sbordature

Sbordature is a term used in Italian technical vocabulary to describe the finishing of a material’s edge by trimming, beveling, or removing excess material to create a defined, non-sharp edge or to facilitate assembly. The word derives from sbordare, meaning to overflow or hang over, with sbordatura denoting the act or result of producing such an edge. The concept appears across several trades, including woodworking, metalworking, architecture, and stone masonry.

In woodworking and furniture making, sbordature typically yields a chamfer or rounded edge along panels, rails, or moldings to improve handling, fit, and aesthetics, and to prevent splinters or snagging. In metalworking and mechanical design, sbordatura often refers to a deliberate beveled edge at joints or around holes to ease insertion, reduce burrs at the edge, and meet assembly tolerances. In stone masonry and sculpture, it can denote trimming edges to achieve a flush joint, improve water runoff, or create shadow lines that enhance the work’s profile.

The term is related to but distinct from sbavatura, which denotes deburring and removing sharp burrs. In English-language technical writing, sbordatura is usually translated as chamfering, beveling, or edge trimming, depending on context. Practical considerations include the chosen edge angle, depth of the cut, material properties, and surface finish, all of which vary with the specific application. Overall, sbordature describes the intentional shaping of an edge to meet functional and aesthetic requirements.