Applications for Diamond Band Saw Blades
Carbon/Graphite
- Generally a dry cutting process
- Cutting Speeds of 10-14 inČ 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.
Quartz/Glass
- 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 inČ per minute
- Predominantly continuous or segmented bands are used segmented edge configuration
- Large boules are sectioned using 1œ"- 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 inČ 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.
Fiberglass FRP:
- Epoxy & polyester composites are cut dry using a gulleted blade.
- Cutting rate is approximately 10-16 inČ 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.
Ceramic
- For most refractories, the cutting rate is 2-6 inČ 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 Ÿ"x.020" to minimize kerf loss.
- To control the quality of the cut product, band speed, alignment and tensioning are essential.
Stone Materials (Granite, Marble & Sandstone)
- 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 inČ 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 inČ per minute.
- Continuous or segmented bands are generally used.
