Concrete Cutting Blade
Diamond blades are the best choice when cutting concrete and that goes for green or cured concrete. The abrasive diamonds work by grinding into the concrete and because of the hard nature of diamonds they are highly durable and last significantly longer than other non-diamond blades.
Diamond blades are created by using heat with pressure to insert the diamonds into the metal matrix. The diamond-metal edge is then welded onto the rest of the blade. As the use increases the diamonds do wear down but because of the nature of diamonds the edge remains sharp for longer because of the number of diamonds embedded into the metal frame. This is one of the main reasons why having a blade with a higher diamond concentration provides longer lasting performance and effectiveness.
Four Key Components of the Diamond Blade:
1. Core – The metal core of the blade is the disc
2. Diamonds – The diamonds which are synthetically manufactured can be found in the segments at the end of the blade
3. Matrix – The metal-diamond bond that is created to hold the diamonds within the segments
4. Laser welded or soldered weld – Holds the segments in place with the core
Blade Segments:
Concrete saw blades have segments that are made up of diamonds and other hard materials used for cutting concrete. These segments are important because it affects the overall friction and speed of cut. More segments will result in more friction and lower speed. Segmented blades are perfect for reinforced concrete, concrete, asphalt for driveways, and more.
Advantages of Segmented Blades
a. The area between segments allows for dust to freely escape and the blade can cool more efficiently
b. The gaps between segments also allows for the blade to flex ever so slightly to prevent the segments from cracking under heavy pressure
c. Can be used for wet cutting and dry cutting without any issues
d. Diamonds can work more efficiently on the segments compared to a continuous blade
How to Choose the Right Blade
The longevity and effectiveness of any concrete cutting blade will depend on the aggregate that is being cut. Green concrete is softer than cured concrete but the sand that is within the mixture can be a problem because of the natural abrasive properties of sand. Cutting cured concrete which is a harder concrete will also cause the diamonds in the matrix frame to become dull. It is very important to choose a blade that is designed to work on the aggregate that it is being used for.
Cutting Hard Concrete – Matrix is soft bonded with more diamonds readily available to cut
Cutting Soft (Green, Uncured) Concrete – Matrix is hard bonded with the diamonds lasting longer for full use. The need for fresh diamonds is lower so a harder bond ensures that the diamonds at the surface in the matrix is used for longer.
Aggregate Density:
1. Soft – Soft aggregates are sandstone, soft limestone, soft shell
2. Medium Soft – Limestone and pit gravel are medium soft aggregates
3. Medium – Granite, medium crushed gravel, medium hard river gravel
4. Medium Hard – River rock, slate, basalt
5. Hard – Trap Rock, Hard Chert, Hard River Rock
