IQ Saw Blades - 16.5" PURPLE Q-Drive Arrayed Segmented Super Hard Material Blade
16.5" Q-Drive Arrayed Segmented Super Hard Material Blade
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Good for:
Extra hard concrete, Stone, Granite, Brick PaversÂ
Product Description:
Experience unmatched cutting power with the 16.5" PURPLE Q-Drive Arrayed Segmented Super Hard Material Blade. Engineered with precision-arrayed diamond segments, this premium blade delivers fast, smooth cuts on extremely dense materials like granite, quartz, and reinforced concrete. Built for use with Q-Drive compatible saws, including the iQMS362, this blade excels in dry cutting environments where performance and dust control are key. Its vented segment design ensures optimal heat dissipation, extending blade life while maintaining top-tier accuracy. Whether you’re working commercial jobs or intricate residential installations, this blade is the professional's go-to for high-demand cutting.
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16.5″ PURPLE Q-Drive Arrayed Segmented Super Hard Material Blade: Power Meets Precision
When cutting through ultra-hard materials like reinforced concrete, granite, quartz, pavers, and other dense aggregates, professionals need a blade that delivers unmatched speed, longevity, and clean cuts. Enter the 16.5″ PURPLE Q‑Drive Arrayed Segmented Super Hard Material Blade—a premium, arrayed diamond blade designed for demanding, dry-cut applications. With carefully engineered diamond placement and advanced heat-dissipation features, this blade ensures high productivity, minimal downtime, and controlled precision.
What Makes the 16.5″ PURPLE Q‑Drive Blade Stand Out?
This Q‑Drive blade utilizes an arrayed segmented design, where precision-arrayed diamond segments are aligned to maximize cutting efficiency. Unlike traditional blades with random grit distribution, arrayed segments offer:
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Consistent high-speed cutting—maintains peak performance even as segments wearÂ
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Extended blade life—fresh row of diamonds engaged when the first wears down
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High heat resilience—strategic venting cools segments, preventing warping during dry cuttingÂ
Specifically built for Q‑Drive saws like the iQMS362, this blade enables up to a 5.5″ cutting depth and full 24″ length-of-cut while delivering precision comparable to wet cutting blades
Technical Highlights & Specs
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Diameter: 16.5″
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Cut Depth: 5.5″
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Length of Cut: 24″
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RPM Range: up to ~3,700 RPMÂ
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Blade Weight: ~8 lbsÂ
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Arbor Compatibility: Q‑Drive arbor—ensures zero play and vibration-free cuttingÂ
Ideal Materials & Use Cases
This blade is engineered to excel in heavy-duty applications:
Hard concrete & reinforced concrete
Built to stay sharp when cutting extremely tough, steel-reinforced slabs—ideal for commercial and infrastructure projects.
Granite, quartz, and hard stone
Designed for precision in stone fabrication, especially where aesthetics matter.
Pavers & dense brick
Perfect for landscapers and hardscape contractors who need efficient, repeatable cuts in tough masonry.
Dry cutting environments
Ideal for indoor renovations, urban sites, or locations with water restrictions, delivering clean, controlled cuts without slurry.
Why Professionals Prefer the Q‑Drive Blade
1. 40% Faster Than Conventional Blades
According to iQ Power Tools, the arrayed segments offer up to 40% faster cutting on hard materials—meaning more footage, fewer blade changes, and lower cost per cutÂ
2. Vented Segment Design
Internal vents maintain cooler blade temperature—reducing warping risks and preserving cutting accuracy across heavy-duty cuts
3. Stable, Vibration-Free Operation
Exclusive Q‑Drive arbor locks the blade into place, minimizing vibration and ensuring straight-line cuts even under heavy load .
4. Dry Cuts That Look Wet
Precision-machined segments deliver smooth, precise cuts that rival wet blades—without the messÂ
5. Rugged, Blade-Longevity Design
Heavy segments and robust steel core make this blade resistant to edge cracking and performance degradation, even in rugged jobsite conditions.
Maximizing Performance: Best Practices
Follow these pro tips to get the most from your Q‑Drive blade:
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Match RPMs: Run at manufacturer-specified max (around 3,700 RPM) for optimal cutting performanceÂ
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No Excess Pressure: Let the blade do the cutting—too much force can warp or stress the segments.
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Regular cooling breaks: Pause after deep cuts to avoid overheating.
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Dress occasionally: Run the blade through soft masonry like cinder block to refresh the diamond surface.
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Proper storage: Keep clean and dry to prevent corrosion near the bond lines and core.
Safety & Compliance
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Low vibration: Arbor fit and segmented design reduce operator fatigue.
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Diamond OSHA compliance: Dry cutting limits slurry; wear a silica-rated respirator to ensure safety.
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Noise reduction: Designed to run quieter than traditional blades in hard materialsÂ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What saws is this blade compatible with?
A: It's made for Q‑Drive compatible saws like the iQMS362 16.5″ saw, but also works on any saw with matching arbor and RPM specsÂ
Q: How much depth can it cut?
A: Offers up to 5.5″ cutting depth, enabling full 24″ slabs in a single pass .
Q: Does it warp or wander during use?
A: No—precision-balanced core and vented design maintain blade stability through long cuts .
The Verdict: Do You Need It?
If you're working with super-hard materials—reinforced concrete, granite, quartz, or dense masonry—and require dry cutting capability, this blade offers a major upgrade:
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Cuts ~40% faster than traditional masonry blades
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Maintains precision and control without water
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Reduces downtime and lowers cost-per-cut with longer blade life
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Ensures clean, accurate cuts and reduced vibration
It's a top-tier investment for professional contractors, fabricators, and rental fleets focused on efficiency and performance.