What does the feed rate primarily affect?

The feed rate primarily affects the efficiency of the material removal process. It refers to the distance the cutting tool advances during each revolution of the spindle or for each stroke of the tool in non-rotating applications. A well-selected feed rate can enhance the cutting action, optimize material removal, and improve surface finish.

When the feed rate is correctly set, it balances the speed at which material is removed against the potential for tool wear and the quality of the finished product. A faster feed rate can lead to more efficient machining, as it reduces processing time, but if set too high, it might negatively impact tool life and finish quality. Conversely, a slower feed rate may increase precision and surface finish but can also extend machining time and reduce overall efficiency.

While the other options relate to machining processes, they do not directly link to the primary influence of feed rate as effectively. For example, although depth of cut and tooling type might indirectly be influenced by feed rate adjustments, they are not the primary factors affected.