Second generation stone map

In one of our earlier posts, you witnessed the creation of a world map crafted from a 2 cm (0.79 inch) thick slab of Grigio Orobico marble. This heavyweight champion was probably the most substantial world map ever made at this scale. However, due to its weight and the thickness of the stone, which posed significant challenges for transportation and installation, we found it necessary to make adjustments to the base design of the map.

Laser versus water-jet

When crafting a world map from any material, it's crucial to tailor the design to the specific map and choose an appropriate cutting technique. Most commonly, world maps, whether wooden or steel, are cut and engraved using laser technology. Wooden maps are typically crafted with a CO2 laser, while metal maps are cut by a fiber laser. Similarly, StoneCut world maps are often cut and engraved with a powerful CO2 laser. However, when dealing with a thick slab of genuine marble, neither CO2 nor fiber lasers suffice. Achieving the intricate precision required for detailed world maps necessitates the use of a water-jet. A water-jet is a CNC machine that operates similarly to a CNC router or laser but uses a high-pressure stream of water to cut through stone. The water-jet's strong cutting capabilities make it ideal for crafting world maps from large slabs of thick polished marble.

Some of you may already be familiar with the remarkable precision of laser cutting, capable of engraving with millimetre accuracy. However, the water-jet's beam is thicker and less precise, resulting in less detailed cutouts compared to laser-cut maps. This discrepancy in precision led to significant differences between the initial design and the technical drawings intended for maps made from other materials like wood and steel.

Returning to the drawing board

The fragility of the previous Grigio Orobico marble map posed several challenges during production and transportation, prompting the need for reinforced packing and careful handling. To ensure safe transport from Italy to our workshop in the Netherlands, extensive safety measures were made. Each continent and island is packed in styrofoam and housed in a specially designed wooden casing. Upon arrival, the wooden casing is lifted by crane near our workshop, where we finalise the product. Assembling a customised mounting kit, and preparing it for delivery to one of our clients.

The marble world map arriving by truck — ***Lifting marble world map by crane***

Recognising the relative fragility of the marble pieces representing continents and islands, we chose to reinforce the entire marble slab with tempered glass. This added layer substantially increased strength and reduced the risk of breakage during transit and installation. In the close-up photo below, you can see how the marble layer is securely affixed to the tempered glass, with only a five millimetre thickness used for this topping. Not only did this reinforcement enhance durability, but it also significantly reduced the overall weight of the map, facilitating easier installation. And the best part of all. The luxurious outcome is just as good as the marble map from the first generation. If not surpasses.

A close-up photo of the stone world map made out of Grigio Orobico marble with tempered glass — ***Close-up photo stone world map - Grigio Orobico marble*** **& tempered glass**

Stay tuned for our next post, where we'll dig into another remarkable advantage of this production tweak. One that will blow your mind.

Marble world map

The web never fails to bring the pinnacle of luxury, from extravagant cars to opulent home décor. Among these treasures are world maps transformed into stunning wall decorations, and at MapaWall, we've been at the forefront of crafting such masterpieces for over a decade. However, there was one exceptional creation missing from our repertoire until just a few years ago—the Rolls Royce of world maps: The MapaWall Stone, crafted from genuine Grigio Orobico marble. Each piece is cut using waterjet technology and polished to a glossy finish reminiscent of a precious gemstone.

Designed in The Netherlands, produced in Italy

With nearly a decade of expertise in cutting and engraving world maps, along with a lot of custom designs, MapaWall has established itself as a leader in high-end wall decorations. While our previous maps were crafted in the Netherlands using CO2 and fiber laser techniques, the idea of creating a map from authentic stone sparked a new venture for us. Teaming up with a Dutch stone supplier, we embarked on the journey of crafting a world map from solid stone—a feat achievable only through waterjet cutting. Recognizing the unique challenges of this endeavor, we collaborated with stone specialists in Italy to bring our vision to life.

Cutting marble world map with waterjet — **Slab of Grigio Orobico marble cut by waterjet**

Following extensive consultation and sampling, we prototyped the world map using a precious slab of Grigio Orobico marble, resulting in a breathtaking masterpiece measuring 0.78 inches (20 mm) in thickness. Despite its weight (almost 100 kg) and delicate details, the beauty of this stone map was undeniable.

Upon its arrival in The Netherlands, we encountered some handling challenges due to its fragility. Nevertheless, the allure of this exclusive world map captivated a discerning buyer who recognized its unparalleled uniqueness. As the proud new owner, she entrusted us with the installation, leading to a stunning display of artistry (see photo below).

**Stone world map installed on taupe wall**

The creation of our inaugural stone map marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with our stone processing partners in The Netherlands and Italy. Through quite some refinement, we developed innovative techniques to enhance the strength of the stone, ensuring a broader reach and availability for clients worldwide. Explore the process behind crafting our stone world map and experience the epitome of luxury wall décor.