This guide provides a practical reference for common cutting parameter symbols and tool dimension symbols used in CNC turning, milling, and drilling. It can help you read machining data, tool drawings, and dimensional specifications more easily.

The following symbols are commonly used to describe cutting conditions and machining parameters in turning, milling, and drilling operations.

Turning Parameters

Parameter	Symbol	Unit
Cutting Speed	Vc	m/min
Feed Rate	f	mm/rev
Depth of Cut	ap	mm
Workpiece Width	W	mm
Workpiece Diameter	Dm	mm
Cutting Power	Pc	kW
Specific Cutting Force	kc	N/mm²
Undeformed Chip Thickness	h	mm
Nose Radius	rε	mm
Spindle Speed	n	min⁻¹

Milling Parameters

Parameter	Symbol	Unit
Cutting Speed	Vc	m/min
Feed per Tooth	fz	mm/tooth
Feed per Revolution	f	mm/rev
Table Feed	Vf	mm/min
Axial Depth of Cut	ap	mm
Radial Width of Cut	ae	mm
Cutter Diameter	Dc	mm
Cutting Power	Pc	kW
Specific Cutting Force	kc	N/mm²
Undeformed Chip Thickness	h	mm
Spindle Speed	n	min⁻¹
Number of Teeth	z	–

Drilling Parameters

Parameter	Symbol	Unit
Cutting Speed	Vc	m/min
Feed per Revolution	f	mm/rev
Feed per Tooth	fz	mm/tooth
Feed Speed	Vf	mm/min
Hole Diameter	Dc	mm
Cutting Power	Pc	kW
Specific Cutting Force	kc	N/mm²
Torque	Mc	N·m
Spindle Speed	n	min⁻¹
Number of Cutting Edges	z	–

The following diagrams show common dimension symbols used for turning tools, milling cutters, end mills, side milling cutters, and drills. These symbols help identify key tool dimensions in technical drawings and product specifications.

Drilling Parameters