Shaft Surface Speed Formula:
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Shaft surface speed, also known as peripheral speed or cutting speed, is the speed at which the surface of the rotating shaft moves relative to its surroundings. It's typically measured in surface feet per minute (sfm).
The calculator uses the shaft surface speed formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how many feet the surface of the shaft travels in one minute by multiplying the circumference by the rotational speed and converting to feet.
Details: Surface speed is critical in machining operations, bearing selection, and mechanical design to ensure proper operation, prevent excessive wear, and maintain efficiency.
Tips: Enter shaft diameter in inches and rotational speed in rpm. Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What units should I use for diameter?
A: The calculator expects diameter in inches. Convert from millimeters by dividing by 25.4.
Q2: What are typical surface speed values?
A: Varies by application: 100-300 sfm for general machining, up to 1000+ sfm for high-speed applications.
Q3: How does surface speed relate to wear?
A: Higher surface speeds generally increase wear, but proper lubrication can extend component life at higher speeds.
Q4: Can I use this for pulleys and belts?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to any rotating cylindrical component.
Q5: What if my shaft isn't perfectly round?
A: The calculation assumes a perfect cylinder. For non-round shafts, more complex calculations are needed.