3 Things To Consider When Choosing Diamond Blades

When it comes to cutting materials, what could be better than the hardest substance on earth? Diamond blades are saw blades with diamonds affixed to the edge of the blade. They have a wide range of construction applications but are often used for cutting hard or abrasive surfaces. When it comes to diamond blades, it's not one size fits all. There are a variety of styles to choose from. Certain diamond blades work best cutting through specific materials. When choosing diamond blades there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration in order to ensure that the right choice is being made.

Mesh Size

Mesh size essentially refers to the size of the diamonds in the blade. A larger mesh size means that there are smaller diamonds in the blade. A smaller mesh size means that the diamonds in the blade are larger and there are less of them due to their larger size. Coarse diamond mesh size, which is between 20 and 60, is often used for concrete, natural stone, and masonry. Medium diamond mesh size, between 80 and 220, is used for glass, ceramics, porcelain, quartz, and other industrial materials. Fine diamond mesh, 240 to 400, is most often used for smooth cutting, grinding, and polishing purposes. 

Diamond Concentration

Diamond concentration plays a big role in the cutting speed and lifespan of the diamond blade. The diamond concentration essentially refers to how much of the blade is made up of diamonds and how they are distributed within the blade. Higher concentration is often used for softer and more abrasive materials while low diamond concentration is used for cutting ultra hard and brittle materials. Choosing diamond concentration can be tricky. If too many diamonds are used, then they will fall off the blade too quickly and shorten the lifespan of the blade. 

Wet Or Dry Cutting

Diamond blades tend to work better when wet but sometimes water cannot be used in the cutting process so dry cutting is the only option. When choosing a diamond blade, the material and whether or not it can be cut wet or dry must be taken into account. Wet cutting is often used because it helps to keep the blade from overheating. With dry cutting, intermittent cutting is a must so the blade has time to cool.

Choosing a diamond blade is tricky and often requires the expertise of professionals like those found at Web Granite Supplies. Some basic things to consider when choosing include mesh size, diamond concentration, and whether or not the blades will be used for wet or dry cutting.