In surface preparation, choosing the right diamond makes all the difference between a smooth, profitable project and wasted time, lost productivity, and worn-out tools. Here are 5 essential facts to know:
1. Concrete Hardness is Decisive
Every slab has its own PSI. Wrong bond = glazing or premature wear. Understanding the hardness of the concrete is the first step to success.
👉 Real example: On a 6,000 PSI slab, a hard bond glazed the tool in just 20 minutes. With an extra-soft bond, performance remained stable for hours, significantly reducing the total time. In fact, a glazed diamond can cause the work to take double or even triple the expected time—far beyond 30%.
Visual example of diamond glazing (before/after)
2. Bond Choice = Profitability
Golden rule: soft bond for hard concrete, hard bond for porous / abrasive concrete. Medium bond = versatility, but always test—ideally using a concrete hardness tester to confirm your choice.
👉 Logic behind the bond: A soft bond wears faster, continuously exposing new diamonds to cut hard slabs. A hard bond holds up better on abrasive concrete, preventing segments from wearing down too quickly.
3. Speed is Crucial
Work between 500 and 850 RPM. Too fast = overheating, glazing, and low productivity.
👉 Common mistake: Increasing grinder speed thinking it saves time. In reality: heat + glazing = loss of efficiency. Just like drilling into steel: slower, cooler speeds extend tool life.
4. The 10x10 Test = Savings
Always start with a patch test. It confirms your choice before wasting segments and helps you optimize your approach.
👉 Tip: Document your results (notes, photos). Build an internal database over time to guide future projects.
5. The Right Diamond = Smart Business
The right tool doesn’t just deliver a better finish—it also drives profitability. Fewer replacements, fewer operator hours, more projects delivered.
👉 Impact on profitability: Every correct choice is both a technical and financial decision that saves money and increases efficiency.
Quality vs. Price: Why You Need to Look Beyond the Label
When it comes to diamond tools, many clients look at price first. But it’s not the purchase cost that determines profitability—it’s the real cost of use.
Let’s take a concrete example:
Performance based on real cost of use
This example clearly shows that a cheaper diamond upfront can actually cost more in use if it wears out too quickly or isn’t suited to the surface. Conversely, investing in a quality diamond that’s properly matched reduces the real cost per sq. ft. and improves overall job profitability.
And that’s not all: lower performance also means more trips for the operator and more wasted time for the person in charge of purchasing.
That’s why it’s essential to choose a trusted partner for your diamond tools. Product quality and consistency ensure better profitability, fewer interruptions, and greater peace of mind.
📌 In Summary: The Science of Diamonds = The Science of Profitability
- Real examples show that the wrong bond can double or triple work time.
- The logic behind each bond explains why a technical error becomes a financial loss.
- Avoidable mistakes (excessive speed, lack of testing) are the main causes of waste.
- Profitability depends on these technical choices: Good diamond, good surface, strong business.
📥 Download our guide: THE RIGHT CHOICES FOR DIAMOND TOOLING: AVOID COMMON PITFALLS WITH OUR EXPERT TIPS.
👉 At PHX Academy, we teach the science of diamond tooling for surface preparation. Follow us on our social media, subscribe to our YouTube channel, or contact a representative via WhatsApp.
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