C345 Brass Speeds and Feeds (Milling, Drilling, Turning)

    Carbide end mills in C345 Brass: 300–500 SFM. Also called high-leaded brass. Chart row used: “Brass” (Half hard).

    Starting point: carbide end mills

    RPM and IPM use the low end of the published range (300 SFM and the lowest chip load for each diameter range). RPM = SFM × 12 ÷ (π × D); IPM = RPM × flutes × chip load.

    C345 Brass — inch end mills
    DiameterChip load (in/tooth)RPMIPM · 2 fluteIPM · 3 flute
    1/8".00069,16711.016.5
    1/4".00084,5847.311.0
    3/8".00153,0569.213.8
    1/2".00252,29211.517.2
    3/4".00301,5289.213.8
    1".00401,1469.213.8
    C345 Brass — metric end mills (inch chip-load range the size falls in)
    DiameterChip load (in/tooth)RPMIPM · 2 fluteIPM · 3 flute
    3 mm.00069,70211.617.5
    6 mm.00084,8517.811.6
    10 mm.00252,91114.621.8
    12 mm.00252,42612.118.2
    16 mm.00301,81910.916.4
    20 mm.00401,45511.617.5
    Full published chip-load ranges
    • 1/32-1/8": .0006–.0015"
    • 1/8-1/4": .0008–.0018"
    • 1/4-3/8": .0015–.0030"
    • 3/8-1/2": .0025–.0035"
    • 1/2-3/4": .0030–.0045"
    • 3/4-1": .0040–.0055"

    Calculator — prefilled for C345 Brass

    Results for Milling

    Spindle RPM
    2,292
    Feed
    22.9 IPM
    Chip load
    0.0023 in
    MRR
    0.86 in³/min
    Power
    — HP
    Torque
    — lbf·ft
    Programmed fz
    0.0025 in
    Actual SFM
    300
    Spindle use
    19%
    • 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 C345 Brass by operation and tool material. Rows marked * are estimates.

    C345 Brass — speeds by tool material
    OperationToolSFMFeedSource row
    millingSolid carbide end mill300–5000.0025–0.0035 in/toothLakeshore Carbide · Brass
    millingUncoated carbide (H10)1300–15500.0040–0.0080 in hexSandvik milling (large engagement) · CMC 33.1 Free-cutting copper alloys, >= 1% Pb
    millingCoated carbide (GC1030)1400–16000.0040–0.0080 in hexSandvik milling (large engagement) · CMC 33.1 Free-cutting copper alloys, >= 1% Pb
    millingCermet (CT530)1450–17000.0040–0.0080 in hexSandvik milling (large engagement) · CMC 33.1 Free-cutting copper alloys, >= 1% Pb
    millingPCD (CD10)2650–31000.0040–0.0080 in hexSandvik milling (large engagement) · CMC 33.1 Free-cutting copper alloys, >= 1% Pb
    turningUncoated carbide (H10)205–16500.0060–0.0310 in/revSandvik turning · CMC 33.1 Free-cutting copper alloys, >= 1% Pb
    turningPCD (CD10)205–16500.0020–0.0160 in/revSandvik turning · CMC 33.1 Free-cutting copper alloys, >= 1% Pb

    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.
    Sharp edges
    Use sharp, polished uncoated or nonferrous-coated tools so material doesn't stick to the edge.

    Common questions

    What SFM should I use for C345 Brass?
    Lakeshore Carbide – General Purpose End Mill Speeds & Feeds lists 300–500 SFM for carbide end mills in the "Brass" row. Start at the low end and adjust for your machine.
    What chip load for a 1/2" end mill in C345 Brass?
    The published range for 3/8–1/2" carbide end mills is .0025–.0035" per tooth. At 300 SFM a 3-flute 1/2" end mill runs about 2292 RPM and 17.2 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 C345 Brass where a source lists them (LittleMachineShop, Sandvik Coromant).
    C385 Architectural Bronze speeds and feedsC145 Tellurium Copper speeds and feedsC932 Bearing Bronze speeds and feeds

    Sources

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

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