On basis of the application of disk cutters in some representative projects, it is concluded in the paper that the structures and performances of the disc cutters should be optimized in accordance with the ground variations. Under different working conditions, the disc cutters have different failure forms and different manufacture requirements. In homogenous hard rock ground, the cutter rings should have good abraisionresistant capability; in heterogeneous ground, the cutter rings should have good ruptureresistant capability; in  unstable and highly abrasive ground, the cutter bodies should be well protected.