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Transport & Manufacturing

CNC Lathe Surface Finish Roughness ($Ra$) from Nose Radius & Feed

Calculate cnc lathe surface finish roughness ($ra$) from nose radius & feed using the stated engineering or scientific relationship and adjustable field inputs.

Transport & Manufacturing

Preparing your result…

What this calculator does

Calculates CNC Lathe Surface Finish Roughness ($Ra$) from Nose Radius & Feed using the formula verified against the cited source.

What your result means

An estimate from the inputs you enter, within the scope stated below — not advice.

Formula

Ra ≈ f² ÷ (32 × nose radius)

The step-by-step working for your own numbers appears with the result above and in the PDF report.

Frequently asked questions

Symbols and assumptions

Inputs
The values entered in the fields above
  • • Ideal turning geometric roughness Ra≈feed_per_rev²/(32×tool nose radius), in the same length unit as feed and radius; multiply mm result by1000 for micrometres.

Sources and review

Reviewed 2026-10-18 · Next review 2027-04-18

  • • This is a small-feed geometric approximation for a rounded conventional cutting edge, not a measured Ra guarantee. Surface roughness also depends on vibration, built-up edge, material, wear and wiper geometry. Distinguish Ra from maximum peak/valley height and use feed per revolution, not per minute.

Important limitation

This is an educational estimate based only on the values and formula shown. Verify current rates, rules, units, and professional standards before relying on the result. It is not personalized financial or investment advice.

Quick reference

CNC Lathe Surface Finish Roughness ($Ra$) from Nose Radius & Feed: results for common inputs, worked out with the formula on this page.
ScenarioFeed per revolution (mm)Tool nose radius (mm)Theoretical Ra
Worked example0.150.80.8789 µm
Half the amounts0.080.40.5 µm
Double the amounts0.31.61.7578 µm

Need the full picture? Get the detailed PDF report with charts, tables, formulas and working steps.

Reviewed 2026-10-18 · Next review 2027-04-18

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