CMT HW Conical Scoring Blade 180 x 4.3-5.5/3.2 x 45 T36 is an industrial-grade scoring saw blade engineered for chip-free cutting on melamine, double-sided laminates, and veneered panel materials. Built with a CO + 5ATB tooth grind and an 8 deg. cutting angle, this 180mm conical scoring blade delivers precise, tear-free scored lines ahead of the main saw blade - protecting delicate surface finishes on both faces of the workpiece. With a kerf that adjusts from 4.3mm to 5.5mm, it synchronizes with a wide range of thick-kerf panel sizing blades used in industrial cabinet and furniture production.

Key Features

• Conical CO + 5ATB tooth geometry - the combination of a conical grind and a 5-alternate-top-bevel profile produces clean, splinter-free scores on both the top and bottom faces of laminated panels, eliminating edge chipping in finished workpieces.
• Adjustable kerf range of 4.3mm to 5.5mm - allows the scoring kerf to be precisely matched to the kerf of the main panel sizing blade, ensuring a seamless cut line and preventing tearout on double-sided melamine and laminate sheets.
• 180mm blade diameter with a 45mm bore - sized for direct mounting on panel sizing machines that use vertical scoring blade regulation, providing stable, centered blade seating during high-volume production runs.
• 36 hardmetal (HW) teeth - the high tooth count and tungsten carbide tipping maintain sharpness longer in demanding industrial environments, reducing downtime for blade changes when processing large quantities of laminated panels.
• 3.2mm plate thickness - a rigid steel plate body minimizes blade deflection during scoring passes, contributing to consistent groove depth and dimensional accuracy across long panel runs.
• 8 deg. cutting angle - the hook angle is optimized for the light, controlled scoring pass required ahead of a main sizing blade, reducing feed resistance while maintaining a precise scored groove.
• Designed for machines with vertical scoring blade regulation - compatible with the adjustment systems found on industrial panel sizing centers, making setup and kerf tuning straightforward for machine operators.

Why This Product

• For shops and production facilities cutting double-sided melamine or laminated chipboard, a conical scoring blade with an adjustable 4.3-5.5mm kerf range eliminates the need for multiple fixed-kerf scoring blades - one blade covers a wider range of main blade configurations.
• The CO + 5ATB tooth grind is specifically engineered for melamine and laminate surfaces, addressing the most common failure point in panel processing - chipped edges - without requiring secondary finishing operations.
• With 36 HW (hardmetal) teeth and an industrial classification, this blade is built for continuous-duty panel sizing environments where consistent scoring quality must be maintained across high-volume production shifts.
• The 45mm bore and 180mm diameter are matched to panel sizing machines that feature vertical scoring blade adjustment, making this blade a direct-fit solution for those machine configurations rather than a compromise choice.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 288.180.36Q2
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Blade Diameter: 180mm
• Bore Diameter: 45mm
• Number of Teeth: 36
• Tooth Grind: CO + 5ATB
• Cutting Angle: 8 deg.
• Kerf (Teeth Thickness): 0.169 in. - 0.217 in. (4.3mm - 5.5mm)
• Plate Thickness: 0.126 in. (3.2mm)
• Blade Material: HW (Hardmetal / Tungsten Carbide Tipped)

Approved Applications

• Industrial conical scoring on panel sizing machines with vertical scoring blade regulation
• Chip-free scoring of melamine-coated panels
• Scoring double-sided laminate sheets
• Panel sizing and scoring for veneered panels and laminated chipboard
• Use with thick-kerf or panel sizing main blades

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of panels is this scoring blade designed to cut?

This conical scoring blade is designed for melamine and laminates, including double-sided laminated panels, veneered panels, and laminated chipboard. The CO + 5ATB tooth geometry is specifically suited to these surface-sensitive materials where tearout or chipping on the panel face is unacceptable.

How does the adjustable kerf range work and why does it matter?

The kerf adjusts between 4.3mm and 5.5mm (0.169 in. - 0.217 in.) by spreading or closing the conical blade body. This allows the scored groove to be precisely matched to the kerf width of the main panel sizing blade being used. When the scoring kerf equals the main blade kerf, the scored groove is fully contained within the main blade's cut path, producing a clean edge on both faces of the panel.

What machines is this scoring blade compatible with?

This blade is suggested for panel sizing machines that feature vertical regulation of the scoring blade. The 180mm diameter and 45mm bore are sized for that class of industrial panel sizing equipment. Always verify that your machine's arbor, bore size, and scoring unit adjustment range match the blade specifications before installation.

Should this blade be used alone or paired with a main saw blade?

This is a scoring blade intended to be used in combination with a thick-kerf or panel sizing main saw blade. The scoring blade pre-cuts a shallow groove on the underside of the panel just ahead of the main blade, preventing tearout on the laminate surface. It is not intended for use as a standalone ripping or crosscutting blade.