Chip Loads
The chip load is a measurement of the thickness of material removed by each cutting edge during a cut. This is a valuable piece of information which can then be used to calculate new setups.
Calculations are as follows: Chip Load = Feed Rate (inches per-minute) / (RPM x number of flutes).
Example: Chip Load = 500 inches per minute / (15,000 RPM x 2 flutes) Chip Load = .017"
Chip loads are based on material thickness of average size for the cutting edge length of tool. These recommendations do not apply to thicker material or tools with long cutting edge lengths. These chiploads are only a recommended starting point and may not accommodate all circumstances. Therefore, tooling damage may still occur and use of this chart does not warranty against tool breakage.
We would strongly encourage you to consult us directly on new tool applications. Our staff are happy to discuss any technical questions by phone or e-mail.
Chip Load Chart
|
Tool Diameter
|
Hard Wood
|
Soft Plywood
|
MDF/Particle Board
|
High Pressure Laminate**
|
Phenolic**
|
| 1/8" |
.003" - .005" |
.004" - .006" |
.004" - .007" |
.003" - .005" |
.004" - .005" |
| 1/4" |
.009" - .011" |
.011" - .013" |
.013" - .016" |
.009" - .012" |
.011" - .012" |
| 3/8" |
.015" - .018" |
.017" - .020" |
.020" - .023" |
.015" - .018" |
.017" - .018" |
| 1/2" and up |
0.19" - .021" |
.021" - .023" |
.025" - .027" |
.023" - .025" |
.024" - .026" |
** Recommended RPM 9 - 10,000
|
Tool Diameter
|
Hard Plastic
|
Soft Plastic
|
Solid Surface
|
Acrylic
|
Aluminium
|
| 1/8" |
.002" - .004" |
.003" - .006" |
.002" - .004" |
.003" - .005" |
.003" - .004" |
| 1/4" |
.006" - .009" |
.007" - .010" |
.006" - .009" |
.008" - .010" |
.005" - .007" |
| 3/8" |
.008" - .010" |
.010" - .012" |
.008" - .010" |
.010" - .012" |
.006" - .008" |
| 1/2" and up |
0.10" - .012" |
.012" - .016" |
.010" - .012" |
.012" - .015" |
.008" - .010" |
Other Valuable Formulae:
Feed Rate = RPM x number of flutes x chip load
RPM = Feed rate / (number of flutes x chip load)
Metric Conversion: divide inches per minute by 39.374 (ex. 300 inches per minute divided by 39.374 = 7.62 metres per minute)
RPM Selection
The general operating RPM for tooling contained in this catalogue is between 10,000 and 20,000 revolutions per minute. Usually, the higher the RPM, the better surface finish becomes. However, the higher the RPM, the higher the friction generated between the tool and the work piece. This friction is what creates the mechanical wear on the cutting edge. Your goal is to select the lowest RPM possible for each appliction.
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