Standard segmented diamond blades have a
gap between segments. This gap helps the blade cut fast and allows water
to penetrate into the cut. In most applications, the standard segmented
blade works very well and is the recommended blade to use. In some
applications, however, a standard segmented blade chips the material. In
these applications, a continuous rim diamond blade should be used. A
continuous rim diamond blade produces a nice clean cut with little
chipping of the material. Continuous rim diamond blades are the ideal
choice for example when cutting hard tile and glass. Continuous rim
blades, however, are only available in certain bond matrices and in
limited sizes. Consolidated has developed the Smoothcut
diamond blade for applications in which a continuous rim blade is not
available. A Smoothcut blade has extra long segments which are
brazed to a steel core so there is practically no gap between the
segments. Smoothcut blades should be used to cut delicate materials
and when very clean and precise cuts are required.
