Dimension and point projection
- Compatible with all CNC equipment
- 360° vertical and horizontal measurement, including straight up and down
- Can be controlled remotely via phone or tablet, ideal for small or unusually shaped areas!
Find out more about Flexijet here, or speak to our team on 01482 620 400, or technical@stonegatetooling.co.uk.