Speed and Feed

Determine the spindle speed (RPM) and feed rate (IPM) for a milling operation, as well as the cut time for a given cut length. Milling operations remove material by feeding a workpiece into a rotating cutting tool with sharp teeth, such as an end mill or face mill. Calculations use the desired tool diameter, number of teeth, cutting speed, and cutting feed, which should be chosen based on the specific cutting conditions, including the workpiece material and tool material.

Tap Size Chart

The tap size chart provides a list of standard size taps, specifying the diameter and thread spacing, for fractional, metric, and screw sizes. The decimal equivalents of the diameters are shown in both English and Metric units. Fractional sizes are listed in inches, while metric sizes are listed in millimeters following the letter "M". A screw size number corresponds to a diameter which is larger for a higher screw size. The thread spacing, which may be coarse or fine, is listed after the diameter. In the fractional and screw size systems, the thread count is used, measured in threads per inch. The metric system uses the thread pitch, which is the distance between threads, measured in millimeters. For each thread count, the equivalent thread pitch is provided and for metric taps, the approximate thread count is shown based on the pitch. Lastly, the recommended tap drill size is provided for each standard tap size. This size drill bit should be used for drilling the initial hole that will then be tapped.

Clamping Force

Clamping force refers to the force applied to a mold by the clamping unit of an injection molding machine. In order to keep the mold closed, this force must oppose the separating force, caused by the injection of molten plastic into the mold. The required clamping force can be calculated from the cavity pressure inside the mold and the shot projected area, on which this pressure is acting. The calculated tonnage can be used to select a capable machine that will prevent part defects, such as excessive flash.

Volume and Weight

Calculate the volume and weight, in English or Metric units, for over 40 geometric shapes and a variety of materials. Select from such metals as Aluminum, Cast iron, or Steel, or from such thermoplastics as ABS, Nylon, or Polycarbonate. Typical values for density are provided, but may be changed to accommodate more specific materials. Shapes include common stock shapes such as rectangular and hexagonal prisms, cylinders, tubes, and I-beams, as well as a variety of 3D geometric solids, such as pyramids, frustums, and spherical segments. Instantly obtain the weight of your raw material stock by dimensioning a single shape, or add and subtract multiple shapes to approximate your part's geometry and obtain a total weight.