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Concrete. Great when you need a strong, durable material that will last. However, it is also susceptible to cracking and has low ductility. What remains is that concrete is the single most widely used material in the world! To work with and cut concrete effectively, it is important you are equipped with the right tools. At CMT, we supply a range of suitable equipment to ensure you cut concrete effectively.
Favoured above all for cutting a variety of materials are diamond blades. These are made up of two components; the steel core and the segment. The core is normally a round, flat metal disc used to support the outer segments. The diamond can then be attached to this through a variety of methods including laser welding. The segment of the diamond blade has two parts, the diamond and metal bonds. The diamond section is manufactured as opposed to natural diamond with synthetic favoured as the shape and strength can be controlled more closely throughout the manufacturing process. The metal bonds are made of a mix of metal powders and when put together in the correct way, these will hold the diamond in place to get maximum effect from the diamond points.
How do they work?
A diamond blade does not cut, it grinds. This action is made by the exposed diamond crystals held in place by the metal bonds. During the cutting process, the exposed diamonds cut into the material turning it to a fine powder. As the blade is used, the diamonds exposed may crack or break whilst the metal bonds wear by abrasion. This allows the release of new diamonds as the blade is used.
Cutting concrete
When cutting concrete, you need to ensure you use the correct diamond blade. This will allow longevity of your blade and get maximum cutting speed. To make sure you are purchasing the correct blade you will need to know more about the concrete you are cutting i.e. the type of sand used in the concrete. More abrasive sand requires a harder bond.
Wet cutting vs Dry cutting
The preference of cutting concrete wet or dry can depend on the job at hand. Dry-cutting blades feature heat-resistant segment welds that will not require water for cooling. Ideal for hand held, intermittent use, dry blades are often best if you require a clean cut. A wet-cutting blade is most often used for deeper cuts as the water cools. Whilst most dry-cutting blades can be used with water, a wet-cutting blade should not be used dry as this can cause the blade to warp and create permanent damage.
Choosing my blade
At CMT, we have years of experience in supplying high quality equipment for a range of requirements. Our full range of
concrete blades range from
OTEC DT15 Premium Concrete Blade, available in a variety of sizes to
OTEC DT150 Professional Plus Blade, designed specifically for very hard concrete with extra long life. Should you require advice about our range of blades or any of our other products,
contact us today for more information