The Difference Between Segmented and Turbo Diamond Blades

An expert technician deploying diamond and CBN wheels and diamond grinding wheels for cutting or grinding applications knows the importance of proper selection of them. It can be the bonding technique, rim or edge configurations, and type of wheel that decides the selection of tool for a particular application. Especially based on the dry or wet application and the type of material to be cut, several factors such as longevity of blade service, dressing requirement and speed of cut plays a crucial role.

As we talk of rim or edge configurations of a diamond blade, basically three types of options are available:

• continuous diamond blade
• Segmented diamond blade
• Turbo diamond blade

As the name suggests, continuous diamond blades have continuous rim and have soft bonds for specific application for harder materials such as tiles, granites, glass, stones, and porcelains to provide chip free cuts. But that being said, it comes under the category of wet cutting, as water or other suitable coolant needs to be provided to cool the blade and enhance the longevity of blade life.

But both segmented diamond blades can be used for both dry and wet applications and have medium to hard bonds. If it is so, what exactly are their differences? Being a reputed Manufacturer, Supplier of resin / metal diamond wheel and diamond cutting tools, let us illustrate those differences:

• Style of rim: Segmented diamond blades have air space called gullets in the segments along the rim while its counterpart has a continuous rim with serrated edges. The gullets in segmented blades aid in improving air flow, reducing heat and removal of slurry and whereas the cooling holes in turbo blades reduce heat.
• Bond: Turbo diamond blades have soft to medium bonds and are specifically used for cutting tile, marble, stone, granite and masonry. Whereas segmented diamond blade has medium to hard bonds and can be efficiently used for granite, asphalt, concrete and bricks.
• Cutting speed: While the cutting speed of segmented blade is quite good, it is definitely better in turbo variation.
• Cut quality: Both segmented and turbo diamond blades offer smooth cuts, but chipping may occur in segmented style of blades. Ofcourse when both these cuts are analyzed in depth, accurate and clean cuts are always observed when turbo blades are employed.
• Life: When the question of life of blades is considered as the qualification criteria, segmented diamond blades can be easily considered as the clear winner.
• Size: Again it is the segmented diamond wheel that easily outweighs the turbo counterpart, as the latter is usually employed up to 14 inches of diameter but the former can go even up to 72 inches!
• Application: While segmented blades are used in masonry, circular and concrete saws, the turbo diamond blades find application in grinders, tile saws and circular saws.

Well, it can be noted that each type or style of blade needs to be selected based only on the material to be cut, necessity of cooling and type of finish required. As one of the manufacturing units for diamond cutting and grinding tools, we can definitely guide your selection based on your requirement. Get in touch with us to discuss your application and be assured about the finish of your job.

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