YOUR GUIDE TO A SAFE CUT THROUGH ANY TYPE OF CERAMIC TILE OR STONE TILE
General Safety Advice
We, at Flexovit, take our responsibility towards customer safety very seriously. All Flexovit Merchandising diamond blades conform to the highest European safety standard, EN 13236, which ensures that all products are manufactured and tested to the highest quality. All Flexovit Merchandising products are laser-marked in accordance with the requirements of EN 13236. Please also help us by taking responsibility for your own safety, protecting yourself by following these two simple rules:
- Ensure your machine has its safety blade guard on.
- Follow the standard safety procedure. Always use eye and ear protection, gloves, and where necessary mouth protection, keeping them on at all times while power is switched on. Make sure you wear appropriate close fitting clothes.
Also refer to the safety pictograms contained on both the blade and instruction leaflet included in the sleeve.
Step 1: Selecting the Blade
Click here to use the Flexovit Merchandising Product Selecting Chart
, a tool we have developped for you to make it easier to select the correct blade for the job.
Now make sure the blade you have in hand is appropriate for the operation, checking that the diameter and bore are suitable for the machine being used, and the blade can be used for the material being cut. Flexovit Diamond Blades are divided into 4 material application groups, which can be easily recognised by the blade colour coding and corresponding application pictograms. Both of these are clearly communicated on the blade and detailed on the back of the sleeve. Have a look at the center of the wheel. The application icon is located at the left of the bore hole. Flexovit Merchandising blades appropriate for ceramic and stone tiles all feature the following icon:
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Ceramic and Stone Tiles
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If the above icon is on your blade, then you are ready to go to step 2!
Step 2: Mounting the Blade
Always ensure the direction arrow on the blade corresponds with the direction of rotation of the machine.
To ensure a safe cutting operation, always check the machine flanges: they must be undamaged, clean and have equal diameter. Make sure the blade is firmly secured in-between the flanges, being careful not to over tighten it.
All Flexovit Merchandising diamond blades are designed for use with electric handheld machines. All blades are either laser welded or sintered and designed for dry cutting only.
Step 3: Cutting the Material
Before cutting, ensure the material to be cut is safely secured in order to avoid any movement or vibration during operation. Once the material is securely in place cutting can begin.
Always start cutting in a straight line, at ninety degrees to the workpiece, applying only light pressure, keeping the cut positioning constant. Applying too much pressure may reduce the speed of rotation which affects the quality of cut and damages the diamond blade. Let the blade do the work! This way a longer blade life and a good cut quality will always be achieved. Never tilt the blade during operation as this is highly dangerous. To prolong the blade life and improve the quality of cut, lift the blade out of the cut at regular intervals in order to let it cool. Excessive heat causes burning, jamming and shortens the blade life.
Following these simple tips will help you cut through a wide range of materials in safety and comfort.
Special tip: Use a Flexovit PRO Diamond Blade to make your life easier!
Flexovit PRO diamond blades have premium attributes that give more advanced and professional performance levels. For a very precise and accurate cut Flexovit PRO (precision) with its ultra thin 1.4mm thickness, should be used. It gives excellent quality, a very accurate cut and minimized chance of chipping the work piece. Continuous rim blades can be used wet or dry, but using wet is advised to achieve the ultimate cut.
With Flexovit PRO Precision Cutting Diamond Blades there is significantly less chance of any chipping, burrs, or burn. The increased accuracy and thinner blades means they are much easier to use. Also less heat and dust is generated as a lower proportion of the wheel is in direct contact with the workpiece - resulting in a much cleaner, precise cut.
Good luck!