What Conveyor Should I Use for Machining Chips vs. Stampings?

Choosing the right conveyor for machining chips versus metal stampings has a direct impact on uptime, maintenance, coolant management, and overall efficiency. While both involve moving metal scrap, the physical characteristics of chips compared to stampings create very different requirements.

Selecting the wrong system often leads to jams, excessive maintenance, and lost production time. The right system creates stable, predictable operation.

Understanding the Difference: Machining Chips vs. Stampings

The first step is understanding how these materials behave.

Machining chips are small, often sharp, and produced in high volume. They can be stringy, curled, or fragmented depending on the machining process. They are also frequently mixed with coolant, which adds complexity to handling and cleanup.

Stampings are typically larger, more defined pieces of scrap that fall from a die. They are less likely to carry coolant but can vary significantly in size, thickness, and shape depending on the part being produced.

These differences are what drive conveyor selection.

Best Conveyor for Machining Chips

For applications requiring a reliable chip conveyor for machining, magnetic slide conveyors are often the preferred solution.

These systems use internal magnets to move chips along a sealed conveyor bed. Because the scrap is enclosed, chips are not exposed to belts, hinges, or other moving components. This matters because machining chips tend to wedge into gaps and create jams in traditional conveyor designs.

Why Magnetic Conveyors Work Well for Chips

One of the primary advantages is reduced maintenance. With no exposed moving parts in contact with the material, there is less opportunity for wear, damage, or blockage. This leads to more consistent operation and fewer interruptions.

In high volume machining environments, that reliability becomes a meaningful advantage.

Coolant Management Considerations

Coolant carryover is another key factor.

Magnetic slide conveyors allow coolant to drain off as chips move along the conveyor. Because they can be designed to run at steep inclines, even approaching vertical, they help separate coolant from chips before discharge into a hopper or bin.

This improves housekeeping and helps maintain coolant levels in the system.

Conveyor Options for Metal Stampings

Stampings introduce a different set of challenges especially with irregular scrap, it is not uncommon to see material work its way into hinge points, leading to tracking issues or premature wear over time.

While ferrous stampings can be conveyed using magnetic slide conveyors, the decision depends heavily on scrap size, shape, and volume.

For smaller or more uniform stampings, magnetic conveyors provide the same benefits seen in machining applications. They keep scrap contained, reduce the risk of jams, and support steady production.

When a Magnetic Conveyor Makes Sense

Magnetic conveyors are often a strong fit when:

• Scrap is relatively flat and consistent
• Material flow is controlled or metered
• Parts are not prone to bridging or nesting
• Maintenance reduction is a priority

When to Consider a Steel Hinge Belt Conveyor

As scrap becomes larger, heavier, or more irregular, a steel hinge belt conveyor can become a more practical option.

These conveyors use interlocking steel plates to carry material out of the press area. They are well suited for parts that may not sit flat or move consistently on a magnetic surface.

In higher volume stamping operations, hinge belt conveyors can be configured with different pitch sizes, such as 2.5 inch or 4 inch pitch, to better match the application.

Tradeoffs to Be Aware Of

The tradeoff is maintenance.

Hinge belt conveyors have moving components that are directly exposed to scrap. Over time, hinges, pins, and tracks wear and require repair or replacement. There is also a higher risk of scrap becoming lodged in the belt, especially with irregular shapes or poor loading conditions.

This makes routine inspection and maintenance part of normal operation.

Reliability vs. Flexibility: Key Decision Factor

When comparing conveyor types across both applications, the decision typically comes down to reliability versus flexibility.

Magnetic slide conveyors offer a more controlled, low maintenance solution. This makes them ideal for machining chips and many ferrous stamping applications.

Steel hinge belt conveyors offer greater flexibility for handling larger or more complex scrap, but they require more attention to keep them running efficiently.

System Design Matters More Than Conveyor Type

Regardless of conveyor type, system design plays a critical role in performance. Poor infeed conditions can cause problems even with the correct conveyor.

Scrap should be directed cleanly onto the conveyor using properly designed chutes or guides to prevent spillage and buildup. From there, the conveyor should move material away from the machine into a hopper or centralized collection system without interruption.

In many cases, small design details at the infeed and discharge determine whether a system runs reliably or becomes a recurring maintenance issue.

Final Thoughts

There is no single conveyor that fits every situation.

For machining chips, especially ferrous chips with coolant, a magnetic slide conveyor is typically the best choice for reducing maintenance and improving coolant management.

For stampings, the right solution depends on scrap size, volume, and complexity. Magnetic conveyors work well in many cases, while hinge belt conveyors remain a solid option for larger or more demanding applications.

Choosing the correct conveyor is about more than moving scrap. It is about supporting uptime, reducing long term costs, and building a system that works with your process instead of against it.

If you are evaluating a chip handling or stamping scrap system, reviewing the application details up front can make a significant difference. Material shape, volume, and how scrap is introduced to the conveyor often determine whether a system runs reliably or requires ongoing attention.

FAQ: Machining Chips vs. Stamping Scrap Conveyors

Q: Can a magnetic conveyor handle all types of machining chips?
A: Magnetic conveyors work best with ferrous chips. Non-ferrous materials such as aluminum or brass require a different type of conveyor, typically a belt or drag system.

Q: Why do machining chips cause issues in traditional conveyors?
A: Chips can wedge into gaps, especially if they are stringy or sharp. This leads to jams, accelerated wear, and increased maintenance in systems with exposed moving parts.

Q: When should I avoid using a magnetic conveyor for stampings?
A: Magnetic conveyors may not perform well if the scrap is very large, irregular, or prone to bridging between magnetic assemblies. In those cases, a hinge belt conveyor is often more reliable.

Q: Are hinge belt conveyors more durable than magnetic conveyors?
A: Hinge belt conveyors are durable in terms of handling heavy, irregular scrap, but they typically require more ongoing maintenance due to exposed moving components.

Q: Does conveyor angle matter for coolant separation?
A: Yes. Steeper incline angles help coolant drain away from chips more effectively before discharge, improving fluid recovery and reducing mess.

Q: What is the most common mistake when selecting a scrap conveyor?
A: Focusing only on the material type and not the material behavior. Shape, volume, and how the scrap is introduced to the conveyor often have a bigger impact on performance.

Written by the engineering and applications team at Storch Magnetics, specializing in magnetic conveyors and industrial magnetic solutions.