CNC Tool Life Calculator 2026
Calculate tool lifespan using Taylor's equation and ISO 8688 standards. Predict replacement timing, analyze cost per part, and optimize tool management for 50+ materials.
Tool Life Calculator
Enter material, tool, and cutting parameters to calculate expected tool life
Taylor's Equation
V × Tn = CV = Cutting speed (m/min)
T = Tool life (minutes)
n = Material/tool exponent
C = Material constant
💡 Quick Tips
Understanding Tool Life
Guide to tool life calculation and optimization
What is Tool Life?
Tool life is the time a cutting tool can perform effective machining before requiring replacement. It's measured in minutes of cutting time, number of parts produced, or meters of cutting length. Predicting tool life accurately enables better production planning, cost control, and quality consistency.
Taylor's Tool Life Equation
The most widely used model for tool life prediction is Taylor's equation: VTn = C. This empirical relationship shows that tool life (T) decreases exponentially as cutting speed (V) increases. The exponent (n) and constant (C) are determined by the material-tool combination.
- Low n (0.1-0.2): Aluminum, brass - speed has less impact on life
- Medium n (0.2-0.3): Carbon steel, cast iron - moderate speed sensitivity
- High n (0.3-0.5): Stainless steel, titanium, Inconel - very speed-sensitive
Factors Affecting Tool Life
Increases Tool Life
- Lower cutting speed
- Proper coolant application
- Advanced tool coatings (TiAlN, AlTiN)
- Higher machine rigidity
- Optimal chip load
Decreases Tool Life
- Excessive cutting speed
- Interrupted cuts
- Hard materials (hardened steel, Inconel)
- Low chip load (rubbing)
- Dry machining without proper strategy
Tool Life vs. Productivity Trade-off
There's always a trade-off between productivity and tool cost. Higher cutting speeds increase material removal rate but reduce tool life. The economic optimum depends on:
- Tool cost: Expensive tools justify lower speeds for longer life
- Machine hour rate: Expensive machines justify higher speeds
- Tool change time: Long setup times favor longer tool life
- Part requirements: Finishing needs consistent tool condition
Tool Life Optimization Strategy
Start with recommended cutting parameters, track actual tool life, and adjust. Most shops find that reducing speed 10-15% from catalog values significantly extends tool life without major productivity loss. Document results to build your own material/tool database.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Key factors: Cutting speed (higher = shorter life), chip load, material hardness, coolant effectiveness, tool coating, cut interruption, machine rigidity. Taylor tool life equation: VT^n = C, where V is cutting speed, T is tool life, and n and C are material/tool constants.