Continuous Rim and Segmented Blades: What’s the Difference?
Devour tools offers a good selection of standard blades, premium blades, and bits. If you need a metal cutting blade, no worries. If tile blades are what you are after, just ask. We have what you need for nearly any application. Just make sure you know the difference between a continuous rim and segmented blade. After all, you want to choose the right blade for the job.
The biggest difference between continuous rim and segmented blades is blade construction. It is easy enough to see with the naked eye. A continuous rim blade is a solid piece with a continuous cutting surface around the entire diameter. A segmented blade is divided into multiple segments with notches that are built in. Just three or four notches in a segmented blade can make an enormous difference in how it works.
More About Segmented Blades
For the remainder of this post, everything we discuss will be in relation to diamond blades. A segmented diamond blade offers plenty of cutting surface to get through those tough jobs. Segmented blades are generally chosen for applications like concrete, brick, masonry block, and reinforced concrete. You get a quick and rough cut with no fuss.
Obviously, a segmented blade is not the right choice for precision work. But it can be used for both wet and dry cuts. The big advantage of the segmented blade is that it doesn’t necessarily need a liquid coolant. The notches in the blade material draw air down to help cool the blade while it is working. As an added bonus, the notches make it easier for the blade to channel away debris.
We normally see the segmented blade easily slicing through something like concrete. But because of the notches, chipping is always a risk. Operators should be cognizant of that risk at all times, especially when working with materials like marble, granite, and brick. Safety glasses and other protective equipment are non-negotiable.
More About Continuous Rim Blades
The continuous rim blade tends to be a softer bond blade chosen for precision work. It is the blade of choice for porcelain, glass, granite, and tile – essentially those materials that are too easily chipped by segmented blades. They can be used wet or dry, though it is almost always better to use them wet.
Wet cutting with a continuous blade not only cools the blade, but it also prolongs blade life by continuously flushing out dirt and debris. You get less friction during the cut. You also generate less heat, which definitely reduces the life of a diamond blade.
Also note that continuous rim blades are designed to operate at lower speeds. The trade-off is a much cleaner cut more appropriate to precision work.
Always Consider Blade Hardness
Whether you are using segmented or continuous rim blades, always be cognizant of the blade hardness. By that we mean the bond between the blade surface and the diamonds attached to it. Bond hardness is measured as soft, medium, or hard. The harder the bond, the less quickly diamonds are exposed. Note that gradual diamond exposure is normal.
Softer bonds are ideal for hard and dense materials like porcelain and tile. On the other end of the spectrum, more porous materials are better attacked using blades with harder bonds. Think concrete and asphalt. These more porous surfaces can do a number on soft bonds quickly.
As always, do not be afraid to ask questions about our segmented and continuous rim diamond blades. We are always ready to provide an answer. Our goal is to make sure you always have the right blade for the job.
The Difference Between Segmented And Turbo Diamond Blades
Dec. 23, 2022
Diamond saw blades supplier will share this article with you.
Expert technicians who deploy diamond for cutting or grinding applications know the importance of choosing them correctly. It can be a combination of technology, rim or edge configuration that determines the specific application of the tool. Especially depending on the dry and wet applications and the type of material being cut, several factors such as blade service life, dressing requirements and cutting speed play a crucial role.
When we talk about the edge or edge configuration of a diamond blade, there are basically three options:
• Continuous diamond blade
• Segmented Diamond Blade
• Turbo Diamond Blade
As the name implies, the continuous diamond blade has a continuous edge and has a softer bond to harder materials such as tiles, granite, glass, stone and porcelain to provide chip free cuts. But having said that, it belongs to the category of wet cutting, because it needs to provide water or other suitable coolant to cool the blade and increase the life of the blade.
Differences
But both of these segmented diamond blades can be used for dry and wet applications, and have a moderately hard bond. If so, what is the difference between them? Let us illustrate these differences:
Rim style: Segmented diamond blades have air spaces called grooves along the edges, and the corresponding blades have a continuous edge with a serrated edge. Grooves in segmented blades help improve air flow and reduce heat and slurry discharge, while cooling holes in turbine blades reduce heat.
Bond: Turbo diamond blades have soft to medium bonding, especially for cutting ceramic tiles, marble, stone, granite and masonry. However, segmented diamond blades have a medium-hard bond and can be effectively used for granite, asphalt, concrete and bricks.
Cutting speed: Although the cutting speed of the segmented blade is very good, the turbine speed change is definitely better.
Cutting quality: Both segmented and turbo diamond blades provide smooth cutting, but segmented style of blades may show chips. Of course, when both of these cuts are analyzed in depth, when the turbo blade is used, a precise and clean cut can always be observed.
Life: When the life of the blade is used as an eligibility criterion, the segmented diamond blade can easily be regarded as a clear winner.
Size: Again, this is the segmented diamond wheel easily surpassing the turbine, because the latter usually uses a diameter of 14 inches, but the former can even reach 72 inches!
Application: When segmented blades are used for masonry, circular and concrete saws, turbo diamond blades find applications in grinders, tile saws and circular saws.
It can be noted that each type or style of blade only needs to be selected according to the material being cut, the necessity of cooling, and the desired finish.
XP All-Purpose Segmented Diamond Blades
Product Overview
Take on more masonry work with XP All-Purpose Segmented Diamond Blades that offer up to 3X longer life**. You"ll use fewer wheels over time with the blades" diamond* segments which offer long-lasting performance. Seamlessly remove material with a segmented turbo design that delivers aggressive cutting action. Integrated vents keep the high-strength steel core cool while reducing bending and buckling.
