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Speeds

The most efficient speed for machine reaming is closely tied in with the type of material being reamed, the rigidity of the set-up, and the tolerance or finish required. Quite often the best speed is found to lie around two-thirds of the speed used for drilling the same material. The following table may be used for a guide:

Material Speed in Feet
Per Minute (fpm)
Magnesium and its alloys 170 - 270
Aluminum and its alloys 130 - 200
Plastics 70 - 100
Brass and Bronze, ordinary 130 - 200
Bronze, high tensile 50 - 70
Monel Metal 25 - 35
Cast Iron, soft 70 - 100
Cast Iron, hard 50 - 70
Cast Iron, chilled 20 - 30
Malleable Iron 50 - 60
Steel, Machinery .2C to .3C 50 - 70
Steel, Annealed .4C to .5C 40 - 50
Steel, Tool 1.2C 35 - 40
Steel, Alloy 35 - 40
Steel, Automotive Forgings 35 - 40
Steel, Alloy 300 - 400 Brinell 20 - 30
Stainless Steel, A.I.S.I. 301, 304 15 - 35
Stainless Steel, A.I.S.I. 302, 309, 314, 316, 325, 420 15 - 30
Stainless Steel, A.I.S.I. 303, 321, 347, 414, 430, 431 20 - 40
Stainless Steel, A.I.S.I. 310 15 - 40
Stainless Steel, A.I.S.I. 403, 405, 406, 410 20 - 50
Stainless Steel, A.I.S.I. 416F, 420F 30 - 60
Stainless Steel, A.I.S.I. 430F, 440F 30 - 50
Stainless Steel, A.I.S.I. 440A, B & C, 442, 443, 446 15 - 30

A lack of rigidity in the set-up may necessitate slower speeds, while a rigid operation may permit high speeds.

When close tolerances and a fine finish are required it is usually necessary to finish ream at considerably slower speeds.

In general, reamers do not work well when they chatter. Consequently the primary consideration is selecting a speed low enough to eliminate chatter.