What is the purpose of feed rate in machining?

The purpose of feed rate in machining is to determine how quickly the cutting tool moves through the material. This rate directly affects the efficiency of the machining process, as it influences material removal rate, surface finish, tool wear, and the overall productivity of the operation. When the feed rate is set appropriately, it allows for optimal cutting conditions, ensuring that the tool can effectively remove material without overheating or causing excessive wear.

In contrast to this, determining how long the machining operation takes is influenced by various factors, including feed rate but is not the sole purpose of the feed rate itself. The temperature of the tool is relevant in assessing tool performance and wear, but it does not directly relate to the concept of feed rate. Similarly, while measuring the depth of cut is a critical aspect of machining, it pertains to the amount of material being removed in one pass rather than the speed of the tool's movement through the material.