Cutting
Tools Range From Stone Knives To Lasers
Cutting
tools come in all possible shapes and configurations.
These range from primitive man’s stone knives and axes to computer
controlled lasers. Among this array are the
various tools used for cutting concrete, granite
and glass. These tools are unique in that the
materials they are cutting are very hard and
the techniques for cutting them are somewhat
different than other materials.
Concrete cutting becomes necessary in many situations,
but you see it most often, perhaps, in repairing
highways, streets and sidewalks. Broken pieces
of concrete are cut out and fresh concrete poured.
This cutting is most often done these days with
concrete cutting saws that have very dense composite
blades. The spinning blades actually grind away
the concrete in a narrow and precise cut. The
damaged material can then be removed.
Water
Jets Are Used For Cutting Granite
Cutting
granite is a different story. Granite is much
more dense than concrete. One of the most common
ways of cutting granite is with a saw or
grinder with a diamond or graphite coated blade.
The granite is scored along the line being
cut. Then it is scored again and again until
the granite is cut through. Another method
of cutting granite is with very high pressure
water jets.
Glass cutting is another specialized technique.
Like with the granite, the glass is scored with
a sharp rolling cutter of steel or carbide tipped
steel. Once the score line is made, pressure
is applied to the score line by tapping or bending
until the glass snaps. The principle is that
the glass will break along its weakest point.
That weakest point is the score line.
The variety of materials used in construction
and fabrication each of their own unique characteristics.
This includes the manner in which they are cut
and shaped. This has led to the development and
continuing innovation of specialized cutting
tools.
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