The four terms that decide how a diamond tool performs are bond, grit, concentration and segment. Bond is the metal or resin matrix holding the diamonds; grit is the diamond particle size; concentration is how many diamonds are packed in; and the segment is the working piece attached to the steel core. Master these four and you can read any product spec.
The bond determines how the tool wears. A hard bond wears slowly and suits soft, abrasive materials; a soft bond wears faster and suits hard materials so fresh diamonds keep exposing. Bonds are usually metal (sintered or laser-welded), resin, or hybrid. Choosing the wrong bond is the most common cause of premature tool failure.
| Grit range | Typical use |
|---|---|
| #30-#60 | Coarse grinding and removal |
| #80-#120 | Medium grinding and surface prep |
| #150-#400 | Fine grinding and honing |
| #600-#3000 | Polishing and gloss |
Concentration is the diamond volume in the segment, often expressed in percentages or as 50/60/75 units. Higher concentration means faster cutting and longer life but higher cost; lower concentration cuts softer material economically. Concentration must be balanced with bond hardness - a high concentration in a too-hard bond will glaze.
The segment is the diamond-impregnated block brazed, laser-welded or sintered onto the steel core of a blade, or the working ring of a core bit. Segment height, width and profile (continuous, segmented, turbo) change cutting speed, edge life and finish. Taller segments last longer; thinner segments cut faster but wear out sooner.
A: A finer diamond particle. Higher numbers are for finer finishes; lower numbers cut faster but rougher.
A: For steel, rebar and heavy-duty cutting, yes - the weld is stronger than brazing. For pure stone cutting, a well-made sintered or brazed blade is often better value.
A>Match the bond to the material hardness: soft material needs a hard bond, hard material needs a soft bond. When in doubt, ask the supplier for a bond chart.
A: Segmented rims (gullets) clear debris and run cooler - good for concrete and fast cutting. Continuous rims give a smooth edge - preferred for tile and glass.
Bond, grit, concentration and segment are the four variables behind every spec sheet. Learn them, and product selection becomes straightforward. JOY TECH documents all four on every product page - browse our grinding discs, polishing pads or core drill bits and compare specs with confidence.
