Turning

The cutting data recommendations below are applicable to tough cemented carbide grades. These are necessary for operations in which
impact may occur, such as when turning plate with gas-cut edges.

Carbide grade

P25 / C6

450 ^ 300 ^ 210

450 ^ 300 ^ 210
285 ^ 195 ^ 145
130 ^ 90 ^ 70
130 ^ 90 ^ 70
130 ^ 90 ^ 70
130 ^ 90 ^ 70
^

WELDOX 420 /460

WELDOX 500
WELDOX 700
WELDOX 900 / 960
WELDOX 1100
HARDOX 400
HARDOX 450
HARDOX 500

K20 / C2

285 ^ 175 ^ 130

285 ^ 175 ^ 130
230 ^ 150 ^ 100
105 ^ 65 ^ 45
105 ^ 65 ^ 45
105 ^ 65 ^ 45
105 ^ 65 ^ 45
^

^
^
^
^
^
^
^
100 ^ 80

Formulas :
8|D|n
vc =




1000
vc | 1000
n =




8|D
v f = fn | n

vc
D
n
8
vf
fn

= cutting speed [m/min]

= workpiece dia. [mm]
= speed [rpm]
= 3.14
= feed rate [mm/min]
= feed rate [mm/rev]

At higher feed rates, lower the cutting speed.

Tool materials /Cemented carbide grades

P01
Low vibrations
under stable
conditions

C8

P10

P20
C7

P30

C4

K10
C3

P40

C6

INCREASED WEAR RESISTANCE

K01

P50
C5

INCREASED TOUGHNESS

K20
C2

STEEL
ISO group P corresponding to ANSI C5-C8

Risk of
vibrations

K30
C1

CAST IRON & CERTAIN HARDENED STEELS

ISO group K corresponding to ANSI C1-C4

H E L I N I N F O R M AT I O N / A WJ

2 0 01- 02

This brochure has been written in cooperation with Sandvik Coromant AB and Dormer Tools AB. Granlund Tools AB has contributed
pictures and cutting data for the section dealing with countersinking.
For further information, please get in touch with ourTechnical Customer Service Department.
The Machining brochure is included in a series of publications that
offer advice and instructions for working on hardox and weldox
plate. The other brochures in the series are Welding, Bending /shearing
and Cutting. Place your order for them with our Market Communication Department.

SSAB Oxelsund AB
SE-613 80 Oxelsund
Sweden

Tel.: +46 155 25 40 00

Fax: +46 155 25 40 73
www.ssabox.com

Eng -10

Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

P35 / C6-C5

0.1^ 0.4 ^ 0.8

0.1^ 0.4 ^ 0.8
0.1^ 0.3
Cutting speed, v c [ m / min ]

machining

Namn:1701enwb.3d Datum: 02-05-2003 Kund:

feed rate, fn [ mm / rev ]

Drilling
Countersinking
Tapping
Turning
Milling

T YPICAL PROPERTIES OF WELDOX AND HARDOX

Either high speed steel or cemented carbide drills can be

used for drilling.The machine available and its stability
determine the type of drill that should be employed.
But whatever the machine type, it is vital to minimize
vibrations.

Radial or column drilling machines

Grade

P40 / C5

unstable
Conditions
0.1 ^ 0.2 ^ 0.3
Feed rate ( fz )
Plate grade
WELDOX 420 /460 220^180^120
220 ^180^120
WELDOX 500
195^150^95
WELDOX 700
95^75^50
WELDOX 900 / 960
^
WELDOX 1100
^
HARDOX 400
^
HARDOX 450
^
HARDOX 500

P25/ C6

P20 / C6-C7

average
0.1 ^ 0.2 ^ 0.3

stable
0.1 ^ 0.2

250^210^180
250^210^180
220^180 ^150
200^160^130
150^120 ^110
150^120 ^110
150^120 ^110
120 ^100

350 ^ 280
350 ^ 280
240 ^ 200
220 ^ 170
150 ^ 120
150 ^ 120
150 ^ 120
120 ^ 100

Individual holes can

be drilled with an ordinary HSS drill. For rational
production, either a microalloyed (HSS-E) drill or a
cobalt-alloyed (HSS-Co) drill
is recommended.

vc [m/min]
D [mm]
5
10
15
20
25
30

WELDOX
500

!26

!22

0.14 / 1700
0.17 / 860
0.18 / 570
0.28 / 430
0.30 / 340
0.38 / 280

0.12 / 1520
0.15 / 760
0.17 / 500
0.26 / 380
0.30 / 300
0.36 / 250

K10 / C3coated

stable
stable
stable
0.1 ^ 0.2
0.02 ^ 0.10
0.02 ^ 0.20
Cutting speed, v c [ m / min ]
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
120 ^ 100

