A blasting machine for marble can be used to create inscriptions, engravings, logos, decorations and finishes on headstones, monuments, plaques and artefacts made of marble, granite and stone. In stone-working workshops, a recovery blasting machine makes it possible to work with the head in contact with the surface, extracting abrasive and dust during the same cycle. PRESSURE BASE is suitable for localised operations and limited frequency; PRESSURE MAX offers greater extraction capacity and continuity; PRESSURE INFINITY is oriented towards frequent or continuous professional use thanks to the industrial vacuum cleaner and automatic filter-cartridge cleaning.
Where blasting is used in the marble sector
Professional blasting can be used for:
- ✓ Inscriptions on headstones, names, dates and numbering
- ✓ Logos, symbols, ornamental motifs and decorations
- ✓ Engravings on plaques and commemorative elements
- ✓ Surface finishes and anti-slip strips
- ✓ Localised cleaning and stairway restoration
- ✓ Treatment of balconies and work on flooring
- ✓ Work on monuments and customisation of stone artefacts
Blasting does not represent a single process. It can be used to obtain:
- ✓ A surface marking or deeper engraving
- ✓ A matt finish or decorative contrast
- ✓ A rough surface or anti-slip strip
- ✓ Controlled cleaning, deposit removal or a localised aesthetic effect
The machine must therefore be configured according to the required result, not only according to the material.
Engraving, decoration and cleaning are different processes
The tuning of pneumatic parameters must adapt to the specific type of operation:
Engraving and decoration
In engraving, the abrasive must remove a controlled portion of material. Depth depends on: stone hardness; type of abrasive; particle size; pressure; quantity of abrasive; nozzle; effective distance; dwell time; number of passes; resistance of the masking. A superficial decorative engraving requires a different configuration from deep letters intended to be subsequently coloured.
Decoration may involve: logos; symbols; geometric motifs; drawings; borders; matt backgrounds; contrast effects; filled areas. In this case, mask precision, jet stability, uniformity, pass overlap and protection of the areas to be preserved must be controlled.
Localised cleaning and anti-slip finish
Cleaning is intended to remove deposits, blackening, adhering dirt, residues, surface alterations, old finishes and localised contamination. Complete removal is not always required. On ancient, decorated or already degraded surfaces, the objective may be only to reduce the deposit while maintaining the original surface.
Blasting can create roughness on steps, thresholds, strips, floors, outdoor surfaces, pool edges and passage elements. The depth and continuity of the finish must be uniform. Excessively aggressive processing can create cavities, retain dirt, change colour, make the surface difficult to clean or produce roughness greater than required.
Stone materials and behaviour during blasting
Mechanical behaviour varies clearly according to mineral hardness and the fragility of the block:
- Marble: It may present veins, microfractures, fillers, crystalline areas, differences in hardness, previous polishing, waxes, resins and repairs. Blasting modifies the surface finish. On polished marble it can create dulling, contrast, roughness, chromatic variations and greater visibility of the texture. Before the operation, the following must be checked: type of marble; initial finish; aesthetic result; depth; masking; any subsequent colouring; required uniformity.
- Granite: It is generally harder and may require more incisive abrasive, greater energy, longer times, more resistant masks and several passes. Hardness is not uniform in every variety. Mineral composition can produce different responses between background, crystals, veins, inclusions and repaired areas. An aged engraving that appears uniform in the mask can show variations in depth if the jet is not managed correctly.
- Limestone, reconstructed stone and agglomerates: Limestone may be compact, porous, soft, friable or stratified; excessive treatment can dig into the surface or round details. Agglomerates contain granulates, resins, pigments and binders: response depends on the difference in hardness between aggregate and resin matrix. A preliminary test is essential because the jet can remove the resin more quickly than the granulate.
Why choose a recovery blasting machine
A recovery blasting machine works with a gun body equipped with a front brush kept in contact with the surface. During processing: the abrasive is projected; the material engraves or treats the surface; the brush contains the area; the vacuum system recalls abrasive and dust; the cyclone separates reusable granulate; dust is conveyed into the collection container.
This system can offer advantages in the stone-working workshop: lower abrasive dispersion; reduced environmental contamination; recovery of the granulate; reduced screening; better operational order; possibility of working on vertical slabs; localised operations; less time dedicated to final cleaning. PRESSURE BASE, MAX and INFINITY use a 24-litre pressure tank and a contact head with abrasive recovery and separation.
