CNC Material Speeds and Feeds Library

Conservative surface speed and chip load starting points for common materials. Every value is an editorial estimate, not lab calibrated data. Always confirm against your tooling manufacturer.

Aluminum

Aluminum 6061

Milling 300-600 SFM, chip load 0.002-0.004 in/tooth

Steel

Steel 1018 (mild)

Milling 80-150 SFM, chip load 0.001-0.002 in/tooth

Stainless steel

Stainless 304

Milling 50-100 SFM, chip load 0.0008-0.0015 in/tooth

Brass

Brass C360

Milling 200-400 SFM, chip load 0.002-0.004 in/tooth

Plastics

Acrylic (PMMA)

Milling 150-400 SFM, chip load 0.001-0.002 in/tooth

Titanium

Titanium 6Al-4V

Milling 30-80 SFM, chip load 0.0005-0.001 in/tooth

Cast iron

Milling 60-120 SFM, chip load 0.001-0.002 in/tooth