Prepared by the FEVI Technical Department | Published 3 September 2026
A blasting machine for marble is used in the stone sector to produce engravings, lettering, decorations and controlled treatments on marble, granite, natural stone and other materials. One of its most important applications is in memorial art, where abrasive blasting can be used to create names, text, symbols, images and decorative motifs on headstones, monuments and commemorative elements. The same technology can also be used for stone surface treatment, to create aesthetic effects, work on defined areas or carry out localised treatments. The choice of blasting machine depends on the type of material, engraving depth, required level of detail, surface dimensions, abrasive and available compressed-air flow. FEVI has been operating in the blasting sector since 1997 and offers different solutions for stone fabricators, stone-processing workshops, memorial-art companies and businesses specialising in marble and stone processing. To view FEVI machines and systems dedicated to this sector, visit the professional blasting machines for marble.
What is a blasting machine for marble?
A blasting machine for marble uses compressed air to accelerate an abrasive and project it onto the stone surface.
The controlled impact of the abrasive makes it possible to progressively remove part of the surface material or to work only on areas previously defined by a stencil.
The result depends on the combination of several factors:
- operating pressure;
- type of abrasive;
- particle size;
- nozzle diameter;
- distance from the surface;
- abrasive-stream angle;
- exposure time;
- material hardness;
- required depth.
For this reason, marble, granite and natural stone should not automatically be treated using the same parameters.
Marble blasting and engraving: how it works
When marble is engraved by abrasive blasting, the surface is generally protected with a specific adhesive stencil resistant to the action of the abrasive.
The design, text or decoration is transferred onto the stencil and only the areas to be engraved are exposed.
During blasting:
This process makes it possible to produce text, designs and decorations with a high level of definition.
Blasting machine for marble engraving
A blasting machine for marble engraving must provide, above all, consistency and control.
A variation in pressure, abrasive quantity or distance can produce differences in engraving depth.
The most important factors are therefore:
- consistent abrasive flow;
- stable pressure;
- ability to meter the abrasive;
- a nozzle suitable for the required detail;
- abrasive with controlled particle size;
- sufficiently dry compressed air;
- ability to work uniformly across the entire design.
For fine engraving and very small details, smaller nozzles can be used, while for larger or deeper operations productivity and available airflow must be assessed.
Blasting machine for headstones and memorial art
Blasting headstones is one of the long-established applications of abrasive technology in the stone sector.
It can be used to produce:
In this sector, stencil quality, graphic precision and blasting repeatability are fundamental.
The machine therefore represents only one part of the process.
Sandblasting stencils and vinyl for engraving
To produce a precise engraving, a specific sandblasting stencil must be used that is sufficiently resistant to the action of the abrasive.
The thickness and characteristics of the material should be selected according to:
- engraving depth;
- abrasive;
- pressure;
- size of the graphics;
- level of detail;
- surface characteristics.
Stencils can be prepared using plotters and dedicated cutting systems or supplied ready-made from the required graphics.
FEVI has supported the marble and memorial-art sector for many years by also supplying customised sandblasting stencils and plotter vinyl rolls, providing not only the machine but also the materials required for the engraving process.
Do marble and granite react in the same way?
No.
Marble and granite differ in hardness, structure and response to abrasion.
Granite is generally more resistant to abrasive action and may require different parameters to achieve a specific depth.
Significant differences can also exist within the same family of materials.
Before starting production or carrying out an important engraving, it is therefore advisable to perform a preliminary test on the actual material being used.
Blasting machine for granite
A blasting machine for granite must provide sufficient removal capacity while maintaining consistency during treatment.
For engraving, it is important to avoid differences in depth across the various parts of the design.
The following should therefore be controlled:
- pressure;
- abrasive quantity;
- particle size;
- nozzle diameter;
- distance;
- movement speed.
For repetitive production or treatment of large slabs, it may be useful to move from a manual system to an automated solution.
SAB JET: automatic blasting of marble, granite and stone
When engraving and decoration are carried out frequently, automating movement of the abrasive stream can be advantageous.
FEVI SAB JET is an automatic CNC work centre designed for blasting, engraving and decoration of slabs and artefacts made from marble, granite and stone.
Controlled movement makes it possible to produce:
- lettering;
- decorations;
- graphic patterns;
- engravings;
- repetitive operations;
- slab production.
Automation can be particularly useful for stone fabricators and memorial-art companies that frequently carry out similar operations and want to increase process repeatability.
Abrasive recovery blasting machine for marble
One of the technologies widely used in the stone sector is the abrasive recovery blasting machine.
In this system, the working head is maintained in contact with the surface and simultaneously integrates:
The abrasive is projected against the marble and immediately recovered together with the dust and residues generated.
This configuration is particularly useful for:
- engraving on headstones;
- plaques;
- slabs;
- flat surfaces;
- localised operations;
- workshop applications;
- treatments where limiting abrasive dispersion is important.
Why use a vacuum blasting machine on marble?
A vacuum blasting machine for marble makes it possible to recover material directly during treatment.
