Asphalt Blade vs Concrete Blade: What’s the Difference?

Dec 11, 2024

Asphalt cutting and concrete cutting have comparable blades, but to attain quality results, the correct blade needs to be used. All blades for both types have been optimized for cutting hard surfaces but cater specifically to different properties of the material. A concrete blade circular saw is designed for tougher, more abrasive materials like concrete, ensuring efficient cutting and longer blade life. Here are the main differences between the types of blades designed for cutting asphalt and concrete:

1. Blade Composition and Design

• Asphalt Blades: Asphalt is a softer material compared to concrete, so asphalt blades are designed with a specific type of diamond grit and a softer bond. This allows them to cut through the smoother, more flexible structure of asphalt. Asphalt blades typically have a continuous rim or a segmented design for quick, smooth cuts.
• Concrete Blades: Concrete is much tougher and more abrasive than asphalt, which is why a concrete blade circular saw features a much harder diamond grit and a stronger bond. This blade often has a more aggressive segmented design to allow for deeper cuts and to resist the wear from the harder material.

2. Cutting Application and Performance

• Asphalt Blades: These blades are designed to handle the relatively softer surface of asphalt, making them faster and more efficient when cutting through roads, driveways, or parking lots. They provide smoother cuts and generate less dust compared to concrete blades.
• Concrete Blades: Concrete blades, on the other hand, are optimized for cutting through solid and reinforced concrete. Whether cutting through sidewalks, floors, or curbs, concrete blades can handle the intense pressure required for precision cuts in tough, dense materials. The 12 inch concrete cutting blade can also handle the presence of aggregates, like gravel, within concrete.

3. Blade Life and Durability

• Asphalt Blades: Since asphalt is softer and less abrasive than concrete, asphalt blades tend to wear down more quickly when used for heavy-duty applications. However, they are still durable enough for general roadwork and asphalt cutting.
• Concrete Blades: Concrete blades are designed to last longer in harsh conditions. Their strong, abrasive-resistant design helps them maintain cutting efficiency even after prolonged use on tough materials.

4. Cooling and Dust Control

• Asphalt Blades: Due to the softer nature of asphalt, asphalt blades require less cooling and dust management. They tend to run cooler and create less dust, making them easier to work with in some environments.
• Concrete Blades: Cutting concrete generates much more heat and dust, requiring effective cooling systems and dust control mechanisms. The concrete blade for circular saw often works best with a water cooling system to keep temperatures down and reduce the amount of airborne dust produced during cutting..

5. Cost

• Asphalt Blades: Typically, asphalt blades are less expensive than concrete blades because they are designed for less demanding cuts.
• Concrete Blades: Concrete blades tend to be more costly due to their robust design and the high-performance materials used to make them capable of cutting through tough, reinforced concrete.

Contact Us

If you’re looking for high-quality concrete blades or asphalt blades, we offer a wide range of options. Contact us at [email protected] for customized solutions or to inquire about our products.