The tangential cutting force is what the spindle pushes against and what tries to deflect the tool. It follows directly from horsepower and cutting speed.
What the variables mean
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Force | Tangential cutting force (pounds) |
| HP | Spindle horsepower at the cut |
| SFM | Cutting speed (surface feet per minute) |
| 33,000 | ft·lbf per minute in one horsepower |
Worked example
FAQ
Why does cutting force matter beyond just tool wear? Cutting force directly affects workpiece deflection, fixture design requirements, and machine spindle loading, so understanding expected force helps predict whether a thin-walled part will deflect or a lightweight fixture will hold securely.
Does cutting force scale linearly with depth of cut? Roughly yes for a fixed feed and speed, cutting force scales close to linearly with depth of cut and width of cut, which is part of why material removal rate is a useful proxy for expected cutting force.
Run it instantly with the Cutting Force calculator in Material & Weight.