Porcelain Gres is an extremely hard and resistant material, making it a popular choice in modern construction. However, its processing is a challenge. The key to success is a properly selected diamond shield for the greek. This guide will explain what to look for in order to get a clean and precise cut without chipping, minimising material loss and ensuring work safety.

Diamond shield types: segmented, full and turbo

A conscious choice is based on understanding what diamond shields are available on the market and what they are characterized by. The design of the cutting wreath, the working part, directly affects the speed of operation, the quality of the edge finish and the purpose of the shield. Each type was designed for other tasks and materials. Matching the disc to the specifics of the Grese is absolutely crucial for achieving satisfactory results.

Continual, turbo and segmental – what to choose?

Shields with continuous (full) wreath are the best choice for cutting grits, especially glazed and polished. Their smooth cutting edge guarantees the highest cutting quality and minimises the risk of chipping. Most often they require cooling with water. Turbo shields have a wavy wreath with cuts, which is a compromise between cutting speed and quality. They're good at draining heat so they're good for dry work. In turn, segment shields, with clear breaks in the wreath, are designed for quick, aggressive cutting of hard building materials such as concrete or granite. They are not recommended for grits due to the high risk of chipping on edges.

Shield selection criteria: diameter, thickness and grainness

Besides the type of wreath, there are several key technical parameters that determine the compatibility of the shield with the tool and its efficiency. The answer to the question of which disc to cut the ggres tiles will be optimal depends on the analysis of these characteristics. Ignore the diameter, thickness or quality of diamond embankment can lead not only to poor results, but also to damage material or tool, and even to dangerous situations during operation.

The diameter of the disc must be clearly aligned with the angle grinder. The thickness of the disc affects the quality of the cutting – the thinner, the cleaner the cut and requires less force, but it is more vulnerable to damage. For precise work and cutting, the discs of approx. 1.2-1.4 mm thickness are recommended. The quality and concentration of diamond grains in metal sinter determine the service life and speed of cutting. It is worth investing in shields of renowned manufacturers that offer better performance and durability.

Dry or wet cutting: which method is better?

The choice of cutting technique is essential for the final effect, tool life and working conditions. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. The decision whether to cut dry or wet should be dictated by the equipment, the type of grout and the expected quality of finishing. Understanding the differences between these approaches allows you to optimize the process and avoid typical errors such as overheating the shield or dusting.

Wet cutting, carried out using table cutters with water pump, is a method strongly recommended for grits. The water effectively cools the shield, which significantly prolongs its lifespan, eliminates dust and provides a perfectly smooth cutting edge. This is the best solution for the treatment of polished grits. Dry cutting with an angle grinder is faster and more mobile, but generates huge amounts of dust. It requires the use of shields specifically designed for this (e.g. turbo type) and short-range operation to avoid overheating and damage to both the shield and plate.

Safety of work with diamond shields: necessary protection measures

Working with high speed cutting tools always involves risk. The use of diamond shields, especially during dry cutting, generates silica dust, which is harmful to the respiratory system and also presents a risk of splashing material. Therefore, strict compliance with the safety rules and the use of adequate personal protective equipment is not a matter of choice and the responsibility of each tool operator.

The technical condition of the shield should always be checked before starting operation – there are no cracks or cuts. Make sure that the maximum permissible disc speed is not lower than the machine speed. A complete set of protection measures is necessary:

• Protective glasses: They protect their eyes from chipping off cut material and shield fragments.
• Dust mask: Minimum FFP2 class (and preferably FFP3) to protect the airways from silica dust.
• Working gloves: They provide a more secure grip and protect your hands from injuries.
• Hearing protectors: They reduce the noise generated by the tool to a safe level.