What is the German translation for "bead" in an engineering context?

In an engineering context, the term for "bead" typically refers to a small round or cylindrical shape, often used in discussions of materials or components, such as welding beads or the beads formed in various manufacturing processes. The correct translation in German for "bead" in this context is "Kugel," which means "sphere" or "ball." This relates to how beads often exemplify rounded shapes that can occur in engineering terms, particularly when discussing dimensions or features that are rounded in form.

While "Perle" translates to "pearl," it does not carry the same technical connotation in engineering as "Kugel." The word "Raupe" translates to "caterpillar," which is unrelated to the concept of a bead, and "Ring," meaning "ring," might be applicable in some contexts but does not specifically denote a bead. Therefore, "Kugel" best aligns with the technical definition of "bead" in engineering.