Mineral-Surfaces Training Continues
MASSILLON, Ohio — More than 30 fabricators took part in the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) Mineral Surfaces training here on Sept. 13-14.
Hosted by Tower Industries and sponsored by Panoramic Porcelain by Daltile, the course aims to give fabricators the knowledge and skills to embrace mineral-surface materials to meet growing customer demand.
The comprehensive, two-day training at Tower Countertops, a division of Tower Industries, included shop owners, operators and managers. The event started with a welcome to new members, covering ISFA membership benefits, programs and more.
Raul Amat, national manager of Panoramic Porcelain Surfaces for Daltile North America, presented a comprehensive overview of mineral surface materials, including porcelain, sintered stone and ultracompact surfaces. The presentation was sent to attendees after the training so they could share it with staff at their shops.
“The overview explained how the materials are made and provided a foundation of understanding that I wasn’t aware of,” said Joey Carrabetta of Bluemar Marble in Vaughan, Ont. “Learning how these materials differ from others was helpful, and how to handle porcelain slabs was very useful. I gained a lot, including new tools and processes I will need in my shop.”
Rey Matos, technical support and fabrication specialist for Daltile North America, conducted the training. In the shop, attendees learned about all facets of the fabrication process, including material handling and inspection, cutting techniques (feed rate, blade recommendations, tension-release cuts), sink cutouts, miters, overhangs, seaming, polishing and finishing, installation, and chip-and-scratch repair techniques.
Attendees also learned ways to minimize the risk of cracking and chipping. The trainer recommended larger pads, for example, when offloading these materials from the delivery trucks, and they identified ideal locations for A-frame placement and other storage/handling best practices.
Then fabricators worked in teams to glue up mitered edges, complete sink cutouts, bore holes for faucets and polish edges, including a waterjet demonstration. The training also covered vertical applications, including handling and installation.
“This was my first training session with ISFA,” said Brian Yi of Zean Century Stone Ltd. in Scarborough, Ont. “It was a great experience overall. ISFA is a warm and welcoming group, and the training covered most of the areas I expected. The trainers are very knowledgeable professionals.”
In addition, this training event included a moderated shop safety discussion with safety experts from Sheakley, a family-owned firm dedicated to practical and innovative risk management and safety solutions. Kerry Klodt, general manager of Tower Industries, gave a presentation about Entrepreneurial Operating System, which has been successfully implemented at Tower for more than five years.
Participants who completed the Mineral Surfaces Training with a satisfactory result received a certificate recognizing that they are an ISFA Certified Professional and session materials including a fabrication guide, tool recommendations, and other resources.
“Thank you, ISFA, for an incredibly productive and fun event,” added Mark Clayborne, Atlantic Custom Granite & Marble of Dallastown, Pa. “I would definitely recommend the program to others.”
The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) is a premier trade organization serving the manufactured surface industry, helping fabricators and other industry professionals increase product quality, improve safety measures, encourage professionalism and elevate profitability by facilitating education, standards and camaraderie. Learn more at www.ISFAnow.org.
