Diamond Resin Bonds for Polishing Pads Nearly all cutting, grinding, and polishing tools for concrete and masonry work use diamonds for their abrasiveness and durability. But how those diamonds are incorporated into the pad or blade make a big difference in how those devices work. Grinding and polishing tools work with flat pads that skim the surface to remove material—aggressively for grinding and lightly for polishing. Cutting tools use a thin abrasive blade to slice through material with a smooth, narrow cut. These different functions affect not only the design of the tool itself, but how the diamonds are incorporated for the best efficiency in getting the job done.

Grinding and polishing tools (also called polishing pads) are made by mixing diamond grit with resins to make a solid, uniform abrasive surface that wears evenly, exposing fresh diamond crystals to the cutting surface as tool wears. Since work surfaces vary greatly, there are different resin bonds to address them. They fall into three general categories—marble, granite, and concrete bonds. Picking the right resin bond for the working material is critical for good results and longer tool life.

Marble, travertine, and limestone are soft, delicate stones that require a light touch to grind, shape, and polish. Pads designed for this use have a resin that wears slowly to expose the diamond crystals gradually, preventing scarring and scratching the soft material. Marble grinding and polishing is typically done wet to avoid resin transfer and heat damage to the material.

Granite is an igneous stone that can be twice as hard as marble. Granite’s density and quartz content call for a sturdier resin and higher-grade diamonds in order to wear efficiently and grind and polish the stone effectively. Granite-bond resins are generally denser and more heat-tolerant due to the hardness of the stone.

Engineered stone is a combination of quartz and other stones suspended in a resin binder. Its composition can vary widely, but the presence of resins can make polishing it tricky. Read the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid burning the pads and marking the stone.

Concrete is very abrasive and can vary widely depending on the aggregate used. Resin bond tools for concrete are generally run dry and require a high heat tolerance. Since they are typically used with planetary machine heads, they also need to be strong enough to withstand the weight of the machine and its higher rotational speed.

As you can see, not all resin pads are the same. Understanding the differences and which ones are best suited to a particular job can make a big difference in performance and results. Ace Cutting Equipment & Supply has an extensive selection of blades, bits and tools to match the needs of any cutting, grinding, or polishing job. Look through the selections on our website to find the one that’s right for you. And if you have any questions, our cutting experts are just a phone call or email away.

Whatever your concrete cutting, coring, and finishing requirements may be, equipment and tools from Ace Cutting Equipment are your choice for top-quality results. They ensure a professional job with results you’ll be proud to show off.