How do cutting oil skimmers function and why are they important?

Cutting oil skimmers are devices designed to remove tramp oils—unwanted oils that contaminate cutting fluids—from the surface of coolant tanks. They function by using belts, disks, or tubes that attract oil due to their material properties or motion. As the skimmer moves through the fluid, it collects the floating oil, which is then scraped off and collected for disposal or recycling. Skimmers are important because tramp oils can degrade the cutting fluid, promote bacterial growth, cause unpleasant odors, and reduce machining efficiency. By removing these contaminants, skimmers help maintain fluid quality, extend the life of the cutting oil, and improve overall operational performance.