Cutting Discs

Cutting discs are universally valued for their ability to perform common cutting tasks with ease and efficiency. Commonly used in angle grinders and similar power tools, cutting discs are an invaluable asset for all kinds of industry professionals.

Cromwell stocks numerous types of tried and tested cutting discs, from trusted suppliers and brands used by professionals around the globe, including Norton Saint Gobain, York, Dronco and Bosch.

What are cutting discs?

Cutting discs (or cut-off discs) are one of the most common abrasive discs used in angle grinders. As the name implies, cutting discs excel at quick cutting tasks, such as removing stubborn nails from a workpiece or quickly cutting metal sheets or bars to size.

Cutting discs are very narrow, resulting in minimal material removal and clean cuts - however this narrowness makes them more fragile than other types of abrasive disc. For this reason, it's important to ensure you're only cutting at 90 degree angles.

Cutting discs come in a number of configurations, with varying materials, sizes, and grain sizes to suit the needs of demanding professionals. All cutting discs are made from strong compounds, bonded together using powerful substances.

Why cutting discs?

The right kind of cutting discs provide a highly efficient cut with ease. Their thin cutting profile ensures a clean, quick cut with minimal material removal and machine wear.

The thin design of cutting discs gives users a degree of cutting accuracy that is highly valuable in metal fabrication. Their thin profile makes them far more precise and clean cutting than equivalent grinding wheels, or other types of abrasive discs.

When are cutting discs used?

Cutting discs are used in smaller cutting power tools, such as angle grinders and die grinders. They are invaluable for use across a large range of industrial applications and industries, including:

• Construction
• Automotive engineering and coachbuilding
• Shipbuilding
• General metal fabrication tasks
• DIY

They are used extensively throughout these industries to quickly cut stubborn metal, concrete, stone or more with minimal effort.

Types of cutting disc

The material of your cutting disc is one of the most important considerations when making a purchase.

• Aluminium oxide - Aluminium oxide is the most common material used to make cutting discs. Its high strength, cost effectiveness and adaptability make it great for general usage.

• Silicon carbide - Silicon carbide is the hardest and sharpest type of cutting disc available. This enables silicon carbide discs to cut through a wider variety of materials, such as masonry or glass (although it's important to check with the disc manufacturer)

• Ceramic - Ceramic discs offer exceptional durability and resistance, thanks to a unique design that constantly exposes fresh grains when in use. Whilst not as strong as silicon carbide, or as cost effective as aluminium oxide, ceramic discs offer class-leading durability for medium-strength cutting jobs.

Considerations when choosing a cutting disc

• Wheel diameter - It's important to ensure the diameter of your cutting disc is compatible with your angle grinder or other power tool. Ensure you're buying the right size before making a purchase.

Not sure about the right cutting disc for your applications? Feel free to get in touch with our experts, who offer free, professional advice to help you find the right products for your usage.

Cutting discs jargon buster

In order to help you make a confident purchasing decision, we've outlined and explained some key terms to ensure you understand our range of cutting discs.

What does bore size refer to?

Whilst the diameter of the disc is measured across the entire width of the disc, the bore size of a cutting disc refered to the size of the hole in the centre of the disc. This hole is where the boss/spigot will attach to the disc. It;s important to check this to ensure that it fits with your intended tool.

FAQs

Can you use a metal cutting disc on stone?

Stone and other masonry materials cannot be cut with a metal cutting disc. Stone must be cut with a carbide cutting disc that is more durable than standard aluminium oxide discs.

When to change cutting disc?

Cutting discs should be changed and replaced as soon as they show any signs of visible damage - such as cracks, warping, chips, or bends. Additionally, cutting discs have an expiration date - found imprinted in the centre of the disc - which should be adhered to.