Segments & Rims

The type of cutting edge on a blade determines how it cuts. Generally speaking, there are three types of blades:

• Segmented blades
• Continuous rim blades
• Turbo blades

No matter the type of blade, the segment or rim is always slightly wider than the blade core. This side clearance or lateral tolerance allows the cutting edge to penetrate through the material without the core coming into contact with the material being cut.

SEGMENTED BLADES – SEGMENTS, WELDS AND GULLETS

Segmented diamond blades feature individual segments along the cutting edge. What’s important to note is that the depth of the segments is not necessarily an indicator of life as a high-quality 10mm segment can contain a higher concentration of diamonds than a lower quality 15mm segment.

All our segments are laser welded onto the blade’s core, creating an incredibly strong bond that can tolerate high temperatures. Laser welding is considered the safest method of fixing segments onto the blank due to the additional safety feature of the weld. Laser welded segments also allow for full use of the segment depth and are said to last around 35% longer than sintered diamond blades.

The gaps between the segments are referred to as gullets. Gullets serve to improve airflow and dissipate the heat, cooling the blade, extract dust and remove slurry from the cut. The quicker slurry is removed from a cut, the longer the blade will last as slurry has a wearing effect on the segments. Gullets also improve the blade’s flexibility to prevent cracks in the core when used for demanding applications.

The size and shape of the gullets depend on the material the blade is intended for. The more abrasive the material is, the wider the gullets should be to allow for better heat dissipation. Also, as a guideline, the bigger a gullet, the faster the cutting speed, as it lessens the drag while cutting.

Segmented blades offer the fastest cutting speed, however, also provide the roughest cut with some chipping. This style of blade is ideal for cutting all kinds of building materials, concrete, reinforced concrete, green concrete, and asphalt. Segmented blades are particularly common in larger diameters over 12”.

CONTINUOUS RIM BLADES

Instead of individual segments, continuous rim diamond blades have a smooth, solid edge. These blades generally have a softer bond, are typically available in smaller sizes (4” – 14”) and are ideal for hard materials that easily chip such as tile, porcelain, granite, ceramic and glass. Although they are the slowest blade to cut, their flat, continuous surface eliminates shocks against the material that could create chips and therefore provides a perfect finish. As continuous rim blades tend to overheat easily, they should only be used when wet cutting which allows for cooling of the blade, flushing out debris and preventing dust.

TURBO BLADES

Turbo blades offer advantages from both segmented as well as continuous rim blades. These diamond blades also bear a continuous rim, however, their edge is serrated, providing a faster, more aggressive cut to extremely hard materials while keeping the cut smooth by giving smaller shocks to the workpiece. Turbo blades typically come in smaller sizes (4”- 14”) and with a softer bond to cut materials such as tiles, ceramic, marble, granite, masonry and other hard building materials. They can be used for both wet and dry cutting.