The Feeds and Speeds of CNC cutting

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Tools for Success by Scott Burton

Scott Burton is the sales and marketing manager for Royce//Ayr Cutting Tools. For more info
email: sburton@royceayr.com

As CNC router technology has emerged in the wood industry, there have been many
questions surrounding parameters of feed rate and RPM of tooling. The concepts are fairly
simple, but it is not surprising that many operations struggle with these questions once we
consider all the variables in machines, materials and tools.
In the metal working industry, tooling manufacturers are able to supply exact ‘chip load’
recommendations for every tool. However, steel milling applications are performed with far
fewer variables to consider. Material properties are relatively similar and generally more
consistent throughout the part. Fixturing and ‘hold down’ of parts is usually reliable and
consistent, resulting in minimal vibration or part movement. The existence of flood or misted
coolants also provides a critical advantage for cutting tool performance and longevity.
By comparison, wood machining applications are performed under far less consistent cutting
conditions. Extreme variation in material density and consistency make decisions regarding
cutting parameters very difficult. Furthermore, fixturing and hold down methods are less
consistent, which can lead to increased part/tool vibration or part movement. Very few wood
cutting applications allow for any type of coolant or misting to be used, which makes cutting
speeds a critical factor in preventing heat generation at the cutting edge. There are three
important variables that must be managed to prevent heat generation resulting in reduced tool
life.
The image above illustrates three variables that must be considered.
1) Number or flutes (wings)
2) Feed Rate (feed speed)
3) RPM (spindle speed)
The relationship between these three variables determines ‘chip load,’ which refers to the
actual physical size of chip being cut by each flute. Chip load is a critical factor that will dictate
the quality of cut and the life of the cutting tool.
IMPORTANT FORMULAS:
4) Chip Load = Feed Rate / (RPM x # of flutes)
5) Feed Rate (IMP)= RPM x # of flutes x chip load
6) Speed (RPM) = Feed Rate / (# of cutting edges x chip load).

There are numerous ‘chip load calculators’ available online, which are a useful tool for
machine programmers and operators. However, not all calculators con- sider all the variables
required to make the decision.
An Excel version of a chip load calculator Dedicated to CNC Spiral tooling can be
downloaded from: www.woodworkingcanada.com/spiralchip.
This calculator considers variables such as, depth of cut, tool geometry, and material density
and provides a moderate starting point for a CNC operator.
Obviously all the wood machining inconsistencies listed above make decisions about feed
rate and RPM more difficult than metalworking. We have established that there isn’t always a
black and white recommendation, but rather a set of guidelines that can help a machine
operator or programmer to make an informed decision. A logical process should involve the
following procedures:

1) Assess hold down and machine capabilities

Different machines/vacuum systems can achieve various levels of CFM and spoil
board leakage can vary depending on design and set up. Of course all these factors
constantly change with age, so there is a lot to consider.
2) Consider size of part
Smaller parts that commonly move under cutting pressure can be skin cut or multi-
passed, to reduce the amount of pressure on the part.
3) Select proper tool geometry
Up-shear tools although preferable for tool life reasons, can cause the vacuum to fail
as upward pressure influences the part. Use of a lower ‘helix’ or down-shear geometry
may be the only option in some situations.
4) Decide on depth of cut and number of passes
A rule of machining at a depth no greater than the diameter of the tool is
recommended, but this rule is often broken depending on material density and required
cycle time. However, feed rates must be lower based on cutting depth, which can be
detrimental to tool life. It is often better to do multiple passes at a higher feed rate to
generate less heat on the cutting tool.
5) Start @ lowest recommended feed rate increase incrementally
Extremely low feed rates will cause excessive heat generation and premature tool
failure, but an attempt to run a tool too fast, can cause deflection or eventual tool
breakage. Starting slower for a SHORT testing period is recommended especially for
smaller diameter tools. Increase feed rate by 10 percent until cut quality deteriorates,
parts move, or tool deflection occurs which indicates a feed rate is too fast.
6) Reduce feed rate
approximately 10% or until cut quality is satisfactory, and now you have achieved your
optimal feed rate.
It is important to note that tool manufactures provide MAXIMUM feed rates that appear
on custom drawings and tool etching that should not be exceeded for safety reasons;
however this RPM value should not be assumed to be the optimal feed rate of the tool.
The process explained above will provide better results once all the factors are
considered.

If there are any questions regarding these concepts, contact your tooling or machine
supplier to ensure your machinery and tools are running at optimal feed rates and
RPM. If you require a copy of the ‘chip load calculator’ discussed in this article, feel
free to email me at: sburton@royceayr.com