Mechanical finishing & post-processing · finish comparison
Deburring vs Edge Rounding
Deburring and Edge Rounding are both mechanical finishing finishes; deburr is the lower-cost option ($).
Deburring
Mechanical finishing · $ · instant quote
Deburring removes loose or sharp burrs left by cutting, punching, molding, or casting.
Edge Rounding
Mechanical finishing · $ · instant quote
Edge rounding deliberately replaces a sharp edge with a controlled radius or broad edge break.
When to choose which
Choose Deburr
Choose Deburr when only burr removal and a minimal edge break are needed.
- Removes handling hazards
- Prevents assembly interference
- Reduces loose-particle risk
Choose Edge rounding
Choose Edge rounding when a repeatable radius rather than simple burr removal is required.
- Creates measurable 0.2–1.0 mm radii
- Improves paint and powder coverage at edges
- Reduces handling cuts
What the numbers say
- Deburr is the lower-cost option ($).
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | Deburr | Edge rounding |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 0 Minimal | 0 Minimal |
| Surface hardness / wear | — — | — — |
| Cosmetic quality | 20 Low | 35 Fair |
| Lubricity | 5 Minimal | 5 Minimal |
| Cost | 8 $ | 15 $ |
Key numbers
| Property | Deburr | Edge rounding |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 0 µm | 0 µm |
| Electrical | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Relative cost | Budget ($) | Budget ($) |
| Added lead time | 0–2 working days | 1–3 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | Deburr | Edge rounding |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Yes | Yes |
| Brass | Yes | Yes |
| Copper Alloy | Yes | Yes |
| Polymer | Yes | With care |
| Stainless Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Titanium | Yes | Yes |
| Magnesium Alloy | With care | With care |
| Zinc Alloy | With care | With care |
Deburr vs Edge rounding — frequently asked
What is the difference between Deburr and Edge rounding?
Deburring and Edge Rounding are both mechanical finishing finishes; deburr is the lower-cost option ($).
When should I use Deburr instead of Edge rounding?
Choose Deburr when only burr removal and a minimal edge break are needed. Conversely: choose Edge rounding when a repeatable radius rather than simple burr removal is required.
Is Deburr or Edge rounding cheaper?
Deburr is the lower-cost finish ($ against $ for Edge rounding) among the finishes FabDigit quotes. Both are priced per part with a lot minimum; the exact figure appears on the instant quote once the part is uploaded.