# Preset Breakdown

**This page breaks down a real tool preset and explains the chosen values in a very compact way.**\
The goal is to show how the parameters fit together and why they work in this specific setup — not to explain general cutting theory.

If you want a deeper look into how these parameters were developed and how to adapt them to other tools or machines, see [Parameter Philosophy](/miwicnc/cutting-parameters/parameter-philosophy.md)

<figure><img src="/files/ikLczqXc52YClPVdo67f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Preset Overview

* Tool: **4 mm single-flute carbide endmill**
* Material: **Aluminium**
* Engagement: **Partial engagement**
* Cooling: **Dry cutting**
* Goal: **Stable cutting with controlled load**

All values in this preset are chosen to work together consistently.

***

### Speed

#### Spindle Speed / Surface Speed

* **Spindle speed:** 18 000 rpm
* **Surface speed:** ≈ 226 m/min

This spindle speed places the tool in a stable cutting range for aluminium.\
All other parameters in this preset are derived to match this rotation speed and maintain consistent cutting behavior.

Surface speed is shown only to validate the resulting cutting speed; it is not tuned independently.

***

#### Ramp Spindle Speed

* **Ramp spindle speed:** 18 000 rpm

The ramp spindle speed is kept identical to the cutting spindle speed to avoid changes in cutting behavior during entry.\
Entry behavior is controlled through geometry and feedrate rather than changing spindle speed.

***

### Feedrates

#### Feed per Tooth

* **Feed per tooth:** 0.10 mm

This feed per tooth ensures reliable chip formation in aluminium while keeping cutting forces manageable with the chosen engagement.

Lower values in this setup tended toward rubbing, while higher values provided no additional stability benefit.

***

#### Cutting Feedrate

* **Cutting feedrate:** 1 800 mm/min

The cutting feedrate is derived from:

* spindle speed (18 000 rpm)
* flute count (1)
* feed per tooth (0.10 mm)

The feedrate itself is not the target; preserving the intended chip thickness is.

***

#### Lead-in / Lead-out / Transition Feedrates

* **Lead-in / lead-out / transition feedrate:** 1 800 mm/min

These movements use the same feedrate as cutting.\
Entry and exit geometry is already smooth, so no feedrate reduction is required.

***

#### Ramp Feedrate

* **Ramp feedrate:** 1 800 mm/min

The ramp feedrate remains equal to the cutting feedrate because:

* the ramp angle is very shallow
* axial engagement increases gradually
* cutting load remains low throughout the entry

***

### Entry Geometry

#### Ramp Angle

* **Ramp angle:** 0.5°

This shallow ramp angle creates very gradual Z-engagement.\
Cutting forces rise slowly, minimizing force spikes during entry and making ramping behave similarly to steady cutting.

***

### Vertical Feedrates

#### Plunge Feedrate

* **Plunge feedrate:** 333.33 mm/min

Straight plunging is limited to a very low feedrate to reduce axial load and avoid step loss.\
Plunging is assumed to be used only when unavoidable.

***

#### Plunge Feed per Revolution

* **Plunge feed per revolution:** 0.01852 mm

This value limits axial chip thickness and protects the tool if spindle speed changes.\
Its purpose is protection, not performance.

***

### Passes and Engagement

#### Stepdown

* **Stepdown:** 0.5 mm

This stepdown keeps axial cutting forces moderate while maintaining predictable engagement.

***

#### Stepover

* **Stepover:** 0.5 mm

This stepover limits radial load and deflection while keeping chip thickness consistent across the cut.

Together, stepdown and stepover clearly define a **partial-engagement strategy**, not slotting.

***

### Coolant

#### Coolant

* **Coolant:** Disabled

With dry cutting, chip formation and controlled engagement become critical.\
All parameters in this preset are chosen accordingly.

***

### Overall Interpretation

This preset is internally consistent and balanced.

It:

* defines cutting behavior through **RPM and feed per tooth**
* derives motion from that behavior (**feedrate**)
* controls load through **stepdown and stepover**
* minimizes risk during entry through **ramp geometry and plunge limits**

Each value supports the others.


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