Segmented or Continuous Rim Diamond Blades: Which One Do You Need?

Choosing the right diamond blade is key to achieving clean cuts while maximizing efficiency and blade life. These blades are essential for cutting materials like concrete, brick, porcelain, and natural stone, making them indispensable for both construction and finishing work. Whether you’re a DIYer working on home improvements or a professional looking for precision and reliability, knowing when to use each blade can save you time and money. Segmented blades are ideal for fast and efficient cutting in a large range of materials, while continuous rim blades provide smooth, chip-free cuts in delicate surfaces. Understanding these differences will help you choose the best blade for your project.

Segmented Diamond Blades: Built for Speed and Durability

Segmented blades have visible gaps (gullets) between the cutting segments, allowing for better cooling and debris removal. This design makes them ideal for fast, efficient cutting, in a large range of materials. If you’re working with concrete (including reinforcing), bricks, blocks, or pavers, a segmented blade is your best choice. They are also well-suited for asphalt and stone cutting, where speed and durability are essential.

For those handling heavy-duty cutting tasks, CLM Supplies offers several high-performance segmented blades, designed for superior durability, precision, and efficiency. Our blades are manufactured to withstand intense cutting applications, providing a longer lifespan and consistent performance compared to standard options on the market. The Laser LC PLUS is an excellent choice for cutting concrete and general masonry materials, while the Laser TS PLUS, a semi-continuous rim blade, provides a strong balance between speed, precision, and longevity for hard materials. If you're tackling asphalt or screed, the Laser SA and Ground Pro blades are specifically designed for these applications, ensuring efficiency and longevity even in demanding conditions.

While segmented blades are highly effective in a vast range of materials, they do have some trade-offs. The segmented cutting action can result in a finish that is not as smooth as that of a continuous rim blade, making them less suitable for delicate materials like porcelain, marble, and ceramics. Additionally, with larger blades water is recommended to ensure proper cooling and reduce dust production.

Continuous Rim Diamond Blades: Precision for Delicate Materials

When working with ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone, precision is key. Continuous rim diamond blades have a smooth, uninterrupted edge that provides chip-free, clean cuts, making them the preferred choice for professionals working with decorative stone.

For tile and stone applications, we provide high-quality continuous rim blades, such as the CC-F and Turbo TEC-F, designed for precise cutting of porcelain, vitrified materials, and marble. The Turbo TEC-P, with its reinforced centre, offers added stability for precision cutting.

The main consideration with continuous rim blades is that they require a controlled, steady feed rate to achieve the best results. Rather than forcing the blade through the material, it's important to let the blade do the work, allowing the diamonds to grind smoothly for a clean, chip-free finish. This is due to the continuous edge maintaining full contact with the material, creating more friction and requiring a steadier feed rate. Additionally, since these blades are designed for precision rather than speed, they demand careful handling to achieve a clean, chip-free result. However, this trade-off is worth it when you need a flawless, professional finish, such as in high-end tiling projects, intricate stonework, or precise cuts for decorative installations, where even minor chipping can compromise the final result.

Which Blade Should You Choose?

If you're cutting ceramic tiles, porcelain, or natural stone, a continuous rim blade is the best option for a clean, polished result. Smaller blade sizes, such as 115mm or 125mm, are ideal for handheld tools and precision work, while larger sizes, like 300mm or 350mm, provide efficiency for bigger cuts on tile saws and disc cutters. For brick, concrete, and asphalt, a segmented blade will deliver the power and durability needed to get the job done efficiently. The right choice depends on the material you're cutting and the quality of finish you require.

For high-quality diamond blades, explore our range. Our blades are ISO: 9001 certified, ensuring they meet rigorous quality and reliability standards. This certification guarantees that our manufacturing processes are consistently monitored and improved, resulting in precision-engineered blades that deliver durability, superior performance, and long-lasting efficiency in the toughest conditions. Need help selecting the right blade for your project? Call 01902 958 395 or email janine@clm-supplies.com for expert advice.