With the Liquidtool Manager, Liquidtool Systems introduces the first intelligent, IoT-based solution for monitoring coolants. It is the first product ever to combine a plug & play solution and a cloud-based platform with intelligent, automated and reliable measurement into an innovation that takes metalworking companies a step closer to Industry 4.0. The Liquidtool Sensor, which is also available, makes data collection easy. Thanks to plug & play, sensor commissioning is simple and intuitive business: the highly integrative sensor is magnetically mounted on the machine to be monitored, connected to the company’s WLAN or LAN internet connection and operated with the corresponding app via tablet, smartphone or PC.

The sensor for metal cutting machines is compatible with coolants of all manufacturers and monitors them automatically. The Liquidtool Sensor regularly takes coolant from the machine tank and measures the sample with the built-in refractometer and thermometer. It stores the data gathered securely on the corresponding platform, allowing deviations to be detected at an early stage. Users can add additional values such as pH, nitrite and water hardness manually. Reliable, regular measurement forms the basis for stabilizing and optimizing processes, increasing efficiency and identifying problems early on. This in turn can reduce machine downtime and contributes to a longer service life of the coolant and tools. 

The data collected by the sensor is stored and analyzed in the cloud-based Liquidtool Manager. The Manager provides secure access to all current and historical measurement data - in real-time and from various devices, such as smartphones, tablets and computers. The stored data can be displayed directly in the Liquidtool Manager via various graphics, statistics and reports. In addition, users can exchange experiences with other users worldwide in the Liquidtool Community. 

The Liquidtool Manager is developed and sold by the Swiss start-up Liquidtool Systems, a sister company of Blaser Swisslube AG, which has been a leader in the production of lubricants for over 80 years. “With the Liquidtool Manager, we are proud to offer our customers a product that makes a significant contribution to the progressive digitalization of the metalworking industry,” says Daniel Brawand, head of sales and marketing at Liquidtool Systems. “The Manager and the associated Sensor are installed and operated easily and intuitively, allowing users to take reliable measurements with minimal effort. Based on this, they can optimize their processes and minimize maintenance costs. We are very excited to launch the product in the spring of 2021. Our focus is also on digital technology when it comes to sales: both products will be available online via the Liquidtool website.”