130
125
100
90
90
90
90
50

210
210
180
130
100
100
100
80

P10 / C7indexable insert

TiCNcoated

stable
0.05 ^ 0.15

unstable
0.03 ^ 0.09

220 ^180
220 ^180
195 ^150
140 ^120
110 ^90
110 ^90
110 ^90
90 ^70

60
50
40
18
18
18
18
^

Formulas :

vc | 1000
n =




8|D
fz

vf
=


n|z

vc
D
n
8
vf
fz
z

= cutting speed [m/min]

= cutter diameter [mm]
= speed [rpm]
= 3.14
= feed rate [mm/min]
= feed rate per tooth [mm/tooth]
= number of cutter teeth

Reduce the cutting speed

Increase the cutting speed

ion
s]

8|D|n
vc =




1000

Increase the feed rate per tooth

Use a more wear resistant CC grade
(see page 8)

nd
s
Use an HSS-Co
drill (8% Co) with
a small helix angle
and a robust core
that can withstand
high torques.

HSS-Co

WELDOX
700

WELDOX
900 / 960

WELDOX
1100

HARDOX
400

HARDOX
450

HARDOX
500

!18
Feed rate,
0.10 / 1150
0.10 / 575
0.16 / 400
0.23 / 300
0.30 / 240
0.35 / 200

!15
f [ mm /rev ]
0.10 / 950
0.10 / 475
0.16 / 325
0.23 / 235
0.30 / 195
0.35 / 165

!7
/ Speed,
0.05 / 445
0.09 / 220
0.15 / 150
0.20 / 110
0.25 / 90
0.30 / 75

!9
n [ rpm ]
0.05 / 570
0.10 / 290
0.16 / 190
0.23 / 150
0.30 / 110
0.35 / 90

!7

!5

-2-

Reduce the feed rate per tooth

olu
t

v f = fz | n | z

If problems should arise ...

WELDOX
420 / 460

K10 / C3uncoated

K20 / C2

HSS -Co

At higher feed rates, lower the cutting speed.

Recommendations for reducing vibrations and increasing

the useful life of the drill :

Minimize the distance from the drill to the column.

Avoid wooden spacer blocks.

Clamp the workpiece securely, and drill as close as
possible to the spacer blocks.

Minimize the distance between the drill tip and
arm by using a short spindle and short drill.

Just before the drill breaks through, disengage the
feed for about a second. Play and elasticity in the
machine could otherwise snap the drill tip. Re-engage
the drill feed when the play/elasticity have ceased.

Provide an abundant supply of coolant.

HSS
HSS-E
HSS-Co

END MILLING
CC

Coated CC

on
a

Tensile strength, Rm [N/mm2 ]

Hardness [HBW]

WELDOX WELDOX WELDOX WELDOX WELDOX HARDOX HARDOX ARDOX

420 / 460
500
700
900 / 960
1100
400
450
500
!550
!620
!860
!1040
!1350
!1250
!1400
!1550
!180
!200
!260
!320
!430
!400
!450
!500

FAC E M I L L I N G
Coated CC
Cermet

0.05 / 445
0.09 / 220
0.15 / 150
0.20 / 110
0.25 / 90
0.30 / 75

0.05 / 320
0.08 / 130
0.13 / 85
0.18 / 65
0.22 / 50
0.25 / 45

Land wear
Notch wear
Cratering wear
Plastic deformation
Cutting edge build-up
Comb cracks
Small damage to the cutting edges (edge chipping)
Insert failure
Vibrations
Poor surface finish
Short useful life of HSS-Co cutters


Use a tougher CC grade (see page 8)

Ac
ti

hardox and weldox are registered

trademarks.These steel grades are manufactured only by SSAB Oxelsund AB.

plate and WELDOX extra-high strength structural plate are steel grades
that can be machined with high speed steel (HSS) or cemented carbide (CC) tools. This
brochure includes our suggestions for cutting data (feeds and speeds) and the selection of
tools. Other factors that should be taken into account in machining operations are also
discussed.The proposals have been drawn up following our own tests on tools of various
makes and in consultation with leading tool manufacturers.

Drilling

This brochure contains general suggestions and calculation models. SSAB Oxelsund AB hereby expressly disclaims
any liability for their suitability for individual applications. It is the responsibility of the user of the brochure to adapt
the recommendations contained therein to the requirements of individual applications.

Namn:1701enwb.3d Datum: 02-05-2003 Kund:

Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

HARDOX wear

Use a coarse-pitch cutter

Change the cutter position



















Avoid using a coolant


 




Change over from HSS-Co to

solid CC cutter

















 


- 7-





Check the cutter set-up

Milling
Solid cemented carbide drill

Diameters from approx. 3 mm

Close tolerances (high precision)

Can be reground

Sensitive to vibrations

SELECTION OF MILLING METHOD AND CUT TERS

To ensure rational production, milling cutters with cemented carbide inserts are recommended.

