A diamond blade is a high-quality blade that take advantage of the hardness of diamonds by using tiny pieces of diamonds to enhance the blade's cutting abilities. The blade has a steel core that is surrounded by a powder metal coating that contains diamond segments. This type of blade can be used to cut through a wide range of building materials, leaving behind a precise cut. These blades are utilized in many types of construction projects.
Uses
Diamond blades can be used to cut through hard woods with ease. Other types of building materials also can be cut using a diamond blade. Glass, stone, concrete and brick are often cut using this type of blade, especially when the cuts must be precise. Even diamonds can be cut using diamond blades.
Blade Designs
A diamond blade comes in more than one design. Both circular saws and band saws can be outfitted with diamond blades. When used with a band saw, the blade makes it possible to make detailed cuts that help to shape the material to the specifications of the design. A diamond blade designed for use with a circular saw works very well when there is a need for a straight cut into some type of material.
Although steel is used for the core of the diamond blade, the actual design of the core might vary somewhat. Many cores for the blades will utilize a gulleted design, in which there are spaces, or gullets, along the surface of the steel. This design helps to keep the heat transfer to the diamond blade at a minimal amount. In turn, this helps facilitate the removal of slurry during the cutting process.
Layer Configurations
The blade's diamond layer also can be configured in more than one manner. The diamond pieces usually are welded to the steel core, but electroplating might be used instead. The method of adhering the diamond segments to the core has a lot to do with how many layers of segments are added to the diamond blade. For lighter duty, a single layer adhered with electroplating might be sufficient. Welding several layers is often required for more intense applications.
Wet or Dry Cutting
When diamond blades are used, water is often used to prevent overheating, to reduce the mount of dust that is produced and to help remove slurry from the area that is being cut. Water also can extend the life of the blade. The dust that is created from the use of diamond blades poses a risk of a serious lung disease called silicosis, so operators usually wear respirator masks when cutting with a diamond blade without water.
