Knowledge · Glossary
Diamond tools glossary.26 terms worth knowing.
Short definitions of the terms used when selecting and working with diamond tools – from bond and concentration, through core bit threads, to retipping. Every term leads to a page where we explain it in practice.
- 1 1/4" UNC
The most common spindle thread on wet core drills, used on core bits from about Ø 32 mm upwards.
More- 1/2" BSP (G ½")
The thread of small core bits, usually up to Ø 62 mm, used on hand-held core drills for anchors and cable penetrations.
More- Bead
The cutting element of a diamond wire, usually 10–11.5 mm in diameter, fitted on the cable at about 37–40 per metre.
More- Bond
The metal matrix of a diamond segment that holds the diamond grains. Bond hardness is matched to the material: hard material – soft bond, abrasive – hard.
More- Bridge saw
A stationary saw in a stone plant for cutting slabs and tiles from stone.
More- Continuous rim
A blade with an unbroken diamond layer around the rim – gives a clean, chip-free edge; used for porcelain and ceramics.
More- Core
The steel disc or tube on which the segments are mounted. A straight core without cracks can be retipped many times.
More- Core bit (core drill bit)
A tool for drilling holes in concrete and masonry: a core tube with segments around the rim and a threaded shank that fits the core drill.
More- Core bit tube
The steel body of a core bit. Wall thickness grows with diameter, and straightness determines the bit's run-out.
More- Cutting depth
The maximum depth a blade cuts: roughly (blade Ø − flange Ø) / 2.
More- Diamond concentration
The amount of diamond in the segment volume. Higher increases life and resistance when cutting rebar; lower speeds up cutting of soft and abrasive materials.
More- Diamond segment
The working part of the tool: a sintered mix of bond and diamond, brazed or welded to the core. Described by its length L, width T and height H.
More- Diamond wire
A steel cable threaded with diamond beads and a plastic or rubber coating, for cutting massive elements and stone blocks.
More- EN 13236
The European standard of safety requirements for tools with superabrasives, including diamond tools.
More- Flange
The part that mounts the blade on the machine spindle. Its diameter limits the maximum cutting depth.
More- Floor saw
A machine for cutting slabs, floors and road surfaces, including expansion joints and asphalt, with blades of about Ø 350–1200 mm.
More- Glazing
A state in which the segment surface becomes smooth and shiny and the tool stops cutting. The cause is a bond that is too hard for the material.
More- Grit impact resistance
The ability of a diamond grain to work under impact – key when cutting and drilling rebar.
More- Grit size (mesh)
The size of the diamond grains given in mesh – the higher the number, the finer the grit. Fine grit gives a clean edge, coarse grit faster cutting.
More- M14
The mounting thread for blades and core bits on an angle grinder, used for porcelain, tiles and stone.
More- Peripheral speed
The speed of a point on the tool's rim in m/s: v = π × D × n / 60,000. For segmented concrete blades on wall saws and floor saws typically about 40–55 m/s (calculator), on hand-held cut-off saws about 80–100 m/s (cut-off saw blades), for core bits in concrete about 3–5 m/s, for wire in granite 25–30 m/s.
More- Retipping
Replacing worn segments on a blade core or core bit, with a check of run-out and segment joints. Lowers tool cost and the amount of waste.
More- Roof-top segment
A segment with a pointed working edge (roof-top) that enters the material faster and makes starting the cut easier.
More- Turbo (grooved) segment
A segment with grooves in its surface that improve cooling and debris removal, especially when cutting dry.
More- Wall saw
A rail-guided machine for cutting walls and slabs, with blades usually Ø 600–1600 mm and a 60 mm bore.
More- Wet cutting
Cutting with water cooling, which cools the segment, flushes out debris and limits dust. Standard for reinforced concrete and large blades.
More
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