For most metal cutting applications, grinding wheels and carbide saw blades are common choices, yet they differ significantly. Grinding wheels operate via abrasion, resulting in low efficiency, excessive heat/sparks, and rough cuts—but at a lower cost. Carbide saw blades, however, cut directly, enabling faster, cleaner cuts with minimal heat and sparking, albeit at a higher price.

With rising labor costs and advanced manufacturing, dry-cutting carbide blades have become more affordable. Their superior efficiency and lower operational costs are driving the shift from grinding wheels to carbide alternatives.