Burr

Burr is an inevitable byproduct of shearing that must be managed to prevent safety hazards and ensure part fit-up in downstream operations. The height and sharpness of burr are influenced by several factors: a dull or improperly maintained shear blade produces larger burr, excessive blade clearance promotes burr formation, and harder materials naturally produce more aggressive burr than soft materials.

In some applications, especially those requiring precision welding or assembly, even small burrs can prevent parts from seating properly or create gaps that compromise strength. Shops can reduce burr through proactive blade maintenance, correct clearance settings, and material selection, but some parts still require deburring via specialized equipment or manual hand finishing.

Understanding burr formation helps fabricators plan realistic delivery schedules and cost estimates for parts destined for critical assemblies.