Stainless steel
Stainless 304 Speeds and Feeds
Work hardens easily. Keep a steady feed and adequate coolant to avoid rubbing.
Milling Stainless 304
Power is a rough estimate using the material unit power factor. Verify against your spindle rating.
Spindle speed
- RPM
Feed rate
- IPM
Material removal rate
- in3/min
Approx. spindle power
- HP
Editorial estimate only
These are conservative starting points, not a guarantee. Verify against manufacturer tooling data and your machine manual. Confirm spindle power, workholding and coolant before cutting.
Drilling Stainless 304
Spindle speed
- RPM
Feed rate
- IPM
Editorial estimate only
These are conservative starting points, not a guarantee. Verify against manufacturer tooling data and your machine manual. Confirm spindle power, workholding and coolant before cutting.
Stainless 304 reference values
Editorial estimates for illustration. Start on the low end and adjust to your tooling and machine.
| Operation | Surface speed | Chip load / feed | Unit power (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milling | 50-100 SFM (15-30 m/min) | 0.0008-0.0015 in/tooth (0.020-0.038 mm/tooth) | 1.3 HP per in3/min |
| Drilling | 40-70 SFM (12-21 m/min) | 0.002-0.004 in/rev (0.051-0.102 mm/rev) |
Frequently asked questions
What surface speed should I use for Stainless 304?
A conservative milling range is 50-100 SFM (15-30 m/min). Coated carbide can run higher; HSS should stay on the low end.
What chip load should I use for Stainless 304?
A typical milling chip load is 0.0008-0.0015 in/tooth (0.020-0.038 mm/tooth). Use the low end for small or fragile cutters and increase only as your setup allows.
Are these values safe to cut with?
These are starting points, not a guarantee. Always verify against your tooling manufacturer data and machine manual, and confirm spindle power, workholding and coolant before cutting.