What is 'chip load' in the context of milling?

Chip load refers specifically to the thickness of material that is removed by each cutting edge of the tool during the milling process. It is a critical factor in machining operations because it directly impacts the efficiency of the cutting process, tool wear, and overall surface finish of the machined part.

When a cutting tool engages a workpiece, it shears off material to create chips. The chip load is defined as the volume of material that each cutting edge removes with every rotation of the cutter. Properly managing chip load is essential for optimizing cutting speeds, feed rates, and ensuring that the cutting tool operates within its intended parameters without experiencing excessive wear or breakage.

Understanding chip load allows operators to make more informed decisions about tooling and machining strategies to enhance production efficiency and achieve desired tolerances and finishes.