SQUARE
SHOULDER
MILLING

Namn:1701enwb.3d Datum: 02-05-2003 Kund:

FACE MILLING

Roughing

Finishing

Select a cutter
with round inserts,
particularly for
machining HARDOX

Select a cutter
with 45
setting angle

More stable machine tools,

such as boring mills and bedtype milling machines

END MILLING

Select a milling
cutter with 90
setting angle

Unstable
machine

Stable
machine

Select a
coated HSS-Co
end mill *

Select a
CC end mill ~
solid or with
indexable inserts

For improved productivity, the benefits of

cemented carbide drills should be put to use
in modern and stable machines.
The choice is available between three
main types of drills with cemented carbide
cutting edges.The choice of drill type is
dependent on the stability of the machine,
the clamping of the workpiece, the hole
diameter and the required tolerance.
Always use the shortest possible drill.
Coolant

Use the type of coolant intended for
drilling.

Rule of thumb for drilling with internal
coolant passages : Coolant flow [l/min]
c Drill diameter [mm]

*) Avoid
using an HSS
end mill when
machining a
gas-cut edge.

Recommended cutting width

in face milling

WELDOX
900 / 960

WELDOX
1100

HARDOX
450

HARDOX
500

400

Cutting speed, v c [ m / min ] and Feed rate, f [ mm /rev ]

50 ^70
50 ^70
40 ^50
30 ^ 40
35 ^ 45
30 ^ 40
0.1 ^ 0.2
0.10^ 0.18
0.10^ 0.18
0.10 ^ 0.15
0.10 ^ 0.15
0.10 ^ 0.15

25 ^ 35
0.08 ^ 0.12

Solid cemented carbide

50 ^70
0.1 ^ 0.2

Brazed cemented carbide

vc
f

50 ^70
0.12 ^ 0.20

40 ^ 60
0.12 ^ 0.20

40 ^ 60
0.12 ^0.18

40 ^ 60
0.12 ^0.18

30 ^ 40
0.10 ^ 0.15

35 ^ 45
0.10 ^ 0.15

30 ^ 40
0.10 ^ 0.15

20 ^ 30
0.08 ^ 0.12

Indexable inserts

vc
f

160 ^180
0.1 ^ 0.2

110 ^130
0.1 ^ 0.2

100 ^120
0.10^ 0.18

70 ^ 90
0.10^ 0.18

50 ^ 70
0.06 ^ 0.14

60 ^ 80
0.06 ^ 0.14

50 ^ 70
0.06 ^ 0.14

40 ^ 60
0.06 ^0.12

If the drill diameter is small, select a lower

feed rate within the specified range.

HARDOX 400

Formulas:

vc | 1000
n =




8|D

350
300
WELDOX 700
250
WELDOX 500

HARDOX
400

vc
f

8|D|n
vc =




1000

To calculate the speed of rotation from

the recommended cutting speed :
Example for drill diameter D = 15 mm
and cutting speed vc = 80 m/min

vf = f | n

vc
D
n
8
vf
f

= cutting speed [m/min]

= drill diameter [mm]
= speed [rpm]
= 3.14
= feed rate [mm/min]
= feed rate [mm/rev]

150
100
0

-6-

WELDOX
700

450

200
Hardness profile
of gas-cut edge,
cut in air

WELDOX
500

Indexable insert drill

Diameters from approx. 12 mm

Offers high productivity

Wider tolerance than the others
(lower precision)

Good economy

0.75^ 0.80 x D

The following factors should be borne in mind when

milling :

Make certain that the workpiece is securely clamped.

If the machine power is low, use a coarse-pitch cutter.

If possible, avoid a universal head, since this weakens the
tool mounting and power transmission.

The width of cut in face milling should be about 75^80%
of the cutter diameter (see figure to the right).

When milling surfaces which are narrower than the diameter of the milling head, the milling cutter should be
located eccentrically, so that as many teeth as possible
will be in engagement.

When milling a gas-cut edge, the depth of cut should be
at least 2 mm, in order to avoid the hard surface layer of
the cut edge (see graph).
HV10

Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

WELDOX
420 / 460

Brazed cemented carbide drill

Diameters from approx. 10 mm

Close tolerances (high precision)

Can be reground

Less sensitive to vibrations
than solid carbide.

2
4
6
Distance from kerf surface [mm]

Speed, n =

vc | 1000
8|D

80 | 1000
3,14 | 15

= 1698 = approx. 1700 rpm.

-3 -

Drilling contd. ]

Drilling ( contd.)
]
]

Increase the coolant flow rate, clean the

filter and the coolant holes of the drill.

so
lut
ion
s

Choose a tougher grade ~ see the

figure on page 8.

