Oil mist, coolant aerosol, smoke and airborne contaminants are common by-products of modern machining processes. During CNC turning, milling, grinding and high-speed metal cutting, fine droplets of coolant and lubricants can become suspended in the air, creating visibility issues, slippery surfaces, contamination risks, unpleasant odours, and potential respiratory concerns.
Installing the right oil mist extraction system helps remove contaminants at source, protect employees, improve housekeeping standards, and support machine performance. Jemtech supplies advanced mist extraction systems UK businesses rely on, including compact machine-mounted units, coalescing filtration systems, and centralised air filtration solutions for industrial workshops. Jemtech’s extraction range includes centrifugal, coalescent and modular systems designed for demanding production environments.
Oil mist extraction removes airborne coolant droplets, lubricating oil particles, smoke and aerosols created during machining processes. The system captures contaminants before they spread into the workplace.
Oil mist is commonly created when cutting fluid or neat oil contacts rotating tools, hot components, or high-pressure coolant streams during machining.
Without effective CNC mist extraction, oil mist can:
• Reduce air quality
• Create slippery floors and surfaces
• Coat machinery and electrics
• Increase cleaning costs
• Affect worker comfort
• Cause unpleasant smells
• Reduce visibility near machines
Prolonged exposure to airborne coolant mist may irritate the respiratory system, eyes or skin depending on fluid type, concentration, ventilation and exposure levels.
Typical sectors include:
• Precision engineering
• CNC subcontract machining
• Aerospace manufacturing
• Automotive production
• Medical machining
• Defence engineering
• Toolmaking
• General metalworking
Common applications include:
• CNC lathes
• Machining centres
• Sliding head lathes
• Grinding machines
• Transfer lines
• Honing machines
• Washing systems
A CNC mist collector is an extraction unit fitted to, or connected with, a machine tool to remove airborne coolant mist generated inside the machine enclosure.
Systems typically draw contaminated air through filtration stages that separate droplets and particles before returning clean air or exhausting filtered air safely.
Common solutions include:
• Centrifugal mist collectors
• Coalescing filters
• Electrostatic systems
• Modular centralised extraction systems
• Machine-mounted compact units
Jemtech supplies multiple mist extraction technologies for different workshop requirements.
• Centrifugal systems spin air to separate droplets.
• Coalescing filters combine fine mist particles into larger droplets for drainage and collection.
Both can be effective depending on mist type and airflow demand.
Yes. Some systems are designed to separate mist and return captured fluid back to the machine or collection system, reducing waste.
Yes. Even enclosed machines can release mist when doors open, through gaps, or during loading and unloading cycles.
Correct sizing depends on:
• Machine enclosure volume
• Coolant pressure
• Number of machines
• Duty cycle
• Airflow requirements
• Type of oil or coolant used
Yes. Centralised workshop air filtration systems can connect multiple machines where layout and airflow demand allow.
This depends on:
• Hours of operation
• Fluid type
• Mist loading
• Machine process
• Filter technology
Regular servicing helps maintain airflow and performance.
Cleaner air can reduce contamination on sensors, electrical cabinets, machine surrounds and nearby equipment.
Yes. Capturing airborne coolant before it settles can significantly reduce cleaning of floors, walls, lights and machines.
Yes. Properly designed LEV mist extraction systems can support workplace air quality and health & safety responsibilities when maintained and tested.
Look for:
• Visible haze around machines
• Oily residue on surfaces
• Strong coolant smells
• Poor airflow
• Frequent filter issues
• Excess condensation
• Operator complaints
Yes. Jemtech provides installation, servicing and support designed to reduce downtime and keep systems operating efficiently.
Jemtech promotes several specialist ranges including:
• CleanMist centrifugal systems
• Mist Compact modular extraction units
• MCOS Coalescent filtration systems
These are designed for industrial machining environments.
Yes. Many workshops report fresher air, less odour, and a cleaner environment when effective extraction is installed.
It depends. Machine-mounted systems capture contaminants close to source, while central systems may suit multiple machines or larger facilities.
Jemtech combines fluid management expertise with specialist extraction knowledge, helping UK manufacturers improve productivity, cleanliness and workplace safety.
The best first step is a workshop survey to review machines, airflow, mist generation and current issues before recommending the right solution.
Jemtech supports UK engineering businesses with:
Don’t let HSE inspections catch you out. Contact Jemtech today to ensure your LEV systems meet all relevant legislations and keep your workers safe. We offer the products, services, and expertise to make compliance simple.
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