How to Clean Up Swarf with Swarf Management Systems

As Steel Fabrication Experts with over 20 years of experience in the industry we understand that precision, productivity and efficiency all go hand in hand. With every drill, turn or cut there is a by-product created known as swarf. Swarf are small metal chips or shavings that on the surface look harmless but can cause potential hazards and downtimes of machines if not handled in the correct manner.

This is why we push that swarf management systems are no longer a second thought and optional extra but an essential part of a professional, health and safety compliant and sustainable fabrication environment.

At Broadbent FabGuard we have been prolific in supporting clients across the United Kingdom with robust swarf management solutions that ensure the safety of working staff, increase the operating life of machinery and improve the operational efficiency. In this guide, we will share how you can clean up swarf effectively, and why not taking any short-cuts and investing in a reliable swarf management system will pay off in the long run.

What is Swarf and Why Does It Matter?

Swarf is the waste material produced during fabrication processes and can be simply defined as steel shavings from grinding, drilling debris or mill turnings.

If swarf is not managed and more often than not in working environments can lead to:

• Damaging machinery by blocking moving parts; inevitably leading to increased costs for repair and downtime of the machine
• Increasing the likelihood of eye injuries and cuts if correct attire is not supplied to staff
• Create environmental compliance issues if swarf is not disposed of in the correct manner.

Best Practises for Cleaning Up Swarf

Typically you will find manual weeping or vacuuming maybe adequate for small fabrication tasks, however a true dedicated swarf management system will provide a safer, quicker and more compliant solution especially in an environment where there is high-volume fabrication output.

1. Use the correct collection systems

Small chip conveyors, magnetic separators or auger systems can work at continuously removing swarf from the operating area. This will reduce the manual handling and the workforce can prioritise on more output.

2. Separate your different materials

Your materials used such as stainless steel, carbon steel and aluminium should be separated at the point of collection. This helps improve efficiency with saving time for recycling but also helps improve any potential value in scrap value of your materials.

3. Remove coolant before disposal

Any coolant will often stick to any swarf and using a briquetting or centrifuge system will remove any excess fluid to ensure that any swarf is easier to handle to get rid of.

4. Follow safety guidelines and protocols

All of the swarf management process should include any PPE guidelines and have clear signage located around the working environment. This will help ensure that the organisation is compliant with the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) standards and you are not penalised with any significant penalties and fines. 

Fines can vary depending on business size and can vary from a few thousand pounds to millions depending on the type of breach.

Are Swarf Management Systems Worth The Investment?

With over 20 years experience in the industry, we do recommend that swarf management systems that work steel at any type of scale will be able to see the benefits very quickly;

• With reduced downtime. There will be no more need for any manual swarf removal
• Improved machine efficiency. Cleaner machines and workspaces directly correlate with a longer lifespan of equipment
• Become compliant and improve sustainability measures. Utilising a swarf management system will help you tailor towards UK and international environmental standards such as how the UK Government provide guidance on treating metal waste. You can read more here.

Broadbent FabGuard’s Swarf Management Expertise

Although we are proudly based in the United Kingdom, our swarf management solutions are used by fabrication facilities worldwide. We are proud to work with clients in all different sectors from automotive to aerospace. We can deliver on:

• Tailor made swarf handling systems including fully managed swarf collection and export solutions
• On-site consultation and training if required from our industry experts
• Integrated coolant recovery and recycling

Frequently Asked Questions About Swarf

1. How do you properly dispose of swarf?

Swarf should be carefully collected using swarf management systems which can separate by material type before being disposed of or recycled. Within the United Kingdom, disposal must comply with the Government’s regulations, more of which can be found here.

2. What is the difference between chips and swarf?

In fabrication terms, chips are generally larger and more defined fragments of waste which are produced during cutting. Sward if often labelled as smaller shavings, filings or turnings. Both are waste products with the difference being that swarf will often require finer filtration and handling to its smaller size.

3. Is swarf hazardous?

Yes. Swarf will often contain sharp edges that can lead to injury, it can also retain oil residue that can be toxic to staff members working in its close proximity. Certain metals such as magnesium or titanium can also pose a fire risk if often not stored in the correct manner.

4. What are the main risks of swarf?

The key risks that can be associated with swarf include:

• Injury from its sharp fragments
• Machine damage from not having the correct management system due to clogging
• Environmental harm if not correctly disposed of and potential fines and sanctions
• Possible fire hazards from reactive metals