Bevel

Side views of a bevel (above) and a chamfer (below)

A bevelled edge (UK) or beveled edge (US) refers to an edge of a structure that is not perpendicular to the faces of the piece. The words bevel and chamfer overlap in usage; in general usage they are often interchanged, while in technical usage they may sometimes be differentiated as shown in the image at right. A bevel is typically used to soften the edge of a piece for the sake of safety, wear resistance, or aesthetics; or to facilitate mating with another piece.

Applications

Cutting tools

Most cutting tools have a bevelled edge which is apparent when one examines the grind.

Bevel angles can be duplicated using a sliding T bevel.

Graphic design

Bevel filters in Inkscape

Typographic bevels are shading and artificial shadows that emulate the appearance of a 3-dimensional letter. The bevel is a relatively common effect in graphic editors such as Photoshop. As such, it is in widespread use in mainstream logos and other design elements.

Glass and mirrors

Bevelled edges are a common aesthetic nicety added to window panes and mirrors.

Geology

Geologists refer to any slope of land into a stratum of different elevation as a bevel.

Sports

In waterskiing, a bevel is the transition area between the side of the ski and the bottom of the ski. Beginners tend to prefer sharp bevels, which allow the ski to glide on the water surface.

Cards

With a deck of cards, you can slide the top portion back so that the back of the deck is at an angle. This can be used in card tricks.

Semiconductor wafers

In semiconductor industry, the slanted or rounded region between front (or bottom) side of wafer and edge of the wafer is defined as bevel region.

See also

• Chamfer

External links

• Choosing and Using Squares – This Old House