Intro

Choosing the right diamond grinding cup wheel can mean the difference between a smooth, efficient job and a frustrating, time-wasting grind. With things like grit, bond types, and segment shapes to consider, not to mention the project itself, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. This guide breaks it down, so you get the best results for your project.

Understanding Diamond Cup Wheels

• Plate (Cup): The base of the wheel, which may have vents for cooling. Larger plates (175mm+) require balancing to prevent wobbling.
• Solder: A high-temperature bonding material that attaches the grinding segments to the plate.
• Segments: The grinding sections made of diamond particles held in a metal bond. These wear down over time, determining the wheel’s lifespan.

Key Factors in Cup Wheel Performance

1. Surface Area – Determines Speed & Aggressiveness

• Larger surface area (more segments or bigger segments) → Smoother, slower grinding with less scratching.
• Smaller surface area (fewer or thinner segments) → Faster, more aggressive grinding but a rougher finish.

2. Segment Shape – Influences Cutting & Dispersion

• Sharp leading edges = More aggressive cutting, perfect for removing glue and paint. 
• Tapered or angled segments = Better for leaving less scratches and a tighter, smoother slab. 
  

3. Bond Hardness – Determines Wear Rate

• Soft Bond (wears faster) → Best for hard concrete since it exposes new diamonds quickly.
• Medium Bond → Great starting point if you don't have a MOH's Hardness test kit to determine exactly what concrete you're working with. 
• Hard Bond (wears slower) → Best for soft, abrasive surfaces to extend wheel life.

4. Grit Size – Determines Finish Quality

• Lower grit (coarser, 16-20) → Faster material removal but rougher finish.
• Higher grit (finer, 80-150) → Smoother finish, used for polishing.

Shop our range here.

You can use the selection guide in the product photos as well as the filters to further help you decide which wheels are the best for your project. 

Choosing the Right Wheel for Your Project

Removing Coatings, Glue & Paint

• Segment shape is the most important factor for fast removal—sharp edges cut better, and good dispersion prevents smearing.
• Surface area plays a role; too much surface contact can cause the wheel to ride over the coating instead of cutting into it.
• Grit and bond are less critical but should be coarse enough to bite into the surface.

Grinding Excess Concrete

• Fastest removal comes from wheels with fewer, sharper segments matched to the right bond and grit.
• Grit of 30-40 is optimal for quick removal without excessive wear.

Levelling Concrete

• Larger wheels cut through high spots more effectively, while smaller ones follow surface undulations.
• A high-speed removal wheel is usually best, but a wheel with a larger surface area can last longer if speed isn’t the priority.

Pre-Polishing

• After coating removal, the surface must be smoothed.
• Use finer grits (60-120) and larger segments to minimize scratching.
• Avoid using coarse grits (16-30) for pre-polishing, as deep scratches will be hard to remove.

Balancing Speed & Longevity – Cost vs. Performance

• Fast-cutting wheels wear out quicker but complete jobs faster, reducing total labor hours.
• Longevity-focused wheels last longer but work slower, making them better for contractors with more time and lower labor costs.

Now that you have a better understanding of how to choose the optimal diamond wheel, you can shop our range here. Use the selection guide in the product photos as well as the filters to further help you decide which wheels are the best for your project.