page_title: Swarf
section_title: Metal swarf
hierarchical_section_title: Swarf / Metal swarf
caption_attribution_description: English: Grinding swarf
context_page_description: Swarf, also known as chips or by other process-specific names, are pieces of metal, wood, or plastic that are the debris or waste resulting from machining, woodworking, or similar subtractive manufacturing processes. Swarf or chips can be small particles; long, stringy tendrils; slag-like waste; or stone fragments and dust.
  Some of these terms are mass nouns and some of them are count nouns.
  Wood swarf is discussed at sawdust.
context_section_description: Chips can be extremely sharp and they can cause serious injuries if not handled correctly. It is not uncommon for chips flying off the cutter to be ejected with great force and to fly several yards. 
  Due to its high surface area, swarf composed of some reactive metals can be highly flammable.  Swarf may also spontaneously combust, especially if the swarf is coated with cutting oil. To extinguish swarf fires, a special fire extinguisher is needed, designed for fighting  Class D (metal) fires.
  Some common engineering materials such as beryllium are hazardous when finely divided and appropriate measures should be taken to prevent exposure.
  For ease of transport and handling, swarf may be compressed into bricks. Metal swarf can usually be recycled.
caption: Metal grinding produces grinding swarf.
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