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Those contemplating the purchase of an air compressor for business use often
have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most frequently-asked questions
about air compressors and some straightforward answers.
Why Does a Business Need an Air Compressor?
An air compressor is useful if air-powered tools can improve the efficiency
of an operation. An air-operated nail gun is much more productive than a
framing hammer; a spray paint gun is far more efficient than a paintbrush.
What Uses do Air Compressors Have?
Air compressors have an almost infinite range of uses. High-pressure air can
be used for cleaning, operating hand tools, inflating tires, spray
painting, sandblasting, operating robotic machinery, and many other tasks.
What is PSI?
PSI stands for Pounds per Square Inch, and is one of an air compressor s primary
specifications.
What is CFM?
CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute, and is the measure of the maximum volume
of air delivered by an air compressor.
What Does the HP Rating Mean?
Many manufacturers rate air
compressors by horsepower. Theoretically, the higher
the horsepower, the more powerful the air compressor. However, when determining
usage requirements, the PSI and CFM measurements are more meaningful.
What Capacity Is Needed?
To determine the required air
compressor capacity, first determine how many
air tools will be used simultaneously. Add up the CFM requirements for each
tool, and then multiply that number by 1.5 as a safety factor. If all tools
combined require 30 CFM, then make sure the air compressor provides at least
45 CFM. Next, determine the highest PSI requirement of the air tools that
will be used, and add ten percent to this. If the highest-rated tool requires
80 PSI, you need an air compressor that gives 90 PSI minimum.
What Type of Air Compressor is Best?
The type of air compressor that is best depends entirely upon usage. If a business
occasionally uses air tools (air wrenches, sanders, air chisels, and so on,)
then a light-duty electric air compressor will probably do the job. However,
if
running a full-time painting operation, or there is heavy use of nail guns
on jobsites, a much heavier duty unit will probably be needes, such as a
truck-mounted gas air compressor.
What is the Cost?
Costs range from under $100 for a mini air
compressor suitable mostly
for inflating tires or pool toys to six figures for a custom-built rotary
air compressor system designed for running a factory. Air compressors designed
for small shops and contractor applications are usually in the $500 - $2,000
range.
Where Can More Information Be Found?
The Internet is a rich source of information on the use of air compressors.
It is also a vast marketplace for new, reconditioned, and used air
compressors. A few hours of research on the internet can help narrow the search for an
air compressor that will satisfy both operational and budget requirements.
Sources
Buyerzone
Truetex.com
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