What does “chip load” measure in milling?

Chip load is a crucial measurement in milling that refers specifically to the amount of material removed by each cutting edge of the tool during one complete revolution of the cutter. It is essentially calculated as the feed rate divided by the number of cutting edges engaged during the milling operation. Understanding chip load is vital for optimizing the cutting process because it directly influences tool wear, surface finish, and overall efficiency.

When the chip load is set correctly, it allows for an efficient cut that can help extend the life of the cutting tool while producing a desirable surface finish. Setting it too high can lead to excessive wear or tool breakage, whereas setting it too low can result in a poor cut quality and increased machining time. Therefore, knowing that the chip load measures the amount of material removed per cutting edge is essential for effective milling operations.