Precise by nature.

Granite machine components

REITZ precision granite is the basis for top technological performance - whether in semiconductor production, industrial automation or medical technology. We manufacture customised granite components for applications where every micrometre counts.

These industries rely on us:

Workpiece in CNC milling machine - machine tools as a field of application for precise granite components

Machine tools

For high-precision machining processes in machine tool construction, granite offers a superior alternative to cast iron and steel.

Measuring device in electromagnetic environment

Measurement technology

Granite is electrically non-conductive and non-magnetic – ideal conditions for use in electromagnetically sensitive test environments.

Wafer structure with conductor tracks - symbolic image for the use of granite in semiconductor systems

Semiconductor industry

Our granite components provide the perfect basis for high-precision production and inspection systems.

Coloured light refraction as a symbol for precision in optical machines with granite components

Optical industry

Optical systems require maximum precision, usually in the nanometre range. With our granite components, you can increase the quality and efficiency of your production processes.

Why granite in mechanical engineering?

We process granite in all dimensions into machine components. Our customers' success, continuous development and innovation are our top priorities. Due to its specific properties, granite is an ideal material for the manufacture of precision machines.

The advantages of granite lie in its physical and technical properties:

  • Excellent thermal properties: low coefficient of expansion
  • Active vibration damping on machine tools
  • Low thermal conductivity
  • Flat granite structure with high abrasion resistance
  • Non-conductive and resistant to acids and bases

With granite, we achieve the highest precision in the micro range. We can achieve high precision down to 1μ! This makes granite the ideal material for precision machines - from coordinate measuring machines to general mechanical engineering with honing, grinding and milling. Various types of granite, such as Impala, are available depending on the requirements. We source high-quality hard stone from our partner quarries in Europe and South Africa.

REITZ employee checks granite components with digital hand-held measuring device
Employee grinds a wet granite edge with a hand grinder - water mist sprays up during processing

Areas of application

Granite's excellent thermal and vibration-damping properties make it an outstanding material for precision mechanical engineering, e.g. for machine tools, measuring machines, machines for electronics production, optical machines and measuring and test benches. It is used in special machine construction and for parts with simple geometries in mass production.

We supply machine components with dimensions of up to 12,000 x 4,300 x 1,500 mm (L x W x H).

On request, REITZ can also undertake partial or complete assembly according to customer specifications.

 

Production step by step

Crop

The granite rough blocks are cut to size by a few millimetres to prepare them for further processing.

Surface grinding for flatness

The cut blocks are processed on double-column guide grinding machines to a flatness of 5 to 20 μm.

Drilling for threaded inserts

Travelling column boring machines precisely drill the holders for threaded inserts, which are later used to attach linear guide rails, drives, measuring systems and add-on parts.

Inserting the threaded inserts

After breaking out the hollow drill cores, stainless steel threaded inserts are glued in with two-component epoxy resin. The achievable positioning accuracy is < ±0.1 mm.

Fine lapping for finishing

Finishing is carried out in fully air-conditioned precision measuring rooms at 20 (± 0.2)°C using fine lapping. This enables a reproducible flatness tolerance of 1 μm.

Quality control

During machining and assembly, production is checked and documented using optical and optoelectronic measuring equipment.
CNC machining of a wet granite block with bridge milling machine - workpiece is held on steel beams

Granite & concrete vs. steel in mechanical engineering

Mineral materials such as natural hard rock (granite) or high-strength concrete UHPC (Ultra High Performance Concrete) are becoming increasingly important in mechanical and plant engineering. Their properties make them convincing alternatives to conventional steel and cast iron constructions.

There are a number of reasons in favour of using the natural materials of concrete and granite: First and foremost, there are the outstanding physical properties, the high precision of the machine components and a very good ecological balance.

 

Portrait of Christopher Reitz

We live and love the millions of years old material stone, on the basis of which we manufacture high-precision machine components and complete systems for many everyday products.

Christopher Reitz, Management Board
Two technical data sheets with tables on granite properties

Need technical data sheets?

Download our technical data sheets on the physical properties and flatness tolerances of natural hard stone now!

Download PDF now!
Large rotating grinding disc grinds wet granite block

We build components for the following machines:

  • Highly dynamic precision machine tools (grinding, turning, drilling, milling)
  • Optical machines
  • Measuring machines
  • Test benches
  • Fundamente
  • Machines for aerospace technology
  • Machines for electronics production
  • Precision laser processing machines
  • Inspection machines
  • Printing machines
Granite slab is milled under water cooling
REITZ employee operates CNC control system with several monitors
Lateral CNC machining of a standing granite block with water cooling - milling unit in use for precision drilling
Cutting disc cuts a granite slab - cooling water sprays during the cut

Measuring and test benches

Coordinate measuring machine for quality assurance

We find that µ!

We can also supply the measuring and test benches that we use for our quality assurance to customers.

We utilise various techniques for this:

  • Optical measurement with autocollimators
  • Laser interferometer and laser tracker
  • Electronic tilt trolleys (precision water trolleys)
We guarantee an accuracy of up to 1µ for our parts.
Elektronisches Neigungsmessgerät auf Granitplatte zur Ebenheitsprüfung – Mitarbeiter steuert Messvorgang im Hintergrund

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Detailansicht eines Maschinenbauteils aus UHPC mit integrierten Gewindeeinsätzen, Passflächen und runden Bohrungen

High-strength concrete - special requirements for special solutions

Machine components made of concrete

High-strength concrete has similar properties to granite in terms of temperature and vibration damping. It scores highly in terms of price when producing large quantities. Due to its mouldability, it offers many design options.

Elements required for the function can be integrated into the moulds. For example, cables, water drains, sensors, cooling systems or hydraulic lines can be moulded into the components. We then speak of function-integrating machine frames made of cement-bonded mineral casting (UHPC-ultra high performance concrete).

 

Areas of application for concrete

Ultrahochfester Beton ist durch seine thermal properties (low thermal conductivity, low coefficient of linear expansion) and very good vibration damping (approx. 8 times better material damping than metal) for applications with high dynamics and high precision requirements.

UHPC is non-combustible and non-flammable. As a cement-bonded mineral casting, it can be recycled as construction waste. Part size and quantity as well as design and functional integration are the main factors that determine its economic use.

We realise machine beds made of high-strength concrete with cooperation partners.