One of the simplest uses for an air compressor is powering pneumatic tools. They use air instead of electricity to run and include drills, ratchets, wrenches, nailers, air hammers, and paint guns. They're most commonly found on construction sites and in automotive shops. Depending on your application, you'll either benefit from piston air compressors or small to medium rotary screw machines.
When choosing the right solution, you'll want to pay attention to the air consumption or flow necessary for powering the tool. This is represented in cubic feet per minute (cfm). In addition, it's important to make note of the pressure or bar rating. This refers to the force needed to perform a certain task. With this, it's generally a good idea to invest in a machine with a higher cfm and bar rating than the tool operated. This ensures continuous operations.
That being said, you don't want a large amount of wasted air pressure created as that results in lost energy. Based on this information, it's beneficial to pay attention to air compressor type and size. If your operations are fixed to one location, you'll likely benefit from a small to medium rotary screw machine over a piston compressor. This is due to the efficiency benefits of rotary screw compressors.
Read on below to learn a bit more about the compressor types suitable for pneumatic tools. You'll also find further recommendations for a comprehensive setup.
Piston compressors
The simplest type of air compressor, piston compressors are usually found on construction job sites. The reason they're suited for such applications is due to how they're built. Some models come with large wheels making them easily transportable. Also, these compressors can be fuelled by oil or diesel, requiring no electricity source.
That being said, piston compressors usually require time to cool down after each use. This means they're typically not ideal for all-day operations. If you need extra durability and mobility, and intermittently use pneumatic tools, then a piston compressor is likely suitable. However, for increased efficiency, it's worth exploring small to medium rotary screw compressors.
Rotary screw compressors
If your job site is static and you have an electricity source, then you'll likely find rotary screw machines superior to piston compressors. Industrial applications that benefit from rotary screw equipment include sandblasting, industrial painting, and laser cutting. Depending on workload and services, automotive shops can either use a piston compressor or a small rotary screw machine.
The main benefit rotary screw machines offer over piston machines is how they save energy. This is important because energy costs make up to 80% of owning and operating an air compressor. With various technologies, including variable speed drive (VSD), rotary screw machines can serve a wide range of applications with minimal air loss. This differs from fixed speed rotary screw and piston compressors which either run on or off.
Delivering clean air to pneumatic tools
In addition to the size and type of compressor for your application, you'll also likely need an adequate air treatment system. This is because both ambient and compressed air contain contaminants including microorganisms and particles. To properly deliver clean air, it's worth adding a proper filtration and drying system.
Some modern rotary screw air compressors come with built-in air dryers. Air treatment is important as it protects both your equipment and reputation. You don't want to use dirty air when providing services. Of course, this depends on the application. For example, spray painting requires cleaner air than construction sites.
In addition to the size and type of compressor for your application, you'll also likely need an adequate air treatment system. This is because both ambient and compressed air contain contaminants including microorganisms and particles. To properly deliver clean air, it's worth adding a proper filtration and drying system.
Some modern rotary screw air compressors come with built-in air dryers. Air treatment is important as it protects both your equipment and reputation. You don't want to use dirty air when providing services. Of course, this depends on the application. For example, spray painting requires cleaner air than construction sites.
We're here to help
We hope this guide helps you understand what you need to properly power pneumatic tools. Our wide range of compressors is designed to meet your needs.
Regardless of your industry, our team of experts is trained to provide a custom solution. If you have further questions, feel free to get in touch. We're here to help point you in the right direction. Contact us today.
