What is a ratio that indicates how the width of a part should change along the length of a taper called?

The ratio that indicates how the width of a part should change along the length of a taper is referred to as the taper ratio. This concept is important in machining and design because it defines the characteristics of the taper by establishing a relationship between the dimensions at different points along its length.

The taper ratio provides essential information about how gradually or steeply a workpiece tapers, which can affect factors like fit, assembly, and overall functionality of the part in its intended application. Understanding this ratio is crucial for engineers and machinists to ensure that components are manufactured to meet specific design requirements and tolerances.

Taper specifications and related documentation might detail the taper ratio as part of the manufacturing guidelines, but the correct term for this specific ratio is indeed the taper ratio, making it a fundamental concept in the understanding of tapered shapes in metal cutting and machining practices.