Experience the precision of Flexijet 3D laser template for granite countertops, saving you time and money versus traditional methods.
When investing in beautiful granite countertops, the difference between a flawless installation and a costly remake often comes down to one critical step: templating.
While traditional methods have served the industry for decades, laser template technology for granite worktops has revolutionised the way professional fabricators ensure precision, speed, and customer satisfaction on every job.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about laser templating for granite countertops and compare this with traditional methods to demonstrate why digital laser templating has become the gold standard for quality countertop installations.
Before we delve into laser templating and technology, it’s important to understand what templating means and why it’s so critical to your granite countertop installation.
Your dream kitchen design and the actual constructed kitchen are never identical. Kitchen plans provide approximate dimensions, but real-world installations reveal the truth: walls aren’t perfectly straight, corners aren’t exactly square, and units may have slight variations.
While these minor discrepancies are invisible in most applications, they can become glaringly obvious with worktops.
A slight deviation in a kitchen wall, for example 5mm out of true over its length, (which is a common occurrence) is typically unnoticeable without precise measurement. While kitchen cabinets might have a slight, consistent gap behind them, this is easily hidden.
However, this small irregularity becomes a significant issue when installing a granite countertop. If the countertop’s intended 10mm overhang varies by 5mm along the wall’s length, the resulting look will be very uneven and poor.
Likewise, if there is no up-stand and the gap at the back of the counter varies by 5mm, it will cause noticeable difficulties when sealing, filling, or tiling the wall.
This is why professional fabricators never manufacture granite countertops from initial customer measurements alone.
Taking accurate, real-world measurements through templating serves as the vital bridge between the initial quote and the final fabrication and installation. The template defines the exact look of your finished kitchen, and errors at this stage are expensive to correct.
For decades, the granite industry has relied on physical templating materials to create full-scale patterns. These templates are typically made from corrugated plastic sheeting such as Correx, wood or specialised cardboard.
The sheeting is cut to approximate sizes and then positioned carefully along the cabinet bases. The outlines are traced and cutouts marked directly onto the physical template. Fabricators can use a scribe tool to capture irregular wall profiles and annotate the template with measurements, notes and specifications.
These physical templates are transported back to the workshop and laid on granite slabs to plan the cuts by tracing the template outline onto the stone.
Advantages of physical templates:
Provides a tangible, physical reference
Disadvantages of physical templates:
Digital laser templating represents the evolution of measurement technology, combining precision laser measurement with intelligent software to create virtually perfect templates for granite worktops.
Using a precision laser measuring device mounted on a motorised, self-levelling tripod. This sophisticated equipment captures thousands of measurement points with millimetre-level accuracy, transmitting data wirelessly to specialised software that instantly creates a precise digital template.
Rather than requiring physical contact with each measurement point, the laser system allows fabricators to measure points from a distance simply by pointing the laser dot where data needs to be captured.
Key Technological Advantages:
| Feature | Physical Template (Correx/Cardboard) | Laser Template (Flexijet) |
| Accuracy | ±2-3mm | ±0.9mm |
| Setup Time | 20-30 minutes | Under 60 seconds |
| Measurement Time | 45-90 minutes | 10-20 minutes |
| People Required | 2-3 for complex jobs | 1 person |
| Complex Shapes | Moderate difficulty | Easy |
| Vertical Surfaces | Difficult, may require ladders | Easy, measure from ground level |
| 3D Capabilities | Limited | Full 3D visualisation |
| Onsite Verification | Physical comparison only | Visual laser projection |
| Cabinet Level Check | Manual | Automatic with elevation data |
| Data Storage | Physical storage required | Digital backup and cloud storage |
| Risk of Damage/Loss | High during transport | Minimal, digital copies |
| Environmental Impact | Plastic waste | Zero Waste |
| Speed to Fabrication | Template must return to shop | Data transmitted before leaving site |
| Vein Matching Visualisation | Excellent | Good (can use with photos) |
| Weather Suitable | Indoor only | Indoor and outdoor |
| Documentation | Manual notes and measurements | Photos, voice notes |
Choose physical templates for:
Many fabricators using the Flexijet 3D system for 95% of their work will still occasionally use physical templates for these specific scenarios, or even combine both methods for particularly demanding installations.
Choose laser templates for:
The Flexijet system has established itself as the industry standard for digital templating:
Every Flexijet 3D template includes extensive documentation:
This level of documentation protects both fabricator and customer, providing clear evidence of the original site conditions.
When you invest in the Flexijet 3D system through Stonegate, you receive far more than just equipment:
Live Demonstrations: See the Flexijet 3D in action
ROI Calculator: Estimate your specific return on investment
Customer References: Speak with satisfied Flexijet users in your area
Trial Options: Explore demonstration opportunities
Initial Consultation (1-2 hours): Analyse your current workflow and identify optimisation opportunities
2 Full Days On-Site Training: Hands-on instruction at our purpose-built facility
Remote Software Training: Before machine delivery, ensuring you’re ready to start
Ongoing Support: Access to comprehensive video library and documentation
Built-In Remote Support Tools: Stonegate specialists can control your device remotely for troubleshooting
Dedicated Flexijet Specialists: Team receives ongoing manufacturer training
Quick Response: Expert assistance when you need it
Loaner Program: Machine available within 48 hours if yours requires service (with service contract)
Regular Software Updates: Over 400 updates delivered since 2007
Feature Additions: Based on feedback from thousands of users
Training Webinars: Ongoing education on new features and best practices
User Community: Connect with other Flexijet users for tips and advice
Contact the Stonegate team to find out more and revolutionise your work flow.
