In metal cutting, the velocity component of chip flow that moves along the rake (tool) face is referred to as which specific velocity?

Introduction / Context:
Understanding velocity components in machining helps interpret forces, heat generation, and tool wear. Three commonly referenced velocities are the cutting (work) velocity, the shear (on the primary shear plane), and the chip velocity that slides along the rake face. This question asks you to correctly name the velocity along the tool face.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Single-point orthogonal or oblique cutting on a lathe-like setup.
• Standard nomenclature: cutting velocity V, shear velocity Vs, and chip (or chip flow) velocity Vc (along rake face).
• Steady-state cutting with continuous chip for clarity.

Concept / Approach:
In the velocity triangle of orthogonal cutting, V is the work velocity, Vs lies on the shear plane, and Vc follows the rake face. The chip velocity is directly tied to friction, heat, and wear at the tool–chip interface, because it is the sliding speed between chip and rake face.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Construct the classic Merchant velocity triangle; the side parallel to the rake face is the chip velocity vector, confirming the definition.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Shear velocity: acts along the shear plane, not the rake face.
• Cutting velocity: the work surface speed past the tool; not along the rake face.
• Mean velocity/tool approach velocity: nonstandard or ambiguous terms here.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing cutting velocity with chip velocity because both are large magnitudes; remember their directions differ in the velocity triangle.

Final Answer:
chip velocity