Monitoring metalworking fluids is a critical process in optimizing performance and extending fluid life. The necessity and methodology for analyzing fluids has remained virtually unchanged for years, yet there was still no way to easily record the data, share it with other departments or suppliers, and measure fluid concentration.

Though new solutions enabled by digital technologies are emerging on the shop floor to help with tooling, machine tools or CADCAM services, this was not the case for monitoring metalworking fluid performance. Quaker Chemical Corporation recognized the need for innovation to help its customers monitor fluid performance. As a response, the Quaker team developed CoolanTool™, a mobile app that addresses the needs of technicians that use metalworking fluids in their machining processes.

CoolanTool™ is the first mobile app in the industry that allows such users to manage their data from anywhere in the plant with just a smart phone. It facilitates the monitoring processes of metalworking fluids and organization of the data results in a number of ways. With CoolanTool™, users can capture and track the performance of the soluble metalworking cutting fluids in the CNC machines. Specifically, concentration and pH data results can be recorded, tracked graphically and shared easily amongst departments. Trends regarding the condition of the fluid can be analyzed over a long period of time to calculate consumption and top-up volumes. The app can be utilized as a troubleshooting guide source. And with consistent use of the app combined with a proactive maintenance approach, overall system performance can be optimized thereby helping customers improve productivity.

What's more, the app is easy to navigate and user-friendly. It remains advertisement-free so customers can enjoy uninterrupted usage. CoolanTool™ is available in English, Chinese and Russian.

"Quaker Chemical is committed to providing solutions to a global customer base, so developing an app was a show of ingenuity," states Jon Plawchan, Quaker Global Product Manager for Metalworking. "By adding the CoolanTool™ mobile app to the marketplace, we've made it extremely easy for users to gather information and access troubleshooting tips."