What Does TPI Mean For Saw Blades

TPI, or teeth per inch, refers to the teeth on a saw blade. When looking for any type of metal saw blade to cut metal, wood, or any other material, this is a crucial number to take into account. TPI blades vary in their ability to cut various materials and yield multiple outcomes. This post will explain what a TPI blade number is and how to utilize it to select the appropriate blades.

KNOWING TPI

TPI is used for a variety of blades in handheld saws (such as hand saws and hacksaw blades) and power tools (such as band saws and reciprocating saw blades). The number of teeth that can fit within an inch of the blade's surface is the precise measurement. A 14 TPI blade, for instance, will have 14 teeth if you count the teeth on one inch of it. A higher TPI indicates a greater number of teeth, whereas a lower TPI indicates fewer teeth.

WHAT DISTINCT TPI NUMBERS ARE THERE?

• LOW TPI BLADES (6–18 TPI, FOR EXAMPLE)

Ideal for thicker materials and quick, rough cuts because they have fewer teeth per inch; low TPI blades are perfect for fast, rough cuts. Larger teeth speed up cutting and lower the possibility of clogging by removing more material with each pass. They are, therefore, the ideal option for cutting through thicker materials. Working with thick plastic, metal, or wood requires a low TPI blade, which will simplify and speed up the process. However, the surface that has been sliced will be rougher, and more finishing might be needed.

• MEDIUM TPI BLADES: IDEAL FOR ALL-PURPOSE APPLICATIONS (E.G., 18–24 TPI)

Medium TPI blades are an excellent option for general-purpose use because they offer a good mix of speed and finish quality. Blades with a TPI of 18 to 24 can cut thin and thick materials, making them adaptable. With a medium TPI blade, you can cut through plastic sheets, hardwood boards, and metal pipes with decent control and relatively clean cuts without compromising too much cutting speed. They are, therefore, a fantastic option for routine jobs.

• HIGH TPI BLADES: IDEAL FOR THINNER MATERIALS AND SMOOTH, FINE CUTS, SUCH AS 24+ TPI

Because high TPI blades feature more teeth per inch, your cuts will be smoother and more precise. Because there are more teeth, less material is removed by each tooth during a single pass, decreasing the chance of splintering or chipping. High TPI blades have a trade-off in that they cut more slowly than lower TPI blades. They work best when cutting smaller materials or when you value accuracy and neat edges. For instance, a high TPI blade will give you the smooth, clean finish you desire while working with sheet metal, thin wood panels, or delicate plastic.

THE IMPACT OF TPI ON SAW BLADE EFFICIENCY

CUTTING SPEED: Any saw blade's cutting speed is significantly impacted by TPI. Larger bites are extracted from the material by blades with lower TPI because they have fewer teeth and more space between them. They cut more quickly as a result, which makes them perfect for rough cuts and other circumstances when speed is crucial. Conversely, high TPI blades remove less material with each pass because they have more teeth that are positioned closer together.

CUT QUALITY: The quality of a cut is also directly impacted by TPI. Because higher TPI blades have more teeth with fewer spaces between them, the cuts are smoother. Less material is removed by each tooth, which leads to fewer chipping and splintering and generally smoother edges. Because of their more widely spaced cutting teeth, low TPI blades remove material more aggressively, resulting in rougher cuts.

MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS

When determining the TPI required for your blade, you must take the type of material being cut into account. TPI ranges vary depending on the material used to achieve the optimal cutting speed and final quality. 

1. WOOD

• HARDWOODS (PINE, CEDAR): Hardwoods typically require 10–18 TPI. A slightly higher TPI (15–18) is appropriate for ripping (cutting with the grain), while a somewhat lower TPI (10–14) can be utilized for crosscutting (cutting against the grain).
  Suggested blade types include hand saws, table saws, and circular saw blades.

• HARDWOODS (OAK, MAPLE, WALNUT): For hardwoods, use blades with a TPI of 18 to 24. For ordinary cutting, a medium TPI (18–20) is useful; however, for finer cuts and more complex work, a higher TPI (22-24) is recommended.
  Suggested blade types include miter, table, and circular saw blades.
  
  
• VENEERS AND PLYWOOD: Plywood and veneers are usually made with 24–30 TPI. Because of the greater tooth count, the thin layers are less likely to chip and splinter.
  Suggested blade types include jigsaw, table, and circular saw blades.

2. METAL

• NON-FERROUS METALS (BRASS, COPPER, ALUMINIUM): For softer non-ferrous metals, 32–64 TPI is advised. Higher TPI blades cut less burring and more cleanly.
  The following blade types are suggested: band saw, reciprocating, and hacksaw blades.
  
  
• HARDER FERROUS METALS (IRON, STEEL): Blades with a TPI of 14–32 can be used. A lower TPI (14–18) works well for thicker materials; a higher TPI (24–32) works well for thinner sheets and smoother cuts.
  The following blade types are suggested: band saw, reciprocating, and hacksaw blades.

3. PLASTIC

• ACRYLIC: For acrylic sheets, a TPI of 32–64 is advised. Sharper blades with a higher TPI resist chipping and cracking.

Suggested blade types include jigsaw, table, and circular saw blades.

• PVC: PVC fittings and pipes work well with 10–14 TPI. Thick PVC materials are best cut with lower TPI blades.

Hand saws, circular saw blades, and reciprocating saw blades are suggested blade types.

• POLYCARBONATE: The best TPI range for polycarbonate sheets is 18–24. A decent compromise between cutting speed and finish quality can be found with a medium TPI.

Suggested blade types include jigsaw, table, and circular saw blades.

The recommended TPI and cutting tool can change based on the particular material thickness and desired finish; the above are only general recommendations. Recall that the objective is to balance cutting quality and speed in accordance with the demands of your project. Our staff is available to assist you should you need it or if you have any queries.

EXTRA THINGS TO THINK ABOUT SELECTING A BLADE

There are more considerations besides TPI when selecting the best blade for your task. There are additional factors and product requirements to think about:

A. TOOTH PITCH

The space between the tips of neighboring teeth is known as tooth pitch. It is frequently, though not always, closely associated with TPI. Some blades have variable tooth pitch, meaning that as the blade lengthens, the spacing between the teeth changes. This design increases cutting efficiency while lowering vibration and noise.

Blade Material:

The longevity and cutting capability of the saw blade are influenced by the material of the blade itself. Typical materials for blades are:

• HIGH-SPEED STEEL (HSS): Ideal for most ordinary cutting applications, HSS is economical and versatile. 
• CARBIDE-TIPPED: Suitable for cutting tougher materials like metal and hardwoods, carbide tips are more resilient and heat-resistant than HSS tips. 
• BI-METAL: Lasts longer than regular steel blades and cuts both metal and wood by combining flexibility and durability. 
• DIAMOND-TIPPED: It is exceptionally durable and resistant to wear, ideal for cutting abrasive materials such as concrete, stone, and tile.

Select a blade material based on how often you plan to use it and the material you'll be cutting.

B. TOOTH SHAPE

A saw blade's cutting action and finish are influenced by the shape of its teeth. Typical tooth forms consist of:

• FLAT TEETH (FT): used for quick, forceful cuts when ripping timber. 
• ALTERNATE TOP BEVEL (ATB): For both ripping and crosscutting, each tooth has a bevel pointing in the opposite direction. 
• TRIPLE CHIP GRIND (TCG): Provides clean, minimally buried cuts when cutting non-ferrous metals and polymers.

Choose a tooth shape that will work for both the required finish and the kind of cut you need to produce.