Purchasing Air Compressors – A Look at the Types, Features, and Applications
Air compressors are one of the few pieces of automotive service equipment that are vital to the running of the shop, but are often overlooked simply because they don’t do much of anything on their own. Instead, these units are a power source that drives machines into action. In this article, we will discuss some tips to choosing the right air compressors for your space.
Use & Application Of Air Compressors
If you’ll be working in a garage that doesn’t require a lot of high-demand air tools, an electric compressor are definitely the way to go. This style of automotive service equipment is highly portable, and while it doesn’t have the same power of some of the industrial versions, they still have more than enough power for most jobs. If you have a home garage and just want something fast, easy, and powerful enough to run nailers, pump tires, and spray paint, electric air compressors are certainly worth a look.
Commercial level air compressors are a bit more difficult to move around, but they come on wheels similar to a dolly. Business owners with this style enjoy the fact that they have enough air and push to do almost any job without having to wait for the tank to refill. However, you might want to consider whether a single stage or dual stage model will work best for you. While single stage versions are usually more affordable, two stage styles have better cooling and run on lower RPM, which makes it run cooler and minimize the moisture that naturally builds up inside the tank.
Industrial versions are almost identical to their commercial counterparts except for their size. This type of automotive service equipment usually features minimal maintenance and is large enough to run a number of other CNC based equipment.
Air Compressor Types & Features
Air compressors are as varied as the garages they go into. The important thing to remember, however, is that you choose the style of compressor that meets your needs and the needs of the job.
Like any electric auto equipment, electric models require access to a power outlet. They are generally smaller, highly portable, budget- friendly, and put out air with a lower pressure than its counterparts. However, if you need more power, you’ll want to go with a gas powered version.
Reciprocating air compressors use positive displacement to increase the air pressure. To accomplish this, this type of automotive service equipment uses a piston and cylinder to compress the air and forces it out of a hose on the other end of the machine.
Rotary models are another form of automotive service equipment that uses positive displacement. This form is often called the spiral lobe oil flooded screw air compressor or the single stage helical and doesn’t have any valves. Instead, this type of unit has two rotors that compress the air inside a casing.
Additionally, centrifugal styles rely on a rotating impeller to create energy and transfer this energy to the air, and therefore, are much different from the first ones mentioned. Called dynamic displacement, this style of machine creates the energy by using the impeller to make angular movements at high speeds. This causes the machine to produce a continuous flow of higher pressured air making them ideal for large jobs.
Identifying the Best Air Compressor Brands
When looking for the best air equipment, you’ll want keep a close eye out for what’s being offered by each company. Warranty should be a significant factor in your decision. How long does it last? Do they cover parts as well as labor?
To find a quality manufacturer, look deeper into the construction of the automotive service equipment. Take note of the number of cylinders used in the construction of the unit. Three-cylinder versions work at maximum efficiency regardless of the load conditions. Cooling is also important when dealing with air compressors. Look for systems that offer 360 degree cooling and a small bit of lubricant, which should be enough to keep it in top working order.
The best automotive service equipment will have a cast iron pump and a special W-3 construction to further improve the cooling abilities of the system and minimize maintenance. On the outside, you want to look for durable cast iron and heavy-duty disc valves to ensure you get the best possible airflow, a longer life, more horsepower, and a minimum amount of downtime.