Although the term "industrial-grade" appears in the name of the industrial-grade diamonds used in diamond saw blades, there is no compromise when it comes to technical specifications. These diamonds actually share the same origin as synthetic diamonds, but to ensure efficient and precise cutting of hard and brittle materials such as stone and concrete, they must meet very specific requirements in terms of quality, form, and performance.
The shiny "grit" you see on the saw blade is industrial-grade diamond. Although natural diamonds exist in nature, more than 90% of the diamonds used in industry today are synthetic. China produces over 95% of the world's synthetic diamonds, so it's highly likely that the core material in the saw blades we use comes from within the country.
To make cutting more efficient, these diamonds are not simply scattered onto the blade; instead, they are firmly "embedded" into the blade matrix through processes such as electroplating and sintering, forming cutting edges capable of cutting.
When evaluating the quality of these diamond particles, one cannot simply look at how "hard" they are; the following five criteria are the true basis for classification:
1. Grit Size: Determines the "coarseness and speed" of the cut.
This refers to the size of the diamond particles, expressed in "mesh size" (e.g., 30/40, 40/50). The lower the mesh number, the coarser the particles; cutting is faster but the cut surface is rougher. The higher the mesh number, the finer the particles; cutting is slower but the cut surface is smoother. When sawing hard granite, a finer grit is required to ensure sharpness.
2. Strength and Toughness: Determining "Impact Resistance".
The toughness index simulates a diamond's ability to remain intact under the impact of sawing. The thermal toughness index takes this a step further by testing a diamond's ability to maintain its toughness after being exposed to high temperatures-such as those generated during the saw blade manufacturing process or high-speed dry cutting. Poor-quality diamonds with low thermal stability tend to graphitize when heated, leading to "blade burnout."
3. Crystal Morphology: Determines How Well It Holds.
The more regular the shape, the higher the strength, and the more securely it is held by the binder, making it less likely to detach prematurely. Regular crystal morphology is a hallmark of high-quality diamonds.
4. Impurity Content: Determining "Purity".
Industrial-grade diamonds are not 100% pure carbon; they contain varying amounts of impurities such as nitrogen and oxygen. The fewer the impurities, the fewer internal defects the diamond has, resulting in higher strength and better heat resistance.
5. Concentration: Determines the "density" of the diamonds.
This refers to the distribution density of diamonds in the cutting edge. The higher the concentration, the more diamond particles there are per unit volume, and the longer the saw blade's service life; however, if the concentration is too high, it can actually cause the saw blade to become "dull," resulting in reduced cutting efficiency.
No matter how strong a diamond may be, it requires a team to achieve its full potential-and that is the role of the matrix in a cutting head. Composed of metal powders, the matrix acts like cement, binding the diamond particles together. Its hardness must be perfectly matched to the rate at which the diamond wears down: if the matrix wears too quickly, the diamonds will fall out prematurely; if it wears too slowly, the diamonds will become dull without exposing new, sharp particles.
