Engineering Tools
Drill Speed & Feed Calculator
Instantly calculate the optimal RPM and Feed Rate for your drilling operations. Optimized for Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, and Aluminum.
This calculator determines the spindle speed (RPM) and feed rate (IPM/mm-min) for drilling operations. It uses standard machining formulas based on the selected material's surface speed (Vc) and chip load (feed per revolution).
Unit System
Cutting Speed
Surface Speed
×
1000
÷
π
×
Tool Diameter
Drill Size
=
Spindle Speed
0
Cutting Feed
Chip Load
×
Spindle Speed
0
=
Feed Rate
0
Cut Length
÷
Feed Rate
0
=
Cut Time
0
Zhonghuan Tools Engineering Series
How to Calculate Drilling Speed for Stainless Steel
The Formula
The standard formula for Drill RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) is:
RPM = (Vc × 1000) / (π × D)
- Vc (Cutting Speed): The surface speed in meters per minute (m/min).
- D (Diameter): The drill bit diameter in millimeters (mm).
- 1000: Conversion factor from meters to millimeters.
Why Speed Matters for Stainless Steel
Stainless steel (especially 304 and 316 grades) has a tendency to work harden. If your drill speed is too high, you generate excessive heat, causing the material to harden instantly and burn your drill bit. If too low, productivity suffers.
Drill Bit Selection Tips
HSS Co (Cobalt)
Best for handheld drilling or standard drill presses. The cobalt content adds heat resistance, crucial for stainless steel.
Solid Carbide
Essential for high-production CNC machining. Allows for 3-4x faster cutting speeds but requires a rigid setup.