Industrial Air Compressors
FAQs
What’s the Difference Between a Piston & Screw Compressor?
One of the first questions you need to ask when looking to purchase an air compressor is whether you need a piston or screw compressor. Each compressor is very different in design and are often used for different applications.
Piston Air Compressor
- • Cheaper upfront cost than its counterpart, however, it has higher maintenance costs.
- • Great for short-term or intermittent domestic and light industrial use.
- • Usually smaller in weight and size.
- • Operates intermittently and therefore it is not good in situations where you need a constant flow of air.
- • Only requires simple maintenance.
Screw Air Compressor
- • Higher upfront cost but lower maintenance costs over its lifetime.
- • Provides a high volume of constant compressed air.
- • More popular for regular industrial applications.
- • Not suitable for use in short bursts.
- • Operates at a much lower temperature than a piston compressor.
Is an Oil Lubricated or Oil-Free Air Compressor Better for Me?
Oil-free compressors usually cost more and last for a shorter amount of time. However, in a situation where you need a completely oil-free environment (such as big food factories due to chances of contamination), they are the only option. Here are a few key points to consider when deciding which type of compressor is right for you.
Oil Lubricated Air Compressor
- • Often quieter in operation.
- • Not suitable when you need a completely oil-free environment due to its oil carryover.
- • Most common screw compressor.
- • Will last much longer than oil-free screw compressors.
- • Be sure to view Cleveland Compressed Air Services’ range of quality oil-lubricated air compressors.
Oil-Free Air Compressor
- • Generally more expensive.
- • Provides 100% oil-free air.
- • More expensive servicing and repairs.
- • Lower life expectancy.
- • Be sure to view Cleveland Compressed Air Services’ range of quality oil-free air compressors.