HSS drill tip deformed

CC drill tip deformed
Wear on the outside of the drill
Holes oversize/undersize
Chip build-up in the drill flutes
Vibrations
Small damage to the cut. edges (edge chipping)
Asymmetrical holes
Short useful life of HSS tool
Short useful life of CC tool

vc [m/min]

Reduce the feed rate.

Ac
tio
na
nd

If problems should arise ...

Namn:1701enwb.3d Datum: 02-05-2003 Kund:

HSS countersinking cutters with three cutting edges and equipped with a pilot can be
used in the weldox steels tabulated below. An abundant flow of coolant is necessary.

Adjust the drill setting.

Increase the feed rate.

Improve the stability by more secure workpiece clamping and reduced drill overhang.
Check the guideline values of cutting data.







Check that the right HSS or CC grade

is used.




 



 
 
 






 

 




D
[mm]

Feed rate
f [mm / rev]

15
19
24
34
42
57

0.05 ^ 0.20
0.05 ^ 0.20
0.07^ 0.30
0.07^ 0.30
0.07^ 0.30
0.07^ 0.30

WELDOX
420 / 460

WELDOX
500

WELDOX
700

WELDOX
900 / 960

!12

!10

!8

!7

Speed, n [ rpm]
250
200
160
110
90
70

210
170
130
90
60
60

170
130
100
70
60
40

150
120
90
70
50
40

Increase the cutting speed.





Reduce the cutting speed.

Tapping
If the correct type of tap is used, holes can be tapped in
all hardox and weldox steels.We recommend fourflute taps which can withstand the high torques necessary for tapping holes in hard materials.When hardox
and weldox materials are tapped, thread oil or thread
paste is recommended as lubricant. An emulsion can
also be used for the softer weldox 420, weldox 460
and weldox 500 steels.

Counterboring
and countersinking
Spot-facing and countersinking are best done by means of
countersinking tools which have replaceable cemented carbide
inserts and a rotating pilot. Use coolant.
Counterbore with
replaceable inserts
and revolving pilot.

In applications in which thread strength is not critical, a

somewhat larger than standard hole diameter can be
drilled (about 3% larger), in order to reduce the tap stresses during tapping. This will increase the useful life of
the tap, above all when tapping holes in hardox and
weldox 1100.

Tap for
blind holes.

Tap for
through holes.

Conical countersink
with replaceable
inserts and revolving pilot.

NOTE
1. If uncoated taps are
used, the cutting data
should be lowered by 30%.

NOTE

2. If tapping is carried out

in NC machines, thread
milling can be employed.

1. Reduce the cutting data by

about 30% in countersinking.
2. Always use a revolving pilot.

Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

HSS
TiN coated
WELDOX
420 / 460

WELDOX
500 1

WELDOX
700 1

WELDOX
900 / 960

WELDOX
1100

HARDOX
400

HARDOX
450

HARDOX
500

vc [m/min]

90^140 2

70^100 2

40^65 2

20^50 2

25^70 2

20^50 2

17^50 2

Feed rate, f [mm /rev]

D [mm]
19
24
34
42
57

0.10 ^ 0.20

80^120 2
0.10 ^ 0.20

0.10 ^ 0.20

0.10 ^ 0.20
0.10 ^ 0.20
Speed, n [rpm ]

0.10 ^ 0.20

0.10 ^ 0.20

0.10 ^ 0.20

1510 ^ 2345
1195^ 1860
845 ^ 1310
680 ^ 1060
505 ^ 780

1340 ^ 2010
1060 ^ 1590
750 ^ 1125
605 ^ 910
445 ^ 670

1175^ 1675
930 ^ 1325
655^ 935
530 ^ 760
390 ^ 560

670^ 1090
530 ^ 865
375^610
300 ^ 495
225^365

420 ^1175
330 ^930
235 ^ 655
190 ^530
140 ^390

335^ 840
265 ^ 665
185 ^ 470
150 ^ 380
110 ^280

285 ^840
225^ 665
160 ^ 470
130 ^ 380
95^ 280

335^ 840
265 ^ 665
185 ^ 470
150 ^ 380
110 ^280

HSS-Co ( HSS-E )
TiN or TiCN coated

HSS-Co ( HSS-E )
TiCN coated

WELDOX
420 /460 /500

WELDOX
700

WELDOX
900 / 960

WELDOX
1100

HARDOX
400

HARDOX
450

HARDOX
500

vc [m/min]

15

10

3
Speed, n [ rpm]

2.5

Size
M10
M12
M16
M20
M24
M30
M42

475
395
300
235
200
160
110

320
265
200
160
130
105
75

255
210
160
125
105
85
60

95
80
60
45
40
32
22

160
130
100
80
65
50
35

95
80
60
45
40
32
22

80
65
50
40
30
25
20

1) If chipbreaking problems should arise, feed in steps of 2 mm at a time.

2) If the machine power is low, select a cutting speed towards the lower end of the range.

