- The type and size of the diamond crystals
- The diamond concentration
- The hardness and characteristics of the metal bond
In general terms, it is true that larger diamond crystals are better suited to softer aggregate types, while smaller diamond crystals will perform better on harder aggregates. Diamond concentration refers to the amount and dispersion of the diamond grit in the segment. Generally, the higher the concentration of diamonds and the closer the grit is spaced, the harder the segment.Highly concentrated diamond segments cut more effectively than lower concentrated segments. However this again depends on the quality, size and shape of the diamond crystals.
The bond or matrix is designed to wear away at a rate that is in proportion to the blunting, the breaking off or pulling out of the diamond crystal. These phenomena are designed to occur at exactly the right time, yet are different for each application and every structure and molecular composition.
We have developed a unique array of bonding formulas that give unbeatable performance per unit cost over a period of time and will continue to develop different compositions to maintain its position at the forefront of the diamond industry.
Generally the rate of wear of a given diamond segment is determined by the erosion of the bond diamond quality, diamond wear, diamond fracture and diamond pull out. A combination that should correspond in unison with the aggregates abrasive properties.
The hardness of a mineral is one of the most diagnostic and easy tests to perform in the attempt to identify an unknown mineral. Hardness is a measure of a mineral’s resistance to abrasion and reflects the atomic structure of a mineral. A mineral of any given hardness will scratch a mineral of a lower number. With a systematic approach, you can use minerals of known hardness to determine the relative hardness of any other mineral.
Hard
7-9: Flint, some quart.
5-7: Some quartz, river gravel, some granites
3-5: Some granites, hard limestones, dolomites.
2-3: Soft limestones.
Effect
Harder aggregates require softer bonds. Softer aggregates require harder bonds. Harder aggregates make the blade cut slower. Softer aggregates make the blade cut quicker.
The larger the aggregate’s size the slower and harder the blade will cut. Different formulations and mixes of aggregate within the application such as asphalt over concrete will subject the blade to different wear rates and characteristics. On these types of applications a mixed grit and grade is used to make the blade wear at the correct rate that will be conducive to normal blade life.
Stage 3: After 24 – 72 hours the concrete is semi-cured. The sand is quite tightly held in the mortar thus reducing the abrasive properties of the concrete. A softer bond than on either stage 1 or 2 is required.
Stage 4: After 72 hours the concrete is considered cured. The abrasive sands are tightly held in the mortar making the concrete less abrasive to cut. When cutting the density and amount of steel should also be taken into consideration as well as the type of aggregate. As with all other cutting operations a certain amount of experience is needed as aggregate size, hardness and the amount of steel in the cut together with the atmospheric conditions and weather will add a variance to the correct usage and cutting properties of the application.
(Generally, as with other sawing, drilling and grinding operations, harder aggregates require softer bonds, softer aggregates require harder bonds. More dense materials require softer bonds, less dense materials require harder bonds. More steel in the cut requires softer bonds, less steel requires harder bonds).
Asphalt does not age or cure in the same way as concrete. After the asphalt has been laid, the sand begins to set in the binder. However the sand is never held firmly so the abrasive properties of asphalt are quite high. When mixed with water, the abrasive slurry acts like a grinding paste and is extremely abrasive. Core protection is essential.Important factors to take into consideration when sawing asphalt are:-
- The hardness of the aggregate will make the blade cut harder and slower
- Large aggregates will make the blade cut harder and slower
- The more sand the faster the blade will cut
- If the surface of the asphalt is very porous and broken, the more dirt and sand will fill the cracks, making the action more abrasive
When laid, asphalt is sometimes not of the same depth throughout the cutting area. If the blade is used to cut all of the way through into the sub-base, the blade will wear prematurely, as this area usually contains abrasive sands and debris.