Typical CNC Cycle Times
"Rule of Thumb" benchmarks for estimation. Use these numbers to validation-check your CAM outputs or build quick quotes.
Calculate Exact Cycle Time
Don't guess. Use our calculator to compute exact Cut Time + Rapid Time + Tool Changes based on your specific parameters.
Non-Cutting Operations (Auxiliary)
These "fixed costs" per cycle apply regardless of material. They often account for 20-30% of total cycle time.
| Operation | Standard VMC | High-Speed VMC | Horizontal (HMC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tool Change (Chip-to-Chip) | 4.0 - 8.0 sec | 1.5 - 3.0 sec | 2.0 - 5.0 sec |
| Spindle Spool Up/Down | 3.0 - 5.0 sec | 1.0 - 2.0 sec | 2.0 - 4.0 sec |
| Pallet Change | N/A | N/A | 8.0 - 15.0 sec |
| Rapid Positioning (Avg) | ~1000 IPM | ~2000 IPM | ~2400 IPM |
Drilling Benchmarks (Aluminum)
Estimates for drilling 1.0 inch deep in 6061 Aluminum.
HSS Drill (Pecking)
Standard Jobber Drill
Includes retracts
Carbide Drill (Thru-Coolant)
High Performance (3xD)
One shot. No peck.
Tapping Benchmarks (Rigid Tap)
Estimates for tapping 0.5 inch deep. Speed limited by machine reversal/acceleration.
| Tap Size | RPM | Total Cycle (In + Out) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4-20 | 1000 | ~2.5 sec | Standard Production |
| 1/2-13 | 500 | ~4.0 sec | Torque limited |
| M3 x 0.5 | 2000 | ~1.5 sec | High Speed / Form Tap |
Material Removal Rates (MRR) Targets
Target MRR for roughing operations (Aluminum). How fast can you remove 1 lb of material?
Standard VMC
CAT40 / 10-15 HP
Cubic Inches / Min
Performance VMC
CAT40 / 30 HP / 12k
High Efficiency Milling
Aerospace Horizontal
CAT50 / 80 HP
Beast Mode