A number of AEC Systems clients have needed parts washers designed to clean recently turned or machined parts. With these types of products swarf typically is an issue. Swarf, for the unfamiliar, is “material (as metallic particles and abrasive fragments) removed by a cutting or grinding tool.”
Removing swarf is difficult, especially when parts have complex geometries. Waste adds another layer of complexity: tighter EPA regulations make it essential to design cleaning processes that approach zero-waste output.
Emerging Swarf-cleaning Technologies
- Aqueous surfactant washing that captures fine chips while separating oils for reuse.
- Supercritical carbon-dioxide extraction to lift oils and particles without water.
The right choice for your parts cleaning system will depend on a cost-benefit analysis that factors in your regulatory environment. In regions where swarf counts as hazardous waste, the incentive to minimize landfilling—and recover valuable metal—grows even stronger.
Encouraging Progress in Swarf Recycling
A recent study described in Chemistry World shows how stainless-steel swarf can be re-engineered into electrodes for hydrogen production. Converting a machining by-product into a value-added material hits two goals at once: it diverts metal chips from landfill and supports emerging clean-energy technologies.
How AEC Systems Can Help
Staying current with swarf-handling advances lets us design parts-washing solutions that balance profitability with compliance. If your operation needs a system that removes swarf, recovers oil, and keeps landfill waste to a minimum, contact AEC Systems today. We’ll start developing a custom cleaning system that meets your cleanliness goals and regulatory obligations.