CNC Applications

Speed and Feed Calculations for Milling

Calculating RPM for Milling

Operations with HSS Cutters
We use the same basic formula as for turning, except D
is now the cutter diameter:

12 V
N = RPM =
D
Tables 10 through 16 list milling data. Table 6 must be
used for copper alloys.

Example Milling RPM Calculation

Mill 4140 steel with a Brinell hardness of 200 with a
HSS endmill.
From Table 11, page 1047, we find V = 75 fpm, so:

RPM = 12 75 0.5 = 573

Feed Rates for Milling

Feed for milling cutters is usually tabulated as inches per
tooth (ipt), but feed rates on milling machines are
programmed in inches per minute (ipm). The equation on
page 1041 in the Handbook is given as
f m = f t nt N
Where
f m is the feed rate in ipm we want to set the mill at.
f t is the feed rate in inches per tooth, ipt.
nt is the number of teeth on the cutter we are going to
use.
N is the RPM we already calculated.
See Table 15a, pages 1054-1055, for values of f t with
HSS cutters.

Example Milling
Feed Rate Calculation
Mill 4140 steel with a Brinell hardness of 200 with a 4
flute HSS endmill and a depth of cut.
We already calculated the RPM at 573,
From Table 15a, ft = 0.001
f m = 0.001 x 4 x 573 = 2.3 IPM

Feed Rate Concerns

Feed rates for facemill and slotting cutters vary widely.
Slow feed rates give a better finish, but sometimes this
actually dulls the cutter faster than a more rapid feed
rate.
Data for carbide insert milling cutters should be obtained
from the insert manufacturer. Unlike lathe cutters which
are fairly standard, milling cutters vary widely between
manufacturers, so use your manufacturers data.

Calculating RPM for Drilling

Operations with HSS Cutters
The RPM formula for drilling is the same as for turning
and milling, except D is now the drill diameter.
Tables 17-23 lists data for drilling, reaming, and threading.
Note: deeper holes require slower cutting speeds because
the coolant cannot reach the cutting edge effectively.
Feed rates for drilling are given in a paragraph on page
1060. Note that the values are given in inches/revolution
(ipr). If you need ipm, multiply ipr by RPM.

Drilling RPM and

Feed Calculation Example
Drill cold drawn free cutting brass, C36000, with a 1
drill. From Table 23, page 1072, we find V = 175 fpm, so:

RPM = 12 175 1 = 668

From page 1060, the feed would be between 0.007 and
0.015 ipr.
To find ipm, use ipm = Feed x RPM = 0.015 x 668 = 10
ipm