SQ16 PRO
Concrete & asphalt saw SQ16 PRO
Straight, deep cuts in slab and roadway.
View detailsFree tool · SIMAQ
Which cutting blade for concrete, asphalt or stone?
Short answer
You choose the blade by the material: cured concrete → concrete blade, softer bond; asphalt and green concrete → hard bond, because they're abrasive; hard stone → stone blade. Control joints go at ¼ of slab thickness and are cut wet, in passes of 2 to 5 cm. The SQ16 PRO takes 300 to 450 mm blades and cuts up to 130 mm.
SIMAQ · Which cutting blade?
The blade
Diamond blade for concrete
Softer bond
Cured concrete is hard: a soft bond wears and exposes fresh diamond. It's what the SQ16 PRO ships with.
Joint at ¼ of thickness: 30 mm · 1 to 2 passes of 2 to 5 cm · the SQ16 PRO reaches (up to 130 mm, 300 to 450 mm blades).
- For control joints you rarely need the largest blade: more diameter only buys more depth.
- Cut wet: the SQ16 PRO has a 30 L water tank for a reason. If the blade turns blue or warps, it's short of water or you're forcing it.
- The blade's marked max speed must be equal to or higher than the saw's arbor speed, and the bore must fit the arbor: confirm it with your advisor.
| If you see… | Do this |
|---|---|
| It stops advancing and the segment looks smooth and shiny | It glazed: bond too hard. Dress it with a few cuts in abrasive material and switch to a softer bond. |
| The segment wears very fast | Bond too soft or abrasive material: switch to a hard bond (asphalt or green-concrete blade). |
| The blade turns blue or warps | Short of water or forcing it: open the water, take shallower passes and don't push. |
| A cracked or loose segment | The blade is no longer safe: replace it right away. |
How it's calculated
- Hard material → soft bond (the bond wears and exposes fresh diamond); abrasive material → hard bond.
- Control joint: depth = ¼ of slab thickness.
- Passes = depth ÷ 5 cm (fewest) to depth ÷ 2 cm (most careful), rounded up.
- Depth is checked against the SQ16 PRO's maximum.
Assumptions and sources
- Blade and bond by material; joints at ¼ of thickness; passes of 2 to 5 cm.Source: SIMAQ School guide «Which cutting blade for concrete, asphalt or stone?».
- Max depth 130 mm, 300 to 450 mm blades, 30 L tank.Source: SIMAQ SQ16 PRO saw spec sheet.
- Which diameter gives which depth isn't calculated.Source: it depends on blade and saw: your advisor confirms it with the arbor and speed.
Every result is a reference estimate. It doesn't replace a professional's design or supervision.
FAQ
Why does a concrete blade have a soft bond?
Because cured concrete is hard: the bond must wear so fresh diamond comes out. With a hard bond, the blade glazes and stops cutting.
Can I cut asphalt with a concrete blade?
It cuts, but asphalt is abrasive and eats the soft bond: the blade lasts much less. Use an asphalt blade with a hard bond.
How deep is a control joint cut?
To ¼ of slab thickness. On a 12 cm slab, 3 cm.
Do curbs or pavers need a stone blade?
If they're concrete, no: they cut like concrete. The question is what the piece is made of, not what it's called.
The machine for the job
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Shall we quote the machine?
Send us the result and an advisor contacts you during business hours.