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Chip Removal Systems — Enhancing Efficiency in Metal Machining

Introduction

The removal of chips and waste generated during metalworking is critical for productivity, maintaining a clean working environment, and extending the service life of machines. The Chip conveyor systems for CNC machine tools play a key role in this process, ensuring uninterrupted and trouble-free production. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the design, operating principle, benefits, and applications of chip conveyor systems.

Types of chip conveyor systems

Scraper belt chip conveyor

These conveyors feature robust scraper flights that continuously move chips from beneath the machining area to the collection container. They are ideal for handling large quantities of heavy, preferably short chips. The material used for the scraper flights and the robust design of the conveyor ensure efficient conveying and long service life, even under the most demanding operating conditions.

Strap hinge conveyor

Strap hinge conveyors use a hinged chain structure that efficiently transports metal waste. They are particularly well suited for removing medium- to long-length chips and perform especially well in oily or wet environments. The special design of the hinges prevents material from sticking to and accumulating on the conveyor.

Magnetic band conveyor

Magnetic chip conveyors use magnetic force to attract and transport ferrous metal waste efficiently. They are particularly advantageous in precision machining operations where fine ferrous chips or metal dust is generated. A major benefit is that they minimize the mixing of non-metallic materials, resulting in cleaner and more easily recyclable waste.

Slat band conveyor

Slat band conveyors transport waste from the machine to the storage unit using conveyor plates attached to a chain. These next-generation systems offer a highly flexible solution for handling chips of different sizes and can also be easily adapted to individual machine configurations.

Traction flap conveyors

Traction flap conveyors use special traction flaps to move chips. These conveyors are ideally suited for handling large quantities of heavy chips, ensuring continuous and efficient conveying. The design of the traction flaps minimizes chip accumulation and prevents system clogging, ensuring trouble-free operation.

The operation of chip conveyor systems

Chip conveyor systems use various technologies and mechanisms during operation to efficiently remove machining waste:

  • Collection and Conveying: The chips are generated during the machining process and are then collected and conveyed by different types of conveyors (e.g. scraper-type, hinged-belt, magnetic, slat band, and traction flap conveyors). The conveyors can operate on mechanical or magnetic principles, depending on the type of chips to be removed.
  • Filtration and Separation: Some chip conveyor systems also incorporate filters and separators that separate metal chips from other waste materials. This filtration process ensures that the cleanest possible material reaches the final collection point, reducing contamination and increasing the recyclability of the waste.
Forgácskihordó rendszerek

Strap hinge conveyor rendszer sematikus ábrája (Machine tool: Szerszámgép, Level monitoring: Szintfigyelés, Wing tank: Oldaltartály, Strap hinge: Pántos zsanér, Belt drive: Szíjhajtás, Hopper: Garat, Chip trolley: Forgácskocsi)

Forgácskihordó rendszerek
  • Discharge: The chips are conveyed via conveyor belts or chains to collection tanks or containers, where they are safely stored or prepared for further processing. The continuous movement of the conveyors ensures uninterrupted waste handling.
  • Automated Systems: Modern chip conveyor systems are automated, meaning that sensors and control units continuously monitor the waste collection process. When the containers are full, the system automatically indicates that emptying is required or carries out the emptying process automatically.
  • Maintenance and Cleaning: Regular maintenance and cleaning are critical to maintaining the efficiency of chip conveyor systems. Regular inspection and cleaning of the conveyor belts and filters ensure that the system always operates at optimal performance and minimize the risk of downtime.

The benefits of chip conveyor systems

Chip conveyor systems offer numerous benefits in metalworking processes:

  • Cleanliness and Safety: Chip conveyor systems efficiently remove chips and waste generated during machining, ensuring a clean and orderly working environment. This not only increases productivity but also improves workplace safety by reducing the risk of accidents and workplace injuries.
  • Productivity: Through continuous waste handling, chip conveyor systems enable uninterrupted machine operation. Automated systems minimize the need for human intervention, reducing downtime and increasing production efficiency. This is particularly important in high-volume manufacturing processes, where interruptions can result in significant costs.
  • Improved quality: A clean working environment and efficient coolant and lubrication processes directly contribute to improving the quality of machined parts. Removing contaminants and waste reduces the occurrence of surface defects and quality issues, ensuring a high standard of finished products.
  • Reduced Maintenance Costs: Chip conveyor systems help keep machines and work areas clean, reducing maintenance requirements and costs. Regular cleaning and waste removal extend machine service life and improve reliability, reducing the risk of unplanned downtime.
  • Environmental Benefits: Chip conveyor systems contribute to sustainable manufacturing processes by ensuring efficient waste handling and recycling. Proper waste management reduces environmental impact and supports companies in achieving their environmental goals.

Which machines should be equipped with chip conveyor systems?

  • CNC Lathes: Chip conveyor systems are ideally suited for CNC lathes, where large quantities of metal chips are generated.
  • CNC Milling Machines: For CNC milling machines, chip conveyor systems help ensure continuous chip removal and keep the worktable clean.
  • Machining Centers: In complex machining centers, where multiple machining processes are carried out, chip conveyor systems ensure the efficient removal of different types of chips.
  • Automated Production Lines: Chip conveyor systems integrated into automated production lines help increase the efficiency of the entire manufacturing process.
  • Return Pumping Stations: These stations efficiently handle the return of coolants and lubricants to the machining process, ensuring continuous cooling and lubrication.
Forgácskihordó rendszerek

Who are chip conveyor systems recommended for?

  • Large companies: For large companies carrying out high-volume metalworking operations, where significant quantities of chips are generated.
  • Medium-sized factories: For medium-sized factories where productivity and efficient waste management are key priorities.
  • Small businesses: For small businesses carrying out precision machining, where maintaining a clean and orderly working environment is essential.
  • Specialized industries: For companies in the automotive, electronics, medical device manufacturing, and aerospace industries, where precise and efficient waste management is an essential requirement.

Summary

Chip conveyor systems are essential to modern metalworking processes, ensuring a clean and efficient working environment as well as uninterrupted machine operation. These systems increase productivity, improve the quality of machined parts, and contribute to workplace safety. The use of chip conveyor systems benefits businesses of all sizes, supporting sustainable and efficient manufacturing processes.