Feed Rate
Feed rate in manufacturing refers to the movement of a tool or workpiece in the cutting direction.
When thread cutting or tapping, feed rate is directly linked to thread pitch:
- Per revolution of the tap or die, the tool must advance exactly by the value of the pitch into the workpiece.
- Only when feed rate and pitch match is a clean thread produced without damage or deformation.
Feed can be applied manually (e.g. with a hand tap) or by machine (e.g. CNC machine).