What is Asphalt Cutter
An Asphalt Cutter (also known as a road saw or concrete saw) is a power tool or machine designed to cut through asphalt, concrete, and other rigid pavement materials. It uses a rotating abrasive or diamond-tipped blade to create clean, precise cuts for repairs, utility installations, or expansion joints.
History of Asphalt Cutter
Key developments in cutting technology:
- 1920s: Early gasoline-powered saws with abrasive blades for road maintenance.
- 1950s: Introduction of diamond-impregnated blades for faster cutting.
- 1980s: Hydraulic systems enabled deeper cuts (up to 500mm).
- 2000s: Electric and battery-powered models reduced emissions and noise.
Purpose of Asphalt Cutter
Primary applications include:
- Road Repair: Removing damaged sections of pavement for patching.
- Utility Work: Creating trenches for pipelines or cables.
- Expansion Joints: Preventing cracks from thermal expansion.
- Demolition: Breaking up old pavement for recycling.
Principle of Asphalt Cutter
Operates through three core mechanisms:
- Blade Rotation: High-RPM (2,000-5,000) diamond/abrasive blade grinds material.
- Cutting Depth Control: Adjustable guide wheels or hydraulic systems.
- Dust/Water Management: Wet systems suppress dust and cool blades.
Features of Asphalt Cutter
Advanced models include:
- Depth Adjustment: Up to 350mm cutting depth for full-thickness pavement.
- Auto-Feed Systems: Maintain consistent pressure for smooth cuts.
- Blade Guard: Protects operators from debris (meets OSHA 1926.303).
- Quick-Change Blade Mount: Swap blades in ≤2 minutes.
Types of Asphalt Cutter
Common classifications:
- Walk-Behind: Compact units for precise cuts (14-30 HP).
- Ride-On: Large machines for continuous trenching (50-150 HP).
- Power Source:
- Gasoline (most common)
- Electric (for indoor use)
- Hydraulic (attached to excavators)
- Blade Type: Dry-cut vs wet-cut diamond blades.
Precautions for using Asphalt Cutter
Critical safety guidelines:
- PPE: Always wear hearing protection, goggles, and respirators.
- Blade Inspection: Check for cracks or missing segments before use.
- Underground Scanning: Use GPR to avoid cutting through utilities.
- Kickback Prevention: Maintain firm grip and proper stance.
Things to consider when purchasing Asphalt Cutter
Selection criteria:
- Cutting Depth: Match to local road thickness standards (typically 100-300mm).
- Blade Diameter: 350mm-1,200mm options for different applications.
- Mobility: Weight (90-500kg) and transport requirements.
- Dust Control: Built-in water tanks or HEPA vacuum compatibility.
Terms of Asphalt Cutter
Essential technical terminology:
- Kerf Width: Cut width (typically 10-20mm for diamond blades).
- Arbor Size: Shaft diameter (commonly 20-50mm).
- Segmented Blades: Designed for faster cutting with cooling slots.
- Turntable Radius: Minimum turning circle for ride-on models.