LDX 2101 Lean Duplex Speeds and Feeds (Milling, Drilling, Turning)
Carbide end mills in LDX 2101 Lean Duplex: 200–300 SFM. Also called UNS S32101. Chart row used: “Stainless Steel – Hard” (Solution annealed).
Starting point: carbide end mills
RPM and IPM use the low end of the published range (200 SFM and the lowest chip load for each diameter range). RPM = SFM × 12 ÷ (π × D); IPM = RPM × flutes × chip load.
| Diameter | Chip load (in/tooth) | RPM | IPM · 2 flute | IPM · 3 flute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8" | .0003 | 6,112 | 3.7 | 5.5 |
| 1/4" | .0004 | 3,056 | 2.4 | 3.7 |
| 3/8" | .0006 | 2,037 | 2.4 | 3.7 |
| 1/2" | .0008 | 1,528 | 2.4 | 3.7 |
| 3/4" | .0014 | 1,019 | 2.9 | 4.3 |
| 1" | .0020 | 764 | 3.1 | 4.6 |
| Diameter | Chip load (in/tooth) | RPM | IPM · 2 flute | IPM · 3 flute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 mm | .0003 | 6,468 | 3.9 | 5.8 |
| 6 mm | .0004 | 3,234 | 2.6 | 3.9 |
| 10 mm | .0008 | 1,940 | 3.1 | 4.7 |
| 12 mm | .0008 | 1,617 | 2.6 | 3.9 |
| 16 mm | .0014 | 1,213 | 3.4 | 5.1 |
| 20 mm | .0020 | 970 | 3.9 | 5.8 |
Full published chip-load ranges
- 1/32-1/8": .0003–.0005"
- 1/8-1/4": .0004–.0007"
- 1/4-3/8": .0006–.0012"
- 3/8-1/2": .0008–.0017"
- 1/2-3/4": .0014–.0035"
- 3/4-1": .0020–.0050"
Calculator — prefilled for LDX 2101 Lean Duplex
Results for Milling
- Spindle RPM
- 1,528
- Feed
- 4.9 IPM
- Chip load
- 0.0007 in
- MRR
- 0.18 in³/min
- Power
- — HP
- Torque
- — lbf·ft
- Programmed fz
- 0.0008 in
- Actual SFM
- 200
- Spindle use
- 13%
- Pick a material in the library below to estimate spindle power and torque.
http://127.0.0.1:36217/tools?tool=milling-calculator&op=milling&material=ldx-2101-lean-duplex&dia=0.5&sfm=200&flutes=4&chip=0.0008&ap=0.25
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
Chip thinning & cutter body
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)
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
Speeds by tool material
Published starting ranges for LDX 2101 Lean Duplex by operation and tool material. Rows marked * are estimates.
| Operation | Tool | SFM | Feed | Source row |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| milling | Solid carbide end mill | 200–300 | 0.0008–0.0017 in/tooth | Lakeshore Carbide · Stainless Steel – Hard |
| milling | Coated carbide (GC2030) | 405–640 | 0.0020–0.0100 in hex | Sandvik milling (large engagement) · CMC 05.51 Stainless, duplex (austenitic-ferritic), non-weldable >= 0.05% C |
| milling | Cermet (CT530) | 680–850 | 0.0040–0.0080 in hex | Sandvik milling (large engagement) · CMC 05.51 Stainless, duplex (austenitic-ferritic), non-weldable >= 0.05% C |
| turning | Coated carbide (GC2015) | 470–720 | 0.0080–0.0240 in/rev | Sandvik turning · CMC 05.51 Stainless, duplex (austenitic-ferritic), non-weldable >= 0.05% C |
| drilling | Coated carbide (2234/4234) | 130–230 | 0.0039–0.0063 in/rev | Sandvik CoroDrill 870 · CMC 05.51 Stainless, duplex (austenitic-ferritic), non-weldable >= 0.05% C |
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.
- Don't let it rub
- Stainless work-hardens. Keep the tool cutting at a steady feed, avoid dwelling, and use flood coolant.
Common questions
- What SFM should I use for LDX 2101 Lean Duplex?
- Lakeshore Carbide – General Purpose End Mill Speeds & Feeds lists 200–300 SFM for carbide end mills in the "Stainless Steel – Hard" row. Start at the low end and adjust for your machine.
- What chip load for a 1/2" end mill in LDX 2101 Lean Duplex?
- The published range for 3/8–1/2" carbide end mills is .0008–.0017" per tooth. At 200 SFM a 3-flute 1/2" end mill runs about 1528 RPM and 3.7 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 LDX 2101 Lean Duplex where a source lists them (LittleMachineShop, Sandvik Coromant).
Sources
- Lakeshore Carbide – General Purpose End Mill Speeds & Feeds — “Stainless Steel – Hard” row (SFM and chip load per tooth).
- Lakeshore Carbide speeds and feeds charts
- Sandvik Coromant catalogue, Milling cutting data, large engagement, inch values (pp. J482-J485), via BRW
- Sandvik Coromant catalogue, General turning: cutting speed recommendations by MC/CMC group, inch values (pp. A562-A564), via BRW
- Sandvik Coromant catalogue, CoroDrill 870 cutting data, inch values (p. K174), via BRW
Starting values only. Adjust for rigidity, tool manufacturer data and machine.
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