Carbide & HSS Reamer Speeds and Feeds (RPM) Chart in Metric

2025.2.20

Reaming is a machining process used to refine and perfect holes to precise dimensions, ensuring smooth surface finishes and accurate tolerances. Proper selection of cutting speed and feed rate is essential for achieving optimal performance, preventing tool wear, and maintaining workpiece quality.

Here we provide a detailed reference for reamer speeds and feeds, including recommended revolutions per minute (RPM), feed rates, and allowance charts for different reaming materials and cutting tools. It also covers the key factors that influence these values, such as material properties, tool geometry, and machine characteristics. That will help in selecting the best cutting conditions for different reamer types, including high-speed steel (HSS) and carbide reamers. Additionally, formulas and calculation methods for determining optimal speeds and feeds are included, ensuring a practical approach to achieving better machining results.

Before presenting the Reamer Speeds and Feeds Charts, let’s explain some key concepts so that you can read them more easily.

What are Reamer Speeds and Feeds?

Reamer speed refers to the rotation speed of the reamer during the reaming process, usually expressed in revolutions per minute (RPM). The feed rate indicates the distance the reamer advances with each rotation, typically measured in millimeters per minute (mm/min).

What is Reamer RMP?

Reamer RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) refers to the rotational speed at which a reaming tool (reamer) is operated when enlarging or finishing a hole in a workpiece. Proper RPM selection for reaming is critical to achieving high-quality finishes, maintaining dimensional accuracy, and prolonging tool life.

Why Speeds and Feeds Are Important in Reaming?

Speeds and feeds are important in reaming, the process of enlarging a pre-drilled hole to achieve a precise diameter and a smooth finish. Choosing the right cutting speed and feed rate ensures efficient material removal, longer tool life, and high-quality hole finishes. Running a reamer too fast can lead to excessive wear and tool breakage, while improper speeds and feeds may result in rough, inaccurate holes and dimensional inaccuracies, causing oversized or undersized openings. Additionally, optimizing these parameters improves machining efficiency, leading to better cycle times and lower machining costs.

What Factors Affect Reamer Speeds and Feeds?

Before we choose the right speeds and feeds for our upcoming reaming process, we first have to understand what factors affect it. Although some general parameters may allow you to achieve the cutting effect, the following factors may cause deviations:

How to Calculate Reamer Speeds and Feeds?

Reamer Speed Rate: The rotation speed for reaming is generally lower to reduce cutting heat and cutting force. For steel parts, the speed generally does not exceed 5 m/min; for cast iron parts, the speed can be increased to 8-10 m/min.

Reamer Feed Rate: The feed rate is usually larger than that used for drilling, typically 2-3 times the drilling feed rate. A feed rate that is too large can increase surface roughness, while one that is too small can cause reamer wear and vibration.

1. Cutting Speed (V) Calculate Formula

Cutting speed is the velocity at which the reamer rotates along its circumference. It is calculated as:

V =πDN / 1000

Where:

V = Cutting speed (m/min)

D = Reamer diameter (mm)

N = Reamer rotation speed (RPM)

2. Feed Rate (Vf) Calculate Formula

Feed rate determines how fast the reamer advances into the workpiece. It is typically higher than that of drilling to ensure cutting rather than rubbing.

Vf = f x N

Where:

Vf = Feed rate (mm/min)

f = Feed per revolution (mm)

N = Reamer rotation speed (RPM)

A general rule is that the feed rate for reaming is 2-3 times higher than for drilling.

3. Feed per Revolution (f) Calculate Formula

Defines how much the reamer advances per spindle revolution:

f = Vf / N

Too low a feed rate leads to rubbing, excessive heat, and premature tool wear.

Too high a feed rate increases cutting forces and can cause poor hole quality.

4. RPM Calculate Formula

To calculate RPM: RPM = (V×1000) /πD

Reamer Speeds and Feeds Chart (Metric)

First of all, we show you the table provides recommended spindle speeds (RPM) and feed rates (mm per revolution) for different reaming cutter types (End Mill, Ball Nose Cutter, and Tapered Cutter) when machining various materials, including cast iron, aluminum, graphite, and wood.

General Reamer Speeds and Feeds Chart for Different Cutters & Machining Materials

Reamer Speeds and Feeds Chart in Metric for Different Materials

We have detailed the factors influencing reamer speeds and feeds rate above. However, in practice, our choices primarily depend on the material of the reamer itself, the type of drill bit, and the various types of cutting materials. Therefore, we will present several reaming speed and feed rate charts for different types of reamer for your reference.

