What term describes the unwanted pieces of metal removed from a workpiece during machining?

The term that describes the unwanted pieces of metal removed from a workpiece during machining is "chips." In the context of machining processes, such as turning, milling, or drilling, when material is removed, it is often fragmented into small pieces. These small fragments are referred to as chips.

Understanding this terminology is crucial as it relates to both the machining process and the subsequent management of materials. For instance, the type and size of chips can provide insight into the conditions of the machining process, such as tool wear or cutting speeds.

In contrast, shavings typically refer to thin pieces of material that are cut away during specific processes but are not synonymous with the more general term "chips." Scraps usually denote larger leftover pieces of material that are not used in the final product, while "parts" refers to the finished products themselves that result from the machining operation.