Protrunding

Protrunding is the act or process of creating outward-projecting features on a surface or body. It is a neologism used mainly in design, engineering, manufacturing, and biology to describe intentional protrusions or morphological outgrowths. It can function as a noun (the process; a protrunding feature) or verb (to protrund). The term is not in common dictionaries; usage is specialized.

In mechanical engineering and product design, protrunding refers to fins on a heat sink, ribs for rigidity, or studs on fasteners where the protruding feature aids heat transfer, alignment, or grip. In biology, cells or tissues may exhibit protrunding growths such as microvilli or papillae. In digital modeling, protrunding might describe features created by extrusion or bevel operations that extend beyond a base surface.

Protrunding can be achieved via additive manufacturing, machining, forming, or molding, depending on material and scale. Tolerances and surface finish are important; protruding features must be designed with adequate clearance and friction considerations. For assembly, protrunding features may act as locating pins or fastening anchors.

Related concepts include protrusion, extrusion, embossing, and knurling. Protrunding emphasizes the intentional outward projection and its functional role, as opposed to incidental geometry.