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How to calculate cutting parameters in sheet metal processing
Category：answer Publishing time：2025-11-01 01:16:27 Browse： Times
In the process of sheet metal processing, the reasonable selection of cutting parameters is of great significance for improving processing efficiency, ensuring processing quality, and extending the tool life. Cutting parameters mainly include cutting speed, feed rate, and cutting depth, which collectively affect the cutting force, cutting temperature, and surface quality during the processing process. This article will briefly introduce how to scientifically calculate and select these cutting parameters in sheet metal processing.
1. Calculation of Cutting Speed
The cutting speed (Vc) refers to the linear velocity at which the main cutting edge of the tool contacts the workpiece, usually measured in meters per minute (m/min). It is one of the key factors affecting the thermal effects of the cutting process and the wear of the tool.
The calculation formula for cutting speed is:
Vc = π × D × n / 1000
Among which:
- Vc: Cutting speed (m/min)
- D: Tool diameter (mm)
- n: Spindle speed (r/min)
In actual processing, the appropriate cutting speed can be determined by consulting the cutting manual or using empirical formulas based on the characteristics of the tool material (such as high-speed steel, hard alloy, etc.) and the material being processed (such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, etc.).
2. Selection of Feed Rate
Feed rate (f) refers to the distance the workpiece moves relative to the tool per revolution of the tool, with the unit of millimeters per revolution (mm/r). It directly affects the roughness of the processing surface and production efficiency.
The feed rate is generally selected based on the following factors:
- Material hardness: The harder the material, the smaller the feed rate should be reduced;
- Tool strength: When the tool rigidity is poor, the feed rate should be reduced to avoid vibration;
- Surface quality requirements: High-precision processing requires a smaller feed rate;
Generally, the selection range of feed rate is between 0.05 to 0.3 mm/r, and the specific value can be determined through experiments or by referring to the cutting parameter table.
3. Determination of Cutting Depth
Cutting depth (ap) refers to the depth of the tool entering the workpiece surface, with the unit of millimeters (mm). Its size determines the amount of material removed each time, affecting the cutting load and machine tool power.
In sheet metal processing, due to the thinness of the material and the majority of stamping, shearing, and other processes, the cutting depth is generally small, usually between 0.5 to 2 mm. The cutting depth should be reasonably selected according to the machine tool power, workpiece material, and processing allowance to avoid excessive cutting force causing workpiece deformation or tool damage.
4. Comprehensive Consideration and Parameter Optimization
In practical applications, the aforementioned three parameters are not isolated from each other but are interrelated. For example, increasing the cutting speed may require reducing the feed rate to control the cutting temperature; increasing the cutting depth requires considering the machine tool rigidity and tool strength.
Therefore, it is recommended to conduct a trial cutting experiment before actual processing, and make fine adjustments to the cutting parameters in combination with the processing effect (such as surface quality, chip shape, and tool wear) to achieve the best processing effect.
In addition, with the development of numerical control technology, modern processing equipment is often equipped with automatic parameter optimization functions, which can automatically recommend cutting parameters according to materials, tool types, and processing methods, greatly improving processing efficiency and stability.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct calculation and selection of cutting parameters is a key link to achieve efficient and high-quality processing in sheet metal processing. Operators should flexibly adjust the three elements of cutting according to material properties, equipment performance, and processing requirements, thereby improving the overall processing level. At the same time, accumulating experience and utilizing advanced technical means will help further optimize cutting parameters and promote the continuous progress of sheet metal processing technology.
In the process of sheet metal processing, the reasonable selection of cutting parameters is of great significance for improving processing efficiency, ensuring processing quality, and extending the tool life. Cutting parameters mainly include cutting speed, feed rate, and cutting depth, which collectively affect the cutting force, cutting temperature, and surface quality during the processing process. This article will briefly introduce how to scientifically calculate and select these cutting parameters in sheet metal processing.
1. Calculation of Cutting Speed
The cutting speed (Vc) refers to the linear velocity at which the main cutting edge of the tool contacts the workpiece, usually measured in meters per minute (m/min). It is one of the key factors affecting the thermal effects of the cutting process and the wear of the tool.
The calculation formula for cutting speed is:
Vc = π × D × n / 1000
Among which:
- Vc: Cutting speed (m/min)
- D: Tool diameter (mm)
- n: Spindle speed (r/min)
In actual processing, the appropriate cutting speed can be determined by consulting the cutting manual or using empirical formulas based on the characteristics of the tool material (such as high-speed steel, hard alloy, etc.) and the material being processed (such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, etc.).
2. Selection of Feed Rate
Feed rate (f) refers to the distance the workpiece moves relative to the tool per revolution of the tool, with the unit of millimeters per revolution (mm/r). It directly affects the roughness of the processing surface and production efficiency.
The feed rate is generally selected based on the following factors:
- Material hardness: The harder the material, the smaller the feed rate should be reduced;
- Tool strength: When the tool rigidity is poor, the feed rate should be reduced to avoid vibration;
- Surface quality requirements: High-precision processing requires a smaller feed rate;
Generally, the selection range of feed rate is between 0.05 to 0.3 mm/r, and the specific value can be determined through experiments or by referring to the cutting parameter table.
3. Determination of Cutting Depth
Cutting depth (ap) refers to the depth of the tool entering the workpiece surface, with the unit of millimeters (mm). Its size determines the amount of material removed each time, affecting the cutting load and machine tool power.
In sheet metal processing, due to the thinness of the material and the majority of stamping, shearing, and other processes, the cutting depth is generally small, usually between 0.5 to 2 mm. The cutting depth should be reasonably selected according to the machine tool power, workpiece material, and processing allowance to avoid excessive cutting force causing workpiece deformation or tool damage.
4. Comprehensive Consideration and Parameter Optimization
In practical applications, the aforementioned three parameters are not isolated from each other but are interrelated. For example, increasing the cutting speed may require reducing the feed rate to control the cutting temperature; increasing the cutting depth requires considering the machine tool rigidity and tool strength.
Therefore, it is recommended to conduct a trial cutting experiment before actual processing, and make fine adjustments to the cutting parameters in combination with the processing effect (such as surface quality, chip shape, and tool wear) to achieve the best processing effect.
In addition, with the development of numerical control technology, modern processing equipment is often equipped with automatic parameter optimization functions, which can automatically recommend cutting parameters according to materials, tool types, and processing methods, greatly improving processing efficiency and stability.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct calculation and selection of cutting parameters is a key link to achieve efficient and high-quality processing in sheet metal processing. Operators should flexibly adjust the three elements of cutting according to material properties, equipment performance, and processing requirements, thereby improving the overall processing level. At the same time, accumulating experience and utilizing advanced technical means will help further optimize cutting parameters and promote the continuous progress of sheet metal processing technology.
