The Purpose Of Diamond Blades
Because of the massively strong covalent bonding between its atoms, diamond is distinguished as being the hardest material on Earth, along with having the highest thermal conductivity. This is the reason why it is so popularly used in industrial applications, such as cutting aids for metal and steel blades.
Because it is so hard, diamond is actually used as a cutting and polishing tool. Normally, diamonds are cut and set into the blades of cutting equipment which is then used to cut anything from granite to glass to even other gems. These are called diamond blades. Below is a detailed list of the most common applications for diamond blades.
Asphalt or Green Concrete Blades – Asphalt concrete is made up of aggregate particles mixed with a binder that keeps it together, called asphalt, or bitumen. Because of the make up of asphalt concrete, it can be especially difficult to cut well and this is where a diamond blade cutting disc comes in. A diamond blade specifically designed for cutting asphalt concrete uses a steel core to strengthen the blade and high quality diamond cutting teeth to ensure efficient cutting.
Brick – Although bricks can ultimately have many different levels of hardness, a strong cutting blade is almost always necessary when it comes to cutting them. Diamond blades manufactured for the purpose of cutting brick utilize laser welded segments, high quality diamonds and a metal alloy construction to create a very hard wearing blade with a fast cutting speed.
Masonry – Masonry saw blades are used to cut a variety of aggregate based and hard rock masonry such as concrete, marble, granite, field stones, roof tiles and paving. Some types of masonry are extremely dense and hard which means that a very capable saw blade is required for a clean, quick cut.
These three main types listed above are only the most common forms available on the market today. If you are looking to cut only a specific material then it is advisable to look for a diamond blade that has been specially designed to perform well with that function. As an example, some asphalt or green concrete blades are designed with a steel core as steel is a very strong metal. The problem with steel though, is that it weighs more than, for example, a metal alloy and therefore will result in a slower cutting speed.
Always bear in mind the material you are cutting, the length of the cut and the specific tools you will be using before selecting a diamond blade. Also, make sure you buy a blade from an experienced, knowledgeable supplier.
Next : Diamond Blades
5