Ductile iron can acquire enhanced thermal and mechanical properties from austempering heat treatment. The present study aims to identify the function of different cutting parameters affecting machinability and to quantify its effects. Turning was performed to test machinability according to the ISO3685-1993 (E) standard. After austenitizing at 900 °C for 90 min, austempered ductile iron (ADI) specimens were quenched in a salt bath at 380 °C for 90 min. The cutting force signals along three directions were measured in real time, whereas flank wear and surface roughness were measured offline. For the cutting parameters, the cutting speed and depth of cut were varied, but the feed rate was kept constant. In the flank wear tests, machining length was corresponded to tool life. In addition, in order to find out the effect of cutting parameters on surface roughness (Ra), tangential force (Ft), and flank wear (VB) during turning, response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized by using experimental data. The effect of the depth of cut on the surface roughness was negligible but considerable in the cutting forces. The increased cutting speed produced a positive effect on surface roughness. It is found that the cutting speed was the dominant factor on the surface roughness, tangential force, and flank wear. © 2012 American Society of Mechanical Engineers.