High-Speed Steel (HHS) Reamer Speeds and Feeds (RPM) Chart

Work MaterialCutting Speed (m/min)Feed per Revolution (mm/rev)Cutting FluidSurface Finish
Ø4Ø6Ø10
Carbon Steel (~700 N/mm²)10–120.080.120.20
Carbon Steel (700–900 N/mm²)6–80.080.120.20
Carbon Steel (900 N/mm² and above)4–60.080.120.18
Alloy Steel (~900 N/mm²)4–60.080.120.18
Alloy Steel (900–1,060 N/mm²)3–50.080.120.18
Alloy Steel (1,060 N/mm² and above)1–30.080.120.18
Heat-Resistant Steel, Stainless Steel4–80.080.120.18
Cast Steel4–80.080.120.18
Cast Iron10–200.080.120.20
Ductile Cast Iron6–120.080.120.20
Electrical Copper12–200.080.120.20
Brass
Soft14–200.120.160.25
Hard8–120.120.160.25
Aluminum Die-Cast Material14–200.120.160.25
Aluminum Alloy10–140.120.160.25
Silicon Content <10%6–100.120.160.25
Silicon Content ≥10%4–60.120.160.25
Magnesium Alloy20–300.200.300.50
Titanium Alloy2–60.080.120.18
Thermosetting Resin4–80.150.200.30
Explanation of Columns:
Cutting Speed (m/min): Recommended cutting speed in meters per minute.
Feed per Revolution (mm/rev): Recommended feed rate per revolution for different reamer diameters (Ø4, Ø6, Ø10, Ø20, Ø30).
Cutting Fluid: Type of cutting fluid recommended for the material.
Surface Finish:
12S / 6.3S: Surface roughness values indicating the smoothness of the finished surface.
H7 / H7~H8: Hole tolerance class for precision hole finishing.

Carbide Reamer Speeds & Feeds Chart (RPM) Chart

Speeds & Feeds Rate For Carbide Reamer Model Numbers: SEC-HR / SEC-HSPR / SEC-HP-SPR / TSC-XHR / CHR / CHRL

Blade Diameter (D) (mm)Soft Steel / Carbon Steel (SS・SC) (10–18 m/min)Alloy Tool Steel (SKD, SUS, SCM) (8–15 m/min)Pre-hardened Steel (35–40HRC) (HPM, NAK) (5–15 m/min)High-Hardness Steel (40–60HRC) (5–10 m/min)Aluminum Alloy (15–25 m/min)
Speed (m/min)Feed (mm/rev)Speed (m/min)Feed (mm/rev)Speed (m/min)
1 mm3,1900.052,5500.051,590
2 mm1,5900.101,2700.10790
3 mm1,0600.158500.15530
4 mm7900.206400.20400
5 mm6400.255100.25320
6 mm5300.304200.30270
8 mm4000.353200.35200
10 mm3200.402500.40160
Notes:
The above cutting conditions apply to SEC-HR (Straight Blade).
SEC-HSPR and SEC-HP-SPR (Helical Blades) can be processed at 30–50% higher than the above conditions.
For high-precision types (CHR-HP, CHRL-HP), neck relief types (CHRZ, CHRLZ), and high-precision neck relief types (CHRZ-HP, CHRLZ-HP), refer to the above conditions and use the same settings.
Always use cutting oil, especially for deep hole machining, ensuring continuous and sufficient supply to the machining area.
The recommended values in the cutting conditions table can be optimized within a range of ±30%.
Use high-rigidity, high-precision machines and chucks.

Speeds & Feeds Rate For Carbide Reamer Model Numbers: SEC-RMSC / SEC-RMSRC / SEC-RMSCC / SEC-ECHR / SEC-HP-RMS□□ / SEC-RMS□□L / SEC-RMS□□Z / SEC-ECSPHR

Blade Diameter (D) (mm)Soft Steel / Carbon Steel (SS・SC) (10–18 m/min)Alloy Tool Steel (SKD, SUS, SCM) (8–15 m/min)Pre-hardened Steel (35–40HRC) (HPM, NAK) (5–15 m/min)High-Hardness Steel (40–60HRC) (5–10 m/min)Aluminum Alloy (15–25 m/min)
Speed (m/min)Feed (mm/rev)Speed (m/min)Feed (mm/rev)Speed (m/min)
0.3–0.5 mm17,0000.0215,9000.0212,700
1 mm6,4000.055,9000.053,800
1.5 mm4,2000.053,5000.052,100
2 mm3,2000.102,7000.101,600
3 mm2,1000.151,6000.151,000
5 mm1,3000.251,0000.25600
8 mm8000.356000.35400
10 mm6000.405000.40300
16 mm4000.503000.50200
Notes:
High-precision type (SEC-HP-RMS□□), long type (SEC-RMS□□L), and neck relief type (SEC-RMS□□Z) should be processed under the same conditions as the standard types listed above.
The above conditions apply to SEC-ECHR (Straight Blade).
SEC-ECSPHR (Helical Blade) can be processed at 30–50% higher than the above conditions.

