Chamfer

A chamfer is a straight bevel cut applied to an edge or corner to remove a sharp transition and create a flat surface. It is typically defined by an angle and a distance along the edge, with 45 degrees being a common default. Chamfers are used to improve assembly, reduce burrs, and provide a lead-in for mating parts.

Chamfers differ from other edge treatments. A fillet rounds a corner with a curved surface, whereas a bevel or chamfer introduces a flat plane. In practice, chamfers can be symmetric (the same angle on both adjacent faces) or asymmetric, and they may be applied to external edges or internal corners. Some contexts use the term bevel interchangeably, but chamfering generally emphasizes a short, flat facet along the edge.

Common applications include easing handling and reducing the risk of injury from sharp edges, facilitating part assembly or screw insertion, providing seating surfaces for gaskets or plates, and improving paint or coating adhesion. Chamfers are also used in tooling and fabrications to prevent damage during manufacturing and to reduce stress concentrations.

Manufacturing methods for chamfers include milling, turning, and grinding, as well as countersinking or deburring operations. In technical drawings, chamfers are specified by giving an angle and a distance along the edge, or a distance paired with a second dimension. A typical specification might read something like “chamfer 2 mm x 45°,” indicating a 2 mm chamfer at 45 degrees.