What is the air compressor?

The early forms of civilization in the ancient form of compressed air did not come from complex machines.But creating the astonishing inferno of melting and casting the precious metals of the time became a challenge, requiring a source of compressed air more powerful than a human lung could provide.

As systems improved and developed, more powerful motors and electricity were used, compressed air further established itself as an important player in manufacturing and in the technological advancements of the 20th century. Since then, air compression systems have become more complex. They are now an important part of the modern industrial world.

Most people don't think a lot about compressed air as they go about their daily lives. However, it's used in a lot of applications all around. It is impossible to overstate the pivotal role compressed air and industrial compressors play in the global economy.

So, what's the air compressor? An air compressor is a device that compresses air to increase the pressure of the air to a required level. Used in almost every industry, compressed air is widely considered the fourth utility, after water, electricity, and natural gas. Today, industrial compressors are just as important as steam engines were during the industrial revolution. Without them, most manufacturing plants across the globe would stand still.

So how to picking the right industrial air compressor?

Based on the information above, it's important to select an industrial compressor that's right for the job.

1. Oil/Oil free:The first step is usually to determine whether a business needs an oil-free compressor or can use an oil-injected one. The latter is less expensive and is recommended if there's no need for oil-free compressed air. Oil-free compressors are more costly but produce high-quality clean air necessary for food production or medical applications. Using the terminology above, oil-injected compressors are better for energy air and oil-free compressors are better for active air.
2. Pressure: The exhaust pressure of the air compressor (kg/cm²), in addition to the actual pressure used as the basis, must also include the pressure loss of the air in the delivery pipeline and purification system. Pipeline pressure drop: The loss of compressed air in the pipeline is just like a vehicle driving on the road. When the road is wide, straight, short distances and few detours, the consumption of traffic time can be reduced. Generally, the loss in pipelines is about 0.5 kg/cm². Compressed air usually needs to be processed by a purification system. The drying of heat exchange through pipelines or the purification process through filters will produce a pressure drop, which is about 0.3~ 0.5 kg/cm² (filter + dryer).
3. Exhaust volume: Before you want to understand the displacement, you must first distinguish the difference between the actual displacement and the piston displacement (theoretical displacement). Actual exhaust volume: Use instruments to measure the air volume output by the air compressor after the compression process using standard testing methods. Piston displacement: that is, the theoretical displacement, which is the result derived from the calculation of the formula based on theoretical inference and regardless of any mechanical energy loss and efficiency factors. Generally speaking, single-stage compression multiplied by 0.65 and dual-stage compression multiplied by 0.8 are similar to the actual displacement.

Through the above three main points, you can more clearly find the air compressor that suits you.

Different compressor technologies for different needs.

The next step is to decide whether a piston or rotary screw compressor is more suitable.

Piston compressors have a lower initial investment cost and are easier to maintain. They are primarily used for applications that don't require compressed air all day long. One example is DIY garage projects. This is because piston compressors usually need to cool down during intensive use.

If you work in a quiet setting like a dental office or laboratory, it's also worth pointing out that piston compressors are quite loud. The alternative is a rotary screw compressor. While they cost more to purchase, they come with many advantages. They operate at higher speeds and can run continuously for longer periods.

In addition, they are quieter, have a relatively small footprint, and are more energy efficient. Rotary screw compressors come in two versions, fixed speed, and variable speed. Fixed speed models are suitable for applications requiring a steady flow of air at the same pressure.

Whether you choose a piston or rotary screw compressor, there are oil-free and oil-injected models for both. This range allows businesses to choose the right equipment for their applications. There are industrial compressors for all needs, from rollercoaster operations to oil tankers and small manufacturing plants. 

Relationship Between CNC Machines and Compressors

With the trend of global industrial automation, a large number of pneumatics and automation have gradually swept over more than 90% of the world's industries. There is no other reason. A large amount of automation can lead to high-efficiency and high-value production. Therefore, the compressed air provided by the air compressor industry, like electricity and water, forms an indispensable iron triangle for the industry.

CNC machines and compressors share a close relationship. Compressors primarily supply compressed air to CNC machines, which is then used to drive pneumatic components, enabling various operations and controls.

Here are some specific applications:

• Pneumatic Clamps: In CNC machining, pneumatic clamps use compressed air to hold the workpiece in place, ensuring it remains stable during processing.

• Pneumatic Tool Changers: The automatic tool-changing function of CNC machines often relies on compressed air to operate the clamping and releasing of tools, enabling quick tool changes.

• Pneumatic Ejectors: Used in molds and forming processes, pneumatic ejectors utilize compressed air to eject finished parts from molds.

• Pneumatic Cooling and Cleaning: Compressed air can be used to cool workpieces and tools or to remove chips and debris produced during the machining process.

• Pneumatic Lubrication Systems: Compressed air can also drive lubrication systems, ensuring smooth operation of machinery and reducing wear.

Conclusion：

These applications demonstrate the importance of compressors in CNC machines, providing stable and reliable compressed air, thereby enhancing the efficiency and precision of CNC machining. This collaborative operation facilitates automated and efficient production processes.

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