Having an understanding of the way a diamond blade functions will assist you in selecting a blade with the proper characteristics for your particular applications. The four primary components of a concrete blade are as follows:
- Metal Core – A steel disk that is precision-engineered. There is a segmented rim, with attached diamonds
- Diamond crystals – synthetic. Part of the sharp portion of the teeth that cut the concrete
- Matrix. A bond to the metal that hold the diamond crystals in place
- Weld. Cutting segments are welded to the blade’s core. Usually laser welded.
The diamonds that are exposed on each segment’s surface perform the cutting. Abrasive action is utilised to slice the concrete while the blade is rotating at a high rate of speed. The diamonds that are located on the surface of the segments start to become dull as they are used. The matrix will then begin to shed, and release the diamond crystals that are worn and expose new diamond crystals that are sharp, which are embedded inside the matrix.
The matrix hardness will determine the rate at which a blade wears. As a basic rule of thumb, a blade that is used in order to cut soft and abrasive materials, like green concrete that is uncured, should have a metal bond that is hard. This will cause the diamonds that are exposed to be used fully before they are shed. A blade that is used for cutting non-abrasive, hard concrete needs a softer bond. This will allow the matrix to erode more quickly, allowing sharp diamonds to be exposed as needed.
Now that we have reviewed the basic components and principle of operation of a diamond blade, we will explain how to decide if you should using wet cutting or dry cutting techniques.
Wet Cutting Concrete Vs. Dry Cutting Concrete – How To Decide
Frequently deciding to use dry or wet cutting will be dependent upon the requirements of the job and personal preference. With dry cutting, you won’t have a sloppy wet slurry and you won’t need to have saws equipped with hoses and water tanks. If you use wet cutting, you will eliminated the dust, but you’ll have to clean the wet slurry. For jobs that are indoors, where you must maintain a dry work area, a dry cutting blade and a saw that is compatible, might be the only choice you have.
Dry and wet blades primary difference is the way they are welded. Dry blades used segment welds that are heat resistant and do not need water to cool them. Normally, they are intended for use in intermittent cutting applications with low-horsepower, hand-held saws. If you are creating decorative concrete pattern lines, dry cutting blades will likely be your best alternative, creating clean, crisp cuts.
Wet cutting is normally used with large saws that are walk behind. They are used for cutting concrete flatwork that is cured, since water cooling allows for much deeper cuts. It is possible to make use of water with the majority of dry cutting blades, but you should never utilise a wet cutting blade without water. The blade must be constantly cooled with water to avert blade warping and segment loss.
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