Asphalt Diamond Blades

Diamond blade for asphalt — construction and the difference from a concrete blade

Asphalt is a mix of mineral aggregate and bituminous binder — under load and friction the bitumen softens and turns sticky, which sets it apart from the hard, mineral matrix of concrete. That is why diamond blades for asphalt use a soft, open bond and wider cooling gullets: this design keeps exposing fresh diamond and carries away the heated bitumen. A segment with a bond that is too hard (typical for concrete) quickly "glazes over" on contact with asphalt — it smooths out, stops abrading the material and skids across the surface instead of cutting it.

Both categories share similar diameters and arbor sizes, but a different choice of segment bond — we explain the difference in more detail in the description of diamond blades for concrete. At NORWIT.PL we carry asphalt blades primarily from Tyrolit, Nozar and Altrad Belle, in the 350 × 25.4 mm size matched to the most popular petrol cut-off saws.

Types of diamond blades for asphalt — segmented, reinforced, universal

Blades for bituminous surfaces differ mainly in segment design and the scale of the job. The table below sorts the types by application.

This category belongs to the diamond blades section, alongside blades for concrete. Here, choosing the right type matters more than the brand.

Choosing the diameter and arbor for a petrol cut-off saw

The blade diameter has to match the machine and it sets the maximum cutting depth. For road work the most common choice is a Ø 300–500 mm blade with a 25.4 mm arbor for petrol cut-off saws and walk-behind floor saws; smaller sizes go on angle grinders for small repairs.

The NORWIT.PL range includes, among others, the confirmed 350 × 25.4 mm size — a universal choice for most petrol cut-off saws used in road work. Before buying, compare the blade's arbor with the machine's spindle and check the maximum permitted diameter stated by the manufacturer.

Brands and models of asphalt blades at NORWIT.PL

We focus on a professional range for road work. We carry primarily Tyrolit blades — an Austrian manufacturer with a line-up of segmented and reinforced blades for bituminous surfaces. This is complemented by the Nozar range, which includes both dedicated asphalt blades and universal concrete-asphalt combo blades, plus Altrad Belle — reinforced blades for that brand's cutting machines. If you are not sure which blade to choose for your saw and the surface thickness, get in touch through the contact form.

Wet cutting, service life and signs of blade wear

Asphalt is most often cut wet — a stream of water cools the segment, binds the dust and washes away heated bitumen before it can coat the cutting rim. Short dry cuts are possible for spot repairs, with breaks every few dozen seconds. Do not cut a freshly laid, warm surface right away — asphalt needs to cool and set, usually for several to a dozen or more hours depending on layer thickness and ambient temperature, otherwise the hot bitumen smears the segment.

The first sign of wear is a drop in cutting speed together with rising vibration and noise at the same RPM. A new segment is usually about 8–10 mm tall — as it nears the level of the core, the risk of overheating and blade cracking increases. A professional blade typically cuts from several hundred to a few thousand running metres before reaching this level of wear. Another symptom is a polished, shiny segment surface ("glazing"). Replace the blade before the core touches the surface.

Frequently asked questions about diamond blades for asphalt

Why buy a diamond blade for asphalt at NORWIT.PL

We specialise in cutting tools for road work: we carry diamond blades for asphalt primarily from Tyrolit, Nozar and Altrad Belle, in the 350 × 25.4 mm size matched to the most popular petrol cut-off saws. We advise on choosing the right segment type and diameter, to avoid a mix-up with a concrete blade. This category is part of the diamond blades section, alongside blades for concrete. We ship orders online, nationwide.