Chip conveyors are an essential part of modern machining, providing continuous removal of metal chips, swarf, offcuts and other process waste from CNC machines and production lines. A properly selected conveyor protects equipment, stabilizes cutting conditions and helps maintain a safe and clean work environment on the shop floor.
What Is a Chip Conveyor?
A chip conveyor is an automatic system designed to collect chips directly from the machine enclosure and transport them to a discharge point, chip bin or central handling system. Instead of manually shovelling swarf, operators can rely on a mechanical device that runs in parallel with the machining process and removes waste continuously.
Depending on the design, chip conveyors are used with turning centres, machining centres, grinders, drilling machines and even woodworking equipment. Systems can be standalone units installed beside a machine or integrated solutions forming part of a larger chip and coolant handling layout.
Benefits of Chip Conveyors in Production
- Higher productivity - chips are evacuated automatically, reducing unplanned stops and cleaning breaks.
- Improved safety - operators are less exposed to hot, sharp swarf and slippery chip piles around the machine.
- Cleaner machines and coolant - chip build-up in the enclosure and tank is minimized, supporting stable coolant quality and better tool life.
- Reduced fire risk - hot, oil-soaked chips are removed from the cutting zone instead of accumulating in corners and under covers.
- Efficient recycling - separated chips can be collected, handled and sold as a secondary raw material.
Main Types of Chip Conveyors
Different machining operations and chip forms require different conveyor concepts. The most common designs used in metalworking include the following.
Hinge Plate Chip Conveyors
Hinge plate (hinge belt) conveyors are designed for long, stringy chips, coiled swarf and mixed metal chips. A robust steel belt made of interlocking plates is driven by a chain, carrying chips along the trough and up the incline section to the discharge point. Plate pitch, plate thickness and belt width are selected according to chip load and machine size.
These conveyors are widely used on CNC lathes, horizontal and vertical machining centres, and other machines where heavy chip volumes are generated during turning and milling.
Scraper Chip Conveyors
Scraper conveyors are ideal for short chips, fine particles, cast-iron dust and applications with high coolant flow. Scrapers move along the bottom of the trough and push chips towards the discharge, even when the material is granular or settles at the bottom. Different scraper spacing and trough geometries allow the system to be matched to the required capacity and footprint.
Magnetic Chip Conveyors
Magnetic conveyors use internal magnet assemblies moving under a stainless steel sliding plate. Ferrous chips and small parts follow the magnetic field and are transported without mechanical flights. This design offers low noise, low wear and is particularly suitable for cast iron and steel machining where a compact, leak-tight solution is needed.
Wedge-Scraper and Combination Systems
In many real-world applications, chip geometry changes from one job to another. Combination and wedge-scraper designs help to handle a wide spectrum of chip types, from short broken pieces to loose bundles. Such conveyors are often used in multi-axis machines and flexible machining cells where reliable transport under varying conditions is required.
Conveyors with Integrated Coolant Filtration
For demanding machining operations, chip removal and coolant purification are combined into one system. Chip conveyors can be paired with drum filters, paper-band filters, magnetic separators and backwash filtration units. In this configuration, chips are separated and discharged while coolant is filtered and returned to the tank, supporting stable machining conditions and extended coolant life.
Key Design Features and Parameters
When selecting a chip conveyor, it is important to consider both the mechanical design and the process parameters. Key aspects include:
- Belt or scraper type - hinge plate, scraper, magnetic or combined system depending on chip material and shape.
- Pitch and segment geometry - belt pitch, segment height and scraper spacing affect how effectively the conveyor captures and transports chips.
- Working length and discharge height - the conveyor layout must fit the machine base, coolant tank and chip bin position.
- Drive configuration - motor power, torque and speed are selected according to chip volume and duty cycle.
- Wear protection - hardened inserts and guided tail sections help ensure long service life under heavy chip loads.
Applications and Industries
Chip conveyors from this catalogue can be found in many sectors, including:
- CNC turning centres and lathes in job shops and production plants
- Vertical and horizontal machining centres in automotive and aerospace manufacturing
- Grinding, drilling and tapping lines with continuous chip generation
- Machine tool building and OEM integration
- Woodworking and other industries producing chips, shavings or offcuts
Systems can operate as individual units on a single machine or as part of a centralized chip and coolant handling system serving multiple machines with common discharge and filtration equipment.
Integration and Customisation Options
Chip conveyors offered in this category cover a broad range of standard sizes and layouts, and can also be adapted to suit specific machine models or production tasks. Typical options include:
- Horizontal, inclined or Z-type layouts with different transfer heights
- Roller or non-roller designs depending on installation constraints
- Interfaces to coolant tanks, chip crushers, compactors and filtration units
- Sensors and control options for level monitoring, overload protection and interlock with machine controls
- Variations in belt width, chain pitch and frame dimensions to match the footprint of the machine
Long experience in conveyor engineering allows the manufacturer to support projects ranging from single-machine upgrades to complete chip handling systems for entire production lines.
Why Order Chip Conveyors from CNCmarket.ca?
- Access to proven conveyor designs used in metalworking, automotive and other demanding industries.
- Selection of models for different chip types, coolant conditions and machine sizes.
- Support in matching conveyor parameters to your equipment and process requirements.
- Possibility to integrate conveyors with existing coolant tanks and central chip-handling systems.
By equipping your CNC machines with the right chip conveyor, you improve reliability, reduce manual cleaning work and create a safer, more efficient production environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chip Conveyors
What kind of chip conveyor do I need for my CNC machine?
The right choice depends on chip material, chip shape, coolant flow and available installation space. Hinge plate designs work well for long, coiled chips, scraper conveyors for short and fine chips, and magnetic designs for ferrous materials where a sealed construction is preferred. For mixed chip forms or very demanding applications, combination or filtration-integrated systems may be the best solution.
Can chip conveyors handle both chips and coolant?
Yes. Many systems are designed to operate fully submerged in coolant and can be combined with filtration units. In such layouts, the conveyor transports chips to the discharge point while coolant passes through filters and is returned to the tank with reduced contamination.
How do chip conveyors improve safety and cleanliness?
Conveyors remove hot, sharp chips from the machining zone automatically, reducing manual handling and the risk of slipping on chip piles. Cleaner machine interiors and coolant tanks also help protect seals, pumps and other components from premature wear.
Are chip conveyors suitable for different machine brands and models?
Yes. Conveyors are available in multiple sizes and layouts and can be matched to a wide range of CNC lathes, machining centres and grinding machines. Dimensions, discharge heights and interfaces can be selected so that the conveyor integrates correctly with the machine base and coolant system.
Can existing production lines be upgraded with new chip conveyors?
In many cases, older machines can be retrofitted with modern conveyors or connected to central chip and coolant handling systems. When planning such an upgrade, it is important to review chip volumes, coolant conditions and available space so that the new equipment fits the existing layout and provides the desired performance.
