Celith synthetic granite
Composite granite, also known as synthetic granite or mineral casting, is a high-performance material composed of selected mineral aggregates, crushed granite with different grain sizes, and polymer binders.
It is widely used for the production of bases and structures for machine tools, particularly where accuracy, geometric stability, vibration damping and complex shapes are required.
CELITH, synthetic material for machine tool bases
CELITH is a composite material made up of selected granites with different grain sizes, bonded with epoxy resin.
This material is produced by casting into moulds; this makes it possible to obtain complex shapes without resorting to material removal, with significant savings in terms of time and therefore product cost. After casting into the mould, the material is vibrated on special vibrating tables and, after the composite has hardened, which takes about 24 hours, the product is stabilized in dedicated ovens.
The moulds can be made of wood, for prototypes or small series, or steel, for larger quantities, and it is possible to incorporate inserts, T-slots, metal or granite plates and other elements.
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Dimensional and geometric stability of Celith composite granite
Thanks to its good dimensional and geometric stability, with an expansion coefficient similar to that of steel, Celith is particularly suitable for the production of machine tool bases, including large-size bases.
Integration of functional components
During casting, threaded inserts, fluid channels, air, oil, coolant, T-slots, metal reinforcements or steel plates can be inserted directly into the material. This allows for simpler and more effective design, reducing post-casting mechanical machining and often simplifying machine assembly.
Higher performance and longer tool life thanks to Celith’s high vibration damping
CELITH’s vibration damping capacity increases machine performance, ensuring higher machining quality thanks to the reduction of vibration and resonance phenomena, improving cutting conditions, tool life and surface finish.
Cost-effective and scalable moulding process for small and large series
CELITH can be moulded according to requirements:
- Wooden moulds for prototypes or small series
- Steel moulds made from laser-cut and welded sheets for series production
This approach makes it possible to reduce costs, particularly for pre-series prototypes, and enables faster product industrialization.
Resistance to oils, humidity and chemical agents
CELITH is chemically inert: it resists the action of lubricants, coolants, humidity and the most common chemical agents present in industrial environments. This characteristic makes it ideal for demanding production environments and for applications requiring low maintenance over time.
Flexibility and innovation
With 50 years of experience, Microplan Group is a leader in industrial applications of granite and composite granite and in precision metrology systems. Our expertise allows us to offer tailor-made solutions for every technical requirement.
Technical properties of Celith composite granite
Compared to traditional materials such as cast iron or welded steel, Celith composite granite offers a series of performance advantages:
Excellent vibration damping: up to 10 times higher than cast iron, improving machining quality and extending tool life.
Thermal stability: low coefficient of thermal expansion, ~12×10⁻⁶/K, ideal for industrial environments with temperature variations.
High specific rigidity: good mechanical strength with lower density than cast iron, useful for lightweight and rigid structures.
Dimensional precision: casting in moulds allows tight tolerances already during the production phase, reducing the need for subsequent mechanical machining.
Chemical resistance: resistance to cutting oils and chemical agents used in production processes.
From design to production: Microplan’s experience at the service of the Customer
We specialize in the production of CELITH composite granite and guarantee responsiveness and maximum flexibility throughout all production phases, starting from design, to enable our Customers to develop high-performance machine tools, metrology systems and mechatronic applications.
We are able to manage all process phases in-house:
- Mechanical design and co-design with the customer
- Production of modular or customized moulds
- Casting of the mineral compound
- Compaction on vibrating tables
- Stabilization in drying ovens
- Machining with precision machine tools
- Assembly or bonding operations of parts and components
This production chain allows us to manufacture custom components in any shape and size, guaranteeing limited production times even for large-size structures.
Constant investments to increase production capacity
We constantly invest to improve material quality and production capacity: today we are able to produce up to 20 tonnes per day of composite granite.
In our in-house laboratory, we carry out rigorous quality controls and tests such as:
- Particle size control of aggregates
- Density and compressive strength
- Tensile strength and modulus of elasticity
- Coefficient of linear thermal expansion
Constant investments to increase production capacity
In conclusion, compared to traditional materials such as cast iron or welded steel, Celith composite granite offers a series of advantages:
- Excellent vibration damping: up to 10 times higher than cast iron, improving machining quality and extending tool life.
Thermal stability: coefficient of thermal expansion, ~12×10⁻⁶/K, similar to that of materials normally used for the production of mechanical components.
Reduction of machining costs: casting in moulds allows the insertion of inserts of any type with tight tolerances already during the production phase, reducing the need for subsequent mechanical machining.
Chemical resistance: resistance to cutting oils and chemical agents used in production processes.
Oxidation resistance: the material does not require anti-oxidation treatments.
