Guides
Cutting and fabrication
Laminam slabs are large-format ceramic. Cutting, drilling, edge finishing and cut-outs require a workshop equipped for this type of material, diamond tools and experience with thin, wide slabs.
Fabrication comes at the project stage, when application, thickness, material, finish and format are already set. Before ordering, the cutting plan, edge type and cut-out positions must be clear and aligned with the workshop.
Laminam Serbia does not cut or fabricate. This guide explains what to prepare, which operations the workshop usually performs, and where to check the manufacturer’s official instructions.
Fabrication starts before cutting
Cutting is not the first step in the project. Before fabrication, application, thickness, material, finish and available formats for that combination must be defined.
The workshop then prepares the cutting plan: final dimensions per piece, nesting on the slab, edge type, cut-outs for sinks, hobs, taps or fixings, and how finished pieces will enter the building.
Measurement or planning errors on large format are costly and hard to correct. That is why details are agreed before the slab is cut.
Who carries out cutting and fabrication
Cutting, edging, drilling and edge finishing are done by workshops that work with large-format ceramics. A suitable table, diamond tools, water cooling and experience with slabs from a few millimetres to 20+ mm are required.
Generic stone or tile fabrication is not enough if the workshop has no large-format references. Before engaging them, check equipment, experience and whether the workshop follows current manufacturer guidelines.
Laminam Serbia supplies the material. Fabrication and installation are carried out by the workshop and installer on the project.
What does the path to a finished slab look like?
- Application, thickness and format
- Cutting plan and dimensions
- Cutting and edging
- Openings and edge finishing
- Surface control and protection
- Transport and installation
Basic cutting rules
The manufacturer defines correct practices in the official fabrication guide. In practice the following always applies:
- Diamond tools intended for large-format porcelain stoneware, in good condition.
- Cutting with enough water for cooling and reducing stress.
- Full slab support during cutting, with no overhanging sections.
- A “Full Size” slab is first squared on the outer edges before further cutting.
- Direction of slab feed during cutting in the same direction as the disc rotation.
Check detailed cutting diagrams, tool parameters and thickness limits in the manufacturer’s PDF guide in the Documentation section.
Typical operations
Cutting and edging
Straight cuts, L-shapes and project pieces. Layout on the slab is planned ahead to reduce waste and use the available format.
Drilling and cut-outs
Cut-outs for taps, dispensers, hobs and fixings need diamond tools, water cooling and exact positioning. Being too close to an edge raises the risk of damage.
Edge finishing
Edges can be natural, edged, bevelled or polished, depending on the application. The project and installation system determine what is needed.
CNC and waterjet
For more complex cut-outs, curved lines or fine edge finishing, CNC or waterjet is used, with diamond tools and enough water. The workshop defines details per the manufacturer’s guide.
Finish by thickness
Slab thickness affects cutting method, edge fabrication depth and whether certain details are possible. Before fabrication, check that the chosen thickness suits the application in the Thickness and applications guide.
12+ mm
The most common thickness for worktops, floors, walls and furniture. Standard cutting with a disc or CNC, using diamond tools and water cooling.
20+ mm
A thicker slab for applications that need greater strength. Tool parameters and possible depth of certain operations differ from 12+ mm. Check details in the manufacturer’s guide.
twO (2 and 2+ mm)
Ultra-thin slabs need special handling and different equipment than standard thicknesses. They are intended for cladding, walls and facades, not worktops or floors. Details on bending and installation: twO by Laminam.
What the workshop needs before ordering
Before confirming the order, align the following with the workshop:
- Final dimensions of each piece and the number of pieces.
- Cutting plan and layout on the slab.
- Edge type and finish per element.
- Positions and dimensions of openings for sinks, hobs, taps or fixings.
- Ability to bring finished pieces into the building.
- Protection of the finish during transport and fitting.
When these data are clear, the material you order matches the project and is ready for fabrication without further changes.
Handling during fabrication
Handle slabs vertically, with full support along the edges. During cutting, the part of the slab that remains on the table must be fully supported, with no overhanging sections.
The surface finish needs protection during transport between workshop and site. Impacts, bending and dragging on the floor can damage edges or the slab.
With certain finishes, e.g. IN-SIDE Flamed, edges sometimes need additional grinding so the surface structure matches the original finish.
Manufacturer documentation
For cutting, drilling, transport and fabrication of slabs the manufacturer publishes official technical guides. They include cutting layouts, tool parameters and limits by thickness.
The workshop should use the current documentation version. For worktops, furniture and twO slabs there are separate guides depending on the application.
- Correct fabrication practices (EN/IT)Cutting, drilling, transport and fabrication of slabs. Basic manufacturer guide.Sign in to download PDF
- Furniture and design guide (EN)Worktops, tables, doors: cutting, cut-outs, edges and installation.Sign in to download PDF
- twO by Laminam, technical guide (EN)Ultra-thin 2 and 2+ mm slabs: handling, cutting and installation.Sign in to download PDF
FAQ
No.
Laminam Serbia supplies the material. Cutting and fabrication are carried out by workshops that work with large-format ceramics.
We do not recommend it.
Large formats and thin slabs need special equipment and experience. Incorrect fabrication can lead to slab cracking or finish damage.
The workshop prepares the cutting plan, in agreement with the designer or installer.
The basis is final project dimensions, available formats and the ability to bring finished pieces into the building.
No.
Cutting parameters, edge finishing depth and certain details depend on thickness. twO slabs have specific instructions compared with 12+ and 20+ mm.
See guide twO by Laminam.
CNC is used for more complex cut-outs, fine edge work, curved lines and details that a standard disc cutter cannot achieve.
The workshop assesses the method according to the project and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Official manufacturer guides are available in the Documentation section on this page and in the Documentation guide.
For worktops and furniture use the furniture and design guide. For twO slabs use the dedicated technical guide.
Next
When the fabrication plan is aligned, the next step is preparing for installation, or checking thickness and application if you have not yet defined the project.