Common Types of Diamond Saw Blades and Their Uses

When it comes to cutting hard materials like natural stone, masonry and concrete, knowing which blade to use can help save you time on the job and prevent the possibility of material waste. While abrasive blades are an inexpensive option, they can wear out fast. Diamond saw blade will cost you more upfront, but they have a much longer lifespan. The additional cost will balance out in the long run, especially when you factor in the time you'll spend swapping out blades.

 

While commonly referred to as cutting tools, diamond saw blades, also called diamond circular saw blades, are actually grinding tools. As the blade rotates, the exposed diamonds on the surface of the blade grind the material into a fine powder. The exposed diamonds eventually fracture from pressure and heat and will fall from the blade. As the segment that the diamonds are bonded to wears, more diamonds are exposed allowing the blade to retain it's effectiveness.

 

Once you've made the decision to use a diamond saw blade, there are a few things you will need to know in order to select the best blade for the job. This includes the type of material you plan to cut, the equipment you'll be using, blade size, and whether you'll be cutting wet or dry. There are many different types of diamond saw blades on the market, but the ones most common to the hardscape industry are segmented, turbo and continuous.

 

Each style of blade may be available in one or more type of bond. The bond is a mixture of metals that hold the diamonds in place and different bonds have different wear rates. This is why diamond saw blades are referred to as hard, medium or soft. As a general rule of thumb, softer materials use harder blades and harder materials use softer blades. In order to cover the variety of saw designs, blade sizes used in the hardscape industry usually range between 4 and 14 inches in diameter. Segmented diamond blades are the most popular general-use blades. They typically have medium to hard bonds and produce the roughest cuts. The cut-outs between the segments make these blades useful in dry-cutting applications since the air flowing between the segment helps to cool the blade while cutting. Segmented diamond blades are commonly used in cutting concrete block with angle grinder and also masonry and asphalt. The continuous rim diamond blades design allows for cleaner, quicker cuts by forcing the material out of the way as the blade rotates. It also aids in cooling the blade by allowing air to flow between the cutting surface and the material being cut. Cooling is also aided by holes scattered around the steel core of the blade. Turbo diamond blades can be used in both wet and dry applications. With soft to medium bonds, diamond blade turbo for granite, tile, natural stone and marble. Continuous rim diamond blades, with their softer bonds, are best for cutting hard materials that can chip easily like porcelain and ceramic tile. They also cut the cleanest, making them ideal for cutting surfaces that will remain exposed as with marble and granite. The slowest cutter of the bunch, they are referred to as wet cut blades. Since this style rim does not include segments or turbos, water is used to keep the blade cool, which helps extend it's life.

 

Remember to always wear personal protective equipment when using power tools, including ear and eye protection. It is especially important to wear a silicone dust mask to protect your lungs from the damage that can be caused by inhaling the dust produced when cutting.

 

For more information, please contact us- BSP, diamond saw blades manufacturer.