Swarf is a term used to describe the waste material that is produced during machining processes. There are several different synonyms for this term, including metal shavings, chips, filings, grit, and debris. Each of these terms describes the same material, which is the byproduct of cutting, drilling, or grinding metal or other materials.
Metal shavings and chips are perhaps the most common synonyms for swarf, as they accurately describe the small pieces of metal that are produced during machining processes. Filings and grit are also frequently used, as they refer to the similarly small and granular nature of the material. Finally, debris is a broader term that can be used to describe any type of waste material that is produced during these processes, including swarf.