Applications for Diamond Band Saw Blades

• Generally a dry cutting process
• Cutting Speeds of 10-14 in² per minute
• Preferred use of segmented or gulleted cutting edge for high productivity sawing.
• Cutting span up to 40" using 2" x .040"gauge band with 25/35grit diamond.
• Proper vacuum pickup is essential for good housekeeping.

• Preferred cutting is done with either natural, synthetic, or vegetable based oil. This coolant provides necessary lubricity extending band life and maximizing cutting rate.
• Mid-range cutting speeds of 6-10 in² per minute
• Predominantly continuous or segmented bands are used segmented edge configuration
• Large boules are sectioned using 1½"- 2" x .040" bands with 35/40 grit diamond.
• Bands must be tensioned and tracking properly to maximize band life.

• Product is cut using water as the coolant (Some prefer to condition the water to minimize contamination of the silicon metal).
• Cutting rates are relatively slow, approximately 2-4 in² per minute.
• Proper grit size selection is important to minimize chipping of the workpiece.
• Smaller grit size, such as 80/100 mesh, will slow cutting rates but improve surface finish.
• Maximum performance will come from proper band alignment, tensioning and band speed.

• Epoxy & polyester composites are cut dry using a gulleted blade.
• Cutting rate is approximately 10-16 in² per minute.
• Thick cross sectional pieces must be cut at a slower rate to minimize heat build-up.
• High resin content (>30%) composites also require reduced cutting rates. The resin will tend to blind the diamond zone.
• If resin load up begins, the band should be cleaned in a solvent such as acetone or the monomer you are using.

• For most refractories, the cutting rate is 2-6 in² per minute.
• The product is cut dry and in the green state.
• To minimize chipping, 100/120 grit or finer diamond is utilized on a continuous band.
• Generally bands are ¾"x.020" to minimize kerf loss.
• To control the quality of the cut product, band speed, alignment and tensioning are essential.

• The coolant used is most commonly water.
• The more abrasive materials (i.e.Granite) would use a coarser 40/50 grit, while softer materials would utilize bands having 60/80 mesh diamonds or finer.
• Cutting rates are 6-10 in² per minute for Granite with slower rates and lessened band life for higher quartzite bearing granite.
• Marble and Sandstone can be cut at 10-13 in² per minute.
• Continuous or segmented bands are generally used.