CNC Machining worked example

Ball Nose Scallop Height with radial step-over between passes of 0.03 in: a worked example

Push radial step-over between passes up to 0.03 in and the picture changes. This example computes every intermediate figure at that operating point. screening finish-machining step-over for molds, dies, contoured parts, and 3D surfacing work

The inputs for this scenario

  • Radial step-over between passes: 0.03 in (raised for this scenario; the documented default is 0.01)
  • Ball-nose tool radius: 0.25 in (unchanged)
  • Surface-finish scaling factor: 1 x (unchanged)

Working through the calculation

  • Applying the documented formula (Ball Nose Scallop Height = step-over basis ÷ ball-nose tool radius basis × finishing factor) to the inputs above produces each figure below.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 0.12 in for base ball nose scallop height, the number this scenario is built around.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 0.12 value for raw ratio.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 1 x for conversion factor.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 0.25 value for ball-nose tool radius basis.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where radial step-over between passes sits at 0.01 in and the headline result is 0.04 in, this scenario comes in 200% above the baseline at 0.12 in.
  • It computes a scallop-height index from the ratio of radial step-over to ball-nose tool radius, scaled by an optional finishing factor. The value of this scenario is the size of the gap it exposes: that gap, priced out over a year, is the budget you can justify spending to close it.

Results at a glance

  • base ball nose scallop height: 0.12 in (headline result)
  • Raw ratio: 0.12 value
  • Conversion factor: 1 x
  • ball-nose tool radius basis: 0.25 value

Run it with your numbers

  • Every input above is editable in the live Ball Nose Scallop Height calculator, which recalculates instantly and can be shared with the inputs intact.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.