Diamond cutting discs: compatibility with tools and scope of use

Diamond blades have become indispensable helpers on any construction site. They are used in demolition and facing works, since they are capable of handling the hardest construction materials. In some cases, this is the only suitable type of consumable for a specific task. But it is important to understand that diamond blades come in very different compositions and use synthetic diamonds with radically different hardness. That is why it is necessary to strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the materials to be processed with one or another cutting blade.

Main parameters of diamond blades

1. Bore hole
   The bore hole (central) is the part with which the blade is attached to the tool shaft. There are standard sizes: 20 mm, 22.23 mm, 25.4 mm, 30 mm, etc.
   For adaptation to other sizes, reducing rings are used — they allow installing a blade with a larger hole on a spindle of smaller diameter.

2. Blade diameter
   The diameter influences:

• The possibility of installation on specific equipment;

• The maximum cutting depth (for example, a 125 mm blade — up to 40 mm, 230 mm — up to 70 mm);

• The required linear cutting speed;

• Compatibility with the protective guard (working without a guard is prohibited by technical regulations).

3. Cooling
   Cutting hard stone products is accompanied by heating of both the material and the diamond tool. Cutting mode can be:

• Dry — without water supply;

• Wet — with mandatory water cooling;

• Combined — universal blades that can work in both modes.
  Important: violation of cooling conditions reduces the blade’s life and the quality of processing, and can also lead to the destruction of the diamond layer and tool failure.

4. Type of cutting edge
   The diamond blade consists of a steel core and a cutting part — the diamond-bearing layer, called the edge. Its design determines which materials the blade can work with and the quality of the cut obtained. Three main types are distinguished:

• Continuous rim (crown). The rim is a continuous ring evenly coated with diamond grit. Provides a clean and smooth cut without chips. Ideal for facing materials such as ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, marble. Most often used on tile cutters and stone-cutting machines for fine processing.

• Segmented rim. The diamond layer is divided into separate segments with gaps (slots) between them. This allows efficient removal of heat and dust, resistant to overheating, suitable for long-term work. Intended for rough jobs such as cutting concrete, brick, granite, asphalt. Most often used on angle grinders, cut-off saws, and floor saws.

• Turbo rim. The rim has a wave-like or spiral shape, with grooves providing additional cooling. Combines the cutting speed of a segmented blade and the precision of a continuous one. A universal option for cutting porcelain stoneware, brick, concrete, and natural stone. Turbo blades are used in both professional and household construction — on angle grinders, tile cutters, and hand saws.

5. Material for processing
   Manufacturers indicate for which materials the blade is intended: concrete, granite, porcelain stoneware, brick, asphalt, etc. Using not according to purpose may lead to:

• Overheating;

• Reduction of service life;

• Poor cut quality.

Main operations performed with diamond blades
Diamond cutting is not just a way to cut material. It is a whole range of construction, installation, and demolition operations requiring high precision, power, and reliability. Thanks to high strength and heat resistance, diamond blades are used in both rough and finishing works.

Here are the main tasks that can be performed with diamond blades:

• Facing of walls, facades, columns, fences, and other architectural elements;

• Creation of decorative installations and facade panels;

• Cutting porcelain stoneware, mosaics, natural and artificial stone;

• Remodeling of premises with cutting of partitions and openings;

• Demolition of reinforced concrete and brick structures;

• Chasing of walls and floors for laying cables, pipes, air ducts;

• Renovation and reconstruction of floors: leveling, sealing of cracks;

• Cutting road surfaces from asphalt, concrete, paving slabs;

• Creation and expansion of window and door openings, niches, openings for stairs and elevators;

• Cutting of temperature and expansion joints in screeds, foundations, and road surfaces;

• Formation of mounting holes for ventilation, air conditioning, and heating;

• Creation of niches for plumbing equipment and electrical panels;

• Cutting cracks and chips for subsequent repair or strengthening of structures;

• Cutting joints during injection waterproofing and renovation of concrete walls;

• Performing works on strengthening reinforced concrete structures (cutting for reinforcement, anchors, etc.).

Diamond blades work equally effectively in both renovation and new construction. The choice of a specific blade and equipment depends on the material, the required cutting depth, and working conditions.

Equipment for working with diamond blades
The compatibility of a diamond blade with a tool depends on its diameter, design, and allowable cutting mode. Below are the main types of equipment with a detailed description of characteristics and scope of application.

• Angle grinder
  Blades: 100–230 mm
  Cutting mode: dry
  Materials: concrete, tile, brick, marble, granite
  Description: The most universal and affordable tool for diamond cutting. Suitable for cutting in hard-to-reach places and mobile work. Used for straight and curved cuts, as well as for grinding.
  Limitations:
  Work only without water;
  Overheating limits cutting duration;
  Cutting depth with a 230 mm blade — up to 70 mm.

• Tile cutter
  Blades: 180–250 mm
  Cutting mode: only wet
  Materials: ceramic tile, porcelain stoneware, facing stone
  Description: Designed for precise cutting of facing materials with water supply. Provides a clean and neat cut, minimizes chipping. Ideal for laying tiles, mosaics, making angle cuts.
  Features: high precision; no dust; possibility of angled cutting (in models with adjustable platform).

• Masonry saw
  Blades: 300–450 mm
  Cutting mode: wet
  Materials: paving slabs, brick, concrete, natural stone
  Description: Industrial stationary equipment. Provides deep and stable cutting of large and hard materials. Used in landscaping, stone and concrete product manufacturing.
  Advantages: increased productivity; clean and straight cut; reliable cooling system.

• Gas / electric saw
  Blades: 300–450 mm
  Cutting mode: dry or wet
  Materials: concrete, reinforced concrete, asphalt, natural stone
  Description: A powerful tool for rough and large-scale work. The gas saw is autonomous and convenient for outdoor use, the electric saw — for indoor use. Ideal for demolition, cutting joints and openings, cutting road surfaces.
  Features: cutting depth up to 150 mm; high processing speed; requires operator protection and skills.

• Wall chaser
  Blades: 125–230 mm
  Cutting mode: dry
  Materials: concrete, brick, foam block
  Description: Tool for cutting parallel grooves — chases, needed for laying electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, cables. Usually used with two blades, with a depth limiter installed between them.
  Advantages: clean and precise grooves; fast performance; possibility of connecting an industrial vacuum cleaner.

• Floor saw
  Blades: 350–1200+ mm
  Cutting mode: wet
  Materials: concrete, asphalt
  Description: Industrial equipment for cutting expansion and temperature joints in concrete and asphalt surfaces. Used in road construction, floor and foundation installation.
  Advantages: cutting depth up to 400 mm and more; high power; cooling system allows long operation.

• Wall saw
  Blades: 600–1600 mm
  Cutting mode: wet
  Materials: concrete, brick, reinforced concrete
  Description: High-precision equipment for cutting openings and demolishing load-bearing structures. Mounted on a wall or ceiling and works along guides. Used in reconstruction, remodeling, and capital construction.
  Features: smooth cut without vibration; minimal noise and dust; possibility of cutting in horizontal and vertical planes.

Conclusions
Diamond blades are not just consumables, but high-tech tools. The correct selection of blade and equipment guarantees:

• Increased productivity;

• Clean and precise cuts;

• Extended tool life;

• Safe operation.

Do not neglect the manufacturer’s recommendations and select the blade strictly for the specific task — this is the key to high-quality and efficient results.