CNC Machining worked example
Step Over at 46% target radial engagement: a worked example
This scenario runs the step over calculation on the strong side: 46% target radial engagement, with every other input held at its documented default. selecting radial engagement for milling, surfacing, pocketing, adaptive clearing, or finishing toolpaths
The inputs for this scenario
- End mill cutting diameter: 0.5 in (unchanged)
- Target radial engagement: 46 % of diameter (raised for this scenario; the documented default is 40)
- Percent-to-decimal conversion: 0.01 x (unchanged)
- Toolpath strategy adjustment factor: 1 x (unchanged)
Working through the calculation
- Applying the documented formula (Step-over = tool diameter × target radial engagement × percent conversion × strategy adjustment factor) to the inputs above produces each figure below.
- At this operating point the engine returns 0.23 in for milling step-over, the number this scenario is built around.
- At this operating point the engine returns 0.23 value for base product.
- At this operating point the engine returns 1 x for multiplier.
- At this operating point the engine returns 23 value for factor a x b.
How this compares with the baseline
- Against the tool's baseline example, where target radial engagement sits at 40% and the headline result is 0.2 in, this scenario comes in 15% above the baseline at 0.23 in.
- Use it when setting radial engagement for a roughing or finishing pass, or when dialing in high-efficiency milling where engagement percentage drives tool life. Treat this as a target state: the delta against the baseline quantifies what the improvement is worth before you commit to chasing it.
Results at a glance
- milling step-over: 0.23 in (headline result)
- Base product: 0.23 value
- Multiplier: 1 x
- Factor A x B: 23 value
Run it with your numbers
- Every input above is editable in the live Step Over calculator, which recalculates instantly and can be shared with the inputs intact.
Last reviewed 2026-05-12.