Filing (metalworking)

Filing helps achieve workpiece function by removing some excess material and deburring the surface.

Band files are sectioned similarly to a saw chain so that they can be made from stiff material, as they need to be to effectively remove material yet still work in a constant feed.

A band filing operation can be used to remove small amounts of material with good accuracy.

The file teeth are angled so that material is removed on each downstroke of the tool.

Chips removed from the workpiece fall through a cavity in front of the file.