A compressor supplies air to pneumatic tools. Each tool requires a definite amount of air at a definite pressure. This volume happens to berestrained in liters / min or in m³ / h (ie 1m³ / h = 16.67 l / min).
The reservoir tank is only used to store air, but depending on the air requirements, this criterion should not be neglected. Indeed, once the tank is empty, you will have to wait for it to fill up to be able to restart your tools. A large capacity tank therefore makes it possible to use all the tools almost permanently regardless of the air required by the tool.
Choice guide
Tank size
Some compressors are tankless and therefore cannot store air. Therefore, it is not possible to regulate the air pressure to adapt it to the tool.
- 10 liters of tank are sufficient for domestic use (maintenance, small decoration work …).
- 50 liters of tank will be ideal for all cleaning, stapling and small painting jobs (touch-ups, small surfaces).
- 100 liters of tank are needed for drilling, sanding, professional chiselling and for larger painting work, especially for the bodywork.
The motor / pump unit (head) air
The power of the compression group composed of an electric motor and a compression head is expressed in CV or HP in English. The electric motor supplies the compression head directly (coaxial drive) or by belt (continuous service possible thanks to the pump’s slow operation and better cooling).Visit website of fluidairedynamics so that you can understand the operation better.
The different types of compression heads
Coaxial compression heads are technically the simplest. The so-called oil-free compression heads operate without oil and therefore maintenance-free thanks to an internal Teflon coating. These are ideal heads for occasional, non-prolonged use.
Cast iron jacketed cylinders offer better longevity.
A cast iron cylinder allows better heat exchange and improved service life
A twin cylinder head (straight or V) offers superior compression capabilities and heavy duty use.
To choose a compressor power adapted to your needs, you must determine the type of tools that will be associated to the compressor and while they will be connected at the similar time.