Blade performance is a combination of both cutting speed and blade life. The main variables for blade life are diamond segment matrix and blade core matrix. The diamond segment matrix is comprised of variable combinations of diamond size and mixture of metals that make up the bond holding the diamonds. The performance of the blade core varies based on the combination of the metal mixture recipe for the blade core. Selecting the right blade (for the saw, the material and the job) is the most important factor in getting maximum performance. Many other variables also affect blade performance. Changing any variable will have an effect on cutting speed and blade life. Here are some examples:
| Variables Which Affect Diamond Blade Performance | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Variables | Change | Result | ||
| Cutting Speed | Blade Life | |||
| The Blade | Segment Bond Hardness | Harder Softer |
Slower Faster |
Longer Shorter |
| Diamond Quality | Lower Higher |
Slower Faster |
Shorter Longer |
|
| Diamond Concentration | Lower Higher |
Faster Slower |
Shorter Longer |
|
| Segment Width | Thinner Thicker |
Faster Slower |
Shorter Longer |
|
| The Saw | Horsepower | Lower Higher |
Slower Faster |
Longer Shorter |
| Blade Speed (SFM) | Lower Higher |
Faster Slower |
Shorter Longer |
|
| The Job | Water Volume | Lower Higher |
Faster Slower |
Shorter Longer |
| Cutting Depth | Shallow Deep |
Faster Slower |
Shorter Longer |
|
| Cutting Pressure | Lower Higher |
Slower Faster |
Longer Shorter |
|
| The Materials | Material Hardness | Harder Softer |
Slower Faster |
Shorter Longer |
| Material Abrasiveness | More Less |
Faster Slower |
Shorter Longer |
|
| Aggregate Size | Smaller Larger |
Faster Slower |
Shorter Longer |
|
| Steel Reinforcing | Less More |
Faster Slower |
Longer Shorter |
|