Rake angle
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In machining, the rake angle is a parameter used in various cutting processes, describing the angle of the cutting face relative to the workpiece. There are three types of rake angles: positive, zero or neutral, and negative.
- Positive rake: A tool has a positive rake when the face of the cutting tool slopes away from the cutting edge at inner side.
- Zero rake: A tool has a zero (or neutral) rake when the face of the cutting tool is perpendicular to the cutting edge at inner side.
- Negative rake: A tool has a negative rake angle when the face of the cutting tool slopes away from the cutting edge at outer side.
Positive rake angles generally:
- Make the tool more sharp and pointed. This reduces the strength of the tool, as the small included angle in the tip may cause it to chip away.
- Reduce cutting forces and power requirements.
- Helps in the formation of continuous chips in ductile materials.
- Can help avoid the formation of a built-up edge.
Negative rake angles generally:
- Increase the strength of the cutting edge. The tool is more blunt.
- Increases the cutting force.
- Increases the power required for a cut.
- Can increase friction, resulting in higher temperatures.
- Can improve surface finish.
Zero rake angles:
- Easier to manufacture.
- Easier to resharpen.
- Less power and cutting forces than a negative raked tool.
- Chip will wear and 'crater' the rake face.[1]
Recommended rake angles[edit]
Recommended rake angles can vary depending on the material being cut, tool material, depth of cut, cutting speed, machine, setup and process. This table summarizes recommended rake angles for: single-point turning on a lathe, drilling, milling, and sawing.
| Material being cut | Turning Rake [2] | Drilling Rake [3] | Milling Rake [4] | Sawing Rake [5] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 12°-25° | 40° | 35° | 12°-25° |
| Brass | 3°-14° | 8° | 0° | 3°-14° |
| Bronze | 5°-14° | 0° | 5°-14° | |
| Cast Iron, Gray | 0°-6° | 0° | 5° | 3°-6° |
| Copper | 18°-25° | 16° | 18°-25° | |
| Polystyrene | 20°-25° | 20°-25° | ||
| PVC | 20°-25° | 20°-25° | ||
| Stainless Steel | 8°-10° | 8° | 8° | 8°-10° |
| Steel, Mild | 12°-14° | 20° | 8°-15° | 12°-14° |
| Titanium | 0°-4° | 0°-4° |
References[edit]
- ^ "Geometry of Single Point Cutting Tools". Scribd. Retrieved 23 November 2019.
- ^ "Rake Angle Versus Material". Thread Check Inc. Retrieved 24 November 2019.
- ^ "Machining & Metrology Unit - Handout (0102)". mmu.ic.polyu.edu.hk. Archived from the original on 2001-10-27.
- ^ "Grinding HSS lathe tools". Steve's Workshop. Retrieved 24 November 2019.
- ^ "Rake angle vs material chart" (PDF). Regal Cutting Tools. Retrieved 24 November 2019.
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