Choosing air compressors can be overwhelming, as there are so many available to choose from. Many people assume that choosing the largest is the best option, but that’s not always the case. Larger doesn’t always mean better. It also doesn’t mean that the largest will suit your needs, so how do you choose the best size for your factory?
Air compressors are regularly used for a variety of reasons, meaning that there’s no specific size that suits all factories. Instead, it will depend on your factory’s specific needs.
In order for you to find the best air compressor size, start by considering the following factors.
Your Tools
The biggest factor in choosing an air compressor is the tools that require its use and their individual CFM or Cubic Feet Per Minute requirements. List each of the tools and determine their individual CFM requirements.
If only one tool is used at a time, you only need an air compressor that meets the highest CFM requirements on your list. If you are using several at the same time, you’ll need to add all of the individual CFM requirements together to get a total number. Always add in a buffer of 25% or more to account for any leaks or additional tools you might acquire.
You’ll also need to determine each tool’s psi requirements to be sure you can supply the right amount of pressure. If you do not have any of this information, you should be able to get it from the manufacturer’s website or the tool’s manuals.
Your Voltage
You’ll need to be sure that your compressor can be powered by your available electrical supply. If you’re uncertain, an electrician can help you determine your current voltage.
Your Tasks
The bottom line when choosing an air compressor is that you need it to provide enough pressure and airflow to complete your tasks. To ensure it can, you have to take your duty cycle into account.
Go back to your list of tools and determine the duty cycle of each. Many tools are rated for a 50% or 60% duty cycle, so you will need to increase your calculations if your tools have a 100% duty cycle.
Purchasing an air compressor for your factory is a substantial investment, so you want to be sure you are choosing the best one for your needs. By considering all of the factors listed in this guide and comparing several options, your chances of selecting the best option greatly increase.