Factors affecting cutting speed, feed and depth of cut

 In general, the cutting parameters are determined by the following factors:

1. Kind of material being cut

    The harder the material, the more force required to cut and more rapid wear on the tool. For this reason, hard materials are to be machined at lower cutting speeds and smaller feed s than soft materials.

2. Kind of tool material

    An increase in cutting speed will result in more intensive heat generation. So that more heat resistant tool materials should be used when machining at high cutting speed. Carbide tools can be operated near to 6 time higher cutting speed than that of HSS. Plain carbon steels and alloy steel tool materials are only suited for low cutting speed tools like hand cutting tools.

3. Tool geometry

    A change in the chief angles of the cutting tool will correspondingly change the forces due to the cutting action as well as the conditions for heat transmission through the cutting elements of the tool. A low positive rake angle or a negative rake provide a strong cutting edge and is suited for carbide tools to operate at high speed to cut hard materials. A high positive rake provide keen cutting edge and is suited for HSS tools operating at low speed to cut soft materials.

4. The type of finish desired

    In general high cutting speeds and fine feeds give the best finish

5. Rigidity of the machine

    No work should be done at speeds and feeds that cause vibration in the machine.

6. Type of coolant used

    A more efficient cutting fluid allow high cutting speed and large feeds and increased productivity.