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DRY CUT DIAMOND SAW BLADES

The contractor's guide to diamond blades.

CHOOSING DIAMOND SAW BLADES

Diamond saw blades are an essential part of a contractor's day. There is a vast array of diamond blades to select from to get the job done. Factors like: bond hardness, diamond pattern, and metal matrix all play into which blade works best for certain materials. But how do you know which blade is right for your job?

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DIAMOND SAW BLADE BASICS

No matter if you are a tile installer, mason, or hardscaper; there are four main categories that each contractor should understand about diamond saw blades. These categories include Diamond Patterns, Tension, Bond, and more. Understanding the basics of diamond saw blade will help you choose the best option for your job and get the job done faster.

TESTING

BLADE ANATOMY

BLADE SELECTION

BLADE MAINTENANCE

BLADE TESTING

To design a diamond saw blade, a manufacturer picks a set of design goals including the size of the blade, loudness, material to dry cut, etc. They then start the delicate process of balancing segment bonds, metal compounds, and diamond matrixes. While in development, a manufacturer will conduct multiple tests. The tests include blade lifespan, segment wear, cleanability and more.

At iQ, we do continuous testing. For example, if we are working on a marble tile diamond blade, we will dry cut thousands of different types of marbles; and the same process for our masonry diamond blades. There is a balance between blade life, cut quality, and cut speed that once achieved, will make for the perfect blade. But that balance differs with every type of material. That’s why understanding the core makeup of a diamond blade helps to pick the right one for your job site.

" We test each blade until the segment is completely worn out - which is what you would do on a jobsite. A worn out segment means that the blade was cutting well adn you wore it out."

ANATOMY OF A Q-DRIVE DIAMOND BLADE

HARD VS SOFT BOND

The bond (or metal matrix of a diamond saw blade) is the glue that holds the diamonds in place. It is a mixture of three or more different metal powders pressed together at a high temperature. The hardness of the bond determines what the blade should be used for and its lifespan, as well.

A soft bond diamond blade will wear more quickly, while exposing new diamonds faster. Softer bonds are better for use with harder, dense materials because these harder aggregates cause diamonds to break or fall faster, requiring new diamonds to be exposed at a much higher rate.

A hard bond diamond blade will wear slower while holding the diamonds, regardless of pattern, in place, considerably longer. Harder bonds are ideal for use with softer, less abrasive materials. The softer materials do not break on the diamonds as quickly; therefore, requiring the diamonds to be held in place for longer.

ARRAYED VS RANDOM

Diamond blades use diamond crystals mixed into the blade segment to maximize precision cutting through the material. The pattern of those diamonds determines the rate at which they will grind.
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SILENT CORE

Copper or steel? What's at the core of your blade? ? Most diamond masonry blades used for concrete block cutting have a steel core which makes a high pitch ringing noise when cutting. However, some blades have a copper core. The copper acts as a silencer and reduces the DBA of that blade.
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Tension

Blade tension is a vital aspect to consider. If not monitored correctly, users can lose it by forcing a blade through the material faster than it would naturally cut it.
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LET THE BLADE DO THE CUTTING

Forcing the material through the blade will warp the blade and put stress on the motor, which could ultimately fry your saw’s motor.

SHOP DIAMOND BLADES

Our innovation doesn’t stop at saws. iQ Diamond Tools exceed the demands of the professional contractor. Optimized for strenuous work environments... and designed with unparalleled durability, iQ Diamond Tools get the job done! Dry cut materials from hard ceramic tiles to highly abrasive bricks and blocks with speed, ease, and precision.

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RIGHT BLADE FOR THE MATERIAL

Blade choice makes a difference. At iQ, we understand finding the perfect match between the saw, the blade and the material is crucial. The bond, diamond pattern and segment number all play a role in selecting the right blade. When the wrong blade is used, it puts stress on the machine that could potentially ruin the saw’s motor.


PSI IS A BIG DEAL

PSI (pound per square inch) is the hardness level of materials. The higher the PSI, the harder the material. The harder the material, the softer the bond of the diamond blades should be. Knowing the hardness of the aggregates in your material aids in selecting a blade that's best suited for your job.


REGIONAL MATERIALS

Just because the label says “concrete diamond blade,” does not mean it will be the best option for the concrete to be cut. Different regions around North America have different aggregates in their materials. For example, “Blue Stone” in California is much softer than “Blue Stone” in Ohio. So, the blade a hardscaper uses in California may not be the best solution for the contractor in Ohio. Knowing the material variations, as well as the PSI levels, will help you select the right blade for the material and be more efficient.

BLADE COMPARISON CHART


Q-DRIVE AUTHORIZED BLADES

Our blades are specifically designed to work with our machines for the best experience. Not sure if you have an authentic Q-Drive blade or a counterfiet blade? Check out our guide on how to know a true iQ Q-Drive blade.

BLADE MAINTENANCE

HOW TO CONDITION YOUR BLADE

When cutting with a new blade, make 25 or more cuts through scrap materials like standard medium-hard ceramic or medium-hard concrete to open up the diamond matrix. This will optimize the blade for cut quality and performance.

MAKE SURE TO TEST YOUR BLADE

Not sure of the PSI of your material? Not sure if the glazing will chip? Then test it. Make some test cuts and then see what blade cuts that material the cleanest, before you start a project. Work smarter and plan ahead. .

DRESSING THE BLADE

A dressing stone is a solid block made from a mix of extremely hard abrasives. When cut through by a diamond blade, the abrasives expose new diamonds and actually sharpen the blade.

Dressing the diamond blade is essential to maintaining its life. After a large number of cuts, or when switching from different materials, dressing the blade will remove build-up on the segments, and expose fresh diamonds, allowing your blade to cut sharper and faster without putting pressure on the saw motor.

DO I NEED WATER?

There are two ways to use diamond blades; with and without water. Typically, cutting dry is viewed as much faster, but produces massive dust clouds. On the other hand, water is commonly used to keep the blade cool, keeping the dust down… and creating messy slurry. But, what if you could cut everything dry without the dust?

BLADE CHOICE MATTERS

Blade choice makes a difference. At iQ, we understand finding the perfect match between the saw, the blade and the material is crucial. We offer products in each range of durability to meet the demands for the job at hand. iQ diamond blades are rigorously tested to provide a clean, precise dry cut every time. We also offer adapters to our Q-Drive blades so that they can be used on other saws.


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BLADE FAQs

Quick answers to the top questions about iQ Blades.


What are diamond saw blades used for?

Diamond blades are used to cut anything with an aggreigate base, both natural and man-made. Diamond blades are designed using different diamond patterens, bonds, metal compositions, and segement designs based on the material they will cut.

Is a diamond blade good for metal?

Yes, some diamonds blades will cut through metal, however that is not what most diamond blades are designed for. We suggest using a metal specific blade.

How long does a diamond concrete saw blade last?

The blade live depends on the material it is cutting and the care of the operator. A softer bond will have a shorter life span than a hard bond blade. Using a dressing stone and matching the blade to the correct material will extend the life of your blade.

Can diamond saw blades be sharpened?

Yes, wet or dry diamond blades can, and should be sharpened. Just like a chef keeps their knives sharp, a contractor should be maintaining their blades. Use a dressing stone with a resin base to dress your blade between material switches and when you feel the blade starting to pull the material.

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