Comparison Methodology & Sources

What the Comparison Chart Is (and Isn’t)

The chart is meant to help machine shops understand the major types of coolant monitoring and automation solutions commonly available in the United States. It’s a way to answer questions like:

• “What is the difference between a float switch and a cloud system?”
• “Where does TrueLevel CNC sit compared with full automation?”
• “Roughly what level of investment is each category?”

It is not a comprehensive technical specification for any product, including TrueLevel CNC, and it does not list every option or configuration on the market.

To keep things readable, we group solutions into four broad categories:

• Basic Coolant Alarms – OEM float switches and simple low-level alarms.
• Practical Smart Monitoring – TrueLevel CNC: continuous level and temperature monitoring with local alerts and smart skimmer control.
• Cloud Monitoring Solutions – Systems that send coolant data to vendor-hosted dashboards on a subscription basis.
• Full Automation Systems – Centralized systems that mix, deliver, and monitor coolant across multiple machines with minimal operator involvement.

Within each category, the chart describes characteristics that are typical of that category and representative products. It is not an exhaustive list of features for all models or vendors.

How We Gathered Information

For every product other than TrueLevel CNC, we relied solely on publicly available information. We did not use confidential data, nonpublic documents, or reverse engineering.

Sources we routinely reviewed include:

• Product pages on official manufacturer websites.
• Brochures, owner’s manuals, and setup guides posted online.
• Distributor and integrator materials describing typical use cases.
• Trade-journal articles, show coverage, and technical explainers.
• Public pricing references and subscription plan information.

When multiple independent sources agreed, we treated the information as reliable enough for a high-level comparison. When sources conflicted, we either took the more conservative interpretation or left the feature out of the chart.

Legal Framework

The comparison is prepared under U.S. comparative advertising principles, which permit truthful, non-misleading comparisons based on publicly available information. Third-party product and company names are used only to identify the products being discussed. This is commonly referred to as nominative fair use and does not imply affiliation, endorsement, or sponsorship by those companies.

Nothing on this page is legal advice. Companies should always consult their own counsel on advertising and trademark questions.

Where Specific Claims Came From

3.1 TrueLevel CNC

Statements about TrueLevel CNC come from internal engineering specifications, controlled testing, pilot installations, and field feedback from active shops. Because TrueLevel is our own product, we have direct access to detailed operational data.

Key points are supported by the TrueLevel CNC Owner’s Manual (v1.0, April 2025), including:

• Solid-state digital level sensor. The manual specifies “moving parts: none” and notes that the sensor is “impervious to clogging and jamming.”
• Dual temperature monitoring. Temperature is monitored at both the top and bottom of the coolant column.
• Installation time. The manual states that installing the unit “typically requires 30 minutes and basic tools.”
• AutoSkim controller. The system “analyzes the state of coolant” and runs the skimmer “at the time and for the duration when it will be the most efficient.”
• No internet required. TrueLevel operates as a standalone device without network connectivity.

3.2 Cloud Monitoring Solutions

Representative examples in this category include LiquidTool Instructor, the FullShop App, and Will-Fill when used primarily for monitoring.

Public materials for these systems typically describe:

• Automatic measurement of coolant concentration and temperature.
• Interval-based sampling and uploads to a cloud dashboard.
• History, trends, and alarms accessible via web or mobile app.
• Per-machine subscription pricing.

For example, LiquidTool’s published pricing lists a yearly fee of approximately €588 per unit (around $625 USD), with concentration and temperature data visible in a cloud dashboard. Similar models and pricing were used as reference points for the “cloud monitoring” column.

3.3 Full Automation Systems

Representative examples include Zebra Dazzle 2, FlexxCool, FullShop Gen 3, and Will-Fill in a full automation configuration.

From manufacturer and integrator literature, these systems generally:

• Connect to a central coolant supply and automatically mix concentrate with water.
• Deliver mixed coolant to multiple CNC sumps and maintain target levels and concentrations.
• Provide browser-based or app-based status views and alarms.
• Require professional installation, plumbing runs, and commissioning.

For example, Zebra Dazzle 2 documentation describes automatic concentration and level management for multiple machines with browser monitoring. FlexxCool literature describes UTC (Unique Top-Up Concentration) mixing and automated delivery to many machines. FullShop Gen 3 is promoted as a subscription-based system combining a Digital Feed Unit (DFU), Sensor Valve Interfaces (SVIs), and the FullShop cloud app.

Tramp oil removal is generally not a standard built-in feature in these systems and is usually handled by separate skimmers. The chart reflects that by reserving “smart skimmer control” as a TrueLevel-specific feature.

