Bevelable

Bevelable is an adjective used in design and manufacturing to describe a feature, typically an edge, that can be shaped to a bevel without violating functional or structural requirements. A bevel is a straight edge cut at an angle other than 90 degrees to the adjoining surface; bevelable implies that such an angled edge can be produced given the material, geometry, and process constraints. The term is commonly used in engineering drawings, fabrication planning, and 3D modeling to convey manufacturability.

In metalworking, woodworking, and plastics fabrication, determining bevelability involves assessing the edge thickness, material hardness, heat treatment, and the intended bevel angle. Bevels are applied to reduce sharpness, assist welding, improve joint feasibility, or meet aesthetic requirements. Common bevel angles range from about 15 to 45 degrees, though application-specific angles vary. Not all edges are bevelable: very thin sections, brittle materials, or geometries with obstructions may prevent safe beveling.

Bevelable features are handled with various methods, including mechanical beveling tools, deburring blades, and laser or abrasive cutting in CNC processes. In 3D modeling and CAD workflows, an edge or feature may be marked as bevelable to indicate that a bevel operation is permissible in downstream manufacturing or rendering pipelines.

Quality control for bevelable edges often checks the final angle, edge radius, and surface finish to ensure consistency with specifications. If an edge cannot be bevelled due to material or geometry, it is typically described as non-bevelable in the documentation.