The sharp edge left on a piece of stainless steel after shearing is known as what?

The sharp edge left on a piece of stainless steel after shearing is referred to as a burr. This term specifically describes the thin, raised edge or area that can occur at the cut edge of metal after it has been sheared or otherwise cut. Burrs can affect both the aesthetics and function of a metal component, making their removal important in many manufacturing processes.

Removing burrs is essential to prevent potential injuries during handling and ensure proper fitting when the metal is joined with other components. The process of removing these sharp edges is known as deburring, which is why the distinction between the terms is significant in the context of metalworking. Knowing the terminology helps in understanding the additional steps that may be necessary after the shearing process to achieve safe and high-quality metal parts.