Hey there! I'm a supplier of POM plastic shell CNC Swiss turning. In the process of CNC Swiss turning for POM plastic shells, dealing with the chips generated is a crucial aspect that can significantly impact the efficiency, quality, and cost of production. In this blog, I'll share some practical tips and strategies on how to handle these chips effectively.
First off, let's understand the characteristics of POM plastic chips. POM, or polyoxymethylene, is a high - performance engineering plastic known for its high stiffness, low friction coefficient, and excellent wear resistance. When it comes to CNC Swiss turning, the chips produced are often small, thin, and can have a tendency to stick together. This stickiness can cause problems like clogging the cutting tools, affecting the surface finish of the machined parts, and even leading to machine malfunctions if not properly managed.
One of the most basic yet important steps in chip handling is proper chip evacuation. During the CNC Swiss turning process, a good chip evacuation system ensures that the chips are removed from the cutting area as quickly as possible. There are several ways to achieve this. One common method is using a high - pressure coolant. The coolant not only helps in cooling the cutting tool and the workpiece but also acts as a medium to flush away the chips. By adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the coolant, you can effectively carry the chips out of the cutting zone. For example, a pressure of around 50 - 100 bar can be quite effective in pushing the small POM chips away.
Another option for chip evacuation is through the use of an air blast. An air nozzle directed at the cutting area can blow the chips away. This is especially useful when you don't want to use a coolant due to the nature of the subsequent processes or to avoid any potential contamination. However, it's important to note that air blast may not be as effective as coolant in some cases, especially when dealing with sticky chips.
Now, let's talk about storing the chips. Once the chips are evacuated from the cutting area, they need to be stored properly. Using a suitable chip conveyor can transfer the chips from the machine to a storage container. The conveyor can be designed to separate the chips from the coolant (if used), which is a great way to recycle the coolant and manage the chips separately.
As for the storage container, it should be made of a material that doesn't react with POM. Stainless steel or plastic containers are good choices. You need to ensure that the container has enough capacity to hold the chips generated during the production process. Additionally, it's a good idea to label the container clearly so that you know what type of chips are stored inside.
When it comes to recycling the POM chips, it's a win - win situation. Recycling helps in reducing waste and also cuts down on the cost of raw materials. However, recycling POM chips isn't as straightforward as it may seem. The quality of the recycled POM depends largely on how well the chips are pre - processed. First, you need to clean the chips to remove any contaminants such as coolant residues, oil, or dust. A simple washing process using a mild detergent and water can be effective.
After cleaning, the chips need to be dried thoroughly. You can use a low - heat drying oven to ensure that all the moisture is removed. Once the chips are dry, they can be granulated. Granulation breaks the chips into smaller, more uniform particles, which are easier to melt and re - process.
Now, let's talk about the potential challenges in chip handling. As I mentioned earlier, the stickiness of POM chips can cause clogging. If the chips get stuck in the cutting tool or the chip conveyor, it can lead to a significant slowdown in production. To prevent clogging, you can use anti - sticking agents. These agents can be added to the coolant or applied directly to the cutting tool. They create a thin film that reduces the adhesion between the chips and the surfaces, making it easier for the chips to be removed.
Another challenge is the generation of static electricity. POM plastic is prone to generating static electricity during the machining process. The static charge can cause the chips to stick to each other and to the machine components. To tackle this issue, you can use anti - static additives in the coolant or install static elimination bars near the cutting area. These bars release ions that neutralize the static charge on the chips.
In a nutshell, effective chip handling in POM plastic shell CNC Swiss turning involves a combination of proper evacuation, storage, and recycling methods. By implementing these strategies, you can improve the efficiency of your production process, enhance the quality of your machined parts, and reduce waste.
If you're in the market for POM Plastic Shell CNC Swiss Turning, look no further. We as a supplier, are committed to providing high - quality turned parts with top - notch chip handling in the production process. If you're interested in our products, feel free to reach out and start a procurement discussion with us. We're here to assist you with all your POM plastic shell CNC Swiss turning needs.
References:
- "Plastics Machining Handbook" - A comprehensive guide on machining various plastics including POM.
- Industry research papers on CNC Swiss turning and chip management.