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What Is an Asphalt Saw Blade Used For? Road Cutting Guide
What Is an Asphalt Saw Blade Used For? Road Cutting Guide
An asphalt saw blade (also called a road cutting blade or pavement cutting blade) is a specialized diamond tool designed to cut through asphalt, bitumen, and asphalt-over-concrete road surfaces. At JKINGS, we manufacture asphalt cutting blades that withstand the unique challenges of road maintenance and highway construction.
Asphalt is an abrasive, soft, and temperature-sensitive material. Standard concrete diamond blades have hard bonds that glaze over when cutting asphalt, causing slow cutting and overheating. Dedicated road cutting blades use soft bond segments with coarse diamond grit that self-sharpen as they cut through oily, abrasive asphalt mixtures.
What Are Asphalt Saw Blades Used For?
Asphalt cutting blades are essential tools in these industries:
1. Highway and Road Maintenance
Department of transportation crews use large diameter road cutting blades (14" to 36") on walk-behind saws to cut rectangular patches in damaged pavement. Precise cuts allow clean removal of failed sections and proper bonding of replacement asphalt. JKINGS supplies MPA-certified asphalt blades for government highway contracts.
2. Utility Trench Cutting
Electric, water, and telecom utility contractors cut trenches in asphalt streets to access underground infrastructure. Asphalt blades cut through pavement layers quickly, minimizing street closure time and traffic disruption.
3. Airport Runway and Taxiway Repair
Airport maintenance crews use specialized asphalt saw blades to cut precise joints in runway surfaces. FAA specifications require clean, straight cuts for proper sealant adhesion and smooth aircraft movement.
4. Parking Lot Repair
Paving contractors cut out potholes, drainage areas, and damaged sections in parking lots. The soft bond of asphalt blades cuts through seal-coated surfaces without glazing, even when cutting through patches of oil-soaked asphalt.
5. Asphalt-Over-Concrete Removal
When asphalt is laid over concrete (composite pavement), specialized blades with undercut protection segments cut through both layers without losing diamond exposure. This is common in urban road reconstruction projects.
Asphalt Blade vs Concrete Blade: Key Differences
| Specification | Asphalt Saw Blade | Concrete Saw Blade |
|---|---|---|
| Bond Hardness | Soft bond | Hard to medium bond |
| Diamond Grit | Coarse (30/40) | Medium (50/60) |
| Segment Design | Undercut protection segments | Standard segments or turbo |
| Wet/Dry Cutting | Usually wet to suppress tar | Wet or dry depending on type |
| Cutting Speed | Fast - material is soft | Slower - material is hard |
| Operating Temp | Lower heat threshold | Higher heat tolerance |
| Typical Lifespan | Shorter due to soft bond wear | Longer with hard bond |
Types of Road Cutting Blades
JKINGS produces several asphalt cutting blade configurations for different road cutting scenarios:
| Blade Type | Segment Feature | Application | Saw Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Asphalt Blade | Soft bond, coarse grit | General asphalt pavement | 12" - 20" walk-behind |
| Asphalt-Over-Concrete | Undercut protection segments | Composite pavement removal | 14" - 24" walk-behind |
| Green Concrete/Asphalt | Extra soft bond | Fresh pavement, soft asphalt | 12" - 16" flat saw |
| Ring Saw Asphalt Blade | Continuous rim, soft bond | Deep trench cutting, confined spaces | Ring saw systems |
How to Choose an Asphalt Saw Blade
Consider these factors when selecting a road cutting blade:
Material Analysis
| Asphalt Type | Aggressiveness | Blade Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| New/fresh asphalt | Very soft, abrasive | Extra soft bond, coarse grit |
| Aged oxidized asphalt | Hard, brittle | Soft-medium bond |
| Asphalt with high RAP content | Abrasive, inconsistent | Soft bond with protective segments |
| Asphalt-over-concrete | Variable layers | Undercut protection blade |
Blade Diameter Selection
- 12" - 14" (300-350mm): Light road repair, utility trenches, parking lots
- 16" - 18" (400-450mm): Medium highway patches, airport taxiways
- 20" - 24" (500-600mm): Heavy highway construction, full-depth removal
- 26" - 36" (650-900mm): Major road projects, high-volume production cutting
Asphalt Cutting Best Practices
- Cut when asphalt is cool: Early morning cutting produces cleaner results. Hot asphalt (above 40°C / 104°F) smears and sticks to blade segments.
- Use adequate water flow: Wet cutting suppresses asphalt dust and cools the blade. Flow rate should be 8-15 liters per minute depending on blade diameter.
- Make full-depth cuts: Unlike concrete, asphalt cuts best in single full-depth passes. Multiple shallow passes cause edge raveling.
- Match saw horsepower to blade size: A 20" asphalt blade on a 25HP walk-behind saw cuts efficiently. Underpowered saws cause blade glazing and slow production.
- Inspect for undercutting: Asphalt's abrasive nature wears the steel core faster than the segments. Undercut protection segments extend blade life significantly.
Road Cutting Safety Requirements
- Follow OSHA roadway work zone safety standards including traffic control, signage, and worker visibility.
- Wear heat-resistant gloves when handling blades after cutting. Asphalt cutting generates significant blade heat.
- Use respiratory protection. Asphalt dust contains bitumen particles and silica that pose respiratory hazards.
- Secure the cutting area. Walk-behind saws can kick back if the blade binds in the cut. Maintain firm control at all times.
- Dispose of asphalt slurry per local environmental regulations. Asphalt wastewater cannot enter storm drains.
JKINGS Asphalt Saw Blade Features
JKINGS Industrial Line asphalt blades are built for demanding roadwork:
- Soft bond formula: Proprietary bond chemistry optimized for abrasive asphalt materials
- Undercut protection: Segments with core-protecting gullets prevent premature steel wear
- Coarse diamond grit: 30/40 grit for aggressive, self-sharpening cutting action
- Laser welded segments: Industrial bond strength for high-horsepower saws
- Deep segment height: 12mm segments for extended cutting life
- Government contract ready: MPA, EN 13236 certified for public works projects
FAQs About Asphalt Cutting Blades
Can I use a concrete blade to cut asphalt?
You can, but performance will be poor. Concrete blades have hard bonds that glaze over in soft asphalt. The blade will cut slowly, overheat, and have a short lifespan. Always use a dedicated asphalt saw blade with soft bond segments for asphalt work.
Why do asphalt blades have undercut protection?
Asphalt is highly abrasive and wears the steel core faster than the diamond segments. Without protection, the core undercuts below the segment base, causing segments to break off. Undercut protection gullets sacrifice sacrificial material to protect the core.
What size blade do I need for road cutting?
Most road cutting uses 14" to 20" blades on walk-behind saws. Choose blade diameter based on required cutting depth: a 14" blade cuts approximately 4-5 inches deep, while a 20" blade cuts 7-8 inches deep.
How fast should I cut asphalt?
Asphalt cuts faster than concrete. Typical cutting speeds range from 3-6 meters per minute depending on blade diameter and saw horsepower. Let the blade pull itself through the material rather than forcing it.
Conclusion
An asphalt saw blade is a specialized tool that every road maintenance contractor, utility company, and paving professional needs. The soft bond, coarse diamond segments, and undercut protection features make asphalt cutting fast, efficient, and economical.
Contact JKINGS for asphalt cutting blade specifications, competitive pricing, and OEM services. We support road construction professionals with reliable tools and factory-direct delivery.
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