Mechanics · Machining

Milling feed rate, chip load and spindle speed

Choose the unknown quantity and enter the other three parameters. The core relation links table feed to spindle speed, active tooth count and chip load.

Created Sep 16, 2026v1.0

By Thibaut Grzelak, Mechanical Analysis Engineer

Machining

Results

Table feed

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Programmed linear table feed per minute.

Spindle speed

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Rotational speed of the cutter or spindle.

Tooth count

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Theoretical tooth count used by the feed relation.

Chip load

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Feed per active tooth per revolution.

Relation and numerical substitutionVf = n · z · fz

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The considered teeth carry the same average chip load. The tooth count should represent the active teeth relevant to the operation. The result is a kinematic relation; cutter, machine, workholding and material limits must be checked separately.

01Formulas and symbols

Formulas used

Vfn · z · fzTable feed

nVf / (z · fz)Spindle speed

zVf / (n · fz)Theoretical tooth count

fzVf / (n · z)Chip load

02Assumptions and limits

Scope of validity

The considered teeth carry the same average chip load.
The tooth count should represent the active teeth relevant to the operation.
The result is a kinematic relation; cutter, machine, workholding and material limits must be checked separately.

03Validation example

Reference numerical case

n = 1,500 rpm, z = 4 and fz = 0.05 mm/tooth.
Vf = 1,500 × 4 × 0.05 = 300 mm/min.

04References

Technical references

Milling feed kinematic relation Vf = n·z·fz.
Use cutter-manufacturer recommendations to select chip load.