Sources and scope for this page: ISO 229:1973, covering the definition of feed per tooth (chip load). No independent source check is recorded for this page: the content rests on the sources listed and on the working shown on the page. How sources, methods and updates are recorded.
Definition
Feed per tooth is the real control on tool life in milling, more than surface speed is. Too low and the edge rubs, work-hardens the material and dulls; too high and the edge chips or the tool deflects. The F = fz · z · n relationship converts it to table feed.
It is not the same as feed per revolution, which is the total advance per spindle revolution and equals feed per tooth times the number of teeth.
Common misuse
Using feed per revolution where the tooling catalogue specifies feed per tooth, which under-feeds a multi-flute cutter by a factor equal to the flute count.