How to Solve Chip Wrapping in CNC Drilling: A High Cost-Performance Solution for Precision and Efficiency

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03.23

2026

How to Solve Chip Wrapping in Drilling?
Hartford Chip-Breaking Technology Delivers High Cost-Performance CNC Machining
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Chips breaking for drilling

In modern manufacturing, CNC machine tools play a critical role across industries such as mold & die, automotive, aerospace, and semiconductor machining. Among all machining processes, drilling is often considered basic, yet it remains one of the most influential operations affecting machining stability, tool life, and final part quality—especially on a vertical machining center (VMC).


A common and persistent issue in drilling operations is chip wrapping around the tool. This phenomenon frequently occurs in CNC machining, particularly when working with ductile materials such as steel or stainless steel. Long, continuous chips tend to wrap around the drill, leading to unstable cutting conditions, poor chip evacuation, and ultimately reduced machining performance.


To address this challenge, Hartford introduces its chips breaking for drilling function, a highly efficient and cost-effective solution that enhances both machining precision and productivity without requiring expensive additional equipment.

Understanding the Root Cause of Chip Wrapping in CNC Machining

During conventional drilling, the cutting tool continuously engages with the material, generating long, spiral chips. When these chips are not properly broken or evacuated, they accumulate inside the hole or wrap around the tool body. This directly affects cutting dynamics by introducing irregular cutting loads and increasing friction.


As chip accumulation intensifies, heat builds up inside the hole due to poor coolant penetration and restricted chip flow. This localized heat can lead to thermal expansion, dimensional deviation, and surface damage. In high-precision applications such as precision machining centers or semiconductor components, even minor inconsistencies can result in unacceptable quality defects.


Furthermore, chip wrapping often forces operators to stop the machine to manually remove chips. This not only interrupts production but also reduces machine utilization and increases labor costs. Over time, these inefficiencies significantly impact overall productivity and manufacturing cost.

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Before chips breaking during drilling, Iron filings are long

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After chips breaking during drilling, Iron filings are short

Hartford Chips Breaking for Drilling Function

A Process-Level Innovation

Hartford’s chips breaking for drilling function fundamentally changes how drilling is performed. Instead of a continuous cutting motion, the process is divided into controlled segments. The tool advances to a specified depth, then briefly retracts before continuing the cut. This motion effectively breaks long chips into smaller, manageable fragments.


By altering the chip formation mechanism, this function prevents chips from becoming entangled around the tool. Shorter chips are easier to evacuate, either through coolant flow or gravity, especially in vertical machining center configurations. This results in a cleaner cutting environment and more consistent machining conditions.


More importantly, this is not merely a mechanical adjustment. The chips breaking strategy is integrated with the CNC control system, allowing precise synchronization of feed rate, spindle speed, and retract motion. This ensures that each cutting cycle maintains a stable load condition, significantly improving process reliability.

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High Cost-Performance Advantage

Advanced Capability Without High Investment

One of the most important advantages of Hartford’s chips breaking for drilling function is its high cost-performance (CP value). Unlike specialized deep-hole drilling machines or high-end multi-axis systems, this function is achieved through control system optimization rather than expensive hardware upgrades.


For manufacturers already using Hartford vertical machining centers, the function can be implemented with minimal additional cost. There is no need for major machine modification or investment in auxiliary equipment. This makes it an ideal solution for companies seeking to upgrade their machining capability while maintaining strict cost control.


From an economic perspective, the benefits are substantial. Reduced tool wear lowers tooling costs, fewer machine interruptions increase uptime, and improved process stability enhances yield rates. These combined advantages result in a strong return on investment, making the chips breaking for drilling function a practical and scalable solution for global manufacturers.

Achieving Both Precision and Productivity in CNC Machining

Traditionally, manufacturers often face a trade-off between machining precision and productivity. However, Hartford’s chips breaking for drilling technology enables both to be improved simultaneously. By stabilizing cutting forces and eliminating chip interference, the tool operates under more consistent conditions, leading to better hole accuracy and roundness.


At the same time, improved chip evacuation reduces the need for manual intervention and minimizes unexpected downtime. This allows continuous machining over longer periods, significantly increasing throughput. In many cases, overall production efficiency can be improved by 20% to 50%.


In mold & die machining, where cooling channels require high dimensional accuracy, chips breaking ensures clean internal surfaces. In semiconductor machining, where contamination control is critical, the reduction of residual chips and surface scratches is particularly valuable.


Additionally, tool life is extended due to reduced heat concentration and stable cutting loads. This further contributes to cost savings and process consistency.

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Vertical Machining Center HCMC-1100

Why Chips Breaking for Drilling Is Best Applied on Vertical Machining Centers ?

Hartford’s chips breaking for drilling function is specifically optimized for vertical machining centers due to their structural advantages. The vertical spindle orientation allows gravity to assist in chip evacuation, making it easier for broken chips to fall away from the cutting zone.


This natural advantage, combined with controlled chips breaking motion, creates an efficient and reliable chip removal process. Moreover, VMCs are widely used in industries requiring high precision, such as mold making and precision component manufacturing. Their rigid structure and stable spindle design make them ideal platforms for implementing advanced drilling strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does chip breaking during drilling increase machining time?

A: The cycle time for a single operation may increase slightly, but overall efficiency is typically improved.

This is because chip breaking reduces machine downtime and minimizes the need for tool changes.


Q2: Are special tools required?

A: Standard cutting tools can be used with chip breaking strategies.

However, optimized tool designs can further enhance performance.


Q3: What materials is it suitable for?

A: It is suitable for most metals and engineering materials, such as steel, stainless steel, and aluminum alloys.


Q4: Does it affect machining accuracy?

A: It helps improve accuracy stability.
This is due to more consistent and controlled cutting loads.

Turning a Common Problem into a Competitive Advantage

Chip wrapping around the tool may seem like a minor issue, but it has a significant impact on machining quality, efficiency, and cost. By addressing this problem at its core, Hartford’s chips breaking for drilling function provides manufacturers with a practical and high-value solution.


With its combination of high cost-performance, improved precision, enhanced productivity, and extended tool life, this technology represents a meaningful upgrade for any CNC machining operation. For companies using precision machining centers and vertical machining centers, adopting chips breaking strategies is no longer optional—it is becoming a key factor in maintaining competitiveness in today’s manufacturing landscape.

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