For more information, please visit QIPANG.
Shopping for an air compressor for your shop can seem overwhelming because there are so many variables. To help you navigate the world of air compressor shopping, we have compiled five steps to choosing the right air compressor for your shop.
The one thing you absolutely must do when choosing an air compressor is to select one that will provide enough air force to power your screen printing shop. Most screen printing presses require an air compressor that is at least 7.5 horsepower. You’ll also need to consider the cubic foot per minute (CFM) output that is required by your press. CFM requirements vary from machine to machine, and your press manufacturer will provide the CFM requirement for your press.
The Anatol Vector uses 90% fewer pneumatic components
and requires a smaller compressor than similar machines.
If you plan to power multiple presses from one air compressor, you’ll need to calculate the required CFM for all machines. We recommend adding together all of the CFM requirements of your presses and other equipment, then adding 25 additional CFM to help ensure all of your machines get enough power from the compressor when operating simultaneously.
When choosing an air compressor for a screen printing shop, you’ll be looking to purchase either a reciprocating air compressor or a rotary air compressor. In a reciprocating air compressor, a piston moves up and down to increase the air pressure. In a rotary compressor, the work is done by two rotors; as the rotors turn, the air is compressed between them.
A rotary screw compressor can be a good choice
for a screen printing shop’s pneumatic needs.
Rotary air compressors can be made to be more powerful than reciprocating air compressors, though there are plenty of reciprocating air compressors that are up to the task of operating a screen printing press. Rotary compressors provide continuous air pressure, while the pressure from a reciprocating compressor is intermittent, and reciprocating compressors tend to be noisier. Rotary compressors usually require less maintenance and have longer lifespans than reciprocating air compressors; however, reciprocating air compressors are usually the cheaper option.
Beyond power and type, there are a few other options to consider when choosing your air compressor. Because of their moving parts, air compressors require lubrication, usually in the form of oil. For reciprocating air compressors, splash or pressure lubricating options are available. In a rotary compressor, one of the rotors is continually coated in oil to keep the machine running smoothly. There are oil-free options that make use of nonstick metals to avoid friction.
Another decision you’ll have to make regards how your air compressor will be cooled. One byproduct of compressing air is heat, and that heat can damage the air compressor or your screen printing press. Most reciprocating compressors are water cooled, but there are air-cooled compressors, which are considered more environmentally friendly and can be easier on a shop’s utility bills. In a rotary compressor, the oil that lubricates that compressor also serves as the coolant. More rare are oil-free rotary compressors, which use water as coolant.
We mentioned that heat is a byproduct of your air compressor. Another byproduct is water, which can rust or otherwise ruin your screen printing press if it makes its way into the sytem. To combat the water created by the compressing process, many screen printing shops will outfit their air compressors with an aftercooler, or chiller. Chillers are added to the air compressor between the compressor itself and the air storage tank. The chiller drops the temperature of the compressed air, forcing out the water in the form of condensation, before the air moves into the storage tank and into your press.
We recommend hiring a professional contractor who has experience working with air compressors when installing your new machine. When it comes to installing air compressors, electrical outlets might need to be altered and electric or gas lines might need to be routed. Your contractor also can make sure you have adequate air lines running from the compressor to your screen printing press, and adequate water lines running to the air compressor if it’s a water-cooled machine. Keep in mind that you should purchase an air compressor ahead of having a new screen printing press delivered. You’ll want to have the compressor fully installed and all of the necessary hookups so that your press installer can get your screen printing machine fully up and running.
In all, there are a lot of decisions to make when purchasing an air compressor to go with your screen printing press, but as long as you follow the press manufacturer’s recommendations and choose to have your air compressor professionally installed, you should be able to have your air compressor and screen printing press up and running smoothly in no time.
Finding a suitable compressor for your facility is a vital business decision. If you buy one that isn’t powerful enough for your needs, it can put other equipment at risk and impede the quality of your work. If you choose one that is too heavy-duty, you’ll spend more than necessary and won’t receive any benefits for that added cost.
There are many different types and uses for air compressors, popular in nail guns, paint sprayers, air hoses, and impact wrenches. They’re reliable machines that make tough jobs easy. So, how do you find the right air compressor for your business? Here are some factors to consider.
