Selection Guide >

Concord 's line of diamond tools are designed to provide the optimum performance for different   material types. The following items will be important in selecting the correct blade for your application.

1. Machine to be used- size, arbor hole.

2. Will it be used Dry or Wet.

3. Material to be cut.

4. Performance quality required.

 

Blade Types

Diamond tools are produced using a few different manufacturing processes. The diamond cutting portion  of a blade is made from a mixture of diamond and metal powders. The components and proportion of this can be varied to produce properties for different applications.

The "Hot-Pressed Sintered" tools have the diamond cutting segments formed and bonded directly to the steel core in a high temperature, high pressure process.

The laser-welded tools have pre-formed diamond segment fused to the steel core with a high power laser. This process will result in a weld that is as strong as the core itself and can withstand very higher temperatures. The laser welded blades are usually preferred for larger diameter blades and more demanding applications. The segments can also be brazed to the core with a high temperature solder.

The diamond-cutting edge of the blade may be made as a continuous rim or segmented  by various shaped and sized slots or gullets. A continuous rim blade is typically used where a clean cut with minimum chipping is most important such as with tile and porcelain.                       A segmented blade allow for faster cutting and improved cooling and material removal.              The "Turbo" type blades combine some of the advantages of the continuous rim and  segmented rim blade.

Undercut Protection

Undercutting is where the steel core wears just under the point the segment is attached due to abrasion from the material being cut. There are various from of protection for this that added to the design of blades intended to cut abrasive materials.

Wet/Dry Use

Some blades allow for dry cutting. A Dry rated blade may be used without water but the blade cooling should be considered during use. The cutting depth and interval should be reduced. Water may be used to help keep down dust and  provide better cooling and lubrication and improve life. A wet rated blade must be used with adequate water to prevent damage.

Material/Bond Hardness

The correct blade type is largely determined by the primary material that will be cut. Harder materials require tools made with a softer bond for efficient cutting. The bond material in the segment must wear at a sufficient rate to expose new diamond particles as they are lost.    Softer materials can use a harder bond to maximize the life of the blade. A general purpose blade may be the best choice if a variety of materials will be cut.

Quality

Blades may come in different quality grade which will be determined on the diamond type, size and concentration used in the cutting segments. The higher quality usually will allow faster cutting speed and longer tool life but at a higher cost.