radiusing

Radiusing is the process of adding a radius to a corner or edge of a shape to soften sharp angles. In technical drawings, CAD models, and manufacturing, radiusing replaces a sharp vertex with a circular arc of a specified radius. The chosen radius value controls how pronounced the rounding is and is guided by factors such as function, aesthetics, or production constraints.

In geometry and engineering, radiuses used to create rounded corners are often called fillets. A fillet arc is typically tangent to the adjacent edges, with its center located at a point determined by the radius and the geometry of the edges. Filleting can be internal or external, affecting the inside or outside corners of a part. Chamfering is a related operation that bevels a corner with a straight line rather than a curved arc, and is sometimes used as an alternative to radiusing.

Applications span mechanical design, 3D modeling, computer graphics, and PCB layout. In software and digital design, radiusing is also common in user interfaces, where rounded corners are implemented through properties such as border-radius in CSS to create softer, more approachable visuals. In 3D printing and CNC machining, the feasible radius depends on tool size, tolerances, and material behavior.

Practical considerations include structural integrity, fit with mating parts, and manufacturability. Too small a radius may not satisfy tooling or strength requirements, while too large a radius can compromise function or clearance. Radiusing thus balances functional constraints with form, reducing sharpness while preserving required geometry.