🔧 Chip Load Calculator
Set chip load, feed, RPM, and cut time for common machining jobs
| Material | SFM | Chip Load | Flutes |
|---|
| Tool | Flutes | Best Use | Max RPM |
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| Preset | Material | RPM / Feed | Time |
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| Dia | 1000 SFM | 1500 SFM | 2000 SFM |
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The chip load shows the maximum depth of cut for every tooth on a milling cutter. This measure does not depend on the speed, the feed rate or the amount of edges. It points how hard the knife works.
Calculator for chip load is useful for commonly needed math during cutting. Such tools help also to extend the life of knives, for better surface and for bigger impact. Use it to improve the removal of material.
What Is Chip Load and How to Find It
Chip load is the highest value of the cut. It is largest at the start and gets smaller until zero at the end. Rotating knife that cuts against the feed direction, forms chip that starts thin when the edge starts to cut and ends thicker when it exits.
You can measure and count that chip load. Related idea is the average thickness of cut, used for math of power and forces.
For count chip load simplest is share the feed rate in inches or millimeters by means of the product of RPM and amount of edges. For instance, a 2 flute knife with 90 inches per minute in 18,000 RPM has chip load of 0.00250. A 3 flute knife with same step and RPM reaches 0.00167.
Chip load can also be used to find the feed rate: it equals to RPM times chip load each tooth times number of edges.
Simple calculator of chip load leaves the user enter values as feed rate, amount of edges on the knife and spindle rotation. It gives the chip load and a graphic that shows it compared to the right range for the diameter of the knife and the worked material. Such resource gives basic guide for shank tools, where the cutting depth matches the cutting diameter.
The chart suggests typical chip load starting range according to diameter and material type. It well helps to start before fine set the process. For accuracy in CNC cutting enter diameter of knife, spindle rotation and feed rate.
