What is the purpose of a fillet feature in design?

The purpose of a fillet feature in design is to create rounded corners on the edges of a part. This is beneficial for several reasons; it helps reduce stress concentrations that can occur at sharp edges, which can lead to failures in the material under load. Rounded corners also facilitate assembly, improve the aesthetic appearance of parts, and can assist in the manufacturing process by making it easier to machine or mold components.

In contrast, sharp edges can be prone to chipping and may increase the risk of injury during handling or assembly. While decorative elements and material strength can be considerations in design, the primary function of a fillet is specifically to smooth edges and convert sharp corners into curves, enhancing both the performance and safety of the part.