Carbide End Mill Cutting Parameters
This chart summarizes carbide end mill cutting parameters: cutting speed, chip load, spindle speed, feed rate, and setup adjustments for common materials.
Carbide end mill cutting parameters table
| Material | Group | SFM | 1/8" | 3/16" | 1/4" | 3/8" | 1/2" | 5/8" | 3/4" | 1" |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum 440/356/380/C61300 | Cast aluminum / aluminum bronze family | 500-1000 | 0.001 | 0.002 | 0.002 | 0.003 | 0.004 | 0.005 | 0.006 | 0.007 |
| Aluminum 2024/6061/7075 | Wrought aluminum alloys | 800-1500 | 0.001 | 0.002 | 0.002 | 0.003 | 0.004 | 0.005 | 0.006 | 0.007 |
| Yellow / high-lead / red brass | Copper alloys | 800-1500 | 0.001 | 0.001 | 0.002 | 0.0025 | 0.003 | 0.004 | 0.004 | 0.005 |
| Gray cast iron | Ductile / gray cast iron | 100-400 | 0.0005 | 0.001 | 0.002 | 0.003 | 0.004 | 0.005 | 0.006 | 0.008 |
| Low alloy steel 10XX/11XX/13XX | Carbon / low alloy steel | 100-300 | 0.0005 | 0.001 | 0.0015 | 0.002 | 0.003 | 0.004 | 0.005 | 0.006 |
| Austenitic stainless 304/316 | Stainless steel | 100-250 | 0.0001 | 0.0002 | 0.0005 | 0.001 | 0.0015 | 0.002 | 0.003 | 0.004 |
| Titanium 6Al-4V and CP Ti | Titanium alloys | 50-250 | 0.0005 | 0.0005 | 0.0005 | 0.001 | 0.001 | 0.0015 | 0.002 | 0.004 |
| Inconel / Hastelloy nickel-base | Nickel alloys | 40-60 | 0.0005 | 0.0005 | 0.001 | 0.001 | 0.002 | 0.0025 | 0.003 | 0.004 |
End mill RPM and feed calculator
Parameter checklist
- SFM controls heat and tool wear.
- Chip load controls chip thickness and rubbing.
- RPM comes from SFM and diameter.
- Feed rate comes from RPM, chip load, and flute count.
- DOC/WOC must be adjusted for horsepower, rigidity, and chip evacuation.
FAQ
Are these chart values final production recommendations?
No. They are starting values for planning. Use the specific cutting tool manufacturer data, workholding condition, coolant method, and machine limits before running production parts.
Why do different speed and feed charts disagree?
Charts assume different tool materials, coatings, tool life targets, rigidity, coolant, radial engagement, and material hardness. A generic chart should be adjusted to the actual tool and setup.
What is the most important carbide end mill parameter?
SFM and chip load must be chosen together. High RPM with too little chip load can rub and overheat; high chip load with weak fixturing can chatter or break the tool.
Do these parameters work for every carbide end mill?
No. Variable helix, roughers, high-feed tools, coatings, corner radii, and manufacturer geometry can require different data. Use the toolmaker chart when available.
Data sources and limits
These charts are starting values only. Actual speeds and feeds depend on tool geometry, coating, holder rigidity, coolant, chip evacuation, radial width of cut, axial depth of cut, material hardness, and machine power.
- Sandvik Coromant: milling definitions for cutting speed, spindle speed, feed per tooth, feed per minute, MRR, cutting force, and power.
- Kennametal: RPM, IPM, chip-load, and SFM formulas.
- Harvey Tool: general carbide end mill SFM and chip-load tables.
- Norseman Drill & Tool: HSS drill speed and feed rules of thumb.
- LittleMachineShop: turning, milling, drilling, and reaming cutting speed tables.