5 Differences Between Cutting Speed from Feed Rate
Like plastic injection moldingin China, CNC machining is computer-driven and requires minimal human intervention. However, getting it right requires understanding the machine’s moving speed and shearing capability. Simply put, we must identify the CNC machine’s cutting speed and feed rate.
Here at HLH Prototypes, we will work closely with you to help you understand both factors and how they can impact your CNC-machined parts. Feed rate and cutting speed simultaneously work during CNC machining, but there are key differences you should know, such as:
- Cutting speed
Cutting speed is the tool’s speed for cutting the workpiece. It’s also called surface speed because it’s the relative velocity between the workpiece surface and the cutting tool. Every material has an optimum cutting speed and specific machining conditions, and when configured correctly, we can guarantee accurate CNC machined parts.
- Feed rate
In plastic injection moldingin China, the feed rate is essential for consistently accurate proportions for recipe components before pelletization or end-product manufacturing. In CNC machining, it’s how far the tool travels in one revolution of a spindle. Thus, it’s the velocity at which we feed the cutter.
- Cutting speed factors
Here at HLH Prototypes, we consider these factors in determining the optimum cutting speed for your project:
- The material we’re cutting: CNC lathes work with many materials of varying hardness and thickness. Soft materials require a cutting tool that does the job quickly and accurately with high cutting speed. On the other hand, h4 and durable materials require slow speeds.
- The cutting tool’s material: Lathe tools can be made from hard or soft materials, and their strength can impact the cutting speed.
- Tool life: Tool life defines the period when the cutting tool can work efficiently.
- Effect on CNC machining
Feed rate has minimal effect on the CNC machining process, but it’s still necessary for a perfectly finished workpiece.
- Feed rate factors
Our machinists consider these factors to regulate the workpiece’s optimum value:
- Type of tool: We base this on the type of material.
- Surface finishing: A higher feed rate means a rougher surface, so we can slow it down for a smoother finish.
- TPI: Thread per inch is equal to the feed rate. We increase the feed rate when we change the range of the thread pitch on the screws involved.
- Cut width: When it’s less than half a diameter, the chip may thin and lead to manufacturing defects.
Talk to HLH Prototypes’ experts.
Whether you need CNC machining or plastic injection molding in China, our experts are ready to help. Start with your free project review today, or chat with one of our project managers here.