Chip removal method and chip removal system for NC machine tools

A chip removal method for an NC machine tool, equipped with a chip remover for removing chips generated in a culling process, which performs the culling process based on an execution of blocks in a machining program, comprising the step of:

• storing chip removal rules that define whether operation of the chip remover is permitted or prohibited during the execution of the blocks of the machining program, based on a command described in the blocks to compare a dimensional tolerance value for the work-piece to a prescribed tolerance threshold level;
• and
• controlling the operation of the chip remover during the execution of the blocks of the machining program based on the stored chip removal rules according to the command.

An NC machine tool configured to execute blocks of a machining program to perform a cutting process, the NC machine tool being equipped with a chip remover for removing chips generated during the cutting process, the NC machine tool comprising:

• a memory configured to store chip removal rules defining whether operation of the chip remover is permitted or prohibited during execution of the blocks of the machining program, based on a command described in the blocks to compare a dimensional tolerance value for the work-piece to a prescribed tolerance threshold level;
• and
• a controller configured to control the operation of the chip remover according to the chip removal rules based on the command during the execution of the blocks of the machining program.