Randbehandlung

Randbehandlung, or edge treatment, is a generic term used in German-language texts to describe processing applied to the margins or borders of a material, tissue, or surface with the aim of improving performance, safety, or durability.

In medical practice, Randbehandlung denotes procedures performed at the margin of a lesion or surgical site. It includes assessment of resection margins to determine whether additional intervention is needed, and, in oncology, the use of subsequent local therapies or close follow-up to minimize residual disease. The focus is on achieving clean, well-defined borders and preventing marginal complications such as recurrence or infection.

Within manufacturing and materials engineering, Randbehandlung refers to edge finishing and treatment of margins on parts and products. Common methods include deburring, rounding, chamfering, and edge coating or coating of exposed edges. Processing can be mechanical, chemical, or electrochemical, and aims to reduce sharpness, prevent corrosion, improve fitting, or enhance aesthetic and ergonomic properties.

Terminology and practices vary by discipline and country, and Randbehandlung does not correspond to a single universally defined protocol. Documentation, quality control, and standards are essential to ensure that edge treatments meet specific performance criteria and safety requirements.

See also: edge finishing, surface treatment, margin assessment.