How do high-speed machining speeds and feed differ from conventional CNC machining?
“There is a big difference,” says Field. “Conventional machining using carbide cutters normally will not exceed 600 surface feet per minute (sfm). Feedrates reach up to 40 inches per minute (ipm) and require high levels of coolant to keep the cutter and workpiece cool, so the tool wear is kept to a minimum. High-speed machining, however, starts at 1,000 sfm and can go up to more than 3,000 sfm with feedrates of 80 to 100 ipm. Using coolant, or compressed air, feedrates can go as high as 1,000 ipm or more.” High Speeds: Does machining at such high speeds warp the workpiece and impact the machining center? According to Field, head dissipation is not a problem in high-speed machining if performed correctly. If the machining speed is causing inferior surface finish or impacting the machining center, the application is not within high-speed tolerances. “From my own experience and collaboration with several applications engineers at Makino,” says Field. “I have a working theory that there ar
