Milling Speeds and Feeds Chart
Use this milling speeds and feeds chart as a starting table for CNC and manual milling. It focuses on carbide end mills, SFM, chip load by diameter, and the feed rate formula used by most milling calculators.
Milling feeds and speeds 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
Milling setup notes
For peripheral milling with radial width of cut below 50% of the tool diameter, radial chip thinning may require a higher programmed chip load. For full-slotting, weak machines, or long tool overhang, use the low end of the chart and reduce the feed.
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 difference between feed per tooth and feed speed?
Feed per tooth, or chip load, is the chip thickness each flute takes. Feed speed is the machine table feed in IPM or mm/min after multiplying chip load by RPM and flute count.
Should I use the high or low end of the SFM range?
Use the low end for roughing, hard material, long stickout, manual machines, or interrupted cuts. Use higher values only when toolholder, coolant, chip evacuation, and rigidity are good.
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.