Swarf Effect on Performance

The effect of swarf staining itself on pre-painted steel products is generally aesthetic and may not be detrimental to the performance of the product. The product life will, however, be severely affected where attached swarf particles have deeply penetrated the prefinished film and are in contact with the protective metallic coating, although this only occurs in severe cases.

Staining may take a long period to weather away as red oxides of iron are insoluble in water.

On metallic coatings, densely concentrated areas of swarf can cause corrosion to occur over a small area as the zinc in the coating sacrifices itself to prevent oxidation of the metallic coating.  See Swarf Staining and Cut Edge Corrosion.

Minimising the creation of swarf particles in the first place and regular removal of swarf is far superior to repair of excessive damage.