Physical floor calculator

Minimum Chip Thickness: Will the Tool Cut or Plough?

Published micro-milling research puts minimum chip thickness at roughly 15 to 50 per cent of the tool’s cutting edge radius, varying by material. Enter the edge radius and the chip you intend to take, and the calculator returns that band instead of a single flattering number.

Cutting edge radius of the micro tool, in micrometres

Commercial carbide micro-tools are reported at 0.8 µm to 5 µm. If your supplier has not stated it, assume the upper end.

Intended chip thickness per tooth, in micrometres

This is the chip the tool actually takes, not the depth of the pocket.

Material behaviour

The research reports a band across materials rather than a value per grade, so the tool refuses to invent one.

Where your chip sits

0 µm4 µm

Shaded band = the 15 to 50 per cent minimum chip zone for your edge radius. The dark line = the chip you entered.

Minimum Chip Thickness: Will the Tool Cut or Plough?

Cutting edge radius of the micro tool, in micrometres

Intended chip thickness per tooth, in micrometres

Material behaviour

Where your chip sits

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