Kantflade

Kantflade is a Danish term used in engineering and design to describe the flat surface that forms the outer face along the edge of an object. The word combines kant, meaning edge, and flade, meaning flat surface. In common usage it denotes the edge-facing plane that defines a part’s geometry and participates in mating with other components.

In technical drawings and manufacturing, the kantflade is a primary datum plane that constrains tolerances, parallelism, and surface relationships. It helps specify how parts fit together, how surfaces contact one another, and how finishes are applied. The exact position and orientation of the kantflade influence assembly, function, and visual appearance.

Production methods to create or refine a kantflade include milling, turning, grinding, and other finishing processes. Deburring and edge rounding are often performed to remove burrs, improve handling, and ensure a consistent edge quality. Depending on the application, the kantflade may be left sharp for a precise fit or chamfered/beveled to ease assembly and reduce edge damage.

The concept applies across materials such as metal, plastic, wood, and glass. A sharp kantflade is sometimes desired for exact fits, while a chamfered or beveled kantflade can improve durability, safety, and handling. In quality control, the kantflade is evaluated for flatness, perpendicularity, and its relation to other faces, using instruments like height gauges, dial indicators, or coordinate measuring machines.

See also: chamfer, bevel, edge finish.