Calculating Cutting Speeds and Feed Rates for CNC

Computer Integrated Manufacturing

Unit 2 CNC Machining

In this lesson
Discuss different Cutting Tools. Calculate Cutting Speeds and Feed Rates. Practice. Download reference materials to share with your students.

Basic Cutting Tools

Center Cutting End Mill

Ball End Mill

Non- Center Cutting End Mill

Indexable Shell Mill

Obtain Reference Charts

Click here to open Cutting Speed Chart. Click here to open Tool Feed Chart. Click here to open Drilling Feed Chart.

Calculating Spindle Speeds

Cutting Speed Obtained From Machinist Handbook

CS x 4 RPM = Diameter
Revolutions per Minutes Tool Diameter

Recommended Cutting Speeds

Milling Speeds for High Speed Steel Tools Material Magnesium Cutting Speed in surface ft/min. 300

Aluminum
Brass and Bronze Copper Cast Iron (Soft)

250
150 100 80

Cast Iron (Hard)

Mild Steel Cast Steel Alloy Steel (Hard) Tool Steel Stainless Steel Titanium High Manganese Steel Note: Double Speed for Carbide Cutting Tools

50
90 80 40 50 60 50 30

Example
What spindle speed should be used to Mill Aluminum with a inch End Mill?
CS x 4 RPM = Diameter

Cutting Speed for Aluminum is 250 surface ft./min.

Example
What spindle speed should be used to Mill Aluminum with a inch End Mill?
CS x 4 RPM = Diameter
Cutting Speed for Aluminum is 250 surface ft./min.

RPM =

250 x 4
.5

= 2000

Your turn, ex. Spindle Speed

What spindle speed should be used to mill Soft Cast Iron with a in. End Mill?
CS x 4 RPM = Diameter
Cutting Speed for Soft Cast Iron is 80 surface ft./min.

RPM =

80 x 4
.250

= 1280

Calculating Feed Rates

Fm = ft x nt x N
Fm = Feed Rate in inches/min. ft = Feed in inches / tooth nt = number of teeth on the tool N = Spindle Speed

Recommended Tool Feed

Tool Feed (in/tooth) Material Magnesium Aluminum Brass and Bronze Copper Cast Iron (Soft) Cast Iron (Hard) Milt Steel Alloy Steel (Hard) Tool Steel Face Mill .005-.020 .005-.020 .004-.020 .004-.010 .004-.016 .004-.010 .004-.010 .004-.010 .004-.008 Side Mill .004-.010 .004-.010 .004-.010 .004-.007 .004-.009 .002-.006 .002-.007 .002-.007 .002-.006 End Mill .005-.010 .005-.010 .005-.010 .004-.008 .004-.008 .002-.006 .002-.010 .002-.006 .002-.006

Stainless Steel
Titanium High Manganese Steel

.004-.008
.004-.008 .004-.008

.002-.006
.002-.006 .002-.006

.002-.006
.002-.006 .002-.006

Note: Double Speed for Carbide Cutting Tools

Example Feed Rate

Calculate the Feed Rate for End Milling Aluminum with a 2 flute, inch HSS end mill.

Fm = ft x nt x N

ft=.005 in. / tooth

Example Feed Rate

Calculate the Feed Rate for End Milling Aluminum with a 2 flute, inch HSS end mill.

Fm = ft x nt x N
ft=.005 in. / tooth
N= = 250 x 4 .5

nt= 2 teeth
= 2000 rpm

Fm = .005 x 2 x 2000
Fm = 20 in/min.

Your turn, ex. Feed Rate

Calculate the Feed Rate for Face Milling Aluminum with a 4 flute, inch HSS end mill.

Fm = ft x nt x N
ft=.005 in. / tooth
N= = 250 x 4 .75

nt= 4 teeth
= 1333.33 rpm

Fm = .005 x 4 x 1333.33
Fm = 26.67 in/min.

Factors That Affect Feed Rates

Power of Spindle Motor Condition of Cutting Tool Depth of Cut Quality of surface finish required Roughing vs. Finish cuts Condition of the machine Strength of Fixture

Tool Feed Rate for Holes

Penetration rate in inches/rev.

Tool Feed Rate (ipm) = ipr x rpm

Feed in inches/min.
Spindle speed in rev./min.
Professional Development Lesson ID Code: 6004

Recommended Drilling Feeds

Drilling Feeds Drill Diameter (in.) Drill Feed Rate (ipr) < .001-.002 .002-.004 - .004 - .007 -1 .007 - .015 >1 .015-.025

Drill Feed Example

What tool feed rate should be used for drilling a .375 inch hole in aluminum? Tool Feed Rate (ipm) = ipr x rpm
250 x4 RPM = .375
Drill feed: - diameter: .004 - .007 2,666 RPM

Tool Feed Rate (ipm) = .005 x 2,666 ipm = 13.33

Your Turn, Ex. Drill Feed

What tool feed rate should be used for drilling a .25 inch hole in copper?
Tool Feed Rate (ipm) = ipr x rpm
100 x4 RPM = .25 Drill feed: - diameter: .004 - .007 1,600 RPM

Tool Feed Rate (ipm) = .004 x 1,600 ipm = 6.4

Special Operations
CS x 4 RPM = Diameter
Other Special Operations require slower speeds:

Reaming to of that used for drilling the material

Counterboring of that used for drilling the material

Countersinking of that used for drilling the material

Tapping (threading) determined by many factors (usually range from 50 to 300 RPM)

Curriculum Alignment:
Unit 2 CNC Machining Section 2.5 Precision Measurement

References:
Kibbe, R.R. & Neely, J.E. & Meyer, R.O. & White, W.T. (2002). Machine Tool Practices, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Oberg, E. & Jones F. D. & Horton, H. L. & Ryffell, H. H. (2000). Machinerys Handbook, 26th ed., New York, NY: Industrial Press Inc.

Credits:
Writer: Ken McDermith
Content Editor: Donna E. Scribner Narration: Donna E. Scribner

PLTW Editor: Ed Hughes

Production: CJ Amarosa Video Production: CJ Amarosa Audio: CJ Amarosa Project Manager: Donna E. Scribner