-4-

-5-

Drilling ( contd.)
]
]

Increase the coolant flow rate, clean the

filter and the coolant holes of the drill.

so
lut
ion
s

Choose a tougher grade ~ see the

figure on page 8.

HSS drill tip deformed

CC drill tip deformed
Wear on the outside of the drill
Holes oversize/undersize
Chip build-up in the drill flutes
Vibrations
Small damage to the cut. edges (edge chipping)
Asymmetrical holes
Short useful life of HSS tool
Short useful life of CC tool

vc [m/min]

Reduce the feed rate.

Ac
tio
na
nd

If problems should arise ...

Namn:1701enwb.3d Datum: 02-05-2003 Kund:

HSS countersinking cutters with three cutting edges and equipped with a pilot can be
used in the weldox steels tabulated below. An abundant flow of coolant is necessary.

Adjust the drill setting.

Increase the feed rate.

Improve the stability by more secure workpiece clamping and reduced drill overhang.
Check the guideline values of cutting data.







Check that the right HSS or CC grade

is used.




 



 
 
 






 

 




D
[mm]

Feed rate
f [mm / rev]

15
19
24
34
42
57

0.05 ^ 0.20
0.05 ^ 0.20
0.07^ 0.30
0.07^ 0.30
0.07^ 0.30
0.07^ 0.30

WELDOX
420 / 460

WELDOX
500

WELDOX
700

WELDOX
900 / 960

!12

!10

!8

!7

Speed, n [ rpm]
250
200
160
110
90
70

210
170
130
90
60
60

170
130
100
70
60
40

150
120
90
70
50
40

Increase the cutting speed.





Reduce the cutting speed.

Tapping
If the correct type of tap is used, holes can be tapped in
all hardox and weldox steels.We recommend fourflute taps which can withstand the high torques necessary for tapping holes in hard materials.When hardox
and weldox materials are tapped, thread oil or thread
paste is recommended as lubricant. An emulsion can
also be used for the softer weldox 420, weldox 460
and weldox 500 steels.

Counterboring
and countersinking
Spot-facing and countersinking are best done by means of
countersinking tools which have replaceable cemented carbide
inserts and a rotating pilot. Use coolant.
Counterbore with
replaceable inserts
and revolving pilot.

In applications in which thread strength is not critical, a

somewhat larger than standard hole diameter can be
drilled (about 3% larger), in order to reduce the tap stresses during tapping. This will increase the useful life of
the tap, above all when tapping holes in hardox and
weldox 1100.

Tap for
blind holes.

Tap for
through holes.

Conical countersink
with replaceable
inserts and revolving pilot.

NOTE
1. If uncoated taps are
used, the cutting data
should be lowered by 30%.

NOTE

2. If tapping is carried out

in NC machines, thread
milling can be employed.

1. Reduce the cutting data by

about 30% in countersinking.
2. Always use a revolving pilot.

Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

HSS
TiN coated
WELDOX
420 / 460

WELDOX
500 1

WELDOX
700 1

WELDOX
900 / 960

WELDOX
1100

HARDOX
400

HARDOX
450

HARDOX
500

vc [m/min]

90^140 2

70^100 2

40^65 2

20^50 2

25^70 2

20^50 2

17^50 2

Feed rate, f [mm /rev]

D [mm]
19
24
34
42
57

0.10 ^ 0.20

80^120 2
0.10 ^ 0.20

0.10 ^ 0.20

0.10 ^ 0.20
0.10 ^ 0.20
Speed, n [rpm ]

0.10 ^ 0.20

0.10 ^ 0.20

0.10 ^ 0.20

1510 ^ 2345
1195^ 1860
845 ^ 1310
680 ^ 1060
505 ^ 780

1340 ^ 2010
1060 ^ 1590
750 ^ 1125
605 ^ 910
445 ^ 670

1175^ 1675
930 ^ 1325
655^ 935
530 ^ 760
390 ^ 560

670^ 1090
530 ^ 865
375^610
300 ^ 495
225^365

420 ^1175
330 ^930
235 ^ 655
190 ^530
140 ^390

335^ 840
265 ^ 665
185 ^ 470
150 ^ 380
110 ^280

285 ^840
225^ 665
160 ^ 470
130 ^ 380
95^ 280

335^ 840
265 ^ 665
185 ^ 470
150 ^ 380
110 ^280

HSS-Co ( HSS-E )
TiN or TiCN coated

HSS-Co ( HSS-E )
TiCN coated

WELDOX
420 /460 /500

WELDOX
700

WELDOX
900 / 960

WELDOX
1100

HARDOX
400

HARDOX
450

HARDOX
500

vc [m/min]

15

10

3
Speed, n [ rpm]

2.5

Size
M10
M12
M16
M20
M24
M30
M42

475
395
300
235
200
160
110

320
265
200
160
130
105
75

255
210
160
125
105
85
60

95
80
60
45
40
32
22

160
130
100
80
65
50
35

95
80
60
45
40
32
22

80
65
50
40
30
25
20

1) If chipbreaking problems should arise, feed in steps of 2 mm at a time.

