Leikkuunopeudet

Leikkuunopeudet, literally translated from Finnish as “cutting speeds,” refers to the velocity at which a cutting tool such as a drill, saw blade, or milling cutter removes material from a workpiece. It is a crucial parameter in manufacturing processes ranging from metal machining to woodworking and is often expressed in meters per minute or inches per minute. The term is widely used in Finnish technical literature and is equivalent to the English concept of surface speed.

In machining, leikkuunopeudet is calculated by the formula S = π × D × N, where D is the diameter of the cutter in millimetres and N is the spindle speed in revolutions per minute. The resulting surface speed represents the linear speed of the cutting edge over the work surface. Adjusting leikkuunopeudet influences cutting forces, surface finish, tool wear and material removal rate. Too low a speed may lead to excessive heat and poor chip formation, while too high a speed can cause premature tool failure or dimensional inaccuracies.

Standardised cutting speeds for various materials are defined in international guidelines such as ISO 2210 and the Finnish VKT standards. For steel, typical range values lie between 20 m/min and 120 m/min, depending on standability, hardness, and desired finish. In woodworking, saw blade speeds often vary from 2000 rpm to 6000 rpm, translating to surface speeds of several kilometres per hour.

Manufacturers of machining gear and tool companies provide tables of recommended leikkuunopeudet for specific cutting tool materials (such as high‑speed steel, carbide, or cobalt). These tables also consider factors such as chip type, power feed, and coolant usage. By selecting an appropriate cutting speed, operators optimize efficiency, reduce tool life cycles, and maintain product quality.