What Is Cutter Speed?

Cutting speed is the speed in linear feet per minute or "Surface Feet per Minute" (SFM) that a given tooth (flute) on the cutter will be moving when it cuts through the material. All materials have a documented SFM or "cutting speed".

What is meant by cutting speed?

Cutting speed is defined as the speed at which the work moves with respect to the tool (usually measured in feet per minute). Feed rate is defined as the distance the tool travels during one revolution of the part. Cutting speed and feed determines the surface finish, power requirements, and material removal rate.

How do you determine cutting speed?

The following equation is used to calculate spindle speed: rpm = sfm ÷ diameter × 3.82, where diameter is the cutting tool diameter or the part diameter on a lathe in inches, and 3.82 is a constant that comes from an algebraic simplifica-tion of the more complex formula: rpm = (sfm × 12) ÷ (diameter × π).