No matter if you are a tile installer, mason, or hardscaper; there are four main categories that each contractor should understand about diamond saw blades. These categories include Diamond Patterns, Tension, Bond, and more. Understanding the basics of diamond saw blade will help you choose the best option for your job and get the job done faster.
At iQ, we understand that finding the perfect match between the saw, the blade, and the material is crucial. Blade choice is important as it affects the machine and potentially ruins its motor if the wrong blade is used. The bond, diamond pattern, and segment number all play a role in selecting the right blade. Additionally, PSI (pound per square inch), which is the hardness level of materials, is also an important factor to consider. The higher the PSI, the harder the material and the softer the bond of the diamond blade should be. Knowing the hardness of the aggregates in your material helps in selecting a blade best suited for your job. Furthermore, it's essential to recognize that different regions around North America have varying aggregates in their materials, and just because a label says "concrete diamond blade" doesn't mean it's the best option for the material to be cut. Knowing the material variations and PSI levels can help select the right blade for the material and improve efficiency.
HARD VS SOFT BOND
The bond (or metal matrix of a diamond saw blade) is the glue that holds the diamonds in place. It is a mixture of three or more different metal powders pressed together at a high temperature. The hardness of the bond determines what the blade should be used for and its lifespan, as well.
ARRAYED VS RANDOM
Diamond blades use diamond crystals mixed into the blade segment to maximize precision cutting through the material. The pattern of those diamonds determines the rate at which they will grind.
SILENT CORE
Copper or steel? What's at the core of your blade? ? Most diamond masonry blades used for concrete block cutting have a steel core which makes a high pitch ringing noise when cutting. However, some blades have a copper core. The copper acts as a silencer and reduces the DBA of that blade.
TENSION
Blade tension is a vital aspect to consider. If not monitored correctly, users can lose it by forcing a blade through the material faster than it would naturally cut it.