Limits of the recovery head: The technology expresses its advantage when the brush can adhere correctly to flat slabs, headstones, plaques, steps, regular vertical surfaces, filled areas, inscriptions or floors. It may be less effective on statues, deep reliefs, fluted columns, curved surfaces, edges or undercuts. When the brush loses contact, recovery decreases and dispersion increases: before choosing, it is necessary to check the real geometry of the artefacts.
Masking and creation of inscriptions
To create inscriptions or decorations, the areas that must not be engraved must be protected. Masking must be chosen according to: required depth; abrasive; pressure; exposure time; letter size; details; surface; temperature; adhesion; presence of polishing or waxes. An insufficient mask can lift, wear, deform edges, lose details, allow abrasive to infiltrate or produce irregular letters.
Very small letters require fine abrasive, stable dosage, controlled pressure, coherent nozzle, precise masking and regular passes. Large and deep letters instead require more time, greater removal capacity, several passes, greater mask resistance and periodic control of depth. Edge quality depends on mask cutting, adhesion, pressure, jet angle, particle size and operator movement: a jet that is too inclined can penetrate under the mask and alter the character profile.
Engraving-depth control and technical parameters
Depth is the result of the combination of material hardness, abrasive, particle size, pressure, nozzle, airflow, dosage, speed, distance and angle. Superficial or medium engraving, for filled areas, logos, names and dates, requires contained pressures and fine abrasives, while deep engraving increases abrasive consumption, time, wear and stress on the mask, making it advisable to proceed through progressive passes and check depth before removing the protection.
Abrasive and reuse: A fine abrasive favours details and precise edges, while a larger particle size offers more energy and speed. Abrasive recovered by the cyclone must not be reused automatically without inspection, because during the cycle it can be contaminated with marble dust, granite dust, masking fragments, pigments, waxes or resins, modifying cutting capacity and edge uniformity. The compressor must provide dry compressed air, free from oil or condensate, continuously; an undersized system causes pressure drops, irregular depths and structural slowdowns.
Work on vertical surfaces and dust management
Headstones and slabs are often worked vertically. The position involves the weight of the gun body and the need to keep the brush adherent with regular passes to avoid inclinations. PRESSURE models can be configured with a double-grip handlebar, useful for improving control and stability during vertical work, proceeding in strips without unloading the entire weight onto the brush.
The dust produced depends on materials and filters. Granite, quartz and artificial stones contain crystalline silica, whose respirable particles can penetrate deeply into the lungs. Management must include extraction at source, cartridge maintenance, closed containers and the absolute prohibition of dry sweeping or dispersing dust with compressed air. It is more correct to speak of recovery processing with strong dust containment, avoiding absolute statements for any surface.
Technology decision table
| Requirement | Indicative model | Why | Aspects to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| First recovery operations | PRESSURE BASE | Professional entry-level configuration | Frequency and quantity of dust |
| A few headstones or plaques per month | PRESSURE BASE | Suitable for localised work | Filter-management times |
| Recurring professional production | PRESSURE MAX | Greater extraction and three filters | Compressor and required continuity |
| Working vertical slabs | PRESSURE MAX | Control and possibility of double grip | Weight and head adhesion |
| Frequent and repetitive engravings | PRESSURE INFINITY | Industrial extraction and automatic cleaning | Workshop organisation |
| Use of fine abrasives | PRESSURE INFINITY | Pneumatic mixer and vibrating system configurable | Particle-size compatibility |
| Localised cleaning of a stairway | PRESSURE BASE or MAX | Recovery in the treated area | Surface regularity |
| Work on granite | PRESSURE MAX or INFINITY | Greater continuity in dust production | Abrasive and pressure |
| Occasional decorations | PRESSURE BASE | Proportionate investment | Depth and mask |
| High-volume workshop | PRESSURE INFINITY | Reduced interruptions | Airflow and maintenance |
| Very irregular surface | Assess a different technology | The brush may not adhere | Real geometry |
| Large open surface | Assess open blasting or dedicated system | The recovery head is oriented towards localised areas | Overall productivity |
Three FEVI models recommended for marble
1. PRESSURE BASE – Entry-level recovery blasting machine
For localised engraving and limited frequency
PRESSURE BASE is the FEVI recovery blasting machine designed to perform localised operations with abrasive recovery and dust separation. It integrates: 24-litre pressure tank; gun body with front brush; remote control; single-phase extraction unit; separation cyclone; cartridge filter; semi-automatic filter-shaking system. FEVI positions it as the entry-level model in the PRESSURE range, suitable for precise work on marble, granite, stone, glass and other compatible materials.
