It can be hard to take a concept seriously when it has a funny name. That’s most certainly the case when it comes to the material that we call swarf. Swarf, from the same Middle English root that gives us swerve, is simply an umbrella term for the byproducts of machine cutting: sawdust from wood, shavings from steel and plastic, or remnants of any other raw material to which we apply subtractive manufacturing.
It’s fun to say out loud, but the damage that accumulated swarf can do to your CNC mills and lathes is no laughing matter. Failing to take care of swarf buildup can damage people and property—and may even leave money on the table. Let’s discuss the importance of managing your CNC swarf and how you can do so.
Avoid Damaging Your Mill
CNC machines require quite a bit of maintenance—some tasks that you can perform yourself, others that you must delegate to specialists. Preventing debris from clogging your mill or lathe is among the jobs you can do to keep your mill or lathe at its best. A buildup of swarf can gum up the works of your CNC machine, causing it to be less effective or even overheat. Practice preventive maintenance and never let the swarf on and around a machine get out of hand.
Sweep Swarf, Stay Safe
It’s bad enough that swarf can impair the functioning of your important and expensive equipment. Worse still is that it can be a pain—literally. The sharp edges of these metal chips can give you some nicks and cuts when you handle them, and sawdust can be a respiratory hazard. Smaller swarf, such as the powdery waste from intricate plastic cutting, may even embed itself in your skin. Don’t allow this debris to build up—handle it safely and remove it from the workspace.
Swarf for Cash?
Metallic swarf comes in a few variants. Lathes yield turnings, which are curls of metal that fall as a workpiece rotates. The moving tools of drills and mills leave filings and shavings, which, depending on the precision of the cutting tool, can range in size from an almost powdery form to large and heavy chips of metal. Whatever their size, they could be valuable to recyclers—particularly if the workpieces are nonferrous metal. Yes, the importance of managing your CNC swarf has financial impacts as well. Gather your swarf for recycling and take the phrase “every little bit counts” to its natural conclusion.
Each January, leaders from around the globe gather in Davos, Switzerland, for the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
This high-altitude summit has become a symbol of dialogue, cooperation, and sometimes controversy, as political, business, academic
and civil society leaders confront the world’s most pressing challenges, from economic instability and climate change to technology,
security, and social inequality.
Dates: January 19–23, 2026
Theme: “A Spirit of Dialogue”
Participants: Over 2,500 leaders from around the world
What Is the World Economic Forum?
The World Economic Forum is an international organization for public–private cooperation. Founded in 1971, it brings together
leaders from governments, companies, international organizations, and civil society to discuss global issues and explore
collaborative solutions. The annual meeting in Davos is its flagship event, where hundreds of sessions, panels, and informal
gatherings shape debates that often influence policy and business decisions worldwide.
Every January, the United States pauses to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a minister, activist, and visionary whose moral courage reshaped the nation. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than a federal holiday. It is a moment of reflection, service, and recommitment to the ideals of equality and dignity for all people. As the world continues to evolve, the meaning of this day grows with it, inviting each generation to carry forward Dr. King’s unfinished work.
A Brief History of Dr. King’s Life and Leadership
Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, into a family deeply rooted in faith and community leadership. Guided by the teachings of his father, Reverend Martin Luther King Sr., and inspired by the nonviolent philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, King emerged as one of the most influential leaders of the American civil rights movement.
Food processing facilities constantly strive for higher efficiency to meet growing consumer demands and maintain profitability. Efficiency improvements not only enhance productivity but also help reduce costs, minimize waste, and ensure the safe handling of food. By implementing strategies to increase efficiency in your food processing facility, you can streamline operations and ensure long-term success.
Living in a smaller home or apartment has its charms, but as time passes, finding a place for everything is challenging. But don’t worry! You don’t need a massive renovation or a bigger house. Reclaim your square footage and stop tripping over shoes in the hallway with some creative storage solutions for small spaces that offer a fresh perspective.
When it comes to maintaining a safe and productive workspace, understanding the common fire hazards that businesses face is essential. Fires not only put employees and customers at risk but can also result in devastating financial losses, so identifying and mitigating these hazards is a key part of any robust safety plan.
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