Steel
Steel 1018 (mild) Speeds and Feeds
Common low carbon steel. Stay on the low end of SFM with HSS, higher with coated carbide.
Milling Steel 1018 (mild)
Power is a rough estimate using the material unit power factor. Verify against your spindle rating.
Spindle speed
- RPM
Feed rate
- IPM
Material removal rate
- in3/min
Approx. spindle power
- HP
Editorial estimate only
These are conservative starting points, not a guarantee. Verify against manufacturer tooling data and your machine manual. Confirm spindle power, workholding and coolant before cutting.
Drilling Steel 1018 (mild)
Spindle speed
- RPM
Feed rate
- IPM
Editorial estimate only
These are conservative starting points, not a guarantee. Verify against manufacturer tooling data and your machine manual. Confirm spindle power, workholding and coolant before cutting.
Steel 1018 (mild) reference values
Editorial estimates for illustration. Start on the low end and adjust to your tooling and machine.
| Operation | Surface speed | Chip load / feed | Unit power (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milling | 80-150 SFM (24-46 m/min) | 0.001-0.002 in/tooth (0.025-0.051 mm/tooth) | 1 HP per in3/min |
| Drilling | 80-120 SFM (24-37 m/min) | 0.003-0.006 in/rev (0.076-0.152 mm/rev) |
Frequently asked questions
What surface speed should I use for Steel 1018 (mild)?
A conservative milling range is 80-150 SFM (24-46 m/min). Coated carbide can run higher; HSS should stay on the low end.
What chip load should I use for Steel 1018 (mild)?
A typical milling chip load is 0.001-0.002 in/tooth (0.025-0.051 mm/tooth). Use the low end for small or fragile cutters and increase only as your setup allows.
Are these values safe to cut with?
These are starting points, not a guarantee. Always verify against your tooling manufacturer data and machine manual, and confirm spindle power, workholding and coolant before cutting.