Cutting Data (Updated)
Cutting Data (Updated)
Cutting Data
Tables on the following pages provide basic speed, feed and cutting data for some
of the materials commonly used for prototypes. Use the tool manufacturer’s data
instead whenever it is available
Tip: Never use tools that have been used to machine metal to cut plastic. The sharp
edge of the tool will be compromised and cutting performance and finish will suffer.
A good practice is to keep two sets of tools: one for plastic and one for metal.
Tip: High speed steel cutters work best for plastics. Carbide cutters work better for
aluminum and other metals.
SOLID MOTIONS
Feeding Data
Speed Formula
Milling machine cutting speeds are derived from the following formula:
Speed is the rotational frequency of the tool (Spindle Speed) in revolutions per minute (RPM).
SFM (Surface Feet per Minute) is the speed at which the material moves past the cutting edge (outside
diameter) of the tool in feet per minute. SFM values depend on the tool type, tool material, and material
being machined.
Because cutting tools are defined by their diameter in inches, this formula is rewritten and simplified as
follows:
SOLID MOTIONS
3.82 is a constant derived from 12/π which converts the tool circumference in feet to diameter in inches.
Feed Formula
Cutting feeds are in (IPM) and use the following formula
Feed is the linear feed of the tool through the material in inches per minute.
Speed is the result of the speed formula (Figure 15) in revolutions per minute.
CL is the chip load, or how much material each cutting edge of the tool removes per revolution. Chip
load is sometimes referred to as feed per tooth (FPT) or inches per rev (IPR).
Num Flutes is the number of cutting flutes. (For a twist drill, this value is one.
SOLID MOTIONS
Feed is the linear feed of the tool through the material in inches per minute.
TPI is the threads per inch of the tap. For example, the TPI of a ¼-20 tap is 20
SOLID MOTIONS
The maximum load that the cutting edge of a specific milling cutter
(or indexable insert) can withstand without yielding or having a very
short tool-life.
The chip load is specified in mm/tooth or Inch per tooth (IPT) units.
This property is so helpful because it depends only on the geometry of
the cutting edge and the type of workpiece material. It is independent
of application conditions such as speed or depth of cut. It is convenient for
both the tool suppliers and the users.
• The chip load equals exactly the feed per tooth (Fz) when the radial
depth of cut (Ae) is greater or equal to the cutter radius. As Ae
becomes smaller, the chip load also becomes smaller. Some people
refer to the Fz as if it is the chip load. This is a mistake since it is not
true in all conditions!
• The width of the chip is largest at the point of entry and gradually
gets smaller until it is zero at the point of exit. The chip load is the
maximum value. A related term is Average Chip thickness which is
used for force and power calculations.
•
SOLID MOTIONS
1. Calculate the Chip Thinning factors in order to get the Feed per Tooth.
The Chip Thinning factors ensure that the actual Feed per Tooth [Fz}
will maintain the desired Chip Load according to the tool geometry
and application settings.
2. Radial Chip Thinning Factor [RCTF] –
The radial chip thinning factor should be implemented with the Radial
Depth of Cut [Ae] being smaller than the cutter’s radius. (When Ae is
bigger, the factor is 1). At very small Ae, the factor can be up to 3 times!