3.4 Basic Coolant Alarms

This category covers OEM float switches and simple aftermarket low-level alarms. Information comes from industrial supply catalogs (e.g., Grainger, McMaster-Carr, MSC Industrial), CNC machine OEM documentation, and generic sensor manufacturers.

Common characteristics include:

• Binary low-level alarm only (no continuous level readout).
• Mechanical float mechanisms that can foul due to chips or tramp oil.
• No temperature sensing, no skimmer control, and no data logging.

How We Chose the Price Bands

Most coolant systems are configured per site, so exact pricing requires a quote. To avoid misleading anyone, the chart uses broad ranges that show relative scale rather than precise costs.

Those ranges are interpreted as follows:

• Float switches ($50–150). Typical retail pricing from well-known industrial suppliers for basic float switches and simple low-level alarm kits.
• TrueLevel CNC (~$1,000 per machine). Intended retail pricing for a standard configuration. Final pricing will be published at product launch and may vary by options, volume, and channel.
• Cloud monitoring ($600–1,200 per year per machine). Based on commonly published subscription plans, including LiquidTool’s listed €588/year per device and similar offerings. This reflects recurring annual cost.
• Full automation ($15,000–60,000+ per system). Based on manufacturer and integrator examples of turnkey multi-machine installations. Small installs (1–3 machines) are typically at the lower end, large installs (10+ machines) at the higher end.

These figures exclude items like installation labor, site preparation, electrical work, plumbing, shipping, taxes, training, optional accessories, and facility modifications. Actual pricing must be obtained directly from the manufacturers or their distributors.

Logic Behind the Comparison Rows

Level Monitoring

• Basic alarms: OEM float switches provide a binary low-level signal only.
• TrueLevel CNC: The Owner’s Manual describes continuous digital measurement of level.
• Cloud systems: Vendor materials describe continuous level monitoring with dashboards.
• Full automation: Level control is a core function of automated delivery systems.

Temperature Monitoring

• Basic alarms: No temperature functionality.
• TrueLevel CNC: Manual specifies dual-zone monitoring (top and bottom of coolant).
• Cloud systems: Varies by system (LiquidTool includes temperature; some apps require additional hardware).
• Full automation: Many systems monitor temperature as part of concentration management.

Skimmer Control

• Basic alarms: No control outputs.
• TrueLevel CNC: AutoSkim controller runs a tramp-oil skimmer based on coolant conditions.
• Cloud systems: Focused on monitoring and alarms, not direct device control.
• Full automation: Skimmer integration is possible in some projects but is not standard across the category.

Moving Parts and Clogging

• Basic alarms: Mechanical floats can foul or stick due to chips and oil.
• TrueLevel CNC: Solid-state sensing with no moving parts in the tank.
• Cloud systems: Sensor types vary (ultrasonic, capacitive, mechanical); the chart does not generalize.
• Full automation: Multiple pumps, valves, and sensors follow manufacturer maintenance guidance.

Internet Connectivity

• Basic alarms: No connectivity.
• TrueLevel CNC: Fully functional offline; no internet features.
• Cloud systems: Wi-Fi or LAN required for dashboards and remote access.
• Full automation: Many newer systems use internet for dashboards and remote support; some can run locally only.

Staying Conservative on Purpose

To reduce the risk of mischaracterizing any product, the chart makes several conservative choices:

• Features that vary by model are labeled “varies by system.”
• Optional or add-on features are not listed as standard unless they are widely marketed as such.
• The chart avoids ranking products as “better” or “worse,” and instead highlights fit and requirements.
• TrueLevel CNC advantages are framed as “best for certain shop profiles,” not as blanket superiority claims.
• Installation times are described as “typical,” recognizing that every facility is different.

Things we deliberately do not compare include:

• Measurement accuracy, precision, or response time.
• User interface design or learning curve of each dashboard.
• Customer support quality, warranty policies, or lead times.
• Compatibility with specific CNC machine models or controls.
• Total cost of ownership (energy, maintenance, consumables).
• Network security or data privacy practices.

These factors matter, but there is not enough consistent public data across brands to compare them in a responsible way.

About Brand Names We Mention

Names such as LiquidTool, Zebra Skimmers, Dazzle, FlexxCool, FullShop, Will-Fill, LDS 4.0, FCU 5000, and related company names are used strictly to identify the products being discussed. They are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

TrueLevel CNC is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of these companies, and none have reviewed or approved this comparison. Their inclusion is for neutral, informational comparison only.

Important Legal Notes