2) If the machine power is low, select a cutting speed towards the lower end of the range.

-4-

-5-

Milling
Solid cemented carbide drill

Diameters from approx. 3 mm

Close tolerances (high precision)

Can be reground

Sensitive to vibrations

SELECTION OF MILLING METHOD AND CUT TERS

To ensure rational production, milling cutters with cemented carbide inserts are recommended.

SQUARE
SHOULDER
MILLING

Namn:1701enwb.3d Datum: 02-05-2003 Kund:

FACE MILLING

Roughing

Finishing

Select a cutter
with round inserts,
particularly for
machining HARDOX

Select a cutter
with 45
setting angle

More stable machine tools,

such as boring mills and bedtype milling machines

END MILLING

Select a milling
cutter with 90
setting angle

Unstable
machine

Stable
machine

Select a
coated HSS-Co
end mill *

Select a
CC end mill ~
solid or with
indexable inserts

For improved productivity, the benefits of

cemented carbide drills should be put to use
in modern and stable machines.
The choice is available between three
main types of drills with cemented carbide
cutting edges.The choice of drill type is
dependent on the stability of the machine,
the clamping of the workpiece, the hole
diameter and the required tolerance.
Always use the shortest possible drill.
Coolant

Use the type of coolant intended for
drilling.

Rule of thumb for drilling with internal
coolant passages : Coolant flow [l/min]
c Drill diameter [mm]

*) Avoid
using an HSS
end mill when
machining a
gas-cut edge.

Recommended cutting width

in face milling

WELDOX
900 / 960

WELDOX
1100

HARDOX
450

HARDOX
500

400

Cutting speed, v c [ m / min ] and Feed rate, f [ mm /rev ]

50 ^70
50 ^70
40 ^50
30 ^ 40
35 ^ 45
30 ^ 40
0.1 ^ 0.2
0.10^ 0.18
0.10^ 0.18
0.10 ^ 0.15
0.10 ^ 0.15
0.10 ^ 0.15

25 ^ 35
0.08 ^ 0.12

Solid cemented carbide

50 ^70
0.1 ^ 0.2

Brazed cemented carbide

vc
f

50 ^70
0.12 ^ 0.20

40 ^ 60
0.12 ^ 0.20

40 ^ 60
0.12 ^0.18

40 ^ 60
0.12 ^0.18

30 ^ 40
0.10 ^ 0.15

35 ^ 45
0.10 ^ 0.15

30 ^ 40
0.10 ^ 0.15

20 ^ 30
0.08 ^ 0.12

Indexable inserts

vc
f

160 ^180
0.1 ^ 0.2

110 ^130
0.1 ^ 0.2

100 ^120
0.10^ 0.18

70 ^ 90
0.10^ 0.18

50 ^ 70
0.06 ^ 0.14

60 ^ 80
0.06 ^ 0.14

50 ^ 70
0.06 ^ 0.14

40 ^ 60
0.06 ^0.12

If the drill diameter is small, select a lower

feed rate within the specified range.

HARDOX 400

Formulas:

vc | 1000
n =




8|D

350
300
WELDOX 700
250
WELDOX 500

HARDOX
400

vc
f

8|D|n
vc =




1000

To calculate the speed of rotation from

the recommended cutting speed :
Example for drill diameter D = 15 mm
and cutting speed vc = 80 m/min

vf = f | n

vc
D
n
8
vf
f

= cutting speed [m/min]

= drill diameter [mm]
= speed [rpm]
= 3.14
= feed rate [mm/min]
= feed rate [mm/rev]

150
100
0

-6-

WELDOX
700

450

200
Hardness profile
of gas-cut edge,
cut in air

WELDOX
500

Indexable insert drill

Diameters from approx. 12 mm

Offers high productivity

Wider tolerance than the others
(lower precision)

Good economy

0.75^ 0.80 x D

The following factors should be borne in mind when

milling :

Make certain that the workpiece is securely clamped.

If the machine power is low, use a coarse-pitch cutter.

If possible, avoid a universal head, since this weakens the
tool mounting and power transmission.

The width of cut in face milling should be about 75^80%
of the cutter diameter (see figure to the right).

When milling surfaces which are narrower than the diameter of the milling head, the milling cutter should be
located eccentrically, so that as many teeth as possible
will be in engagement.

When milling a gas-cut edge, the depth of cut should be
at least 2 mm, in order to avoid the hard surface layer of
the cut edge (see graph).
HV10

Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

WELDOX
420 / 460

Brazed cemented carbide drill

Diameters from approx. 10 mm

Close tolerances (high precision)

Can be reground

Less sensitive to vibrations
than solid carbide.

