Swarf
This article is about industrial waste. For the British band, see Swarf (band). |
various examples of swarf, including a block of compressed swarf |
Swarf (or
turnings) is the debris or waste resulting from
metalworking operations. It consists of shavings and chippings of metal. It can usually be recycled and this is the preferred method of disposal due to the environmental concerns regarding potentional contamination with
cutting fluid or
tramp oil. The ideal way to remove these liquids is by the use of a
centrifuge which will separate out any liquids allowing both to be reclaimed and prepared for further treatment.
The chips are often extremely sharp, and this creates a safety problem as they can cause severe
injuries if not handled correctly. Depending on the composition of the material they can remain persistent in the environment for a long time, this combined with the small size of some chips (eg:-
brass or
bronze) allows them to disperse widely by piggy backing on soft materials and also penetrating the skin as a deep
splinter.
Disposing of swarf is a tedious but necessary task. For ease of transport and handling swarf may be compressed into
bricks which greatly reduces associated problems with storing and cost, it also improves material handling for all concerned with its reclamation and recycling.
Swarf may also be an archaic term for waste oil or grease, see
swarfega.