Solid Carbide Short Taper Pin Reamer (S-CSTPR) Speeds & Feeds Chart

Diameter (mm)Non-Ferrous Metals (Aluminum, etc.)Carbon Steel (FC, FCD, S50C, etc.)Alloy Steel (SCM, SKD, SUS304, etc.)Pre-Hardened Steel (HPM, NAK, etc.)
Cutting Speed (12–18 m/min)Cutting Speed (8–12 m/min)Cutting Speed (5–8 m/min)Cutting Speed (5–8 m/min)
Spindle Speed (rpm)Feed (mm/rev)Spindle Speed (rpm)Feed (mm/rev)
1 mm3,820 ~ 5,730122,546 ~ 3,8208
2 mm1,910 ~ 2,864121,273 ~ 1,9108
3 mm1,273 ~ 1,91012849 ~ 1,2738
4 mm955 ~ 1,43212637 ~ 9558
5 mm764 ~ 1,14612509 ~ 7648
6 mm637 ~ 95512424 ~ 6378
8 mm477 ~ 71612318 ~ 4778
10 mm382 ~ 57312255 ~ 3828
12 mm318 ~ 47712212 ~ 3188

Short Taper Pin Reamer (S-TPR) Speeds & Feeds Chart

Diameter (mm)Non-Ferrous Metals (Aluminum, etc.)Carbon Steel (FC, FCD, S50C, etc.)Alloy Steel (SCM, SKD, SUS304, etc.)Pre-Hardened Steel (HPM, NAK, etc.)
Cutting Speed (12–18 m/min)Cutting Speed (8–12 m/min)Cutting Speed (5–8 m/min)Cutting Speed (5–8 m/min)
Spindle Speed (rpm)Feed (mm/rev)Spindle Speed (rpm)Feed (mm/rev)
1 mm3,193 ~ 4,789122,546 ~ 3,8208
2 mm1,910 ~ 2,864121,273 ~ 1,9108
3 mm1,273 ~ 1,91012849 ~ 1,2738
4 mm955 ~ 1,43212637 ~ 9558
5 mm764 ~ 1,14612509 ~ 7648
6 mm637 ~ 95512424 ~ 6378
8 mm477 ~ 71612318 ~ 4778
10 mm382 ~ 57312255 ~ 3828
12 mm318 ~ 47712212 ~ 3188

Ultra-Hard Tip Spiral Reamer (C-SP-MR) Speeds & Feeds Chart

Work MaterialCast Iron (FC250)General Structural Steel (SS400–S45C)Tool Steel (SKD)Stainless Steel (SUS)Aluminum Alloy
Outer Diameter (mm)≤ Ø3≤ Ø5≤ Ø10≤ Ø16≤ Ø20
Feed (mm/rev)0.020.030.040.050.06
Cutting FluidNot RequiredNot RequiredNot RequiredNot RequiredWater-Soluble
Cutting conditions for reamers may vary depending on the machine and workpiece conditions, so adjustments are necessary.

Half-Pin Gate Reamer (HPGR) Speeds & Feeds Chart

Cutting Speed (m/min)Cast Iron (FC250) (7–10 m/min)Mild Steel / Structural Steel (SS400–S45C) (5–8 m/min)Tool Steel / Mold Steel (SCM–SKD) (5–8 m/min)Stainless Steel (SUS) (5–8 m/min)Aluminum Alloy (10–15 m/min)
Machining Diameter (mm)Feed (mm/rev)Feed (mm/rev)Feed (mm/rev)Feed (mm/rev)Feed (mm/rev)
≤ Ø20.0040.0040.0020.0020.004
≤ Ø30.0040.0040.0020.0020.004
≤ Ø50.0060.0060.0040.0040.006
≤ Ø80.0080.0080.0060.0060.008
≤ Ø120.0100.0100.0080.0080.010
Cutting conditions may vary depending on workpiece hardness and machine rigidity.
Cutting conditions depend on hole size, with larger diameters requiring lower feed rates.

Rough & Finish Taper Pin Reamer (RF-TPRT) Speeds & Feeds Chart

Work MaterialCast Iron (FC250)General Structural Steel (SS400–S45C)Tool Steel (SKD)Stainless Steel (SUS)Aluminum Alloy
Call Size (mm)≤ Ø5≤ Ø10≤ Ø20≤ Ø30> Ø30 & ≤ Ø50
Feed (mm/rev)0.02–0.030.03–0.040.05–0.060.07–0.080.08–0.10
Cutting Speed (m/min)5–105–84–73–62–5
Final finishing precision is around 1/50 taper.

Helical Machine Taper Pin Reamer (H-TPRT) Speeds & Feeds Chart

Work MaterialCast Iron (FC250)General Structural Steel (SS400–S45C)Tool Steel (SKD)Stainless Steel (SUS)Aluminum Alloy
Call Size (mm)≤ Ø5≤ Ø10≤ Ø20≤ Ø30> Ø30 & ≤ Ø50
Feed (mm/rev)0.02–0.030.03–0.040.05–0.060.07–0.080.08–0.10
Cutting Speed (m/min)5–105–84–73–62–5

Notes:

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