Segments can be loosened if the material and/or the saw are not held firmly and the blade is allowed to twist or jam in the cut. Always secure the material and hold the saw firmly.

Failure to properly align the saw will cause the operator to “overcorrect” the cutting line. This overcorrection can cause the saw blade to twist or jam,which in turn can cause the segments to loosen. Always properly align the saw to permit square cutting, avoid twisting the blade in the cut.

Segment loss has been traced to overheating due to inadequate supply of coolant (water or air). In addition to segment loss, overheating of blades may cause core cracks and is usually accompanied by discolorations, which appear on the core in the area of segment loss. When wet cutting, provide adequate water flow to both sides of the blade. Look for line blockages. On concrete saws, temporary loss of water can result from equipment running over water feed hoses. When dry cutting, periodically allow blades to run out of the cut. The blade will cool in a few seconds so that sawing may continue.

Another cause is related to cores worn thin as a result of undercutting by abrasive fines generated during cutting. (Core wears to a “knife” edge, which weakens the core and causes a segment to be separated.) If fines created during the cutting operation are highly abrasive, wear-resistant cores should be used to retard undercutting. Blades must be inspected periodically during use. When wet cutting use sufficient water to flush fines out of cut.

The use of defective, undersized or mismatched flanges may cause the blade to “flutter” in the cut or fail to adequately support the blade in prefect alignment. Use the machine manufacturer’s recommended diameter and type of flanges. Always clean foreign material from flange surfaces and replace any flanges that are bent or deformed.

A blade that is too hard for the material being cut can become dull. This excessive dullness can cause a blade to lose its segments due to impact or fatigue. Also, frictional heat can cause the melting of brazing solder. To prevent excessive blade dullness, use the proper blade specification for the material being cut.

Segment loss can be caused by a blade that is out of round causing a pounding impact. These abnormal forces can be corrected by replacing worn saw parts such as spindle bearings, spindle, etc.

Exceeding the blade’s maximum operating speed produces high pressure on the segments. This additional pressure can cause the failure of the brazed joint, core, or segment. Before mounting the blade onto the saw, check the maximum RPM marked on the blade and make sure the spindle RPM is at or below the blade’s RPM. Also, the spindle speed should be checked with a tachometer to ensure that the blades RPM is never exceeded.

When mounting a blade, check for directional arrow and use blade as indicated. If the diamond steel blade has a directional arrow on it,always operate in the direction of the arrow.