Full slot · 100% engagement
Slotting Calculators
Full-width slotting is the most demanding milling regime: 100% radial engagement, no chip thinning benefit, and poor chip evacuation. These calculators size feed, metal removal rate and power for slotting cuts.
Cutting speed → RPM
n = Vc·1000 / (π·D)Chip load → table feed
vf = fz · z · nMetal removal rate (ae = D)
Q = D · ap · vfSpindle & motor power
P = Q × unit powerFormulas used
Slotting note: at ae = D (100% engagement) hex = fz — there is no chip-thinning gain. Reduce fz 20–40% versus side milling and use through-coolant or air blast for chip evacuation.
Frequently asked questions
Why is slotting harder than side milling?
Each tooth engages for 180° instead of a fraction of the revolution, doubling heat input per tooth and trapping chips in the slot. Reduce feed and speed versus peripheral milling and prioritize chip evacuation.
What is trochoidal milling?
A toolpath strategy that replaces full-width slotting with circular interpolation at small radial engagement — restoring chip thinning, cutting heat and allowing much higher feeds. Use the end milling chip-thinning calculator to size it.