CNC Chip Load Calculator
Calculate optimal chip load per tooth, verify your feed rates, or find material-specific recommendations. Prevent tool rubbing and breakage with accurate chip load calculations.
Calculate Chip Load
💡 Quick Guide
Mode 1: Calculate Chip Load
Enter current feed rate and RPM to verify chip load is optimal
Mode 2: Calculate Feed Rate
Enter desired chip load to find required feed rate
Mode 3: Optimize
Select material for recommended chip load range
⚠️ Critical: Chip load below 0.02 mm causes tool rubbing. Above 0.25 mm risks breakage.
Understanding Chip Load
Chip load is the thickness of material each cutting edge removes per revolution. It is one of the most critical parameters in CNC machining, directly affecting tool life, surface finish, and machining efficiency.
Formula
Chip Load (mm/tooth) = Feed Rate (mm/min) / (RPM × Number of Flutes)Example: Feed = 2000 mm/min, RPM = 8000, Flutes = 4
Chip Load = 2000 / (8000 × 4) = 0.0625 mm/tooth
Why Chip Load Matters
- •Too Low (<0.02 mm): Tool rubs instead of cuts, causing excessive heat and rapid wear
- •Optimal (0.05-0.15 mm): Proper chip formation carries heat away, maximizing tool life
- •Too High (>0.25 mm): Excessive cutting forces risk tool breakage
Material-Specific Guidelines
| Material | Roughing (mm/tooth) | Finishing (mm/tooth) |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Soft) | 0.08 - 0.15 | 0.05 - 0.10 |
| Low Carbon Steel | 0.05 - 0.10 | 0.03 - 0.06 |
| Stainless 304/316 | 0.05 - 0.10 | 0.03 - 0.06 |
| Titanium Ti-6Al-4V | 0.02 - 0.05 | 0.01 - 0.03 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Chip load is the thickness of material each cutting tooth removes per revolution, measured in mm/tooth or inch/tooth. It is critical because: 1) Too low chip load causes the tool to rub instead of cut, generating excessive heat and rapid wear without efficiently removing material. 2) Optimal chip load ensures proper chip formation that carries heat away from the cutting zone, extending tool life. 3) Too high chip load risks tool breakage from excessive cutting forces. Chip load is calculated as: Chip Load = Feed Rate / (RPM × Number of Flutes). For example, at 2000 mm/min feed, 8000 RPM, with 4 flutes: Chip Load = 2000 / (8000 × 4) = 0.0625 mm/tooth, which is optimal for aluminum.