Turning Surface Roughness
Calculate the surface roughness for a turning operation based on the tool nose radius and the cutting feed (IPR). Single-point cutting tools used for finishing operations have a rounded front corner, or "nose", which forms small peaks and valleys in the material as the tool feeds along the rotating workpiece. The height of these surface variations define the surface roughness, which can be measured as an arithmetic average (Ra) or an RMS value.
Cutting feed (IPR)
Tool nose radius (in)
Ra surface roughness (μin)
²
÷
× 24
=
÷ 1000000
Ra surface roughness (μin)
Conversion Factor
RMS surface roughness (μin)
—
×
1.11
=
μin