· 6 min read
1. Work out your air demand
Add up the air consumption of every tool or machine that may run at the same time, then allow headroom for future additions and for leaks in the reticulation. A compressor that is permanently running flat out to keep up will wear faster than one sized with a margin.
2. Be honest about duty cycle
A tyre bay that uses air in short bursts has a very different duty cycle from a production line running pneumatic actuators all shift. Intermittent demand is often well served by a piston compressor with a receiver tank. Continuous demand generally points to a rotary screw compressor.
3. Confirm pressure and power supply
Check the working pressure your equipment requires rather than the maximum pressure printed on a machine. Then confirm the electrical supply available: smaller piston units run on 220 V, while larger piston and screw compressors require a 380 V supply.
4. Decide how dry the air must be
Compressed air carries moisture. Spray painting, instrumentation and many manufacturing processes need a refrigerated air dryer plus water trap filters to protect the work and the equipment. Add air treatment into the budget from the start rather than after the first problem.
5. Plan for parts and servicing
Whichever machine you choose, it will need oil, belts, filters and occasional repairs. Buying from a supplier who also stocks compressor parts and handles repairs keeps that support in one place.