The main advantages are:
Recovery efficiency nevertheless depends on proper contact between the head and the surface and on the condition of the extraction system. Flat surfaces such as headstones and slabs provide particularly favourable conditions for this technology.
Pressure BASE and Pressure MAX for the stone sector
FEVI solutions for abrasive recovery blasting include Pressure BASE and Pressure MAX.
These systems make it possible to carry out blasting while simultaneously recovering abrasive and dust.
The choice between the different configurations depends on:
- frequency of use;
- required operating autonomy;
- surface dimensions;
- productivity;
- quantity of abrasive;
- characteristics of the working environment.
To compare all available solutions, view the FEVI abrasive recovery blasting machines.
Abrasive recovery and recycling
During treatment, abrasive and residues are extracted together.
In systems designed for this purpose, the material is subsequently separated.
Abrasive that is still suitable for use can be returned to the process, while dust and fine particles are directed towards the filtration and collection system.
This process can reduce the consumption of new abrasive. The number of reuse cycles nevertheless depends on the material: during impact, the abrasive may fragment or become contaminated and should be replaced when it no longer retains suitable characteristics.
Which abrasive should be used for engraving marble?
The choice of abrasive for marble depends on the objective of the operation.
For engraving, particularly important factors include:
- removal capacity;
- particle-size consistency;
- particle strength;
- compatibility with the nozzle;
- required depth;
- edge definition.
An excessively coarse abrasive can make fine details more difficult to produce. An abrasive with insufficient cutting action can instead significantly increase the time required to achieve greater depths.
Aluminium oxide for engraving
Aluminium oxide has high hardness and is used in many abrasive applications in the stone sector. It can be particularly effective where good engraving capacity is required. Particle size should be selected according to the detail of the graphics, nozzle and required depth.
Olivine
Olivine can be used in various blasting applications on stone and other materials. Abrasives such as OLYBLAST are available in different particle sizes and should be selected according to the type of process. For precise engraving, a preliminary test is always advisable.
Operating parameters for marble engraving
Particle size and engraving quality
Particle size directly influences the result. Relatively large particles can increase mechanical action but make very small details more difficult to reproduce. Finer particle sizes generally allow greater precision, but may require different treatment times to achieve the desired depth. Selection should therefore find the correct balance between: precision + depth + productivity.
Blasting pressure on marble
There is no universally correct pressure value. Adjustment depends on: marble or granite, abrasive, particle size, nozzle, required depth, type of stencil, original finish and size of the graphics. It is advisable to start with conservative parameters and carry out progressive tests. For deep engraving, it may be necessary to gradually increase abrasive action while avoiding damage to the stencil edges.
Nozzle and engraving precision
Nozzle diameter affects abrasive-stream width, air consumption, abrasive quantity, productivity and precision. A small nozzle can facilitate localised operations but requires more time when the area is large. A larger nozzle increases working capacity but requires greater airflow. For this reason, blasting machine, nozzle and compressor must be sized together.
Compressor for marble blasting
Compressed-air stability is particularly important in engraving. If the compressor cannot maintain the required airflow, pressure can drop during treatment and produce variations in depth. The main parameter to verify is not simply compressor power, but the actual airflow available at the pressure being used. Adequately treated compressed air is also important.
Moisture and condensate
Fine abrasives can be particularly sensitive to moisture. Condensate can cause irregular flow, agglomeration, blockages and variations in abrasive quantity. An appropriate condensate-separation and air-treatment system therefore contributes to consistent engraving.
Decorations and surface treatments on marble and stone
Marble blasting for decoration
Abrasive blasting is not used only for text and inscriptions. Specific stencils can be used to produce designs, logos, geometric patterns, decorations, stylised images, textures and ornamental elements. Combining treatments at different depths can also create more complex visual effects. The quality of the result depends greatly on graphic preparation and stencil quality.
Surface treatments on marble and stone
In addition to engraving, abrasive blasting can be used to modify the appearance of a surface in a controlled way. It can produce more matt or textured finishes and create specific surface effects. Blasting should, however, be distinguished from true bush hammering, which is traditionally performed using specific mechanical tools. Abrasive blasting can produce a rough or aged surface effect, but the result and process differ from mechanical bush hammering.
Aged effect
With an appropriately configured abrasive treatment, the surface of some stone materials can be modified to create a more textured appearance. Pressure, particle size and exposure time must be adjusted according to the stone. Before treating the final surface, it is advisable to produce a sample.
Blasting machine for natural stone
The term natural stone includes materials with very different characteristics. Sandstone, limestone, travertine, slate, marble and granite do not have the same resistance. Blasting must therefore be adapted to the specific characteristics of the material. Particular care is required where stone has high porosity, fractures, deterioration, flaking, poorly cohesive areas or previous treatments.
Marble blasting in restoration
When the work concerns a historic artefact or a valuable surface, abrasive blasting should be regarded as a controlled abrasion process. The objective is not simply to remove material, but to preserve the original surface. The state of preservation, nature of the deposit, presence of patinas, original finish, abrasive, pressure, particle size and exposure time must all be assessed. For further information, view the FEVI solutions for the restoration sector.
