Aluminium is used widely for various applications due to its light weight and corrosion resistant properties. Machining aluminium though can be challenging due to its physical properties and require the right choice of circular saw blade for cutting. Following the right circular saw tips can significantly improve both the quality of the cut and the lifespan of your tools.
Type of blade
The blades used for aluminium cutting need to be made of rigid materials that are able to withstand the high speeds and abrasive materials. Metal cutting blades made of carbide or diamond are generally used for aluminum cutting.
Blades with tungsten carbide tipped teeth provide excellent durability and maintain their sharpness while cutting through aluminium. These perform way better than the High Speed Steel blades that can also be used for aluminium cutting but are more for occasional use.
Tooth design and configuration
A higher tooth count leads to smoother cuts with minimal chipping. A tooth count of more than 60 is generally recommended for precision work. A lower tooth count can be used in case of time constraints but the edges may not be as smooth as with a higher tooth count.
The Triple Chip Grind (TCG) tooth design that alternates a trapezoidal and a flat tooth is most effective to prevent chipping and for enhanced cutting precision. The Alternate Top Bevel (ATB) blades with alternating beveled teeth produce a rougher cut when used on aluminum.
Type of coating on the blade
Since aluminium is a challenging material to work with, a non-gumming coating on the blade prevents the aluminium chips from sticking to the blade while cutting.
A circular blade with a non-corrosive coating ensures that the blade is long lasting.
Lubrication
Modern aluminium cutting circular saw blades come with a non-stick coating that handles the heat generated during cutting without any additional lubrication.
With cutting very thick Aluminium plates or when making long continuous cuts, lightly sprayed cutting fluid can prevent excessive heating. Too much lubricant can increase chip adhesion so it is important to strike the right balance.
Aluminium saw blade selection that matches the diameter and arbor size of your saw to ensure proper fit and safe operation is essential. Common diameters for aluminum cutting blades include 4 inches, 4-1/2 inches, 7 inches, and 9 inches. Choosing the right aluminium cutting saw blade for your task will deliver optimal performance, reduced vibrations and ensure the saw blade lasts long.
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