Torque, thrust and power are integral forces in milling, drilling and turning applications. Whether you’re using a carbide end mill or inside-diameter turning tool, the right calculation is a critical step in the planning process.
Find out how to calculate these forces in your specific machining operation and what you can do to improve your process based on these calculations.
Understanding Torque, Thrust and Power
Whether you’re using a drilling or milling tool, it’s essential to understand how thrust and torque calculations are used to determine the resistance of our workpiece as the cutting tool comes in contact with it. The point of contact can create significant tool wear, heat and material damage if the process isn’t carefully controlled.
Understanding the differences between torque, thrust and power can help you troubleshoot a machining issue or maximize the efficiency of a new application. For example, high-speed cutting requires careful control of the thrust force to minimize friction and ensure the materials aren’t heated excessively.
How To Calculate Torque for Machining Applications
How do you arrive at the calculations for torque, thrust and power? There are many formulas you can use to determine the thrust and torque, but one convenient way to find theoretical calculations is to use the Kennametal calculator. Simply input these factors to find the torque of your machining process:
- Workpiece material
- Drill diameter
- Cutting speed
- Depth of hole
- Feed
These measurements can also help you calculate the machining time of your process. Because the Kennametal calculator is based on theoretical values, the calculations aren’t going to fully match the results of your process due to slight variations in materials and other factors. Use these calculations during your initial planning process, but consider updating them as you have finished products to review.
Why Calculating Torque, Thrust and Power Matters
Are you using the most efficient machining process to achieve the results you want? If you aren’t calculating the torque, thrust and power of your process, then you may be wearing through carbide turning inserts or creating workpieces with machining flaws.
The goal of machining calculations is finding new ways to control conditions throughout the process. From the materials used to the cutting speed, there are a number of ways you can alter the machining process to increase or decrease the torque, power or thrust.
Once you calculate the performance of your end milling machine or turning tool, you may find ways to create more accurate, reliable workpieces with just a few control adjustments. You may also see that you need to update the cutting tool used in the process.
Another common mistake you may be making is failing to take minor alterations into account as you perform a machining process. For example, a slightly larger diameter drill can alter the amount of friction and the heat it causes. Without running new calculations to find the torque, thrust and power, you may overheat your material or quickly wear down your tooling.
Perform Calculations for Your Next Machining Application
Create precision-engineered components with minimal tool wear thanks to the Kennametal calculator. Explore tooling and milling cutters for sale to update your process and tailor your systems to match your manufacturing goals.
Sources:
https://www.futek.com/applications/What-is-Thrust-Force-and-Torque-in-Drilling
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280821670_MEASURING_CUTTING_FORCES_IN_MACHINING_PROCESSES
https://www.cncci.com/post/calculating-machining-time-for-any-machining-operation
Marziano is a seasoned tech expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and multiple certifications, including CompTIA A+, Network+, and Cisco’s CCNA, he has a well-rounded and robust understanding of various aspects of technology.