In manufacturing, performance is everything. Every minute counts. Every tool matters. And every drop of coolant plays a role in whether your factory runs smoothly or grinds to a halt.
If you’re overlooking coolant management in your CNC operation, you’re leaving efficiency, tool life, and dollars on the table.
At Zebra Skimmers, we’ve spent over 30 years helping machine shops, job shops, and manufacturers unlock hidden performance gains through smarter coolant maintenance. Proudly made in Solon, Ohio, our solutions are built for the American manufacturer with fast support, long-lasting quality, and real-world results.
The Hidden Costs of Poor Coolant Management
You can’t see it right away but poor coolant management slowly bleeds performance from your shop.
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Tool wear skyrockets when coolant becomes contaminated or runs too lean.
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Odors from bacterial growth in the sump tank create an unhealthy work environment.
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Downtime increases when machines need to be flushed or cleaned more often.
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Coolant costs spike when you're replacing fluids too frequently.
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Regulatory risk rises when oil and waste fluids aren’t properly handled.
These aren't just maintenance issues. They're profit killers. Fortunately, there's a better way.
The 3 Pillars of CNC Coolant Management
1. Contamination Control: Keep Oil and Sludge Out
When tramp oil builds up on your coolant surface, it creates an oxygen barrier. Bacteria thrive, pH levels crash, and coolant starts to rot. The fix? A reliable oil skimmer.
Zebra Skimmers offers a full range of belt, tube, and disk skimmers that are all built in the USA. They fit almost any sump tank size or configuration. One option is our Sidewinder™ Tube Skimmer that is compact, easy to install, and runs continuously to keep coolant clean and fresh.
Whether you run high-volume machining or operate a single CNC mill, removing tramp oil is one of the fastest ways to improve coolant life.
2. Concentration Accuracy: Get the Mix Just Right
Coolant that's too rich wastes concentrate. Too lean, and you risk rust, poor finishes, and tool wear.
Our proportioning pumps and BRIX refractometers are engineered to make precision mixing easy and repeatable. Operators can check concentration in seconds, avoiding costly mistakes.
Looking for plug-and-play simplicity? Our Zebra Mixers hook directly to your shop’s water line, providing a consistent and accurate coolant ratio every time with no power source needed.
3. Automation & Monitoring: Eliminate Manual Errors
Tired of the bucket brigade? So were we. That’s why we developed the Dazzle™ Coolant Automation System which is a smart, sensor-driven solution that monitors BRIX, pH, sump level, and more.
Dazzle™ 2 even sends real-time data to your phone or desktop, giving you 24/7 visibility into coolant health. With automated alerts and usage tracking, you’ll catch problems before they become downtime.
And yes, it’s made right here in Ohio, backed by a real support team who understands your challenges.
Real-World Results: What Our Customers Say
“Since installing the Dazzle system, we’ve saved hours every week and improved tool life significantly. I don’t know how we operated without it.”
— Mike A., Maintenance Manager, Benteler Automotive
From small job shops to Fortune 500 facilities, Zebra Skimmers is trusted coast-to-coast for reliable coolant solutions and fast, knowledgeable support.
Getting Started: Your Coolant Management Checklist
Wondering where to begin? Start here:
✅ Is there visible oil floating in your sump tank?
✅ Are you manually mixing coolant or checking with outdated tools?
✅ Do you experience foul odors or frequent coolant changes?
✅ Are operators spending too much time on routine maintenance?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, it’s time to upgrade. And we’re here to help.
Why Choose Zebra Skimmers?
Made in the USA – All our products are built in Solon, Ohio, by skilled American hands.
Real Support – Call and speak to someone who knows coolant, not a call center script.
Fast Shipping – We stock what we sell. No long overseas delays.
30+ Years of Expertise – Founded in 1994, Zebra Skimmers has led the way in coolant maintenance innovation.
USA Proud – We believe in American craftsmanship, manufacturing, and service. That said, we’re doubling down with lifetime warranties on our oil skimmers for our North American customers.
Make Coolant Your Competitive Advantage
Effective coolant management isn’t just about avoiding problems. It’s about gaining an edge.
With the right tools from Zebra Skimmers, you can cut costs, improve uptime, and keep your CNC operations running like clockwork, all with the confidence of American-made support behind you.
Explore skimmers, mixers, automation, and more at www.zebraskimmers.com or call us today to talk with our team about the right solution for your shop.