Update:   I add the Print file for all the parts see file “Skimmer auto seperator basin.3mf”

This model is a self-draining coolant oil/skimmer catch basin, which is used with a Skimpy Oil Skimmer belt skimmer to help remove oil from the coolant reservoir of cnc machines. I designed this system to work specifically for the Syil X5 CNC machine, but I'm sure it could easily be adapted to other machines. The important thing to remember is the coolant will flow down hill, so as long as all the levels from the beginning at the skimmer to the outlet port and end of the flexible tubing (1/2ID x 5/8OD) all flows down hill.

How it works:

The belt style skimmer collects oil off the top of the coolant. Unfortunately, the system isn't perfect and along with the oil, it also picks up a little bit of coolant. This reservoir filters off the oil and allow the oil free coolant to return to the coolant tank/reservoir. Since the oil float on top of the coolant it can not pass through the holes in the bottom of the dividing wall seperating the small and large chambers of the basin. The smaller chamber has a drain port that allows the coolant to return to the tank. It's important to prime the basin before turning on the skimmer. Just fill the basin about ½ full of clean water, this way the oily coolant will float on the water and not pass into the clean/return side of the basin.

I printed these parts our of PLA and they seem to be holding up good. My settings are for the Bambu Lab X1C, I used the .16 Optimal preset and made with a couple of changes.

• .4mm print nozzle
• 0.16mm layer height (0.16mm Optimal preset)
• Wall loops = 5
• Top Shell layers = 6
• Bottom Shell layers = 6
• Sparse infill density 25% (grid pattern)

Notes:

The Drain Port: You will notice it is modeled with a thin web off the inside of the part. This is so that the layers can be printed at a 45° angle to the port, this significantly increases the strength of the drain port. (see picture of bed plate) If its printed flat the port will break off inside the 1/2x5/8 flexible tubing (yes this happened to me and the skimmer pumped coolant on the floor all night long…). I included two pictures of the port with the rib for printing and with the rib removed.

You will also need to glue in the drain port on the side of the basin. The drain port is designed with a notch that interfaces with the basin. On the drain port, apply super glue all the way around the notch and allow it to fully dry. It will leak if it's not fully glued along the interface.

Dovetail Hooks: There are two dovetail hooks that slide into the side of the basin. You may need a small dab of super glue to keep the hooks from sliding out. These hooks allow the basin to slide onto the lip of the of the coolant reservoir, keeping it in place and easily removeable.

Mounting Bracket: This part is printed with neodymium magnets embedded in the print. At the print settings described, I added a print pause at layer 22 so that I could add in the magnets, then continue the rest of the print. The holes are sized for a ¼-20 thread, so you'll need to tap these by hand before assembly.

Riser: If for some reason the basin is higher than the skimmer you'll need to print the riser, which goes between the Oil skimmer and the mtg bracket. I don't think you'll need it but if you do, you have it.

The other items that are needed to make this model work are:

1. Flexible tubing ½" ID x 5/8" OD
2. 5/8" band clamp
3. Skimpy Oil Skimmer (I used the standard Model with a 6" reach and the 1.2" polyurethane belt)
4. neodymium magnets qty 3. ½" dia. x 1/8" thick
5. ¼-20 screws ~ 1" long
6. ¼-20 tap.
7. super glue or glue for plastic

Other Notes

The coolant tank on the Syil X5 does not have provisions for a skimmer. I had to add a 2.25" hole in the top of the coolant tank about 3" in from the back of the tank and roughly centered between the two chip trays.