1. What is Cutting Speed?

Cutting speed, also known as surface speed, refers to the speed difference between the cutting tool and the surface of the workpiece. It's typically measured in surface feet per minute (sfm) in imperial units.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cutting speed formula:

Where:

• \( d \) — Diameter of the workpiece or tool (inches)
• \( n \) — Rotational speed (revolutions per minute, rpm)
• \( \pi \) — Mathematical constant pi (~3.1416)

Explanation: The formula converts rotational speed at a given diameter to linear speed at the surface.

3. Importance of Cutting Speed Calculation

Details: Proper cutting speed is crucial for tool life, surface finish, and efficient material removal. Too high speeds cause tool wear, while too low speeds reduce productivity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the diameter in inches and rotational speed in rpm. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the cutting speed in surface feet per minute (sfm).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between cutting speed and feed rate?
A: Cutting speed is the speed at the cutting edge moves relative to the workpiece, while feed rate is how fast the tool advances through the material.

Q2: How does material affect cutting speed?
A: Different materials have recommended cutting speeds. Harder materials generally require slower speeds than softer materials.

Q3: What are typical cutting speeds?
A: For high-speed steel tools: 100 sfm for mild steel, 50-80 sfm for stainless steel, 300+ sfm for aluminum. Carbide tools can run 2-4 times faster.

Q4: How does diameter affect cutting speed?
A: For the same rpm, larger diameters result in higher cutting speeds at the tool's outer edge.

Q5: Can I use this for milling operations?
A: Yes, the same formula applies, where diameter is the cutter diameter and rpm is the spindle speed.