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Request A ToolBasic Chip Load Calculator
Find nominal feed per tooth from a known milling feed and RPM. This is useful when reviewing an existing program or comparing two feed settings on the same cutter. Record the effective number of cutting edges with the result. A feed copied from another cutter can produce a different tooth-feed value even at the same spindle setting.
Used For
Check programmed feed per minute, actual RPM and effective flute count.
Formula
Feed per tooth = feed rate ÷ (RPM × effective flute count).
Chip Load Basic
Enter the values you know. The result is calculated in your browser.
Calculation only. Verify toolmaker data, material grade, engagement, machine limits, workholding and actual cutting conditions before production.
Advanced Chip Load Calculator
Review the additional variables shown in this tool.
Chip Load
Enter the values you know. The result is calculated in your browser.
Calculation only. Verify toolmaker data, material grade, engagement, machine limits, workholding and actual cutting conditions before production.
Recover Tooth Feed From A Program
- Enter programmed linear feed, actual RPM and the effective teeth used by the source convention.
- Select Calculate. Read feed per tooth separately from feed per revolution.
- The advanced panel can compare tooth feed at a reference maximum feed. It does not change the actual feed already entered.
Formula And Units
Feed per tooth = feed rate ÷ (RPM × effective flute count).
Illustrative Calculation
A feed of 1,600 mm/min at 8,000 RPM with four effective flutes gives 0.05 mm/tooth. If the program keeps that feed but halves RPM, nominal chip load doubles to 0.10 mm/tooth.
Nominal Feed Is Not Always Maximum Chip Thickness
Engagement and cutter geometry affect the chip formed at the cutting edge. The simple division reports nominal tooth feed. It does not automatically compensate for radial chip thinning or runout.
Check The Count Of Effective Teeth
Use the effective cutting edges relevant to the operation and toolmaker convention. Do not use the number of inserts carried by a tool body if that differs from the effective teeth specified for the cut.
Check the formula reference or report a result that does not match your calculation.
Calculation Process With Example Values
Illustrative arithmetic only. Select cutting inputs from the applicable tool and material reference.
| Step | Substitution | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Feed Per Tooth | 1,600 ÷ (8,000 × 4) | 0.05 mm/tooth |
Nominal Tooth Feed Has A Defined Scope
The division reports feed per tooth from the entered motion. It does not measure maximum chip thickness or how evenly the teeth share load. Use the chip load guide when engagement, effective teeth or runout make those quantities important.
Formula reference: Sandvik Coromant milling formulas and definitions. Use the exact tool supplier for recommended cutting values.
Chip Load Questions
Why Are Feed Per Tooth And Feed Per Revolution Different?
One describes advance attributed to each effective cutting tooth; the other describes advance during a whole spindle revolution. At the same RPM and linear feed, dividing by four teeth gives one quarter of the per-revolution value.
Does The Calculator Correct For Radial Chip Thinning?
No. Use a toolmaker method for the actual cutter geometry and engagement before changing the source tooth feed. The calculator only divides the entered values.
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