When it comes to cutting ceramics, having the right diamond blade can make the difference between a successful job and a mediocre one. Choosing the right diamond blade will not only allow you to make clean and precise cuts, but will also save you time and effort. In this article, we will delve into the different types of diamond discs for ceramic cutting, fixing the diamond grains on the discs, wet vs. wet cutting. dry cutting, the material to be cut and its influence on the choice of the disc, the cutting speed and the quality of the finish, and finally, the range of RUBI discs available and their specific uses classified by color.
Type of diamond disc for ceramic cutting
When it comes to choosing the right type of diamond blade for cutting ceramics, there are several options available on the market. It is important to keep in mind that the type of disc you choose will depend on the type of cut you are looking to make and the type of ceramic you are going to cut.
One of the most common types of diamond blades for ceramic cutting is the continuous diamond blade. This type of disc is characterized by having a continuous layer of diamond grains along its surface, which allows it to cut with greater precision and prevent the formation of burrs on the edges of the cut. This disc is ideal for straight and precise cuts in low hardness ceramics.
Another type of diamond blade for ceramic cutting is the segmented diamond blade. This type of disc is characterized by having segments or sectors of diamond grains separated by grooves on its surface. These slots allow for greater cooling and removal of cutting debris, resulting in faster cuts and preventing overheating of the blade. This disc is ideal for cutting highly hard ceramics and for jobs that require greater speed.
Fixing the diamond grains on the discs
The fixation of diamond grains on ceramic cutting discs is a key factor in their effectiveness and durability. There are different fixing methods used in diamond blades, such as metal alloying, vacuum brazing and electroplating.
Metal alloy fastening is one of the most common and economical methods used in the manufacture of diamond blades. In this method, diamond grains are mixed with metal powders and compressed and heated to form a solid disc. This type of fixation is suitable for low intensity cuts or for cuts in softer materials such as low hardness ceramics.
Vacuum brazing is another fastening method used on diamond blades. In this method, diamond grains are placed on the surface of the disc and vacuum brazed using a high temperature process. This welding technique guarantees greater adhesion of the diamond grains to the disc and greater durability in the most demanding cuts.
Electrodepositing is a more sophisticated and precise method of attaching diamond grains to ceramic cutting wheels. In this method, diamond grains are electrochemically deposited on the disc using a liquid solution and an electric current. This process allows for even distribution of diamond grains and greater adhesion to the blade, resulting in longer blade life and more precise cuts.
Wet cutting vs. dry cutting
One of the most important decisions when using a diamond blade to cut ceramics is whether to cut wet or dry. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice will depend on your preferences and the conditions you are working under.
Wet cutting involves using water or a coolant solution during cutting to reduce friction, cool the blade, and prevent dust formation. Water or cooling solution is sprayed on the blade and the material to be cut during the cutting process. This method has several advantages, including longer blade life, less wear, cleaner cuts, and greater precision. Additionally, wet cutting allows for better visibility of the cut line and reduces exposure to dust.
Dry cutting, on the other hand, involves making the cut without using water or coolants. This method is faster and more convenient since it does not require the use of water or other chemicals. However, dry cutting usually generates a greater amount of dust, which can be harmful to health and make it difficult to see the cut line. Additionally, this method can shorten the life of the disc due to overheating and excessive wear.
Ultimately, the choice between wet cutting and dry cutting will depend on your preferences and the conditions you are working under. If you value precision and quality of cut, wet cutting may be the best option. On the other hand, if you prefer speed and don't have dust-related health problems, dry cutting may be a viable alternative.
Material to cut: ceramic, porcelain, tiles, etc.
When choosing the right diamond blade for cutting ceramics, it is important to consider the type of material you will be cutting. The hardness and composition of the material will influence the choice of the most suitable diamond blade.
Ceramic is a very common material in construction and decoration. It is widely used in floors, walls, coverings and other elements. Ceramic can be low hardness, like tiles, or high hardness, like porcelain or porcelain stoneware. To cut low hardness ceramics, such as tiles, it is recommended to use a continuous diamond blade. These discs are capable of cutting precisely and cleanly without generating burrs on the edges of the cut. On the other hand, to cut highly hard ceramics, such as porcelain or porcelain stoneware, it is recommended to use a segmented diamond blade. These discs offer higher cutting speed and greater cooling capacity, which is especially important in hard materials to prevent overheating and extend the life of the disc.
In addition to ceramic, you may need to cut other related materials, such as glass and marble. For glass cutting, it is recommended to use continuous diamond blades with a higher concentration of diamond grains for a more precise cut. In the case of marble, both continuous diamond blades and segmented diamond blades can be used, depending on the hardness of the marble and the type of cut you wish to make.
