Diamond blades work by using the hardness and abrasiveness of diamonds to cut through tough materials. Here's a breakdown of how they function:
1. Composition: Diamond blades are made with a steel core and a cutting edge embedded with diamond segments. The diamonds are typically synthetic and are bonded to the edge with a metal matrix.
2. Cutting Mechanism:
- Abrasive Action: When the blade rotates, the exposed diamond crystals on the edge grind against the material, effectively cutting through it. The hardness of the diamonds allows them to cut through very hard materials like concrete, stone, and ceramics.
- Wear and Tear: As the blade is used, the metal matrix gradually wears away, exposing more diamond crystals. This self-renewing process keeps the blade sharp.
3. Cooling and Lubrication:
- Wet Cutting: Many diamond blades are designed for wet cutting, which uses water to cool the blade and the material being cut. This reduces heat, minimizes dust, and extends the life of the blade.
- Dry Cutting: Some diamond blades are designed for dry cutting, with segmented edges to allow for air cooling. However, they may not last as long as wet-cutting blades and can generate more dust.
4. Applications: Diamond blades are used in various applications, including construction, demolition, and fabrication. They are essential for tasks requiring precision and efficiency, such as cutting concrete, asphalt, granite, marble, and other hard materials.
Overall, the combination of diamond's hardness and the blade's design makes diamond blades highly effective for cutting tough and abrasive materials.