Understanding the different diamond blade types can help you choose a blade that suits the material, machine and type of cut you need to make.
The three main types are segmented, turbo and continuous rim. Each has a different cutting-edge design, which affects cutting performance, cooling and the finish produced.
Using an unsuitable blade can result in slow cutting, excessive wear or a poor finish. Choosing a blade that matches the application can make cutting more efficient and help you get better performance from the blade.
This guide explains the main types of diamond blades, what they are commonly used for and how to choose between them.
The three main diamond blade types used across construction and cutting applications are:
The best choice depends on the material you are cutting, the machine you are using and the finish you need.
Segmented diamond blades have separate diamond segments around the cutting edge, with gaps between the segments.
The gaps help with airflow and debris removal during cutting. This makes segmented blades particularly suitable for many construction cutting applications.
They are commonly used for:
Segmented blades are a popular choice when cutting speed and material removal are more important than achieving an ultra-clean edge.
Advantages can include:
For concrete and reinforced concrete, a suitable segmented blade can be a practical choice for demanding site work.
A segmented blade can be suitable when you are:
For example, our Pathfinder concrete cutting blade is designed for professional concrete and reinforced concrete cutting.
If you’re cutting concrete, our Concrete Cutting Guide provides more practical information about choosing the right equipment and blade.
Straight Talking:
If you’re cutting concrete or general masonry and the finish doesn’t need to be decorative, a suitable segmented blade is often a sensible starting point.
Turbo diamond blades have a closely spaced cutting edge with a textured or serrated appearance.
The design provides a balance between cutting speed and finish. Turbo blades can therefore be useful when you want more control than an aggressive segmented blade while still maintaining good cutting performance.
Turbo blades are commonly used for materials such as:
Turbo blades can offer a useful compromise between aggressive cutting and a cleaner finish.
Depending on the blade specification and material, advantages can include:
The exact performance depends on the blade specification and the material being cut.
A turbo blade can be useful when:
For example, our Super Turbo diamond blade is designed for multi-material cutting applications.
Straight Talking:
Turbo blades can be a useful middle ground when you want good cutting performance without choosing a blade designed purely for aggressive material removal.
Continuous rim diamond blades have a continuous cutting edge rather than separate segments.
This design is commonly used where a cleaner and more controlled cut is important.
Continuous rim blades are particularly associated with:
The correct blade still depends on the material and the manufacturer’s specification.
A continuous rim blade can be a good choice when the quality of the finished edge is important.
Advantages can include:
For porcelain and ceramic tiles, using a blade specifically designed for the material is important.
See our Tile, Porcelain and Ceramic Cutting Guide for more information.
Choose a suitable continuous rim blade when:
Straight Talking:
If the finish matters, use a blade designed for the material rather than simply reaching for a general-purpose construction blade.
The main differences can be summarised simply:
| Blade type | Common applications | Main characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Segmented | Concrete, reinforced concrete, brick and masonry | Fast, aggressive cutting |
| Turbo | Stone, concrete, brick and suitable mixed materials | Balance of speed and finish |
| Continuous rim | Porcelain, ceramic tiles and suitable brittle materials | Controlled, cleaner cutting |
The table is a starting point rather than a rule for every cutting job. Blade specifications vary, so always check that the particular blade is suitable for your material and machine.
The material should be the first thing you consider.
For example:
If you aren’t sure which blade specification you need, see our guide to How to Choose the Right Diamond Blade.
Think about the finished cut as well as cutting speed.
If you are making a construction cut where speed and material removal are the priority, a segmented blade may be appropriate.
If you need a cleaner edge on a suitable material, a turbo or continuous rim blade may be more suitable depending on the application.
The blade must be compatible with the machine you are using.
Before fitting a blade, check:
For example, an angle grinder and a petrol disc cutter operate differently and may use different blade sizes.
See our guide to Angle Grinder vs Petrol Saw for Concrete Cutting for more information.
The required cutting depth also affects your choice of machine and blade.
A small angle grinder may be suitable for shallow cuts, while deeper concrete cutting may require a larger machine and blade.
Our Concrete Cutting Depth Guide explains how blade diameter and machine type affect practical cutting depth.
It can be tempting to use one blade for every material, particularly when several materials are being cut on the same site.
However, different materials place different demands on a blade.
Using an unsuitable blade can lead to:
A blade that works well on concrete may not be the right choice for porcelain, and a blade designed for tile cutting is not automatically suitable for structural concrete.
Match the blade to the material and the job.
If the blade specification does not suit the material, performance can suffer.
Common problems include:
A blade can cut slowly when it is not suited to the material or when the cutting conditions are wrong.
Glazing can occur when the blade stops exposing fresh diamond particles effectively.
If your blade is polishing rather than cutting, see our guide to Why Diamond Blades Glaze and How to Fix It.
An unsuitable blade can wear more quickly than expected.
Material type, blade specification, cutting technique and operating conditions can all affect blade life.
If you’re not sure which diamond blade type is right for your job, tell us:
We’ll help you narrow down the options.
If you’d rather speak to someone, call Chris on 07879 653725
We supply diamond blades for a range of professional cutting applications.
Our range includes blades for:
Browse our diamond blades to see the available options.
For concrete and reinforced concrete applications, see our concrete cutting blades.
The three main types are segmented, turbo and continuous rim. Segmented blades are commonly used for construction materials such as concrete and masonry, turbo blades provide a balance between cutting speed and finish, and continuous rim blades are commonly used for cleaner cutting on suitable materials such as porcelain and ceramic tiles.
A suitable segmented diamond blade is commonly used for concrete because the segmented design allows good material removal and cutting performance. The correct blade still depends on the concrete, machine and cutting requirements.
A continuous rim diamond blade designed specifically for porcelain is commonly used when cutting porcelain tiles. The blade specification and cutting method should always match the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Some turbo diamond blades are suitable for concrete, depending on their specification. Always check the manufacturer’s information to make sure the blade is designed for the material and machine you are using.
A segmented blade has separate cutting segments with gaps between them and is commonly used for construction cutting. A continuous rim blade has an unbroken cutting edge and is commonly used where a cleaner, more controlled cut is required.
Some diamond blades are designed for multiple compatible materials. However, you should always check the blade specification rather than assuming that one blade is suitable for every material.
