Various examples of swarf, including a block of compressed swarf

Swarf (or turnings) is shavings and chippings of metal -- the debris or waste resulting from metalworking operations. It can usually be recycled, and this is the preferred method of disposal due to the environmental concerns regarding potential contamination with cutting fluid or tramp oil. The ideal way to remove these liquids is by the use of a centrifuge which will separate the fluids from the metal, allowing both to be reclaimed and prepared for further treatment. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1902x1248, 297 KB) Summary Photograph taken by Glenn McKechnie, September 2005 Swarf samples and compressed block of swarf Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: Swarf User:Graibeard/gallery ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1902x1248, 297 KB) Summary Photograph taken by Glenn McKechnie, September 2005 Swarf samples and compressed block of swarf Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: Swarf User:Graibeard/gallery ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Cutting fluid or coolant is liquid used to cool and lubricate the cutting edges of machine tools and the pieces they are shaping. ... Tramp oil or sump oil is the unwanted oil that becomes mixed with cutting fluids (coolants). ... A laboratory tabletop centrifuge A centrifuge is a piece of equipment, generally driven by a motor, that puts an object in rotation around a fixed axis, applying force perpendicular to the axis. ...

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, it can persist in the environment for a long time before degrading. This, combined with the small size of some chips (e.g. those of brass or bronze), allows them to disperse widely by piggy-backing on soft materials and also to penetrate the skin as deep splinters. Definition A cut is an injury that results in a break or opening in the skin. ... Brass is any alloy of copper and zinc; the proportions of zinc and copper can be varied to create a range of brasses, each of which has unique properties[1]. Note that in comparison bronze is principally an alloy of copper and tin. ... Assorted ancient Bronze castings found as part of a cache, probably intended for recycling. ...

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. Swarfega is a brand of heavy-duty hand cleaner, manufactured by Deb Ltd. ...