The direction in which the chip leaves the work is influenced by which angle?

• A. Rake angle
• B. Spindle speed
• C. Clearance angle
• D. Nose radius

Answer: (A)

The rake angle is the angle of the tool’s rake face relative to the work surface, and it directly shapes how the material shears and where the chip exits. A positive rake angle guides the chip to curl away from the work and rise off the surface as it shears, giving a clear exit path. If the rake is small or negative, the chip can tend to curl back toward the tool or rub along the surface, changing its exit direction. Spindle speed affects how fast material is cut but not the path the chip takes as it leaves. Clearance angle prevents rubbing at the flank but doesn’t control exit direction, and the nose radius mainly influences edge strength and surface finish rather than chip direction. Therefore, the rake angle best explains the direction the chip leaves the work.