What term is used to describe the angle at which shear knives are set?

The term that describes the angle at which shear knives are set is known as "rake." Rake refers to the inclination of the cutting edge relative to the material being cut. In the context of shear knives, adjusting the rake angle can significantly impact the efficiency of cutting and the quality of the edge produced. A proper rake angle helps to ensure a clean cut while maximizing the life of the knife and preventing material deformation during the shearing process.

While pitch refers to the distance between repetitive features on a workpiece or the orientation of teeth on a tool, angle can generally describe any angular measurement without specificity. Shear angle specifically relates to cutting processes, but it does not encompass the broader definition and impact of rake in shaping shear knives and their operation. Thus, rake is the most precise term for the angle at which shear knives are adjusted for effective cutting.