Coolant Monitoring That Actually Works
Track level and temperature in real time. Prevent thermal expansion. Stop bacteria growth. Extend coolant life. All without subscriptions or complexity.
Visual Feedback That Operators Actually Notice
LED Light Bar - Clear, Actionable Status at a Glance
The RGB light bar updates instantly as coolant conditions change, giving operators the information they need without checking an app or sorting through notifications. Cloud systems often send alerts that pile up or get ignored. The light bar avoids that fatigue by showing the exact state of the coolant right where the work happens. Operators see it, understand it, and act on it. This simple visual cue has proven far more consistent than remote alerts for keeping coolant maintained and machines running smoothly.
Real Numbers, Not Just Warnings
Controller - Real Numbers you can act on
Precise measurements replace guesswork. See actual coolant depth, temperature at two critical zones, and remaining volume so operators know exactly what needs attention. No vague “add coolant” message, no relying on intuition. The controller turns unclear conditions into clear information that supports better decisions and better part quality.
Digital Technology for Reliable Measurement
Solid State - A level you can finally Trust
The digital sensor monitors level continuously with zero moving parts to clog or fail. It reads along its entire length and tracks temperature where heat and bacterial growth matter most. Since nothing mechanical touches the coolant, the sensor avoids the drift, sticking, and fouling issues that come with floats or optical systems. Operators and managers can rely on stable, consistent readings shift after shift.
Not All Coolant Systems Are Built the Same
This table shows the strengths and tradeoffs of each method so you can choose with confidence.
| Feature |
Basic Coolant Alarms
OEM alarms, aftermarket switches
|
TrueLevel CNC
|
Cloud Monitoring Solutions
LiquidTool, FullShop App, Will-Fill
|
Full Automation Systems
Zebra Dazzle 2, FlexxCool, FullShop Gen 3, Will-Fill
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POSITIONING | ||||
| Product Category | Basic Coolant Alarms | Practical Smart Monitoring | Cloud Monitoring Solutions | Full Automation Systems |
| What It Does | Alerts after coolant empty | Monitors level and temperature with smart skimmer control | Monitors concentration, level, temperature via cloud | Full automated mixing, delivery, and monitoring |
| COST | ||||
| System Cost (Average) | $50-150 | Under $1,000 | $600-1,200/year | $15,000-60,000+ (varies by number of machines) |
| Ongoing Costs | None | None | $600-1,200/year subscription | Varies by system (FullShop: subscription; others: none) |
| Installation Time | 15-30 minutes | 30 minutes DIY | 1-2 hours | 2-5 days professional install |
| MONITORING | ||||
| Level Monitoring | Empty alarm only | ✓ Continuous digital measurement | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Temperature Monitoring | ✗ No | ✓ Dual zone (top and bottom) | Varies by system (hardware dependent) |
✓ Yes |
| Visual Alerts | Basic light or buzzer | RGB light bar + LCD display + audio alarm | Phone/email alerts | Dashboard + alerts |
| FEATURES | ||||
| Skimmer Control | ✗ No | ✓ Smart algorithm optimizes run time | ✗ No | Varies by system |
| Internet Required | ✓ No | ✓ No | ✗ Yes (WiFi) | FullShop: Yes Others: Local or cloud |
| Plumbing Required | ✓ No | ✓ No | ✓ No | ✗ Yes (extensive) |
| Data Storage | ✗ None | Local | Cloud (vendor servers) | Cloud or local |
| Moving Parts | Float mechanism (clogs frequent) |
✓
None (solid-state, no clogs) |
Varies (clogging possible) |
Pumps, valves, sensors (maintenance required) |
| Made In | Varies | USA (NC) | Varies (Switzerland, USA, EU) | USA, various |
| BEST FOR | ||||
| Ideal Customer | Legacy machines, minimal budget | 1-20 machine shops wanting prevention without complexity | Shops with IT infrastructure, want remote monitoring | High-volume production, lights-out manufacturing |
| Key Advantage | Lowest cost | Best value: prevention features at accessible price, no subscriptions, works offline | Remote access, trending data | Complete automation, no manual intervention |
All third-party product information in this comparison is based on publicly available materials from each manufacturer and on reasonable, good-faith estimates of typical pricing and installation scope as of December 2024. This chart provides a high-level, illustrative comparison only and does not describe every model, option, or configuration. Features and prices for all products, including TrueLevel CNC, may change at any time and will vary by installation. Nothing in this chart is a quote, offer, or guarantee, and no third-party company has reviewed or endorsed this comparison. For our full methodology, assumptions, and source list, see our Comparison Methodology & Sources document.
