With a small nose radius, the radial cutting forces can be kept to a minimum, while utilizing the advantages of a larger nose radius leads to a stronger cutting edge, better surface texture and more even pressure on the cutting edge.

 - The relationship between nose radius and DOC (depth of cut) affects vibration tendencies. It is often an advantage to choose a nose radius which is smaller than the DOC.

Effect of nose radius and DOC

 - The radial force exerted on the workpiece grows linearly until the nose radius of the insert is less than the depth of cut where it stabilizes at the maximum value.

 - However with a round insert, radia pressure will never stabilize because the theoretical nose radius is half the insert diameter (lC).