Factors to Consider When
Choosing an Air Compressor
How and where you plan to use your air compressor will largely dictate the type of machinery you choose. Instead of buying the most expensive or powerful compressor available or choosing the cheapest one on the market, you should carefully evaluate your needs according to these factors:
1. Portable or Stationary? Outside or Inside?
Most industrial air compressors are stationary. But you might need something that can be moved from place to place. Fortunately, both portable air compressors and stationary compressors are available. But you may sacrifice some power with a portable unit.
The elements are another concern. Both portable and stationary compressors should have some protective measures to safeguard against harsh industrial and outdoor elements.
2. Drive System Type
Drive systems also vary with commercial air compressors. You can choose between a diesel-powered and an electric-powered compressor. Diesel might be a better option if you take your compressor to different job sites. Electric-powered compressors have a few benefits as well. They require less maintenance than diesel and are less costly to operate. However, they do require a constant source of electricity.
3. PSI
Short for pounds per square inch, psi measures the amount of pressure produced by a compressor. This figure should match or be higher than your highest-rated tool. Pay particular attention to this when you shop for an industrial compressor.
4. Cfm
Another essential step in selecting an air compressor is figuring out the right amount of power you require. With air compressors, you’ll want to use cubic feet per minute (cfm) rating to gauge the amount of air a particular compressor can produce. Here are different types of cfm measurements:
This figure (Acfm) accounts for the particular conditions of an environment when measuring a pump’s output. It’s useful but challenging to calculate.
This is the easiest to figure out and compare units because Scfm allows you to measure the flow of free
pressurized air
using a standard set of conditions.
Dcfm used the stroke, bore, and revolutions per minute in its calculations. It’s precise but less useful in real-world applications.
To calculate the amount of cfm you need, add up the requirements of all the tools you expect to use simultaneously. Then add about 30 percent to that number as a safety buffer.
5. Horsepower
The horsepower of a compressor can tell you some useful information about the machine. But your primary measurements of power should be cfm and psi. A manufacturer will usually list the running horsepower of a compressor and its peak horsepower.
6. Electrical Requirements
Before selecting a compressor, ensure you have the proper electrical supply to support its operation. Most industrial facilities support three-phase electricity, and commercial buildings are limited to single-phase power. A qualified electrician might need to be involved.
7.
Tank Size
You will also want to consider the size of your storage tank, also referred to as the receiver tank. You will have a higher volume of air to work with if you have a larger tank. With smaller tanks, the compressor will have to work harder to produce the equivalent output. You should aim for a tank that gives you at least five gallons per cfm. There are also vertical and horizontal tanks, which you can choose depending on your space availability.
8. Noise Reduction
Any compressor is going to give off some sound and vibration, but noise levels vary from model to model. Many units, however, will come with a noise reduction system, like a sound enclosure. Make sure you consider your work environment and team when deciding on the acceptable noise level.
9. Cooling System
Air compressors need a system to remove heat to prevent overheating. This system might use air, water, or even oil to cool the internal components. It might also be an open or enclosed system. The type of cooling system can impact your compressor’s efficiency, reliability, and noise level. Also, you’ll need sufficient ventilation for appropriate cooling.
10. Cost
Cost is probably a vital factor in your industrial compressor selection. The key is not to purchase a less or more powerful compressor than you need. While considering purchase price, don’t forget other factors like operating costs, maintenance, and useful life. When you buy a higher quality unit, it will give you more reliable service.
Your Industry Plays a Role in Your Air Compressor Choice
Air compressors are used by a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, agricultural, automotive, energy exploration, and many others. The type of industry and the tasks you plan to tackle will influence the type of air compressor you choose.
Air Compressor Types
Most businesses choose a rotary screw air compressor for industrial applications. Other technologies are available, but they aren’t as powerful, cost-effective, and efficient as this type.
Tool Type and Use
The type of tools that your industry uses will determine the required psi and cfm of your compressor. If you use these tools continuously, you will need a larger tank. But you can get by with a smaller tank if you use them sporadically.
Portability
If you move from site to site, you’ll want a diesel-powered air compressor that is portable. But, if you’re in a single location all the time, you can choose a stationary air compressor that runs only on electricity.
Need Help Choosing the Right Air Compressor?
Choosing the right air compressor can be confusing. And you may not have the time to go through this complex process. But it’s important to get it right. We can help.
C&B Equipment in Kansas and Arkansas has staff available 24/7 to help with your air compressor issues. We can help service your current air compressor and guide you to the right high-quality air compressor when it’s time for a replacement. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Straight and Cut Wire Machine.