Automatic chip detection
How does automatic chip detection work on a CNC machine?
A camera inside the machine watches the cut, and AI software sorts the metal chips it sees and warns you when they start to tangle or pile up into a nest. On CNC machines, that software is ChipDetect AI, an add-on that runs on the Rotoclear C Pro camera system.
Why swarf is worth watching
Long, stringy chips wrap around the tool, and chip nests build up beside the workpiece. Usually nobody notices until the surface is scratched, the tool is worn out or the machine has crashed, and it often happens on a shift nobody is watching.
What it does, in plain language
It sorts the chips
The AI looks at the live image and classifies each chip shape it finds, from long tangled and ribbon chips down to small, stable chips.
It gives you one status
ChipRisk shows at a glance whether the process is stable or heading for trouble, for one machine or a whole row, on the control, an office screen or remotely.
It lets you look back
ChipReview tracks chip types along the C Pro Timeline across the whole job. When something went wrong overnight, you scroll to the marked moment and see the cause.
It can learn your process
Optional custom training tunes the AI to your machine, material and tooling, using footage from your own process.
What you need
ChipDetect AI runs only on the Rotoclear C Pro, which we install on metal-cutting CNC machines of any make. It's quoted together with the C Pro, so you get one quote and one point of contact.
See the Rotoclear C Pro and ChipDetect AI →Available in the USA and Canada from All CNC Service & Sales, Rotoclear's exclusive distributor for the USA and Canada.
Automatic chip detection: FAQ
Can a CNC machine detect chip nests automatically?
Yes, with a camera and AI software watching the cut. ChipDetect AI on the Rotoclear C Pro classifies the chips in the live image and flags chip nests and jams as they form.
What kinds of chips does it recognize?
Chip shapes from long tangled and ribbon chips down to medium and small, stable chips. Those shapes tell you whether the process is running cleanly.
Does it work on my existing machine?
ChipDetect AI runs on the Rotoclear C Pro, and we install the C Pro on metal-cutting CNC machines of any make. Tell us your machine and we'll confirm the setup.
Where is ChipDetect AI available in the USA and Canada?
From All CNC Service & Sales, Rotoclear's exclusive distributor for the USA and Canada. We sell, install and support the full Rotoclear line.
More Rotoclear guides
Want chip detection on your machine?
Tell us your machine and process. We'll quote the C Pro with ChipDetect AI as one system.