Swarf
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- This article is about industrial waste. For the British band, see Swarf (band).
Swarf 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 them to be collected for further treatment.
The chips are often extremely sharp, 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.