Uses in the marble sector: inscriptions on headstones; names and dates; numbering; logos; symbols; ornamental motifs; decorations; engravings on plaques; commemorative elements; surface finishes; anti-slip strips; localised cleaning; stairway restoration; balcony treatment; work on flooring; work on monuments; customisation of stone artefacts.
Strength: It allows the introduction of true recovery blasting with control of the area, abrasive recycling, reduced screening, more orderly management compared with open blasting and an investment proportionate to non-intensive use.
Limit to assess: The single filter with semi-automatic shaking requires management that depends more on the operator. It may be less suitable when: engravings are numerous; the cycle is prolonged; the material generates a lot of dust; granite or artificial stones are worked frequently; interruptions for filter management affect productivity.
Recommended user: small workshop; marble worker; craftsman; funerary-art company; operator introducing the service; company carrying out localised operations; workshop with contained volumes.
2. PRESSURE MAX – Professional recovery blasting machine
For workshops with recurring operations
PRESSURE MAX is a professional recovery blasting machine designed to offer greater extraction capacity than basic systems. It integrates: 24-litre pressure tank; gun body with brush; remote control; single-phase extraction unit; three cartridge filters; cyclic cleaning by reverse pulse; separation cyclone; possibility of double-grip handlebar. FEVI indicates it for inscriptions, engravings and decorations on marble, granite, glass and other materials, as well as for operations on stone elements and architectural details.
Uses in the marble sector: recurring work on headstones; plaques; logos; funerary engravings; decorations; medium-depth letters; granite; vertical surfaces; stairs; balconies; architectural elements; localised cleaning; workshops with several weekly orders.
Strength: The system with three cartridges and cyclic cleaning allows: greater filter surface area; more stable extraction; greater continuity; more effective dust management; fewer interruptions compared with PRESSURE BASE; better adaptation to recurring professional work. The optional double-grip handlebar improves control and stability on vertical slabs.
Limit to assess: It is not the most suitable solution when: the workshop works only occasionally; surfaces are highly irregular; large open areas must be treated; the head cannot adhere; continuous production with interruptions reduced to a minimum is required.
Recommended user: stone-working workshop; professional marble worker; funerary-art company; engraver; company with recurring operations; workshop processing marble and granite; company treating vertical slabs.
3. PRESSURE INFINITY – Recovery blasting machine with industrial vacuum cleaner
For frequent production and operating continuity
PRESSURE INFINITY is the FEVI recovery blasting machine oriented towards frequent or continuous professional use. It integrates: 24-litre pressure tank; gun body with front brush; remote control; single-phase industrial vacuum cleaner 350 ICLEAN; automatic filter-cartridge cleaning; separation cyclone; collection container; possibility of double-grip handlebar; pneumatic mixer and vibrating system configurable for fine abrasives. The automatic cleaning system helps maintain more stable extraction efficiency and reduce operational interruptions.
Uses in the marble sector: continuous production of headstones; frequent engravings; logos and decorations; precision inscriptions; work on granite; fine abrasives; vertical surfaces; several daily orders; professional cleaning; repetitive work; workshops where order and continuity are priorities.
Strength: The main advantage is the continuity provided by automatic filter cleaning, industrial extraction and configuration suitable for fine particle sizes. Pneumatic mixer and vibrating system are decisive when fine abrasives are used for small letters, details, logos and high-definition edges.
Limit to assess: PRESSURE INFINITY may be oversized when: only a few engravings are carried out; the workshop does not work continuously; the quantity of dust is contained; the compressor is not adequate; geometry does not allow the brush to adhere.
Recommended user: structured stone-working workshop; funerary-art company; headstone manufacturer; professional engraver; high-volume workshop; company frequently processing granite; company using fine abrasives; operator who wants to reduce interruptions.
