Air Compressors for Industrial Applications

Industrial compressors are vital pieces of equipment across a wide variety of manufacturing plants. Sometimes referred to as the fourth utility, maintaining a high-end supply of compressed air is just as important as paying the electricity bill for many shops and manufacturing operations. Like other types of compressors, industrial-grade air compressors provide a steady flow of compressed air for long periods of time, but also feature the durability and longevity to handle the highly demanding requirements of manufacturing plants.

Located in Tampa, Florida, Compressed Air Systems builds our compressors with high-quality components and customizes solutions to your specific environment. This ultimately leads your manufacturing facility to better performance, energy efficiency, and reliability. With more than 55 years of providing time-tested compressed air solutions and uncompromised reliability, we always deliver quality you can count on, regardless of industry or application.

 

 

Myriad Manufacturing Uses

Over the years, air compressors have evolved to provide a solution to a wide range of challenges in the industrial sector. The following table shows a multitude of manufacturing applications requiring compressed air:

General Manufacturing

  • Stamping
  • Clamping
  • Controls and actuators
  • Power tools
  • Tool cleaning

Glass, Stone, Clay

  • Blending
  • Conveying
  • Actuators/controls
  • Mixing
  • Glassblowing
  • Molding
  • Cooling

Furniture Manufacturing

  • Air piston power
  • Power tools
  • Spraying
  • Clamping
  • Actuators/controls

Mining Industry

  • Hoists
  • Pneumatic tools
  • Pumps
  • Actuators/controls

Plastics, Silicone & Rubber Manufacturing

  • Mold press power
  • Tool power
  • Clamping
  • Injection molding
  • Forming

Food & Beverage Industry

  • Bottling
  • Dehydration
  • Actuators/controls
  • Spray coatings
  • Conveying
  • Cleaning
  • Vacuum packing

Metal Fabrication

  • Assembly station powering
  • Controls and actuators
  • Injection molding
  • Tool powering
  • Spraying

Air Compressor Types

Air Compressors for Industrial Applications

Uses for air compressors vary widely, and the features of different types of air compressors focus on the unique needs of specific applications. Deciding on the best industrial air compressor for the job starts with understanding all of the available options and how they will suit your operation.

Positive Displacement Air Compressors

Perhaps the most common type of air compressor, positive displacement air compressors hold a specific quantity of air or gas in the compression chamber. As the operator releases the air or gas from the tank, the compressor compensates by increasing the pressure inside the chamber, creating a constant and consistent air flow.

Two categories define the different styles of positive-displacement compressors:

  • Rotary Screw Compressor
    • Using two identical helical screws, this compressor pulls air into a chamber and compresses the air through a reduction in chamber size.
  • Reciprocating/Piston Compressor
    • Using a series of pistons, this type of compressor operates by perpetually drawing air in and compressing the air using piston strokes.

Two-Stage Air Compressors

A two-stage air compressor works similar to single stage reciprocating/piston compressors, but adds a second stage of compression. Once it pulls air into the chamber, the pistons partially compress the air before moving the air to a second chamber, where it is cooled and compressed again. Commonly found in manufacturing environments, two-stage compression allows compression of air as high as 500 psig.

Centrifugal Air Compressors

As the largest type of industrial air compressor, centrifugal air compressors are the workhorses of heavy duty manufacturing. Generally, these large compressors are powered via steam or electric means. Mainly used for demanding manufacturing operations, centrifugal air compressors handle high levels of air pressure and usage, but are also significantly more costly than other types of industrial air compressors. Additionally, these machines require frequent maintenance, and repair costs are considerably higher due to their nature of continuous use.

Get More Information from Compressed Air Systems

As a leader in the industry for more than 55 years, Compressed Air Systems takes pride in our reputation and our continued effort to deliver the performance and reliability your company deserves. Our industrial compressors are ideal for a range of industrial, commercial, and other professional uses. We make sure each air compressor is built with the care and attention to detail required by your business. All of our products are factory-tested and independently certified.

Check out our product line of air compressors for all your industrial manufacturing applications.