When starting any new project, it is critically important to ensure that you choose the correct tools for the job at hand. Not only does this ease the overall application, but it also ensures the desired result is achieved as planned. 

With many diamond blades on offer in the market, each one offering different advantages over its counterparts, it is essential to know which blades are suitable for which applications. Diamond blades come in various types and configurations, each designed for specific materials and cutting environments. 

Considering a few factors such the material being cut, type of equipment being used, depth of the cut and whether the application will be wet, or dry cutting, are critical to review when selecting a suitable diamond blade, as they can significantly influence both blade life and quality of cut. The right selection ensures not only efficient work but also reduces the likelihood of blade damage or premature failure, which can be costly. 

Segmented vs Continuous Rims: Choosing the Right Diamond Blade

Superflex boasts two derivatives within the Evolution range – The Segmented, and Continuous rims. The Segmented rim, which is generally used within the construction industry to cut brick, concrete and stone, will ultimately provide the fastest cut.  

Providing a faster cut, this blade is generally used for dry cutting, as the segmented rim allows for both airs to flow through and cool down the blade during application, and debris to exit faster during the cut. 

The Continuous rim is favoured for tile cutting as it provides a much slower cut. Suitable for either wet or dry cutting applications, it generally provides the cleanest cut.

How Blade Design and Grit Influence Cutting Precision and Efficiency

Apart from this, general design of diamond blades can also have an impact on the application. Continuous rim diamond blades typically have a thinner kerf width (the width of the diamond segment) when compared to segmented, which will result in a narrower cut, reducing heat from friction, and resulting in less loss of material.  

Diamond blade manufacturers also base diamond concentration, quality, and size on the typical usage for each type. Finer diamond grit is normally for harder materials (such as glazed tiles and granite), whereas coarser diamond grit is more suitable for softer materials (such as bricks).  

Choosing the incorrect type may not only result in chipping of the workpiece, but also reduced efficiency and higher cost per cut. 

Read More: CHOOSING THE CORRECT DIAMOND BLADE WHEN CUTTING TILES

Key Factors in Diamond Blade Selection: Grit, Power and Efficiency

To ensure premium abrasives perform optimally, the machine being used, and its ‘power outage is to be considered. It is important to note that sufficient power tools still need to operate efficiently whilst under load, and that using an under-powered machine might increase the risk of the abrasives not fully reaching their full potential during an application. 

As with any choice of product, the result is key. Diamond blades are no different in this regard but staying informed of the latest technology and information around the various options within the market allows for a better-informed decision and ultimately a more successful application. 

Key Considerations for Optimal Performance and Efficiency

Selecting the right diamond blade is critical to ensuring the success of your project. By considering key factors such as material, cutting method and the power of your equipment, you can optimise both the performance and efficiency.  

Understanding the differences between segmented and continuous rim blades, as well as diamond grit variations can help you choose the ideal for your specific application. 

In Conclusion

Making an informed choice will not only improve the quality of your work but also extend the life of your tools and reduce costs in the long run. With Grinding Techniques, you can be sure you’re equipped with the best tools to get the job done right. Superflex Evolution Diamond Blades are available from Major Retailers. For more on our range, visit our website today or contact us on email or call +27 11 271 6400 to learn about diamond blades and let our team help you choose the perfect blade for your next project. 

Precision grinding is usually the application of choice when a workpiece consisting of either ferrous or non-ferrous metal, plastic or rubber is to be finished to a tight tolerance with a high degree of surface finish.

Popular grinding applications include external-and-internal cylindrical grinding, surface grinding, centreless and gear grinding, as well as tool and cutter grinding all used in various industries, like rolling steel mills, automotive and bearing industries, as well as cutlery, electronics, medical technology and tool production.

External cylindrical grinding is mostly used to grind parts with a cylindrical profile, it is used when the edge of a spinning workpiece which is rigidly supported, is required. With this application, it is essential that the workpiece is clamped with a chuck or held between two centres.

Prior to the development of high-speed precision grinders and machining processes, workpieces requiring this application would have been roughed out on a lathe before being precision ground.

External Cylindrical Grinding in Various Industries

External cylindrical grinding is used in several processes ranging from, plain cylindrical, to special cylindrical where workpieces such as camshafts and crankshafts are produced within the Automotive aftermarket industry and shafts up to five meters in length are produced within the Hydraulic cylinder industry.

With grinding wheels today being manufactured with Sintered Aluminium Oxide, achieving both roughening and finishing is possible with only one machine, where even workpieces that have been hardened, can be ground on an external cylindrical grinding machine.

Internal Cylindrical Grinding

In contrast to External cylindrical grinding, Internal cylindrical grinding is a process where the internal circumference of a cylindrical part is ground. Particularly popular in industries where jack hammers for the mining industry is ground, it is known as a process to enlarge and true, straight, tapered or form holes already machined, or hardened, into a workpiece requiring a high surface finish.

With Internal cylindrical grinding, it is of utmost importance that enough stock is left on the workpieces with long holes and thin walls, as the workpiece could get distorted during the heat treatment process.

The type of material to be ground should be carefully considered when selecting grinding wheels, as material that is hardened might require a certain specification with a fine grain size. Both external and internal cylindrical grinding are integral processes within precision grinding across various industries.

Read More: Precision Grinding with ANDOR – Innovative solutions for YOUR application

Key Applications of Surface and Tool Grinding

Surface grinding on the other hand is often misunderstood, surface grinding is used to grind surfaces with a flat, contoured, or angular surface, therefore it is primarily used on workpieces requiring a flat surface, and when a specific tolerance and surface polish is required and not only for grinding any surface regardless of its shape.

A typical application includes, manufacturing of industrial knives, where the grinding media for this application is available in wheels, segments and or cups-stones.

Another popular precision grinding application found in the aftermarket Tool and Cutter Grinding Industry, this is the sharpening of milling cutters, reamers, taps and drill bits. Although dry grinding applications are the most popular it makes grinding parts with no burn quite challenging.

Selecting the correct type of abrasive grain, grit size, hardness, structure, and bonding system for this application remains crucial. Due to its friability, white aluminium oxide grain would be perfectly suited for these applications where workpieces that have been hardened needs to be ground with no burning to the workpiece.

In Conclusion

Precision grinding plays a crucial role across various industries, offering high accuracy and surface finish for a wide range of materials and applications. To meet all of the above process demands, premium abrasive grinding wheels are required. Our ANDOR range carries a variety of solutions to all these and more precision grinding applications. For a custom abrasive solution, visit our website or contact one of our Application Specialists today.