SECTION 6.3
Chips, burrs, and dirt on locating surfaces cause wear and disturb proper location. Every means must be provided to keep locating surfaces and points free from foreign matter. There are three general methods of chip and dirt control:
- Make locators easy to clean. Use small locators. Keep fixtures as open as possible so that supports are readily accessible and visible. Provide easy exit or passage avenues for chip ejection. Pockets or obstructions in a fixture where chips can collect should be avoided.
- Make them self-cleaning. Relieve around locating surfaces as an escape for unwanted chips and dirt. Fixed wipers can be used; coolant can flush chips away. Indiscriminate use of compressed air for blowing chips has its drawbacks because chips and dirt can be harmful when blown into ways and other bearing surfaces of machines. Shields and guards control and gather blown chips. Suction is a means of removing light chips and dirt from the work area. Gravity slides can be used to control chips in production setup.
- Protect them. Bearing surfaces (such as ways) and indexing mechanisms should be protected. Slides, indexing pins, and buttons should be enclosed.
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