Diamond disc cutter

A **diamond disc cutter** is a power tool designed to be operable with one or two hands depending on size, used for cutting hard materials such as ceramic tile, metal, concrete, and stone by the use of segmented diamond blades (picture). These blades are made of solid metal and feature crenellated grooves or slots that allow cooling of both the blade and the cutting surface. These tools are highly efficient at cutting hard materials, compared to non-diamond tools. Although they may look similar to abrasive saws, they differ in the type of blade they use.

## Segmented diamond discs 
The discs used in these cutters are made of steel or metal alloys, and are usually coated with materials such as industrial diamond on the edge. The gaps between the segments allow the heat generated during cutting to dissipate, preventing warping and increasing the life of the disc. The most common size for these cutting discs is 350 mm in diameter; however, they can range from 2 to 16 inches in diameter with a thickness between 0.045 in and 0.125 in. The maximum speed (RPM) specified on the disc should never be exceeded, nor should it be overloaded by pressing too hard, which could cause it to jam in the workpiece.

## Types of disc cutters 
* **Portable electric disc cutters** : Used in light construction, plumbing, locksmithing and industrial maintenance.
* **Bench disc cutters**: Fixed, for repetitive cuts in workshops.
* **Gasoline-powered disc cutters** : For heavy-duty outdoor work, such as cutting fences, metal structures, or paving.
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## Gasoline-powered disc cutters 
A high-performance variant is the portable gasoline-powered saw, also known as *a cut-off saw*. These tools are designed to cut through metal structures, security fences, or heavy construction equipment. The diamond blade used has separate, crenellated segments, which allow the cut to cool and prevent distortion. This type of tool is common in demolition, rescue, or professional burglary work, as in the case of the Louvre robbery.

## Diamond disc cutters vs. abrasive saws 
Although both types of tools may seem similar at first glance, there are fundamental differences in the type of disk they use, their design and their applications.

**Diamond disc cutter:** Used for many manual cutting tasks, especially when working with hard materials such as steel, stone, or concrete. Metal cutting is one of the most common uses for these tools. Typical applications include: Cutting sheet metal. Sizing parts for welding. Removing welds for replacement. Cutting and notching steel pipes. These operations are performed using segmented metal discs, usually with an industrial diamond coating, which allow precise cuts and efficient cooling thanks to their crenellated grooves,  although, when cutting very hard materials, may require lubrication or water-cooling to prevent overheating. The abrasive saw provides clean, straight cuts, especially at 90-degree angles, but should not be confused with the diamond blade cutter, which is designed for more demanding tasks and different types of discs.

The following table summarizes the main differences between the diamond disc cutters and the abrasive saws: they used a diamond disc cutter to cut the glass of a window, entering the Galerie d'Apollon, action that triggered all the security alarms. After threatening the security guards with their motorized tool, the thieves stole nine objects from two display cabinets fitted with safety glass, which they cut with the diamond disc cutter, then they left the museum by going down with the furniture lift they used to enter the building, until they met up with the other two members of the gang, who were waiting for them on two Yamaha TMAX scooters, with which they fled.

## Other information
For information on tools that use abrasive discs, see the article *abrasive saw*.

## Gallery 

File:11th_MEU_140920-M-HM491-008_(15376379515).jpg|link=Archivo:11th_MEU_140920-M-HM491-008_(15376379515).jpg|alt=Cortadora portátil utilizada por el USMC en ejercicios de recuperación táctica. Disco segmentado.| Gasoline disc cutter used by the USMC in tactical recovery exercises (part of military training). Segmented disc.
File:11th_MEU_141113-M-HM491-351_(15873793702).jpg|link=Archivo:11th_MEU_141113-M-HM491-351_(15873793702).jpg|alt=Operación de corte con disco diamantado en contexto militar. Con disco diamantado segmentado.| Diamond blade cutting operation in a military context. Using a segmented diamond blade.
File:Circular_saw_diamond,_diamantcirkelzaag.jpg|link=Archivo:Circular_saw_diamond,_diamantcirkelzaag.jpg|alt=Detalle de disco circular diamantado segmentado, utilizado en cortadoras de obra.| Detail of a segmented diamond disc, used in construction cutters.
File:Grinder_diamond_blade.jpg|link=Archivo:Grinder_diamond_blade.jpg|alt=Herramienta portátil con disco diamantado acoplado, lista para corte de materiales duros.| Portable tool with attached diamond blade, ready for cutting hard materials.

## References 
## Other websites 
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*Diamond Discs: Types, How to choose them.