2
4
6
Distance from kerf surface [mm]

Speed, n =

vc | 1000
8|D

80 | 1000
3,14 | 15

= 1698 = approx. 1700 rpm.

-3 -

Drilling contd. ]

T YPICAL PROPERTIES OF WELDOX AND HARDOX

Either high speed steel or cemented carbide drills can be

used for drilling.The machine available and its stability
determine the type of drill that should be employed.
But whatever the machine type, it is vital to minimize
vibrations.

Radial or column drilling machines

Grade

P40 / C5

unstable
Conditions
0.1 ^ 0.2 ^ 0.3
Feed rate ( fz )
Plate grade
WELDOX 420 /460 220^180^120
220 ^180^120
WELDOX 500
195^150^95
WELDOX 700
95^75^50
WELDOX 900 / 960
^
WELDOX 1100
^
HARDOX 400
^
HARDOX 450
^
HARDOX 500

P25/ C6

P20 / C6-C7

average
0.1 ^ 0.2 ^ 0.3

stable
0.1 ^ 0.2

250^210^180
250^210^180
220^180 ^150
200^160^130
150^120 ^110
150^120 ^110
150^120 ^110
120 ^100

350 ^ 280
350 ^ 280
240 ^ 200
220 ^ 170
150 ^ 120
150 ^ 120
150 ^ 120
120 ^ 100

Individual holes can

be drilled with an ordinary HSS drill. For rational
production, either a microalloyed (HSS-E) drill or a
cobalt-alloyed (HSS-Co) drill
is recommended.

vc [m/min]
D [mm]
5
10
15
20
25
30

WELDOX
500

!26

!22

0.14 / 1700
0.17 / 860
0.18 / 570
0.28 / 430
0.30 / 340
0.38 / 280

0.12 / 1520
0.15 / 760
0.17 / 500
0.26 / 380
0.30 / 300
0.36 / 250

K10 / C3coated

stable
stable
stable
0.1 ^ 0.2
0.02 ^ 0.10
0.02 ^ 0.20
Cutting speed, v c [ m / min ]
^
^
^
^
^
^
^
120 ^ 100

130
125
100
90
90
90
90
50

210
210
180
130
100
100
100
80

P10 / C7indexable insert

TiCNcoated

stable
0.05 ^ 0.15

unstable
0.03 ^ 0.09

220 ^180
220 ^180
195 ^150
140 ^120
110 ^90
110 ^90
110 ^90
90 ^70

60
50
40
18
18
18
18
^

Formulas :

vc | 1000
n =




8|D
fz

vf
=


n|z

vc
D
n
8
vf
fz
z

= cutting speed [m/min]

= cutter diameter [mm]
= speed [rpm]
= 3.14
= feed rate [mm/min]
= feed rate per tooth [mm/tooth]
= number of cutter teeth

Reduce the cutting speed

Increase the cutting speed

ion
s]

8|D|n
vc =




1000

Increase the feed rate per tooth

Use a more wear resistant CC grade
(see page 8)

nd
s
Use an HSS-Co
drill (8% Co) with
a small helix angle
and a robust core
that can withstand
high torques.

HSS-Co

WELDOX
700

WELDOX
900 / 960

WELDOX
1100

HARDOX
400

HARDOX
450

HARDOX
500

!18
Feed rate,
0.10 / 1150
0.10 / 575
0.16 / 400
0.23 / 300
0.30 / 240
0.35 / 200

!15
f [ mm /rev ]
0.10 / 950
0.10 / 475
0.16 / 325
0.23 / 235
0.30 / 195
0.35 / 165

!7
/ Speed,
0.05 / 445
0.09 / 220
0.15 / 150
0.20 / 110
0.25 / 90
0.30 / 75

!9
n [ rpm ]
0.05 / 570
0.10 / 290
0.16 / 190
0.23 / 150
0.30 / 110
0.35 / 90

!7

!5

-2-

Reduce the feed rate per tooth

olu
t

v f = fz | n | z

If problems should arise ...

WELDOX
420 / 460

K10 / C3uncoated

K20 / C2

HSS -Co

At higher feed rates, lower the cutting speed.

Recommendations for reducing vibrations and increasing

the useful life of the drill :

Minimize the distance from the drill to the column.

Avoid wooden spacer blocks.

Clamp the workpiece securely, and drill as close as
possible to the spacer blocks.

Minimize the distance between the drill tip and
arm by using a short spindle and short drill.

Just before the drill breaks through, disengage the
feed for about a second. Play and elasticity in the
machine could otherwise snap the drill tip. Re-engage
the drill feed when the play/elasticity have ceased.

Provide an abundant supply of coolant.

