5083 Aluminum Speeds and Feeds (Milling, Drilling, Turning)

    Carbide end mills in 5083 Aluminum: 500–1100 SFM. Also called AA5083. Chart row used: “Aluminums” (H116 / O).

    Starting point: carbide end mills

    RPM and IPM use the low end of the published range (500 SFM and the lowest chip load for each diameter range). RPM = SFM × 12 ÷ (π × D); IPM = RPM × flutes × chip load.

    5083 Aluminum — inch end mills
    DiameterChip load (in/tooth)RPMIPM · 2 fluteIPM · 3 flute
    1/8".000715,27921.432.1
    1/4".00097,63913.820.6
    3/8".00155,09315.322.9
    1/2".00253,82019.128.6
    3/4".00352,54617.826.7
    1".00501,91019.128.6
    5083 Aluminum — metric end mills (inch chip-load range the size falls in)
    DiameterChip load (in/tooth)RPMIPM · 2 fluteIPM · 3 flute
    3 mm.000716,17022.634.0
    6 mm.00098,08514.621.8
    10 mm.00254,85124.336.4
    12 mm.00254,04320.230.3
    16 mm.00353,03221.231.8
    20 mm.00502,42624.336.4
    Full published chip-load ranges
    • 1/32-1/8": .0007–.0016"
    • 1/8-1/4": .0009–.0020"
    • 1/4-3/8": .0015–.0040"
    • 3/8-1/2": .0025–.0045"
    • 1/2-3/4": .0035–.0080"
    • 3/4-1": .0050–.0100"

    Calculator — prefilled for 5083 Aluminum

    Results for Milling

    Spindle RPM
    3,820
    Feed
    38.2 IPM
    Chip load
    0.0023 in
    MRR
    1.43 in³/min
    Power
    — HP
    Torque
    — lbf·ft
    Programmed fz
    0.0025 in
    Actual SFM
    500
    Spindle use
    32%
    • Pick a material in the library below to estimate spindle power and torque.

    Material library

    Tool & coating guidance

    Grade, edge geometry and coating determine usable cutting data. Sharp polished edges can suit nonferrous work; substrate and geometry still govern. Coated vs uncoated carbide changes turning data only; no coating speed multiplier is inferred.

    Tool & cut parameters

    Manual values
    Chip thinning & cutter body
    %
    Radial factor ×1.09Angle factor ×1.00Programmed fz 0.0025 inMax chip hex 0.0023 in

    Fixed-angle peripheral estimate: hex = fz × radial factor × sin(KAPR). No radial correction at ≥50% engagement. Not a centered face-milling or ball-nose model. Sandvik geometry reference

    Insert styles, guidelines & formulas

    RPM = (SFM × 12) / (π × D) | Feed = RPM × programmed fz × effective zc | MRR = WOC × DOC × feed | HP = Kp × C × MRR × 1.1 ÷ 0.8 (Machinery's Handbook)

    Square (SEMT/SNMG)
    General purpose, 90° lead angle
    Round (RPMW/RCKT)
    Ramping, 3D contouring, high feed
    Triangular (TPMX)
    Light cuts, finishing
    Octagonal (ONMU)
    Face milling; HFM suitability is body-specific

    Milling Guidelines

    • Start at 70% of max SFM, increase gradually
    • Chip load too low → rubbing & heat buildup
    • Use climb milling when machine rigidity allows
    • Radial engagement >50% → reduce feed per tooth
    • Round inserts: best for ramp-in and 3D surfaces
    Open in the full calculator workspace

    Speeds by tool material

    Published starting ranges for 5083 Aluminum by operation and tool material. Rows marked * are estimates.

    5083 Aluminum — speeds by tool material
    OperationToolSFMFeedSource row
    millingHSS *1650.0025–0.0045 in/toothLittleMachineShop · Wrought aluminum (6061-T6, 5000, 6000 and 7000 series)
    millingCobalt HSS (M35/M42) *1650.0025–0.0045 in/toothLittleMachineShop · Wrought aluminum (6061-T6, 5000, 6000 and 7000 series)
    millingSolid carbide end mill500–11000.0025–0.0045 in/toothLakeshore Carbide · Aluminums
    millingUncoated carbide (H10)2650–30500.0040–0.0080 in hexSandvik milling (large engagement) · CMC 30.11 Wrought aluminum, not aged
    millingCoated carbide (GC1030)2750–32000.0040–0.0080 in hexSandvik milling (large engagement) · CMC 30.11 Wrought aluminum, not aged
    millingCermet (CT530)2900–34000.0040–0.0080 in hexSandvik milling (large engagement) · CMC 30.11 Wrought aluminum, not aged
    millingPCD (CD10)5250–61500.0040–0.0080 in hexSandvik milling (large engagement) · CMC 30.11 Wrought aluminum, not aged
    turningHSS500–6000.0040 in/revLittleMachineShop · Wrought aluminum (6061-T6, 5000, 6000 and 7000 series)
    turningCobalt HSS (M35/M42) *500–6000.0040 in/revLittleMachineShop · Wrought aluminum (6061-T6, 5000, 6000 and 7000 series)
    turningUncoated carbide (H10)820–65500.0060–0.0310 in/revSandvik turning · CMC 30.11 Wrought aluminum, not aged
    turningPCD (CD10)820–65500.0020–0.0160 in/revSandvik turning · CMC 30.11 Wrought aluminum, not aged
    drillingHSS350–400—LittleMachineShop · Wrought aluminum (6061-T6, 5000, 6000 and 7000 series)
    drillingCobalt HSS (M35/M42) *350–400—LittleMachineShop · Wrought aluminum (6061-T6, 5000, 6000 and 7000 series)

    Machinist tips

    Chip thinning
    At light radial engagement (under half the cutter diameter) the real chip is thinner than the feed per tooth. Raise the feed to keep the chip at the chart value, or the tool rubs and wears.
    Climb vs conventional
    On a rigid CNC, climb mill so each tooth starts thick and exits thin. Use conventional milling on machines with backlash or on hard scale skins.
    Coolant and chip evacuation
    Flood coolant or a strong air blast keeps chips from welding to the flutes. Use 2 or 3 flutes for room to clear chips.

    Common questions

    What SFM should I use for 5083 Aluminum?
    Lakeshore Carbide – General Purpose End Mill Speeds & Feeds lists 500–1100 SFM for carbide end mills in the "Aluminums" row. Start at the low end and adjust for your machine.
    What chip load for a 1/2" end mill in 5083 Aluminum?
    The published range for 3/8–1/2" carbide end mills is .0025–.0045" per tooth. At 500 SFM a 3-flute 1/2" end mill runs about 3820 RPM and 28.6 IPM.
    Are these values for HSS tools, drilling or turning?
    The end mill chart covers carbide end mills. The "Speeds by tool material" table adds published HSS, turning-insert and drilling rows for 5083 Aluminum where a source lists them (LittleMachineShop, Sandvik Coromant).
    5086 Aluminum speeds and feeds2011 Aluminum speeds and feeds2014 Aluminum speeds and feeds

    Sources

    Starting values only. Adjust for rigidity, tool manufacturer data and machine.

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