1. What is Feed Rate?

Feed rate is the speed at which the cutter moves through the material, measured in inches per minute (IPM). It's a critical parameter in machining operations that affects tool life, surface finish, and machining time.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the feed rate formula:

Where:

• Chip Load — The amount of material each tooth removes (inches/tooth)
• Teeth — Number of cutting edges on the tool
• RPM — Spindle speed in revolutions per minute

Explanation: The formula calculates how fast the cutter should advance through the material based on tool geometry and spindle speed.

3. Importance of Feed Rate Calculation

Details: Proper feed rate is essential for optimizing machining operations. Too high can damage the tool, too low reduces efficiency and can cause work hardening.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter chip load (from tool manufacturer recommendations), number of teeth on your cutter, and spindle RPM. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical chip load value?
A: Chip load varies by material and tool type. For example, 0.001-0.010 in/tooth for aluminum with carbide end mills.

Q2: How does feed rate affect surface finish?
A: Higher feed rates can produce rougher finishes but increase material removal rate. Optimal feed balances productivity and finish quality.

Q3: What if my tool has variable tooth spacing?
A: The calculation remains the same - use the actual number of cutting edges.

Q4: How does material hardness affect feed rate?
A: Harder materials typically require lower chip loads and thus lower feed rates to maintain tool life.

Q5: Should I use this for plunge milling?
A: No, plunge milling requires different calculations as it's axial rather than radial cutting.