What Are Circular Saw Blades?

Circular saw blades come in a variety of materials and designs, each optimised for cutting different materials and compositions. Whether you’re working with wood, metal, plastic or composites, the right blade can mean the difference between clean cuts and costly downtime.

TCT Blades (Tungsten Carbide Tipped)

TCT blades feature tungsten carbide tips brazed onto a steel body, combining carbide’s hardness with steel’s toughness. They can operate at higher speeds and temperatures than HSS blades, making them ideal for faster cuts in a variety of materials.

Features

• Extended lifespan: Retains sharpness far longer than HSS

• Versatility: Effective on wood, plastics, composites and softer metals

• High cutting speeds: Reduced cycle times boost productivity

Applications

• General-purpose woodworking

• Plastic and composite cutting

• Non-ferrous metal cutting

• Fast-feed production environments

Browse our selection of AKE circular saw blades

HSS Blades (High-Speed Steel)

HSS blades are made entirely from high-speed steel, prized for its hardness and heat resistance. They can be resharpened multiple times and maintain a clean cutting edge

Features

• Clean, precise cuts especially in hardwoods and non-ferrous metals

• Lower cost than carbide or diamond tipped blades

• Ease of sharpening extends useful life with minimal equipment

Applications

• Fine woodworking and cabinetry

• Metal filing or trimming

• Light-duty production where budget constraints exist

Browse our selection of AKE circular saw blades

PCD Blades (Polycrystalline Diamond)

PCD blades have cutting edges made from synthetic diamond particles sintered into a carbide substrate. This imparts extreme hardness and wear resistance.

Features

• Unmatched wear life: Up to 50× the service life of carbide blades

• Exceptional edge retention: Ideal for abrasive or hard materials

• Service multiple times for extended use

Applications

• Composite decking and fibre cement board

• High-pressure laminate (HPL) and melamine panels

• Fiberglass, plastics and ultra-precision woodworking

• Aerospace composites and carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) 

Browse our selection of AKE circular saw blades

Key Differences at a Glance

Choosing the Right Blade

• Material: Hard or abrasive → PCD; Softer metals/composites → TCT; General wood/metal work → HSS

• Budget: HSS for low-cost, TCT for balanced performance, PCD for premium, long-life applications

• Production Volume: High-throughput → TCT or PCD; Occasional cuts → HSS

Servicing & Supply

Allied Tooling is proud to partner with AKE Germany—renowned for precision manufacturing and innovative saw blade technologies. Together, we deliver a full spectrum of circular saw blades tailored to every industry need, from entry-level HSS to advanced PCD solutions. With an in-house servicing facility that can sharpen and re-tip any kind of circular saw blade, you have the full-stack solution with Allied.