Automation does not end at the CNC machine. Iit extends all the way to chip processing.
July 31, 2026 / 7:24 AM
"A robot loads parts into the machining center, the CNC machine performs the machining and production proceeds according to plan. Modern technology enables production to run for extended periods. Yet, a familiar scenario plays out in many facilities. A cart beneath the machine gradually fills with metal chips.
Once it is full, the automated process is interrupted. An operator must be summoned to haul the chips away, empty them and return the cart. It is not a machine or robot malfunction. Simply a routine part of production that often remains one of the last unresolved issues in automated lines."
For a number of years, BRIKLIS has been addressing this very issue with its iSwarf 50 briquetting press. Today more than 150 of these presses are in operation worldwide, helping to automate the processing of metal chips. The company will present the latest version of the model at the 2026 International Engineering Fair
The iSwarf 50 is designed to operate directly at the source of the waste. Thanks to its compact dimensions, it can be placed right under a machining center's conveyor, where it automatically processes loose chips into compact briquettes. This reduces waste volume by up to 90%, significantly lowering the need for waste removal and allowing production to continue without interruption. Depending on the material type, the press can process up to 90 kg of chips per hour. It features an integrated ARTEP crusher with a patented design, capable of processing both short and long chips. The press is equipped with modern control software and offers optional remote management capabilities.
Briquetting offers additional benefits as well. The pressing process squeezes out machining fluids, which can be collected, filtered and returned to the production cycle, thereby reducing the consumption of machining emulsions. Furthermore compact briquettes are easier to store and transport, generally command a higher resale value than loose chips and offer superior melting characteristics. Another advantage is a cleaner, safer workplace free from ubiquitous oily chips.
For these reasons, the briquetting press has become an indispensable component of modern automated production lines. It does more than just manage waste; it helps eliminate tasks that unnecessarily tie up operators and disrupt the flow of production. Automation does not stop at the robot or CNC machine but extends to the efficient processing of the material generated during machining.
At the BRIKLIS stand, visitors can examine the iSwarf 50 press up close and discuss options for integrating it into specific operations. They will discover how machining, automation and metal waste management can be combined into a single, seamless process that saves time, space, and operating costs.
Visit Pavilion P, stand 107, to see for yourself that truly efficient production doesn't end with the final machined part.
For more information on briquetting, visit https://briklis.cz/en/.
