Material Property Reference
Common workpiece materials for CNC machining: recommended cutting speeds, feed guidance, and chip characteristics. Always confirm with your tool supplier for specific grades and coatings.
Cutting speed recommendations (cemented carbide, dry / flood coolant)
| Material | Typical Vc (m/min) | Feed/tooth (mm) | Chip type | Coolant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (6061, 7075) | 200–600 | 0.05–0.20 | Long, stringy | Flood or MWF |
| Brass / Bronze | 100–300 | 0.05–0.15 | Short, brittle | Optional |
| Mild steel (A36, 1018) | 120–250 | 0.05–0.20 | Continuous ribbon | Flood |
| Alloy steel (4140, 4340) | 100–200 | 0.05–0.18 | Continuous, tough | Flood |
| Stainless 304/316 | 80–150 | 0.04–0.12 | Work-hardening | Abundant flood |
| Stainless 17-4 PH | 70–120 | 0.04–0.10 | Tough, stringy | Flood + air |
| Cast iron (GG25) | 60–150 | 0.08–0.25 | Short, dusty | Dry or air |
| Titanium Ti-6Al-4V | 40–80 | 0.05–0.15 | Springy, hot | High-pressure through-tool |
| Inconel 718 | 30–60 | 0.05–0.12 | Work-hardening | High-pressure coolant |
| Hardened steel (HRC 45–55) | 60–120 (ceramic) | 0.05–0.15 | Discontinuous | Dry or air |
Reading this table
Vc ranges are starting points. Actual cutting speed depends on tool coating (TiN, TiCN, Al2O3, CVD/DVD), tool geometry, machine rigidity, and coolant. Always start at the lower end and increase.
Feed per tooth (fz) ranges. For finishing, use the lower end (0.03–0.08 mm). For roughing, use higher (0.10–0.25 mm). Stainless and titanium need consistent feed to avoid work hardening — never rub.
Coolant strategy: aluminum benefits from flood to prevent built-up edge. Stainless needs high flow to flush chips and cool the cutting edge. Titanium needs high-pressure through-spindle coolant to break the heat zone.