Importance of The Bevel Angle on Blade Efficiency and Accuracy
When it comes to industrial cutting applications, blade geometry plays a crucial role in achieving precision, efficiency, and durability. Among the most important aspects of blade design is the bevel angle — the angle at which the blade is ground to form a sharp cutting edge.
Choosing the correct bevel angle is essential because it affects not only the sharpness of the blade but also its resistance to wear, chipping, and deformation. The right bevel angle varies significantly based on the material being cut, the speed of the operation, and the required cut quality.
Why Bevel Angle Matters
The bevel angle directly influences:
- Cutting efficiency
- Edge durability
- Penetration force
- Material deformation during cutting
In general:
- Smaller angles (10°–20°) offer sharper edges for cleaner cuts but are more prone to wear and chipping.
- Larger angles (25°–35° or higher) offer durability for cutting tougher or more abrasive materials, but require more force.
In order to achieve a sharp blade with a stronger cutting edge, a secondary bevel angle is added at the cutting eddge after the primary bevel. The secondary bevel angle is larger than the primary bevel angle. On the contrary, in some special applications, the secondary bevel angle may be kept smaller to increase the sharpness.

Bevel Angle Recommendations by Material
Here are general guidelines for selecting bevel angles based on the material type:
| Material Type | Recommended Bevel Angle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paper & Thin Films | 10°–15° | Requires a razor-sharp edge for clean cuts; minimal resistance needed. |
| Plastic Sheets | 15°–20° | Slightly steeper angle to handle flexible or semi-rigid materials. |
| Rubber & Foam | 18°–25° | Needs a durable edge to avoid deformation and tearing. |
| Textiles & Nonwovens | 15°–20° | Balanced angle to ensure clean slicing without fraying. |
| Aluminum Foil & Soft Metals | 20°–25° | Requires a stronger edge due to metal fatigue during cutting. |
| Reinforced Plastics & Composites | 25°–30° | High abrasion — steeper angles improve tool life. |
| Steel & Hard Metals | 30°–35° or more | Very tough edge required; usually used with coated or carbide-tipped blades. |
Single vs. Double Bevel Angle In Blades
- Single-bevel blades offer greater precision and are often used for slicing applications where one-sided access is preferred.
- Double-bevel blades are symmetrical and more suitable for through-cutting and high-speed operations, offering balanced performance and easier sharpening.
Other Factors to Consider While Deciding Bevel Angle
- Cutting speed: Faster operations require stronger cutting edges via higher bevel angles.
- Material thickness: Thicker materials may need a reinforced edge.
- Edge coating: Coated blades (e.g., TiN, DLC coating) allow for sharper bevels with longer life.
- Blade material: Harder steels can support narrower angles without chipping.
Conclusion
Selecting the right bevel angle is not a one-size-fits-all process — it must be optimized for the specific cutting task. At Snijer, we support our customers with technical expertise to define the most suitable edge geometry for every application. Whether you need fine cuts on soft film or robust performance on abrasive composites, we tailor bevel angles and blade designs to match your production needs.
Need help choosing the right bevel angle for your process?
Contact Snijer for expert guidance and fully customized industrial blades engineered to perform.