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SpeedWave Diamond Blades
General
Using Diamond Blades
SpeedWave Diamond Blades
Is the SpeedWave technology unique to Bosch?
Yes. Both the wave design and the cooling disc are patent-pending technologies solely of the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation.
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Where are SpeedWave blades manufactured?
SpeedWave blades are manufactured in Switzerland with proprietary processes and patented technology at our Bosch manufacturing plant.
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Why do SpeedWave blades cut 30% faster?
The unique, patent-pending wave pattern reduces surface contact, allowing the blade to cut faster. This unique wave pattern – with recessed areas on either side of the wave – also helps clear material and dust faster, much like the flutes on a twist drill bit, for better overall performance. Finally, Bosch's patented laser fusion technology evenly disperses diamonds for a smoother and faster cut – see the Laser Fusion technology explanation below.
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Why do SpeedWave blades last longer?
Several unique technologies contribute to longer SpeedWave blade life. The cooling disc helps keep the blade core cooler which extends blade life. The unique wave design allows the blade to cut faster and less cutting time in hard materials adds to longer blade life. And our Laser Fusion technology also contributes to longer blade life.
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What makes the SpeedWave cooling disc unique?
The cooling disc uses the blade's rotation to draw in and evenly disburse cool air to help lower the temperature of the steel core – which helps extend blade life. The disc's unique design and position also absorb vibration for a smoother cut and less user fatigue.
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Is the SpeedWave cooling disc sold separately for use on other blades?
No. Bosch's exclusive, patent-pending cooling disc is only available on SpeedWave blades.
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With which tools can SpeedWave blades be used?
SpeedWave blades are designed for use with angle grinders. SpeedWave blades are not designed for circular saw applications. For 7" diamond blades manufactured with the knockout required for use with circular or worm drive saws, Bosch offers a complete line of Premium, Premium Plus and Laser Fusion Diamond Blades.
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What materials can be cut with SpeedWave blades?
SpeedWave are General Purpose diamond blades specifically designed to cut concrete, brick, limestone, sandstone, pavement slabs, concrete tiles, clay brick and general masonry products.
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General
Why are diamonds preferred for cutting hard materials?
Cutting any material requires using a stronger substance than that being cut. Logically, to achieve the highest speed and longevity performances possible when cutting masonry, concrete, tile, stone or asphalt, the hardest material known to man must be used – diamonds.
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How are diamonds acquired?
Diamonds are available in two forms, natural and synthetic. Natural diamonds, created deep inside the earth, are most often mined, sifted and dredged, and come in a variety of forms. Synthetic diamonds are produced using industrial high pressure and high temperature presses to replicate the natural heat and pressure process that produces natural diamonds. They were first produced in 1954 and have been used successfully in industrial applications ever since.
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What kind of diamonds does Bosch use in their blades?
All Bosch Diamond Blades use medium to top-grade Element Six SDB1055 to SDB1125 synthetic diamonds. A common industry misnomer purports that using the highest quality diamonds results in the highest cutting performance; utilizing the proper segment in relation to the cutting application is the most important aspect that enhances performance.
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What is the key advantage of the new Bosch Diamond Blades?
Bosch Diamond Blades feature Laser Fusion technology, an exclusive engineering process that creates an actual integrated mixture of the diamonds, the bonding material, and the metal matrix. Specifically, a powder mixture containing synthetic diamonds is blown into the blade mold and both the powder and the base blade are super-heated by a laser. The powder is heated and then shaped and fused with the blade core, resulting in an extremely strong construction and superior diamond distribution.
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How does Laser Fusion enhance blade performance?
Faster cutting – the uniform diamond distribution inherent in our engineering process greatly increases cutting speed and consistency. Tests show that a Bosch Laser Fusion Diamond Blade cuts more than 30% faster than the top competitors’ blades in the same price range.

Longer blade life – because our superior diamond retention is achieved by a mechanical and chemical bonding to the segment matrix rather than the common mechanical-only bond found with standard hot-pressed segments, the cutting surface of Bosch Diamond Blades retains its cutting effectiveness longer.

