At the heart of metalworking manufacturing facilities is CNC production. In this competitive landscape, every decision – from the strategic choice of machinery to the intricate details of maintenance has a rippling effect on operational efficiency and your bottom line.
A vital component of these facilities is CNC machines. Maintaining these machines and their coolant systems is critical to production efficiency. One component, often undervalued but yet pivotal, is the oil skimmer. Here at Zebra Skimmers, we have years of experience in the industry. We have witnessed the remarkable difference a well-maintained oil skimmer can make in CNC production.
Oil skimmers play a crucial role in maintaining the purity of your coolant system, ensuring the longevity of your tools, and protecting the environment from unintended discharges. We’ve compiled a list of 15 expert tips to ensure you get the most out of your oil skimmer:
The 15 Expert Tips
1) Level is Crucial: An oil skimmer must be mounted level for optimal functionality, especially those with a free-hanging belt. The belt should not touch the bottom of the sump.
2) Wiper Blades Positioning: Ensure they touch the belt but aren’t too tight. This strikes a balance between efficient oil recovery and reduced wear. Wipers can generally last about a year before requiring replacement.
3) Timed Operation: Use a timer to run the unit primarily when oil is present, maximizing efficiency and reducing coolant pickup.
4) Avoid Turbulence: Operating your skimmer during calmer periods allows oil to rise effectively to the surface.
5) Keep Spares: Having spare belts, tubes, disks, and wiper blades ensures minimal downtime.
6) Belt Length Matters: For belt skimmers, ensure the tail pulley remains submerged even at the lowest liquid level but not touching the bottom of your sump.
7) Size Appropriately: Match the skimmer’s size to your tank to optimize oil removal.
8) Size Matters: If you have a small area to work with, try using a tube skimmer to get into those tight places.
9) Choose the Right Belt Material: Depending on your application, Poly or stainless steel belts can enhance the skimmer’s efficiency and lifespan. For higher temperatures, stainless belts are effective.
10) Positioning for Maximum Impact: Face your skimmer towards the majority of floating oil.
11) Regular Maintenance: Regular check-ups can preemptively identify and address wear and tear.
12) Educate Your Team: Ensure your team knows the skimmer’s operations and can spot irregularities.
13) Monitor Liquid Temperature: Extreme temperatures can affect the skimmer’s efficiency.
14) Clean Periodically: Regular cleaning ensures consistent operation and extends the unit’s lifespan.
15) Reach Out When in Doubt: Our experienced team at Zebra Skimmers is always ready to assist. Don’t hesitate to contact us!
We’ve got your back
Your manufacturing operations deserve the best; a well-maintained oil skimmer is a step in that direction. With these helpful tips and the support of Zebra Skimmers, you will be well-prepared to keep your CNC operation efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective.
Need assistance or are you considering an upgrade?
Contact our live, in-person USA based experts at Zebra Skimmers:
Phone: 888-249-4855
Email: info@zebraskimmers.com.
Your operational excellence is our priority.
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About Zebra Skimmers:
Our mission has always been simple. It is to provide the metal working industry with the oil skimmers and metalworking fluid management systems they need to complete jobs quickly and efficiently. Innovative and affordable solutions have gained us many accolades. Our continued growth is due in no small part to our excellent customer service… Not to mention our satisfaction guarantees and the performance of our tools.
Among our diverse options of oil skimmers and metal working fluid management systems, you can expect to find:
- Coolant management equipment, which includes coolant mixers, proportioning pumps, and also coolant automation systems to mix and deliver fluid solutions at the desired concentrations.
- Industrial oil skimmers, including tramp oil belt skimmers, disk skimmers, tube oil skimmers, and individual sump coalescers as well for the removal of surface and tramp oils from fluids.
- Aeration or circulation equipment and sump odor control tablets to control fluid odor and overall machine shop smell
- Industrial fluid monitoring equipment, including brix refractometers to verify fluid solution concentrations, pH test strips and also water hardness testing sticks.