FEVI model comparison table
| Model | Extraction and filtration | Recommended use | Strength | Limit to assess |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRESSURE BASE | One filter with semi-automatic shaking | Occasional engravings, plaques, headstones and localised work | Access to recovery technology | Lower continuity in intensive production |
| PRESSURE MAX | Three filters with cyclic reverse-pulse cleaning | Recurring professional work on marble and granite | Greater extraction and stability | Less advanced than INFINITY in continuous cycles |
| PRESSURE INFINITY | 350 ICLEAN vacuum cleaner with automatic cleaning | Frequent engravings, fine abrasives and continuous production | Continuity and automatic filter management | Higher investment and configuration |
Frequent mistakes in stone-working operations
Mapping operational inconsistencies prevents productivity drops or grainy edges on stencils:
- Choosing the model only according to price or using the BASE version for intensive production: The difference between the models lies in filtration continuity. An undersized model forces frequent manual interruptions to clean the cartridges, blocking the workshop flow.
- Not checking brush adhesion or neglecting filter condition: If the head loses contact with the slab, extraction efficiency collapses, dispersion increases and false-air intrusion may occur. Saturated filters reduce recovery and compromise the action of the cyclone separator.
- Using the same configuration on marble and granite or using thin masks: Granite requires more incisive abrasives, higher pressures and dedicated timing. In addition, a mask that is too thin or poorly adhesive can lift or wear before completion, deforming the characters.
- Immediately seeking final depth in a single pass or removing the mask too early: It is preferable to proceed through progressive passes so as not to stress the stencil. Removing the mask before checking uniformity and real depth prevents any subsequent touch-up.
- Cleaning the environment with compressed air or not distinguishing natural marble from artificial stone: Compressed air re-lifts and aerosolises fine dust, increasing operator exposure. Artificial agglomerates require rigorous dust-collection protocols to prevent risks from respirable crystalline silica.
FAQ on blasting machines for marble
Which FEVI blasting machine should be chosen for engraving headstones in funerary art?
For limited production, PRESSURE BASE can be assessed. For a workshop with recurring operations, PRESSURE MAX generally represents the most balanced solution. PRESSURE INFINITY is indicated when engraving is carried out frequently and operating continuity is a priority.
What is the main difference between PRESSURE BASE and PRESSURE MAX models?
Both have a 24-litre tank and recovery head. PRESSURE BASE uses one filter with semi-automatic shaking and is oriented towards localised operations and limited frequency. PRESSURE MAX uses three cartridges with cyclic reverse-pulse cleaning and offers greater extraction capacity and continuity in professional work.
What is the difference between PRESSURE MAX and PRESSURE INFINITY models?
PRESSURE MAX is indicated for recurring professional work. PRESSURE INFINITY integrates a 350 ICLEAN industrial vacuum cleaner and automatic filter-cartridge cleaning, making it more suitable for frequent or continuous use. It can also be configured with pneumatic mixer and vibrating system for fine particle sizes.
Can the recovery blasting machine recycle spent abrasive?
The machine is designed to recover the abrasive during processing. The cyclone separates granulate that is still suitable from fine waste dust, but the abrasive can progressively wear or become contaminated with marble dust, granite dust or mask fragments. The operator must periodically check its condition to preserve cutting capacity and edge uniformity.
Does recovery blasting completely eliminate dust dispersion in the workshop?
It strongly reduces dispersion by recovering abrasive and dust directly in the treated area. However, the result depends on brush adhesion, artefact geometry, flat surfaces are ideal compared with reliefs or statues, extraction efficiency and filter condition. It is therefore more correct to speak of recovery processing with strong dust containment.
Which air compressor is required to support a PRESSURE-range system?
The compressor must be sized according to nozzle consumption at the actual working pressure, considering continuous airflow, piping and any optional utilities, such as the mixer or vibrating system of the INFINITY version. An insufficient compressor produces a discontinuous jet and engravings with variable depths.
Let’s identify the correct recovery blasting machine for your workshop
The creation of high-precision inscriptions and logos with fine abrasives on polished marble or delicate agglomerates requires extraction, vibration and filtration solutions that are different from the squaring or deep roughening of large slabs in hard granite or localised cleaning of stairways. The optimal choice between PRESSURE BASE, PRESSURE MAX and PRESSURE INFINITY depends on the real volumes of your stone-working workshop. To configure the set-up correctly, tell us whether you mainly work marble or granite, the type of artefact and its geometry, daily or weekly order frequency, character size, horizontal or vertical work and the compressor at your disposal.
FEVI verifies together with the workshop the optimal combination of machines, professional abrasives, reinforced nozzles, operating pressures and filtration logic to build the solution tailored to your activity.
