In high speed machining, material behaviour is characterized by high deformation and strain rates with occurring high gradients leading to a change in chip formation compared with conventional cutting. Due to the short time contact between tool and workpiece at high cutting speeds in milling, the chip formation during the engagement is difficult to analyze. To determine the occurrences during chip formation, model experiments with single cutting edge engagements not influenced by successive engagements are conducted. The effects on workpiece surface are analyzed. Results of the model experiment can be used to determine optimum cutting conditions in high speed machining.