Cutting speed vs. finishing quality
When cutting ceramics with a diamond blade, it is important to take into account the relationship between cutting speed and finishing quality. There is an inverse variation between these two factors: as cutting speed increases, finishing quality tends to decrease, and vice versa.
If you prioritize cutting speed, you can opt for diamond blades with a higher concentration of diamond grains and a segmented design. These discs offer a higher cutting speed, which means you can make cuts faster. However, it is important to note that this higher speed can sacrifice finishing quality, as these discs can generate burrs or leave less precise edges.
On the other hand, if you value finishing quality over speed, you can opt for diamond blades with a continuous layer of diamond grains and a smaller number of segments. These discs offer a more precise and cleaner cut, resulting in smoother edges and higher quality finishes. However, it is important to note that these discs may have a slower cutting speed compared to segmented discs.
When choosing between cutting speed and finish quality, it is important to consider your personal preferences and the specific needs of the project you are working on. If you are working on a project that requires greater precision and finish, such as laying ceramic tiles in a kitchen or bathroom, it is advisable to prioritize finish quality over cutting speed. On the other hand, if you are working on a project in which speed is essential, such as installing large ceramic surfaces in a limited time, you can opt for a higher cutting speed, sacrificing to some extent the quality of the finish.
Range of RUBI discs for ceramic cutting
RUBI is a renowned brand specialized in ceramic cutting and placing tools. Its range of ceramic cutting discs offers a wide variety of options to adapt to different needs and types of cutting. RUBI discs stand out for their quality, durability and performance.
Among the most popular discs in the RUBI range for ceramic cutting are the CPR, TCR, CPJ, CPC, CPX and TPI discs. Each of these discs is designed for a specific use and is color coded for easy identification.
The CPR disc, green in color, is a continuous diamond disc specially designed for cutting low hardness ceramics and porcelain tiles. This disc offers precise and clean cuts without generating burrs on the edges of the cut.
The TCR disc, blue in color, is a segmented diamond disc designed for cutting high hardness ceramic and porcelain tile. This disc offers faster cutting speed and greater cooling capacity, making it ideal for fast, precise cuts in hard materials.
The CPJ disc, red in color, is a segmented diamond disc with a special design that allows you to cut ceramic and porcelain tile without chipping the edges of the cut. This disc is ideal for straight and precise cuts on delicate surfaces.
The CPC disc, yellow in color, is a segmented diamond disc with a higher concentration of diamond grains for more precise and faster cutting in different types of ceramics. This disc is versatile and can be used on both low hardness ceramics and high hardness ceramics.
The CPX disc, orange in color, is a turbo diamond disc designed to cut ceramic and porcelain tile with greater speed and efficiency. This disc offers faster cuts without sacrificing finish quality.
The TPI disc, purple in color, is a diamond disc specialized in cutting porcelain tile. This disc offers a higher cutting speed and greater cooling capacity, making it ideal for cutting porcelain with precision and without breaking the edges.
Classification by color and specific uses of discs
The RUBI range of ceramic cutting discs is classified by color to facilitate identification and selection according to its specific uses. Each color represents a type of disk with particular characteristics and capabilities.
The green color represents the CPR disc, which is designed to cut low-hardness ceramic and porcelain tile. This disc offers precise and clean cuts without generating burrs on the edges of the cut.
The blue color represents the TCR disc, which is designed to cut high hardness ceramics and porcelain. This disc offers faster cutting speed and greater cooling capacity, making it ideal for fast, precise cuts in hard materials.
The red color represents the CPJ disc, which is designed to cut ceramic and porcelain tile without chipping the cut edges. This disc is ideal for straight and precise cuts on delicate surfaces.
The yellow color represents the CPC disc, which has a higher concentration of diamond grains for more precise and faster cutting on different types of ceramics. This disc is versatile and can be used on both low hardness ceramics and high hardness ceramics.
The orange color represents the CPX disc, which is designed to cut ceramic and porcelain tile with greater speed and efficiency. This disc offers faster cuts without sacrificing finish quality.
The purple color represents the TPI disc, which is specialized in cutting porcelain tile. This disc offers a higher cutting speed and greater cooling capacity, making it ideal for cutting porcelain with precision and without breaking the edges.
Choosing the right diamond blade for cutting ceramics is essential to achieving precise, clean and quality cuts. The choice of the type of disc, the fixation of the diamond grains, wet cutting vs. dry cutting, the type of material to be cut and the cutting speed vs. Finish quality are aspects to take into account when selecting the most suitable diamond blade. The wide range of RUBI discs offers options to adapt to different needs and types of cutting, classified by color according to their specific uses. Whether you are working with low or high hardness ceramics, porcelain, tiles or other related materials, RUBI discs will provide you with the quality, durability and performance you need.
