Hi all,

Have been asked to look at a problem with swarf being stuck inside 3 metre steel tubing, which is in there after machining process on the lathe.
Currently flushing with coolant or blowing out with air doesn't remove it.
Has anyone any ideas on what plugs might be used. Or any other removal methods.:confused:

The hollow rods have an int/ex taper put on each end during the machining cycle.

Tim

Hi Tim, and welcome to the Cove :bigwave: Currently flushing with coolant or blowing out with air doesn't remove it.Yeah... I see your problem. 3m is a lot of tube to stick in. Ok, questions first

Tell me: Just how does it stick?

Due to size? What's the size of the swarfs compared to the tube int diam? Could the size/shape of the swarfs be changed by using a different cutting tool?

Adhesion to tube wall? Could a high pressure nozzle (fluid or air) be pushed through the length of the tube? Perhaps the best option would be to prevent it from getting in there in the first place. How about an expanding plug inside the taper you mentioned?

/Claes

Thanks Claes,

We have been looking at plugs in the last 12 hours, I agree the best way is to prevent it getting in there in the first place.
It seems to work well. Just need to look at best methods of inserting the plug before machining on the lathe is done.

Thanks again:agree1:

Welcome to the Cove Tim :bigwave:

Silly me - but what is "swarf"?

Silly me - but what is "swarf"?Chips, turnings, cuttings from the turning lathe.

/Claes

Thanks Claes - never heard that term before.

Thanks Claes - never heard that term before.I think it's brit English (and Aussie, obviously). Please, native English speakers - correct me if I'm wrong.

Anyway: here is a more detailed explaination (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swarf).

/Claes

I think it's brit English (and Aussie, obviously). Please, native English speakers - correct me if I'm wrong.

Anyway: here is a more detailed explaination (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swarf).

/Claes

Actually, my (American Heritage dictionary indicates that it might come from a little closer to home for you, Claes:
http://www.bartleby.com/61/36/S0933600.html

Etymology: Of Scandanavian origin; akin to Old Norse svarf

I've heard the word used in US metalworking shops, although I don't think it's widespread.

Actually, my (American Heritage dictionary indicates that it might come from a little closer to home for youl (http://www.bartleby.com/61/36/S0933600.html)Oh, I recognize it. The Swedish word for turning lathe is... Svarv. As it happens the english language is littered with words of scandinavian origin, and you can blame that on the vikings. A Scot should be able to recognize quite a few words from the scandinavian languages.

Anyway, before we go on with the language discussion: Tim, I hope the plugs will do their job. Please let us know how it went.

/Claes