This study shows a methodology for characterizing high speed machining centres, in terms of their capabilities, to reach programmed feed rates while the machining of complex sculptured surfaces. The impact on the cycle time of the whole operation has been evaluated making a parametric variation of the geometries to be machined. Therefore, for a distributed and simultaneous characterization of machining centres located in different places, tools for Collaborative Engineering have been used (PLM and CAD/CAM/CAE).