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Does Bosch offer a complete family of diamond blades?
Yes. Bosch offers a Diamond Blade for every cutting application. And there are three different
configurations in our family of diamond blades, each engineered for use on a particular range of
materials.
Segmented
  • In the Laser Fusion blades, the outer rim features progressive segments separated by gullets to aid in clearing the cutting surface, providing necessary cooling
  • For extremely hard surfaces
  • Fastest cutting, rougher finish
Turbo Style
  • Outer rim in uninterrupted by gullets, but has a serrated edge for faster cutting
  • Most effective in concrete applications
  • Fastest cutting, less smooth than continuous rim
Continuous Rim
  • The cutting surface is uninterrupted by gullets for smooth, chip-free cutting
  • Especially effective on tile
  • Slower cutting, smoother finish
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What are the advantages of a segmented blade?
The segmented blade’s cutting surface features varying size segments that optimize the amount of cutting surface on the wheel. The segments are also separated by gullets that provide lower vibration levels, greater noise reduction, and faster cutting due to micro-vibrations – which are superimposed during feed, giving free cutting.
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Using Diamond Blades
When should a continuous rim blade be used as opposed to a segmented blade?
Continuous rim blades offer more precise cutting and are more effective when cutting fragile materials such as tiles – which are far less likely to break due to reduced vibration. For harder materials where fragility is not a concern, a general purpose, segmented blade is ideal.
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Do diamond blades require special mounting?
Yes. Bosch Diamond Blades are stamped with arrows showing the correct rotation direction. Never mount a blade contrary to its intended rotation.

If your blade does not have laser-cut arrows, an alternate method to identify correct rotation direction is to look closely at the diamonds within the segments. The diamonds have what resembles a "comet tail" following them – and the blade should always be mounted with the diamond leading the comet tail when rotating.

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How fast should the feed rate be?
Most blades operate between 3,150 — 5,000 surface feet per minute, with RPMs varying depending on the OD (Outside Diameter) of the blade and the material being cut.

You should be able to sense the optimal feed rate by the blade performance. Avoid pressing too hard, letting the weight of the tool provide sufficient forward pressure.

Below is a chart to use as general reference for blade size to maximum RPMs.

Blade Diameter (in.)
 Blade Diameter (mm)
 Maximum RPM
4 105 14,500
4 1/2 115 13,200
5 125 12,200
6 150 10,100
7 180 8,500
9 230 6,600
10 250 6,100
12 300 6,300
14 350 5,400
16 400 4,700
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Are shallow or deep cuts better?
Shallow, repeated cuts result in faster cutting speed and longer disc life. Deep cutting leads to slower cutting speed, shorter blade life and possible blade damage due to excessive heat from overload. Best practice suggests making repeated shallow, stepped cuts rather than individual deep cuts.
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Are cooling down intervals necessary?
Yes. During long, continuous cutting, introducing cooling periods helps avoid overheating that can damage the diamonds and the blade core.
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Should I re-sharpen my blade?
When used properly, Bosch Diamond Blades consistently retain their superior cutting performance and do not require re-sharpening. However, should the cutting performance of a blade diminish, it may be because the disc requires re-sharpening, which can be accomplished by cutting into an abrasive material such as limestone or green concrete – a technique commonly called "dressing."
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Can I use a diamond blade designed to cut soft or abrasive material to cut hard material, such as granite?
No. Always use the blade engineered specifically for the material it is intended to cut. Bosch Diamond Blade packaging provides clear and easy-to-understand direction regarding proper application.

A diamond blade engineered to cut soft or abrasive material has a hard bond. Attempting to cut a harder material will not wear down the bonding fast enough to expose enough fresh, sharp diamonds. The cutting surface will soon glaze over, reducing cutting effectiveness and creating more heat.

Conversely, a blade manufactured to cut hard material will have a bonding designed to consistently expose fresh diamonds in a controlled manner for the most effective cutting and would not be appropriate for use on soft substances.

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Is it possible to see the quality of a diamond blade?
No. Even an expert could not distinguish between a high-quality blade and a lesser-quality blade with only the naked eye. Specialized testing and analysis is required to determine the performance quality of the blade.

However, using Bosch Diamond Blades is the best way to ensure that you are using the highest quality blade for the job.

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Does a higher concentration of visible diamonds in a blade segment imply higher quality?
No. The required concentration, quality and size ratios of diamonds found in a segment will vary from blade to blade depending on what material the blade is engineered to cut and what performance level is desired.
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Can a dry cutting blade be used wet?
Yes. However, it is very important to note that adequate water flow must be applied during use. If too little water is used, it will mix with the abrasive dust and form an extremely harmful slurry causing excessive and premature wear that shortens blade life. Note: only use equipment designed for wet cutting (e.g., the electrical circuits of standard angle grinders are not properly insulated against water).
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