In machining, the approach (or entry) angle is when the cutting edge is engaged with the material in the feed’s direction. The effects described below are valid for both milling and turning.
Effects of the Approach Angle on other machining terms
Chip Load (CHip thickness):
- CL – Chip Load / CHip thickness
- Fz – Feed per tooth in milling or Feed per revolution in turning.
- As the approach angle decreases the chip thickness for the same feed decreases.
- This phenomena is called Axial Chip Thinning.
- As the approach angle gets smaller, the chip thickness is reduced according to the formula: CL= F X SIN(KAPR)
Use our Chip Thinning Calculators to find out how the approach angle influences the chip load
Machining Power Consumption
The approach angle on most cutting tools is 90°. However, there are many tools with 45° and high feed cutters with approach angles as low as 12°. As the angle decreases, chip thickness is reduced by SIN(KAPR). Since the chip thickness is one of the components of the formula of the specific cutting force, it indirectly influences also the required machining power. As the approach angle decreases, the machining power rises.
Use our Machining Power Calculator to find out how the approach angle influences the Machining Power