Skip to main content

Sectioning Consumables

PACE Technologies' sectioning consumables deliver clean, precise cuts for metals, ceramics, and more. Our range of abrasive blades, diamond blades, and cutting fluids support efficient sample preparation while preserving microstructural integrity.

Sectioning Consumables

Key Features

Minimal Specimen Deformation

Blades engineered with optimized abrasive composition and bond strength to reduce heat-affected zones and preserve true microstructure at the cut surface.

Application-Matched Blades

Choose from aluminum oxide and silicon carbide abrasive blades for high-throughput cutting, or thin-kerf diamond wafering blades for delicate, precision sectioning.

Purpose-Built Cutting Fluids

MAXCUT and DIACUT cutting fluids provide effective cooling, lubrication, and swarf removal to extend blade life and improve cut quality.

Abrasive Cutting Consumables

Abrasive cutting is the workhorse of metallographic sectioning: fast material removal at an economical cost per cut. Our aluminum oxide and silicon carbide blades are available in sizes from 250mm to 400mm, paired with MAXCUT water-based cutting fluid for effective cooling and longer blade life.

Abrasive Cutting Consumables

Abrasive Cutting Consumables

Blade formulations are matched to material hardness and ductility (harder bonds for softer metals, softer bonds for hardened steels and ceramics), so the abrasive self-dresses during use and maintains a consistent cut rate. MAXCUT cutting fluid reduces thermal damage and flushes swarf from the cut zone.

Blade Sizes 250mm - 400mm
Cutting Fluid MAXCUT (Water-Based)
Best For Routine & High-Volume Cutting

Precision Wafering Consumables

When specimen integrity matters most, precision wafering delivers thin, deformation-free cuts with minimal heat input. Our diamond wafering blades and DIACUT cutting fluid are designed for small, delicate, or heat-sensitive samples where surface quality directly impacts downstream analysis.

Precision Wafering Consumables

Precision Wafering Consumables

Diamond wafering blades feature a thin kerf and controlled diamond concentration for clean cuts through electronics, ceramics, composites, and fragile metallographic specimens. DIACUT cutting fluid provides non-corrosive lubrication that protects both the blade and the sample during low-speed cutting. Dressing sticks are also available to maintain blade sharpness.

Blade Types Diamond Wafering
Cutting Fluid DIACUT (Non-Corrosive)
Best For Delicate & Heat-Sensitive Samples

Related Sectioning Equipment

Get the most from your sectioning consumables with purpose-built PACE Technologies cutting equipment. Our MEGA series abrasive cutters handle high-throughput work, while PICO series precision saws deliver the controlled, low-speed cuts that diamond wafering blades require.

MEGA Series Abrasive Cutters

MEGA Series Abrasive Cutters

Manual and automated abrasive cutters with blade capacities from 250mm to 400mm. Features include variable speed control, integrated coolant systems, and robust clamping vises for safe, repeatable cuts across a wide range of specimen sizes.

Blade Capacity 250mm - 400mm
Models Manual & Automated
PICO Series Precision Wafering Saws

PICO Series Precision Wafering Saws

Gravity-feed and table-feed precision saws engineered for low-speed diamond wafering. Adjustable feed rates and integrated coolant delivery ensure minimal thermal damage, making these saws ideal for electronics, ceramics, and small metallographic specimens.

Feed Types Gravity & Table Feed
Models PICO-155 & PICO-200

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about sectioning consumables and cutting techniques

What cutting blade should I use for my material?

Blade selection depends on your material type. Aluminum oxide blades work well for ferrous metals and softer materials. Silicon carbide blades are ideal for hard ceramics, carbides, and non-metallic materials. Diamond blades provide the longest life and cleanest cuts for abrasive materials, composites, and electronic components. Consult our blade selection guide or contact our specialists for material-specific recommendations.

How long will a cutting blade last?

Blade life depends on material hardness, feed rate, and coolant use. Aluminum oxide blades typically cut 50-200 samples depending on size and material. Diamond blades last significantly longer, often 500+ cuts on hard materials. Proper coolant flow, appropriate feed rates, and using the correct blade for your material maximize blade life and cutting quality.

What coolant should I use with cutting blades?

Water-based coolants are standard for most metallographic cutting. Mineral oil-based coolants work better for reactive metals like magnesium and sodium that react with water. For precision wafering of sensitive materials, specialized low-viscosity coolants minimize cutting forces and thermal damage. Always ensure adequate coolant flow to prevent overheating and blade damage.

How do I prevent sample damage during cutting?

Use the correct blade type for your material, maintain adequate coolant flow to dissipate heat, and avoid excessive feed rates that cause blade deflection. Secure samples properly to prevent movement during cutting. For sensitive materials, use lower wheel speeds and lighter feed pressures. Diamond blades typically produce less cutting pressure and thermal damage than abrasive blades.

Can I use the same blade for different materials?

While possible, it's not recommended. Cross-contamination can affect metallographic analysis, and using the wrong blade type reduces cutting efficiency and quality. Softer materials can "load" or clog abrasive blades meant for harder materials. For best results, use dedicated blades for specific material types or material families, especially when precision and contamination-free cutting are critical.

Do you offer blade recommendations for specific applications?

Yes! Our application specialists can recommend specific blade types, sizes, and cutting parameters based on your materials and equipment. Contact us with details about your samples, equipment model, and typical cutting requirements. We provide detailed blade selection guides and can supply sample kits for testing with your specific materials.