Carbon and alloy steel cutting data depend on the exact material condition and cutter, so a single speed-and-feed number is not universal. This reference is deliberately limited to Kennametal short, three-flute solid-carbide end mills in KC633M and the manufacturer’s lower-hardness steel group: below 286 HB and 30 HRC. The listed feed values change with cutter diameter and operation.

Choose the right column for the cut

Profiling and slotting are different engagements. A full slot engages the cutter across its diameter and loads more of the cutting edge. Kennametal therefore provides separate per-tooth feed values and directs a 20% speed reduction for slotting. The table applies that reduction to the catalog’s 100–140 m/min starting range. The slot axial depth is shown as one-half the cutter diameter for this tool family. Do not use the profiling feed as a full-slot feed.

For a profile cut, select the row matching the actual cutter diameter and begin within the maker’s speed range. For slotting, use the reduced speed range and the slot-feed column. Feed per tooth is not the programmed table feed: calculate feed rate from the selected chip load, spindle speed, and flute count. A three-flute tool at 8 mm and 0.043 mm per tooth, for example, needs the spindle speed to determine the feed rate. Maintain the intended chip load while respecting machine acceleration and toolpath engagement.

Check hardness and tool reach

The material group includes examples such as 1008, 1018, 1045, and 4140, but only under the hardness boundary shown in the catalog. A grade name alone does not identify the supplied hardness, microstructure, heat treatment, or machinability. Check the material certificate or hardness measurement before using these values. Do not carry this data into hardened steel, stainless steel, cast iron, or a different Kennametal grade.

The catalog states that its starting parameters are based on stub-length tools. Long-reach tools, weak workholding, thin walls, poor runout, a flexible spindle, or interrupted cuts change the load and may require lower values. Coolant delivery and chip evacuation matter particularly in a deep slot, where recutting chips can damage the edge. Use an appropriate toolpath and inspect chips, sound, power draw, and wear during a controlled prove-out.

Calculate and prove the programmed feed

Use the conventional relation Vf = fz × n × z, where Vf is feed rate, fz is feed per tooth, n is spindle speed, and z is the number of flutes. The feed values in this table are in millimeters per tooth. Enter matching units into the control’s feed mode and confirm that the toolpath is actually engaging the cutter as expected. Adaptive paths and partial radial engagement are not the same as the catalog’s full slot condition.

These values are manufacturer starting points from a catalog edition, not guaranteed production settings. Kennametal says variations may be needed to reach optimum results. Verify the current cutter series and grade, workpiece hardness, tool overhang, machine limits, and the latest manufacturer data before production. For a critical or expensive part, run a documented trial cut and have the setup reviewed by the responsible manufacturing engineer.

When converting a selected speed to spindle speed, use n = 1000 × Vc ÷ (π × D), with Vc in meters per minute and D in millimeters. Then calculate table feed using Vf = fz × n × z. These equations help translate the source values into machine units, but the result still needs to respect the spindle’s speed limit and the cutter’s operating envelope. Do not substitute a nominal material label for actual hardness or assume that a catalog value covers every steel sold under that grade.

Source: Kennametal Milling Products catalog, pages C42–C43, for F3AS…BDK35 tools in KC633M. The tabulated metric feed values are the manufacturer’s values; slotting speeds apply its stated 20% reduction.