HSS
HSS-E
HSS-Co

END MILLING
CC

Coated CC

on
a

Tensile strength, Rm [N/mm2 ]

Hardness [HBW]

WELDOX WELDOX WELDOX WELDOX WELDOX HARDOX HARDOX ARDOX

420 / 460
500
700
900 / 960
1100
400
450
500
!550
!620
!860
!1040
!1350
!1250
!1400
!1550
!180
!200
!260
!320
!430
!400
!450
!500

FAC E M I L L I N G
Coated CC
Cermet

0.05 / 445
0.09 / 220
0.15 / 150
0.20 / 110
0.25 / 90
0.30 / 75

0.05 / 320
0.08 / 130
0.13 / 85
0.18 / 65
0.22 / 50
0.25 / 45

Land wear
Notch wear
Cratering wear
Plastic deformation
Cutting edge build-up
Comb cracks
Small damage to the cutting edges (edge chipping)
Insert failure
Vibrations
Poor surface finish
Short useful life of HSS-Co cutters


Use a tougher CC grade (see page 8)

Ac
ti

hardox and weldox are registered

trademarks.These steel grades are manufactured only by SSAB Oxelsund AB.

plate and WELDOX extra-high strength structural plate are steel grades
that can be machined with high speed steel (HSS) or cemented carbide (CC) tools. This
brochure includes our suggestions for cutting data (feeds and speeds) and the selection of
tools. Other factors that should be taken into account in machining operations are also
discussed.The proposals have been drawn up following our own tests on tools of various
makes and in consultation with leading tool manufacturers.

Drilling

This brochure contains general suggestions and calculation models. SSAB Oxelsund AB hereby expressly disclaims
any liability for their suitability for individual applications. It is the responsibility of the user of the brochure to adapt
the recommendations contained therein to the requirements of individual applications.

Namn:1701enwb.3d Datum: 02-05-2003 Kund:

Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

HARDOX wear

Use a coarse-pitch cutter

Change the cutter position



















Avoid using a coolant


 




Change over from HSS-Co to

solid CC cutter

















 


- 7-





Check the cutter set-up

Turning

The cutting data recommendations below are applicable to tough cemented carbide grades. These are necessary for operations in which
impact may occur, such as when turning plate with gas-cut edges.

Carbide grade

P25 / C6

450 ^ 300 ^ 210

450 ^ 300 ^ 210
285 ^ 195 ^ 145
130 ^ 90 ^ 70
130 ^ 90 ^ 70
130 ^ 90 ^ 70
130 ^ 90 ^ 70
^

WELDOX 420 /460

WELDOX 500
WELDOX 700
WELDOX 900 / 960
WELDOX 1100
HARDOX 400
HARDOX 450
HARDOX 500

K20 / C2

285 ^ 175 ^ 130

285 ^ 175 ^ 130
230 ^ 150 ^ 100
105 ^ 65 ^ 45
105 ^ 65 ^ 45
105 ^ 65 ^ 45
105 ^ 65 ^ 45
^

^
^
^
^
^
^
^
100 ^ 80

Formulas :
8|D|n
vc =




1000
vc | 1000
n =




8|D
v f = fn | n

vc
D
n
8
vf
fn

= cutting speed [m/min]

= workpiece dia. [mm]
= speed [rpm]
= 3.14
= feed rate [mm/min]
= feed rate [mm/rev]

At higher feed rates, lower the cutting speed.

Tool materials /Cemented carbide grades

P01
Low vibrations
under stable
conditions

C8

P10

P20
C7

P30

C4

K10
C3

P40

C6

INCREASED WEAR RESISTANCE

K01

P50
C5

INCREASED TOUGHNESS

K20
C2

STEEL
ISO group P corresponding to ANSI C5-C8

Risk of
vibrations

K30
C1

CAST IRON & CERTAIN HARDENED STEELS

ISO group K corresponding to ANSI C1-C4

H E L I N I N F O R M AT I O N / A WJ

2 0 01- 02

This brochure has been written in cooperation with Sandvik Coromant AB and Dormer Tools AB. Granlund Tools AB has contributed
pictures and cutting data for the section dealing with countersinking.
For further information, please get in touch with ourTechnical Customer Service Department.
The Machining brochure is included in a series of publications that
offer advice and instructions for working on hardox and weldox
plate. The other brochures in the series are Welding, Bending /shearing
and Cutting. Place your order for them with our Market Communication Department.

SSAB Oxelsund AB
SE-613 80 Oxelsund
Sweden

Tel.: +46 155 25 40 00

Fax: +46 155 25 40 73
www.ssabox.com

Eng -10

Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

P35 / C6-C5

0.1^ 0.4 ^ 0.8

0.1^ 0.4 ^ 0.8
0.1^ 0.3
Cutting speed, v c [ m / min ]

machining

Namn:1701enwb.3d Datum: 02-05-2003 Kund:

feed rate, fn [ mm / rev ]

Drilling
Countersinking
Tapping
Turning
Milling