The relief angle, also known as the clearance angle, is the angle between the trailing edge of a cutting tool’s tooth (such as a band saw blade or mill drill bit) and the material being cut. This angle ensures that the tooth’s cutting edge is the only part of the tool in contact with the workpiece, reducing friction and heat buildup during cutting. Proper relief angles are crucial for efficient cutting, as insufficient relief can lead to excessive wear, binding, or tool damage.