Oblique cutting mechanics: chip-thickness distribution along the cutting edge In an oblique cutting system (helical/inclined cutting edge with chip flow not perpendicular to the edge), where does the maximum chip thickness tend to occur across the engaged edge? Choose the correct evaluation of the statement: “the maximum chip thickness occurs at the middle.”

Concept
In oblique cutting, the cutting edge is inclined and chip flow is three-dimensional, deflecting sideways (in the direction of the chip flow angle). This causes a non-uniform chip thickness distribution along the edge rather than a peak at the middle.

Why the statement is false
Because chip flow is biased toward one side, the effective rake and local shear conditions vary along the edge. The thickest chip typically appears nearer the side where chip accumulates/flows, not at the mid-span.

Common pitfall
Assuming orthogonal-cutting intuition (uniform across width) applies to oblique cutting. It does not; the flow is inherently three-dimensional.

Final Answer
False — the maximum occurs nearer one side due to chip side-flow.