Chip-Removal

Chip removal systems automatically move chips away from the machine and into a collection bin. Without a chip removal system, the operator spends hours each shift shoveling wet, heavy chips from the coolant tank. An automated chip conveyor is one of the best investments I have made for production efficiency. Auger Systems: Simple and Reliable Auger systems use a helical screw rotating in a steel trough to move chips horizontally or at a slight incline. The auger is simple, reliable, and inexpensive. It has one moving part, which means little can go wrong. ...

Coolant filtration is essential for deep hole drilling. Chips that recirculate through the coolant will damage the drill edge and score the bore surface. I have designed and modified filtration systems for dozens of machines, and the system design has a direct impact on tool life, surface finish, and machine reliability. A well-designed filtration system delivers clean coolant consistently and requires minimal operator attention. Filter Type Comparison There are several filtration technologies available, and choosing the right one depends on your material, chip volume, and coolant pressure requirements. Here is how the main types compare based on my experience. ...

I use chip conveyors on production deep hole drilling machines to avoid stopping for chip removal. Deep hole drilling produces a lot of chips — a 50 mm BTA drill running at 0.15 mm/rev generates about 5 kg of steel chips per meter drilled. Without a chip conveyor, the operator spends more time shoveling chips than running the machine. That cost adds up fast on a two-shift operation running multiple deep hole drilling machines. ...