What is "Helix angle"

The helix angle of a cutting tool is typically specified as the angle between the cutting edge of the tool and a plane perpendicular to the axis of the tool. It is expressed in degrees and can range from 0 to 90 degrees. The helix angle determines the direction and rate at which the cutting edge engages with the material, and can have a significant impact on the cutting performance, cutting forces, and tool wear.

In general, a low helix angle (0 to 10 degrees) results in a lower cutting force and is often used for finishing operations, while a high helix angle (45 to 60 degrees) results in a higher cutting force and is used for roughing operations. The choice of helix angle is often a trade-off between cutting performance, tool life, and surface finish, and is determined by the specific requirements of the machining operation.