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Radial chip thinning calculator
This geometric model assumes peripheral milling with a 90° entering angle. It excludes axial thinning, ball-nose contact and corner geometry. Near-zero engagement produces a large adjustment, so machine feed limits and manufacturer guidance still apply.
Formula and inputs
Below 50% radial engagement, factor = 1 / √(4r(1 − r)), where r = engagement / diameter.
Worked example
At 10% radial engagement the factor is 1.6667. A 0.05 mm target becomes 0.08333 mm/tooth geometrically.
Use the result in your setup
Confirm the input dimensions and unit system against your drawing before calculating. Keep full precision during a calculation and round only the final value to suit the measurement or programming requirement. A numerical result does not account for a machine’s complete setup, workholding or control configuration.