When manufacturing primarily metal workpieces, burrs can occur – often caused by material displacement. Burrs regularly occur in milled and turned components, as well as in stamped and sawn parts. These burrs are sharp edges, fraying or splitters that could constitute both a risk of injury, as well as reduced functionality.

Smoothing is applied in removing these burrs to make sure that the workpiece can either be safely handled, or to ensure its functionality and to thus guarantee uniform quality.  As a rule, a strongly abrasive product will be used in relatively short processing times.