Difference between orthogonal and oblique cutting

Orthogonal Cutting :-

Orthogonal cutting is a type of cutting in which the cutting tool is perpendicular to the direction of tool motion. In this cutting, the flow of chip is perpendicular to cutting edge. The tool has lesser cutting life in this type of cutting.

Orthogonal Cutting

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In Orthogonal cutting, the direction of flow of chip is perpendicular to the direction of movement of cutting edge.

Oblique Cutting :-

Oblique cutting is a type of cutting in which cutting tool is at an oblique angle to the direction of tool motion. In this cutting, the flow of chip is not perpendicular to cutting edge. The tool has greater cutting life as compared to orthogonal cutting.

Oblique Cutting

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In Oblique cutting, the direction of flow of chip is not perpendicular to the direction of movement of cutting edge.


The main difference between orthogonal and oblique cutting is that in orthogonal cutting, cutting edge of tool is perpendicular to the direction of motion but in oblique cutting the cutting edge make an angle with direction of motion.

Apart from this , there are other difference which are stated below :-

S.NoOrthogonal CuttingOblique Cutting
1The cutting angle of tool make right angle to the direction of motionThe cutting angle of tool does not make right angle to the direction of motion
2The flow of chip is perpendicular to cutting edge.The flow of chip is not perpendicular to cutting edge.
3The tool has lesser cutting life.The tool has higher cutting life.
4The shear force per unit area is high which increases the heat per unit area.The shear force per unit area is low which decrease heat per unit area .
5In this cutting, chip flow over the tool.In this cutting, chip flow along the sideways.
6In orthogonal cutting, surface fiish is poor.In oblique cutting surface finish is good.
7Cutting edge is longer than edge of cut.Cutting may or may not be longer than edge of cut.
8Two mutually perpendicular cutting force act on the workpieceThree mutually perpendicular forces are involved .

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