The starting question
Does the number describe one steady cut, a complete part, or the entire order?
For your own project
Which part do you need help with?
Start with what you know. Keep the undecided details open for discussion.
You bring
An idea, a rough sketch or an example of the problem.
We can help explore
Possible shapes, features and a clearer concept to discuss.
Discuss next
What must it do, and which questions matter most?
Keep the volume units visible
For a steady milling cut, removal rate equals axial depth times radial width times table feed. With depths in millimetres and feed in millimetres per minute, the product is cubic millimetres per minute. Divide by 1,000 to express cubic centimetres per minute.
An illustrative 2 mm depth ×5 mm width ×300 mm/min feed removes 3,000 mm³/min, or 3 cm³/min. These are arithmetic inputs, not recommended cutting conditions. Sandvik publishes the same metric equation.
Distinguish turning feed from milling feed
For the turning removal-rate equation, Sandvik uses cutting speed in metres per minute, cutting depth in millimetres and feed per revolution in millimetres per revolution. Their product gives cubic centimetres per minute. Do not substitute a milling table feed in millimetres per minute.
An arithmetic example is 100 m/min ×2 mm depth ×0.2 mm/rev = 40 cm³/min. The equivalent inch equation multiplies surface speed in feet per minute, depth in inches and feed in inches per revolution by 12. The factor 12 converts feet to inches; it is not a machining-efficiency factor. These invented inputs illustrate units only and do not specify a suitable cut.
Do not turn one cut into a delivery promise
At a constant 3 cm³/min, removing 30 cm³ would take 10 minutes in the idealized volume-divided-by-rate model. That example assumes the same removal rate throughout; it excludes entry, exit, air motion, changing engagement and every other operation.
Ask separately about programming, setup, roughing, finishing, tool changes, inspection, outside processing and queue time. A roughing rate alone does not establish complete cycle time, labor, price or delivery.
Ask what supports a power or capability claim
A removal-rate calculation alone does not establish that a proposed cut is suitable. Sandvik’s net-power equation also requires specific cutting force. A motor-power estimate needs the applicable machine and drive information as well.
The inherited TPM calculator uses illustrative material power constants and an 80% drive-efficiency assumption. Those presets have not been independently validated for your process and are not adopted here. Ask the supplier to identify the actual tool, material condition, engagement and machine limits used in its proposal.
Bring this to the review
Your working checklist
Use these prompts to record open questions. Checking a box does not approve a design or manufacturing process. Selections last for this page visit.
References & further reading
- Sandvik Coromant — milling formulas and definitions ↗
- Sandvik Coromant — turning formulas, metric ↗
- Sandvik Coromant — turning formulas, inch ↗
References support the named topic; they do not certify a design, setup or product.
Planning guidance and illustrative examples. Confirm project-specific requirements with the responsible design, manufacturing and quality teams.
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