For over 30 years, Northwood Machine has been at the forefront of CNC machinery innovation, providing high-precision fabrication solutions for stone, wood, and advanced materials. Now, Northwood is taking the next giant leap forward with AI-driven automation in the Raptor Saw Jet—a game-changer for stone fabrication. By integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence and the Horus D2 Scanner, this system is redefining efficiency, reducing manual input, and minimizing operator error.
AI and the Raptor Saw Jet: A Perfect Pairing
The introduction of Northwood AI into the Raptor Saw Jet was driven by a clear industry need—fabricators required smarter, more efficient, and highly adaptable cutting solutions. By utilizing proprietary AI algorithms, material data analysis, and tooling intelligence, the Raptor Saw Jet now mimics human decision-making to optimize cuts, predict tool wear, and reduce manual programming. As the first AI-driven machine in the stone industry, the Raptor sets itself apart with unmatched automation and process security, leading to improved workflow efficiency and enhanced shop productivity.
Optimized Cutting with AI, Horus D2 Scanner & Smart Targets
Traditionally, operators had to manually assess slab orientation, tool paths, and material-specific cutting methods—a time-consuming process with a margin for error. Northwood AI, in collaboration with the Horus D2 Scanner and D2 Smart Targets, eliminates this complexity.
How It Works:
The Horus D2 Scanner digitally analyzes each slab’s dimensions, defects, and veining.
D2 Smart Targets align slab positioning and optimize toolpaths automatically.
AI processes this data alongside CNC tooling specifications and material-specific guidelines.
The system generates the optimal cutting program, determining tool placement, relief cuts, and cutting paths tailored to the material’s characteristics.
The result? Faster, more streamlined, and fully automated stone cutting with minimal operator input.
In contrast, traditional programming required operators to manually account for material type (quartzite, marble, engineered stone, etc.), saw blade selection, waterjet speed, spindle RPM, and other cutting parameters. This AI-driven approach reduces the potential for operator error and ensures consistency across every cut.
D2 Smart Targets: A New Level of Automation
The D2 Smart Targets system takes AI-driven automation even further by transforming how slabs are positioned and cut. It offers several key advantages:
✔️ Better Vein Matching – The system draws countertops in 3D, allowing operators to visualize and adjust veining in real time, ensuring a seamless final result.
✔️ Automated Toolpathing – With a single click, the system imports the slab data and assigns the correct toolpaths, feed rates, and cutting parameters based on material type.
✔️ Slab Alignment Optimization – The Smart Targets camera captures slab positioning and automatically aligns drawings, preventing misalignment and reducing operator error.
✔️ Integrated Inventory Management – Prevents cutting the wrong slab for a job and tracks remnants using a QR code system.
✔️ No More Manual Programming – The operator simply clicks “Import D2,” and the AI-driven system completes the programming instantly.
Solving Industry Challenges with AI
Stone fabrication presents unique challenges due to the diverse nature of materials, each requiring different cutting speeds, tools, and techniques. AI addresses these challenges by standardizing best practices across different stone types, applying optimized cutting parameters automatically. This reduces variations caused by human error, ensuring consistent and repeatable results.
Key Benefits of AI & D2 Smart Targets:
Consistent Cutting Workflow – AI applies optimal feed speeds, blade selections, and cutting strategies automatically.
Reduced Material Waste – Precision cutting minimizes scrap and maximizes slab yield.
Accelerated Turnaround Times – AI-driven efficiency increases throughput and reduces bottlenecks.
Lower Operator Dependency – Shops no longer need highly experienced programmers to achieve optimal results.
Streamlined CNC Console Interface – All Northwood machines, including legacy models, now operate under a single CNC interface.
Real-World Impact: What Fabricators Are Saying
See It in Action:
Check out this YouTube short showcasing the AI-powered Raptor Saw Jet: Watch Here
Fabricators who have implemented the AI-powered Raptor Saw Jet with D2 Smart Targets report significant improvements in workflow efficiency, consistency, and ease of use. The AI-enhanced workflow reduces the learning curve for new operators, allowing them to focus on production instead of complex programming. With AI streamlining critical cutting decisions, shops can increase productivity without increasing labor costs.
Feedback from the Field:
“Programming is no longer a headache—AI handles it all for us.”
“Cut consistency has drastically improved.”
“We’re cutting faster, smarter, and wasting less material.”
“The D2 Smart Targets system makes vein matching incredibly accurate.”
“No more programming errors—the AI does everything for us.”
What’s Next? The Future of AI in Stone Fabrication
Northwood AI is just getting started. Over the next year, AI-driven automation will expand into CNC router programming, further streamlining stone fabrication processes. As technology advances, fabricators can expect even greater efficiency, consistency, and scalability without the traditional learning curve or labor-intensive programming.
The future of stone cutting is here—and it’s powered by Northwood AI & D2 Smart Targets.
Want to see the AI-powered Raptor Saw Jet in action?
Contact Northwood Machine today to schedule a live demonstration and experience the future of fabrication firsthand!