Chip conveyor for uninterrupted production

In many companies, full chip spaces cause machine downtimes that can cost several thousand euros per hour. KÖBO ECO>PROCESS develops chip conveyors which, depending on the design, can remove up to several tons of chips per hour and return cooling lubricant. This keeps the material flow uninterrupted and eliminates expensive downtime.

Chip conveyors and why you need them

A chip conveyor transports the metal chips from the machine bed conveyor and takes them automatically to the central collection or processing point.

The cooling lubricant remains in the cycle and the chips are cleanly separated for further processing. Depending on the design, our systems not only reliably remove metal chips, but also wood chips, plastic waste or punching waste. This makes them suitable for a wide range of production environments beyond the metal sector.

Without controlled removal, several problems arise in production:

A chip conveyor prevents these problems, stabilizes processes and ensures the productivity of entire lines.

Chip conveyors from KÖBO ECO>PROCESS

Type	Structure and function	Typical applications	Special features
Scraper conveyor	Carrier chains move along the bottom of the trough and push short chips or sludge forwards in a controlled manner. The design is robust and compact.	– Short metal shavings – Grinding sludge – Briquettes	– Compact – Insensitive to wet chips – Low installation height – Very low maintenance
Hinged belt conveyor	Segmented steel plates interlock and form a belt that reliably collects and continuously removes long and twisted chips. Wear-resistant plates ensure a long service life.	– Mixed chips – Especially when milling, turning and drilling with long-chipping material	– Reliable pick-up even with long chips – High load capacity – Ideal for high chip volumes
Screw conveyor	A rotating screw moves the chips axially in the trough. It saves space and transports chips continuously, even on steep conveyor sections.	– Fine chips – Intermediate transportation of chips from e.g. extraction stations, chip bunkers or similar systems	– Very space-saving – Flexible installation (horizontal, rising, vertical) – Good choice for tight spaces

Advantages of our chip conveyors

High conveying capacity

Depending on the design, our systems transport between a few kilograms and several tons of chips per hour. This keeps the production area clear and prevents backlogs, even in three-shift operation.

Clean coolant return

Recirculation rates of up to 95 % significantly reduce cooling lubricant consumption and save several hundred liters per month. The efficient recirculation of fluids reduces the consumption of resources and supports sustainable, environmentally friendly production.

Durable construction

We use wear-resistant steels, some with hardnesses of up to 400 HB. As a result, critical components achieve service lives of several years even under abrasive conditions.

Space-saving integration

Our chip conveyors can be designed with low overall heights and also fit into tight spaces. Compared to conventional single-stage conveyor systems, they require up to 30 % less floor space and make much better use of the available space.

More safety in operation

Manual removal of chips is no longer necessary. This reduces the risk of cutting injuries by over 80 % and prevents interference with running machines. Closed conveyor systems prevent chips and liquids from escaping, keeping work areas clean and safe.

Maintenance-friendly design

Wear parts can be replaced in less than 30 minutes. Your maintenance team maintains the system independently, which significantly reduces unplanned downtimes.

Which chip conveyor is best suited to your production?

The choice of the right chip conveyor depends on several factors:

Chip type: Scraper conveyors are suitable for conveying short chips, hinged belt conveyors for long chips and screw conveyors for fine chips.
Chip quantity: Large and medium chip quantities are handled by hinged belt and scraper conveyors, smaller quantities by screw conveyors.
Space conditions: Screw conveyors are ideal for small spaces, while scraper conveyors and hinged belt conveyors are ideal for long transport distances.
Process environment: In processes with cooling lubricants, scraper and slat-band conveyors are convincing, while screw conveyors are mainly used in dry applications.

Based on these criteria, we at KÖBO ECO>PROCESS plan your chip conveyor so that it is precisely matched to the machine, installation space and production targets.

Why KÖBO ECO>PROCESS is the right choice for chip conveyors:

Individual system planning: We precisely calculate chip quantities, coolant proportions and space conditions. This results in a conveyor that is precisely tailored to your machine and your process and delivers full performance right from the start.
Production with quality inspection: The conveyor systems are created in close cooperation with experienced partners. Each module is checked and documented according to defined test steps. If required, short conveyors undergo a test run before delivery.
Service and fast spare parts: Our technicians carry out installation directly in your production facility and provide your staff with comprehensive training in operation and maintenance. We supply spare parts precisely tailored to your system so that repairs can be carried out without long downtimes.
Extensive industry experience: We have implemented chip conveyors for the automotive industry, recycling, aviation and machine tool manufacturing. We make targeted use of this broad expertise to ensure that every new system benefits from tried-and-tested solutions.

Typical areas of application

Lathes and milling machines: Safe pick-up of long and stray chips.
Sanding machines: Removal of fine sanding chips and sludge.
Automotive and supplier industry: Large quantities with continuous production.
Recycling and metal recovery: transportation of metal chips over long distances.

Our systems are also used in aviation, tool and mold making, the plastics industry, mechanical and plant engineering, energy and environmental technology and the electrical industry.

How chip conveyors pay off for your business

The cost of a chip conveyor depends on the design, length and conveying capacity. Scraper conveyors are often the cheapest solution, while hinged belt conveyors for high volumes require a higher investment. The decisive factor is the economic benefit:

Every machine downtime avoided quickly saves several thousand euros per hour. By recirculating cooling lubricant, you also reduce consumption costs. An investment in chip conveyors therefore pays for itself within a few months in many cases.

Your chip conveyor from KÖBO ECO>PROCESS

Would you like to plan a new chip conveyor or modernize your existing system? Then talk to our technicians directly. We will develop a concept for you that is precisely tailored to your process and enables consistent workflows.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about chip conveyors

Why do manufacturing companies use chip conveyors?

Chip conveyors keep machine rooms free of chips and ensure the return flow of cooling lubricant. As a result, machining remains constant and you avoid unscheduled downtimes. In addition, the workload for personnel is reduced as manual clearing is no longer necessary.

How does a chip conveyor work in detail?

A drive moves conveyor elements such as chains, belts or screws. These pick up the chips and transport them out of the work area. At the same time, the design returns the cooling lubricant and separates it safely from the chips.

What types of chip conveyors are used in practice?

Scraper conveyors push short chips and sludge, hinged belt conveyors transport long and mixed chips and screw conveyors move fine chips in a space-saving manner. There is a suitable solution for every type of chip and machine.

How economical is the use of chip conveyors?

The investment usually pays for itself within a few months. Saved downtime costs, reduced cooling lubricant losses and lower personnel deployment quickly add up to measurable savings. In the long term, this ensures lower operating costs and higher machine availability.