Smussate

Smussate is a term used in Italian to describe edges or surfaces that have been smoothed, chamfered, or beveled so that sharp corners are removed. It derives from the verb smussare, which means to blunt, bevel, or ease an edge. As an adjective, smussate refers to features that exhibit this softened angle or rounded transition.

In practice, smussate edges are common in woodworking, metalworking, plastic fabrication, and stonecutting. The purpose is to reduce the risk of splinters, tears in joints, or injuries from sharp corners, as well as to improve fit and assembly of components. Bevels can be created with a variety of tools, including planers, chisels, files, rasps, grinders, or belt sanders, depending on the material and desired angle.

There are several typical forms of smussing. A chamfer is a straight, angled bevel along an edge, often at 30 to 45 degrees. A fillet or eased edge is a more gradual, rounded transition that can also be described as smussato if the edge is softened. In design and fabrication, specifying “smussate bordi” or “bordi smussati” communicates the need for a safe, finished edge rather than a sharp one.

Quality considerations for smussate surfaces include consistent angle, smoothness, and absence of chatter or rough spots. Finishing steps such as sanding or polishing are commonly applied after the initial bevel to achieve the desired texture and appearance.

See also: smussare, smussatura, bevel, chamfer.