What is the purpose of a chamfer on a workpiece edge?

A chamfer is primarily used to remove sharp edges and eliminate burrs on a workpiece edge. This process enhances safety during handling and assembly by reducing the risk of cuts and injuries that can occur when sharp edges are present. Additionally, chamfers improve the fit and alignment of parts through assembly processes, which is critical in many manufacturing environments.

While aesthetic value can be a secondary benefit, the main goal of adding a chamfer is functionality—ensuring that edges are smooth and safe to work with. Chamfers can also assist in preventing damage to the edges during subsequent machining processes or when joining different components together. The other choices do not address the primary functional purpose of a chamfer, as they either relate to aesthetics, change the physical properties of the edge in ways unrelated to chamfering, or suggest modifications that would not accomplish the intended safety and fit improvements.