CNC machining material and cutting speed guide
Quick decisions for cutting speed, feed, and tool life when machining steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium.
This guide is prepared for quick engineering review. Critical design decisions still require the relevant standard, supplier data, and engineering approval.
Problem / Objective
The same geometry behaves very differently across materials. Wrong cutting speed can harm tool wear, surface finish, and dimensional stability.
Assumptions
- Tool supplier data is used as the starting point.
- Machine rigidity and clamping are adequate.
- Cooling or lubrication strategy is selected.
Step by step method
- Write material group and hardness.
- Choose tool material and coating.
- Start speed and feed from supplier ranges.
- Watch chips, temperature, and finish on a trial part.
- Adjust gradually based on tool life.
Common mistakes
- Using aluminum parameters on stainless steel.
- Ignoring clamping rigidity.
- Tracking tool wear only by time.
Related calculators
Related glossary terms
Quick FAQ
Question: How is cutting speed selected?
Start from supplier ranges based on material, tool, coating, and coolant condition.
Question: Why is titanium hard to machine?
Low thermal conductivity keeps heat near the tool edge and accelerates wear.
Question: How can surface finish improve?
Rigid clamping, correct feed, sharp tooling, and stable coolant are needed together.
Related engineering links
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Calculators
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Summary of coating types and corrosion protection.
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Material Cards
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Practical references for seals and sealing elements.
Guides
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Glossary
CNC
CNC is a core engineering term. Definition, usage notes, and a practical example.
Machining
Machining is a core engineering term. Definition, usage notes, and a practical example.
ASTM
ASTM is a core engineering term. Definition, usage notes, and a practical example.
Density
Density is a core engineering term. Definition, usage notes, and a practical example.