CNC Feed Rate Calculator
Calculate optimal CNC feed rates and spindle speeds for any material and tool combination. Uses chip load formulas for wood, aluminium, acrylic, and more.
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Calculate optimal spindle RPM, feed speed, and chip load per tooth.
How to Use
Select material
Choose the material you are cutting (wood, aluminium, acrylic, etc.).
Enter tool info
Enter the cutter diameter (mm or inch), number of flutes, and machine type.
Get recommended settings
Get the recommended spindle speed (RPM), feed rate (mm/min), and chip load.
Understanding CNC Feed Rate Calculation
The correct feed rate and spindle speed are critical for CNC machining. Too slow, and you rub the material rather than cutting it — generating heat and dulling your bit. Too fast, and you overload the tool, risking breakage and poor surface quality.
The fundamental formula is: Feed Rate = RPM × Flutes × Chip Load. This calculator provides recommended chip loads for common materials and calculates the resulting feed rate for your specific tool and spindle speed.
Real-World Examples & Use Cases
New Material Setup
Before cutting a new material for the first time, use this calculator to get starting parameters and avoid breaking bits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chip load?▼
What happens if feed rate is too low?▼
What happens if feed rate is too high?▼
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