Onfloor® Knowledge Center — FAQ
Clear answers for contractors: diamond tooling, surface preparation, CSP levels, dustless grinding, and more.
Diamond Tooling
What are diamond grinding tools and how do they work on concrete?
Diamond tools use industrial diamonds bonded to metal or resin segments to abrade concrete, coatings, and adhesives. The exposed diamonds cut while the bond controls wear; as diamonds dull, the bond sheds to expose fresh crystals.
Which diamond bond should I choose for soft vs hard concrete?
Use a hard bond on soft concrete to slow wear; use a soft bond on hard concrete to expose new diamonds faster. Matching bond to slab hardness maximizes cut rate and tool life.
Can Onfloor diamonds be used with grinders from other brands?
Yes—Onfloor offers universal-fit and brand-compatible plates/adapters so our metal and resin diamonds can run on many planetary and rotary grinders. Verify the plate system (Redi-lock®, bolt-on, mag plate) before ordering.
What grit should I use for coating removal vs polishing?
For coating/glue/mastic removal, start with PCD or 6–16 grit metals. For profiling, step through 30/40 → 60/80 → 120 metals, then transition to resin diamonds (50–3000) for the desired finish.
What’s the difference between PCDs, metal bonds, and resin diamonds?
PCD tools rip and lift thick coatings and epoxies. Metal-bond diamonds cut and profile concrete. Resin-bond diamonds refine scratches and deliver gloss in polishing stages.
Which diamonds are best for epoxy floor prep?
Start with PCD or coarse metals to remove epoxy or create profile, then move to 30/40–60/80 metals to hit the target CSP. Finish with resins only if polishing—most epoxy systems require a defined CSP, not a polished surface.
Do Onfloor diamonds fit planetary as well as rotary grinders?
Yes. Our tooling lines include plates for planetary heads (flat, uniform finish) and single/dual-rotary machines (more aggressive bite). Choose the plate/adaptor that matches your head system.
Which diamonds should I use for glue, mastics, and thin-set removal?
Use PCD scrapers or coarse metal bonds (6–16 grit) to break adhesives and thin-set quickly. Follow with 30/40 metals to remove ridges and establish a uniform profile.
How long do diamond tools last and how do I know when to replace them?
Life depends on concrete hardness, bond match, grit, pressure, and cooling. Replace when segments are under spec height, cut rate drops, or the tool glazes even after dressing.
Can I run diamonds dry or should I use water?
Onfloor diamonds can run dry for surface prep with proper dust collection (OSHA silica). Use water for polishing with resins or to control heat/dust on hard slabs; follow coating and site requirements.
What diamond sequence should I follow to polish concrete to high gloss?
Typical sequences: metals 30/40 → 60/80 → 120, densify, then resins 50 → 100 → 200 → 400 → 800 → 1500/3000. Adjust steps by scratch visibility and target reflectivity.
Do Onfloor diamonds support magnetic quick-change plates and Redi-lock®?
Yes. We offer mag plates and Redi-lock compatible options to speed tool changes and fit popular grinder ecosystems. Verify pattern/diameter before purchase.
Surface Prep & CSP
What is a Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) and why does it matter?
CSP measures roughness after prep; epoxy, urethane, and overlays require specific CSP ranges to bond. Choosing the right diamonds and sequence is how you hit spec and avoid failures.
Grinding vs shot blasting vs scarifying—how should I choose?
Grinding = controlled, even profile; shot blasting = fast, aggressive CSP; scarifying = deep removal with rougher texture. Match method to spec, substrate, and schedule.
Usage, Care & Ownership
How do I maximize the lifespan and performance of diamond tooling?
Match bond to slab hardness, set proper head pressure/RPM, keep shrouds and airflow optimized, and dress glazed segments. Rotate tools across heads to even wear.
How do I choose the right diamonds for very hard vs very soft concrete?
On very hard slabs, run soft-bond metals and lighter passes to keep diamonds exposed. On soft slabs, use hard-bond metals to slow wear and prevent premature segment loss.