• Helix Angle and Chip Thickness

The chip thickness (h) depends on the helix angle of the cutting edge. If the feed fz is constant, the chip thickness gets thinner as helix angle rises. That means with more helix angle, the chip gets thinner — or you can rise feed rate to increase productivity and load to the cutting edge.

fz = 0,1mm

  • Calculation of Chip Thickness

The chip thickness (h) is not constant, but defi nes the load of the cutting edge. By reducing the load on the cutting edge, machining at higher speeds is possible through the machining parameters. For easier calculation, use an average chip thickness hm. When calculating machining data this way cutting data may be compromised because the workpiece is often a different shape.

fz

B

b ap r

h

ae 360º r

hm = • • fz •sin

/• qs D

fz fz

fz qs/2 qs/2 hm

hm [mm]=average chip thickness
qs [°]=engagement angle
ae [mm]=width of engagement
D1 [mm]=outer diameter tool
fz [mm]=feed per tooth
r [°]=lead angle
h [°]=helix angle *

* Solid End Mills: r = 90°-h Trochoidal Milling can be performed with solid or indexable milling tools.