Engraving and surface treatment are two different applications
It is important to clearly distinguish between two main uses of abrasive blasting in the stone sector.
Engraving
The objective is to intentionally remove part of the material within areas defined by the stencil. The key factors are: depth + definition + uniformity.
Surface treatment
The objective is to modify or treat the surface without necessarily creating graphics. The key factors are: uniformity + finish + control of aggressiveness.
The same machine can be configured in different ways, but the abrasive and operating parameters must be selected according to the required result.
Manual or automatic blasting machine?
Particularly suitable for: variable production, craft work, small batches, customised operations, slabs of different sizes and workshops carrying out a wide range of processes.
May be preferable when: work volumes are high, operations are repetitive, controlled movement is required, speed and path need to be standardised, or surfaces are large.
The choice therefore depends on the company's production model.
Memorial art: from graphics to engraving
In the memorial sector, the complete process can be summarised as follows:
The final quality therefore does not depend exclusively on the blasting machine. An inaccurate stencil or incorrect application can compromise the result even when a professional machine is used.
How to choose a blasting machine for marble
Before purchasing, it is advisable to define:
- the material most frequently processed;
- type of engraving;
- required depth;
- average slab dimensions;
- daily workload;
- required level of detail;
- abrasive used;
- availability of compressed air;
- need to recover the abrasive;
- manual or automated operation.
Only after this analysis is it possible to identify the correct configuration.
When to choose an abrasive recovery blasting machine
A recovery system is particularly useful when: work is carried out mainly on flat surfaces, containing abrasive and dust is important, material needs to be recovered during treatment, localised engraving is performed, work takes place inside a workshop, and the amount of material dispersed around the slab needs to be limited.
When to choose SAB JET
An automatic system can be considered when: engraving is carried out frequently, slab dimensions are significant, repeatability is important, path and movement need to be automated, or the company carries out serial or semi-serial production.
Maintenance of a blasting machine for marble
Abrasive and dust progressively cause wear to system components. It is important to check:
- nozzle;
- abrasive hose;
- blasting gun;
- valves;
- metering system;
- extraction hoses;
- recovery-head brushes;
- abrasive separator;
- filters.
A worn nozzle increases in diameter and can alter both air consumption and treatment quality.
Safety during marble blasting
The process generates dust from the material being treated, the abrasive and any residues present on the surface. Protective measures must therefore be consistent with the risk assessment and the characteristics of the operation.
When an abrasive recovery system is used, extraction helps limit dispersion but does not replace the other necessary protective measures.
Frequently asked questions about blasting machines for marble
Which blasting machine should be used for engraving marble?
It depends on operating frequency, slab dimensions and the required level of automation. Pressure or abrasive recovery blasting machines can be used for manual operations, while an automatic system such as SAB JET can be considered for repetitive production.
Can granite be blasted?
Yes. Granite has different characteristics from marble and may require different parameters and abrasives to achieve the same depth.
Which abrasive should be used to engrave marble?
Aluminium oxide and other abrasives compatible with the machine can be used depending on the required depth and level of detail. Abrasive type and particle size should be verified through tests on the material.
Is an abrasive recovery blasting machine suitable for headstones?
Yes. The generally flat surfaces of headstones allow the recovery head to maintain good contact and enable abrasive and dust to be extracted during engraving.
Can the abrasive be reused?
In abrasive recovery systems, it can be separated from the dust and reused for as long as it retains characteristics suitable for the process.
How is lettering created on marble using abrasive blasting?
An abrasive-resistant stencil is applied to the surface, leaving exposed only the areas to be engraved. The abrasive stream progressively removes material only from these open areas.
How deep should an engraving be?
There is no single correct depth. It depends on the graphics, character size, material, required aesthetic effect and any subsequent colouring.
Can photographs be reproduced using abrasive blasting?
Highly detailed graphics can be reproduced using specific techniques and stencils, but the achievable level of detail depends on graphic preparation, the material and the technology used.
Can abrasive blasting be used to create a rough finish on marble?
Yes. A uniform abrasive treatment can modify the surface texture. It should not, however, be confused with mechanical bush hammering, which uses a different process.
Which compressor should be used?
It depends mainly on nozzle diameter and operating pressure. The actual airflow available should be checked and compared with the amount required by the blasting-machine configuration.
Professional blasting in the marble sector
A blasting machine for marble should not be considered an isolated machine, but part of a process in which every element contributes to treatment quality:
For memorial-art companies, stone fabricators and stone-processing workshops, technology selection should therefore start from the operations actually carried out and the required level of productivity.
FEVI offers manual systems, abrasive recovery blasting machines, engraving solutions and automatic systems, as well as customised sandblasting stencils and materials for stencil preparation.
Discover FEVI solutions for marble and memorial art
View the complete range of FEVI technologies for processing, engraving and finishing marble, granite, natural stone and memorial-art products:
