RCM / Machining workbench
Plan the cut.
Understand the numbers.
Tool, material, strategy, and machine—brought together in a practical speeds & feeds workspace.
Machining Advisor Pro
The optional HVAL-5 examples use Helical’s published 1/2-inch, five-flute wrought-aluminum chart for 2.5×D length of cut. They load programmed IPT, so no second chip-thinning multiplier is applied. Machine limits and engagement values are editable examples. Open the source chart
This independent RCM calculator follows the workflow Chris values in Machining Advisor Pro. For Harvey’s full catalog and tool-specific recommendations, use MAP .
Formulas, scope & source references
r = ae / D; g = 2√(r(1 − r)) below 50% engagement, otherwise g = 1
Programmed mode: fz = entered feed × feed adjustment
Chip-thickness mode: fz = entered thickness × feed adjustment / g
vf = actual n × effective teeth × fz; feed limit caps vf
Actual fz = capped vf / (actual n × teeth); maximum chip thickness = actual fz × g
MRR = vf × ae × ap (metric mm³/min ÷ 1000 for cm³/min)
Power kW = MRR in mm³/min × effective kc / 60,000,000
Torque N·m = power kW × 60,000 / (2π × actual n)
Applies to straight peripheral cuts with cylindrical, square-end cutting geometry and full-diameter contact. Ball nose, high-feed, face milling, drilling, ramping, corner engagement, runout, deflection, thermal behavior, and tool life are not modeled. Rigidity, holder, coolant, and material are setup records, with review notes; they do not apply hidden correction factors. Power is an estimate, not an automatic limit. Spindle and feed caps use full precision before display rounding.
Harvey: radial chip thinning · Sandvik: milling formulas · MAP user guide · RCM worked example
02 / Job cost & margin
See the setup in every part.
A simple estimate in USD. Use a combined hourly rate that includes the labor, machine, and overhead you want to recover. Quantity means good parts, assuming no scrap.
Planning output
A planning calculation, not a quote. The model assumes one setup, one hourly rate, and identical cycle time for every part.
Add scrap, tooling, inspection, outside services, shipping, taxes, and any unrecovered overhead separately when applicable. Queue time and unattended operation are not modeled.
Show the cost model
Total cost = hours × rate + quantity × material/outside cost
Unit cost = total cost ÷ quantity
Unit selling price = unit cost ÷ (1 − gross margin ÷ 100)
All money results are rounded for display only. Order price uses the unrounded unit calculation. Learn why margin and markup differ.