Why TrueLevel Matters
Real Benefits From Real-Time Visibility
Coolant issues cost shops thousands in scrap, tools, and downtime. TrueLevel gives you the visibility to catch problems before they cost money. Here’s how continuous monitoring changes the economics of your shop.
PREVENT PROBLEMS BEFORE THEY COST MONEY
Catch coolant issues early instead of reacting after damage is done. TrueLevel shows level dropping and temperature rising long before they become tool wear, part drift, or Monday-morning surprises.
EXTEND TOOL LIFE UP TO 200%
Stable coolant temperature and flow dramatically extend tool life. TrueLevel helps maintain ideal cutting conditions so tools stay sharp longer and perform consistently across every job.
ELIMINATE SCRAP FROM THERMAL EXPANSION
Coolant temperature swings cause tolerance drift. A 20°F rise can push aluminum parts out of spec. TrueLevel monitors temperature continuously to protect accuracy and prevent costly scrap.
WORKS ON ANY CNC MACHINE
Universal compatibility with any brand, any coolant type, and any tank depth from 2" to 9". Installs in 30 minutes with basic tools. No plumbing, no infrastructure work, and no production interruption.
NO SUBSCRIPTIONS. NO COMPLEXITY.
TrueLevel is a one-time purchase. No cloud fees. No licenses. No data leaving your shop. You own it outright, and it works every day without IT or network support.
EXTEND COOLANT LIFE 5X
By highlighting low flow, heat buildup, and tramp oil formation early, TrueLevel helps maintain coolant chemistry longer. Many shops change coolant once a year instead of every few months—saving time and money.
30-MINUTE INSTALLATION, ZERO COMPLEXITY
Plug it in, mount the sensor, and it works. No integration projects. No IT department. No consultants. Any technician can install TrueLevel with basic tools. Start preventing problems the same day it arrives.
SEE WHAT YOU COULDN'T SEE BEFORE
Float switches only warn at empty. TrueLevel shows the whole picture: level trends, rising heat, top/bottom temperature differences, and developing issues. Make better decisions with information you’ve never had before.
SMART SKIMMER CONTROL EXTENDS COOLANT LIFE
TrueLevel automatically runs your tramp oil skimmer only when it’s most effective. Removing oil before bacteria feed on it slows coolant breakdown and helps extend coolant life.
Common Questions About TrueLevel CNC
FAQ
Yes. TrueLevel works with any CNC that uses a coolant tank between 2″ and 9″ deep. It doesn’t connect to your machine control or require any integration. It simply mounts at the tank and starts working—no plumbing, no facility changes.
About 30 minutes with basic tools. Mount the controller, place the sensor in the tank, attach the LED bar, and plug it in. No plumbing, no cutting into coolant lines, and no infrastructure work required.
Most coolant issues start long before the tank is empty. TrueLevel shows level trends, rising temperature, and tramp-oil conditions early—before scrap, tool wear, smell, or downtime begin. Operators get time to fix issues, not react after damage is done.
Operators respond to clear visuals, not phone alerts. Cloud systems often send too many notifications, which get ignored. TrueLevel’s color-coded light bar gives instant, highly visible feedback right at the machine so action happens consistently and on time.
Most machine indicators work like float switches—they alert only when the level is already too low. TrueLevel shows the entire coolant profile from 100% down, plus top and bottom temperature. It highlights developing issues instead of reacting after a problem has already begun.
Most shops see ROI in 2–4 months. Preventing a single scrap part, extending coolant life, reducing tramp-oil buildup, or avoiding an unexpected downtime event often covers the cost quickly. After that, it continues saving money every month.
TrueLevel does not generate logs or certified measurements, but it does provide continuous level monitoring and min/max temperature tracking. Many shops use this information to demonstrate stable coolant conditions during audits, support operator checklists, and maintain process consistency for ISO or AS9100 systems.
No. TrueLevel is a one-time purchase. There are no cloud fees, no software licenses, no subscriptions, and no recurring charges. Everything operates locally in your shop.
Know Your Coolant
Stop guessing. Start monitoring. Get TrueLevel in your shop. All for less than a drum of coolant.
