Air compressors are used in many different applications and workplaces, from large factory facilities to smaller workshops. Compressed air is needed in many manufacturing industries which includes primary producers, consumer goods packaging, automotive and construction.
So that these industries can perform at their peak and manufacture everything they need to, they must have the right industrial equipment in place, this includes industrial air compressors.
We work with manufacturing businesses and facilities of all different types and sizes to make sure they have the industrial compressed air system that’s just right for their needs and their business. In this blog, we’ll look at why air compressors play such an important role in manufacturing as well as the different air compressors available that are suited to manufacturing environments.
Why air compressors are used in manufacturing environments
Manufacturers rely heavily on technology and mechanical systems to operate equipment in their factories. Pumping systems, processing and maintenance on equipment all need a high amount of compressed air. Even day-to-day activities in a manufacturing environment can require industrial air compressors to generate a continuous supply of compressed air for equipment and processes. Many manufacturers consider compressed air to be so instrumental to the daily running of their operations that they consider it to be as important as utilities like water or power – it’s essential to effective operations.
Quality compressed air is needed for a variety of applications in manufacturing environments. These applications can include (but are not limited to):
- Food and beverage manufacturing: Dehydration, bottling, cleaning and vacuum packing.
- Furniture manufacturing: Air piston powering, powering tools, spraying and controls.
- General manufacturing: Powering tools, cleaning and controls.
- Glass and stone manufacturing: Conveying, blending, mixing, glass blowing and moulding and cooling.
- Plastics and rubber manufacturing: Mould press powering, powering tools and injection moulding.
Types of air compressors for manufacturing environments
As we’ve previously outlined, air compressors are needed to drive various tools and equipment throughout a manufacturing plant, they can even be required to clean equipment or provide clean air for employees. There are certain types of air compressors that are better suited to industrial manufacturing environments, and will work better for your needs.
Below we’ve outlined two types of industrial air compressors commonly found in manufacturing environments, how they operate, and their benefits.
Rotary screw air compressor
The rotary screw air compressor is one of the most common air compressors used in a manufacturing environment or factory. A rotary screw air compressor is one of the more heavy-duty air compressors, making it perfectly suited for industrial work environments that require the use of constant compressed air to power machinery.
A rotary screw compressor consists of two closely interlocking rotors in a sealed chamber. These rotors turn continuously during operation and as air enters the chamber through an inlet valve, suction pushes the air into the space between the two rotors. Once here, the rotary screw compressor will then eject the air when it reaches a certain pressure.
Rotary screw compressors are designed to be some of the most efficient air compressors available. The rotors are designed to operate continuously so there ends up being little surging of flow that may occur in other types of compressors. This type of operation also results in a quieter air compressor that will end up being economical when compared to something like a piston compressor that’s only designed to be used in short bursts.
All of these reasons make a rotary screw air compressor perfect for large-scale manufacturing and factory environments.
Oil-free air compressor
If you operate in the food and beverage industry, you’ll know how important it is to maintain certain quality standards, among the products you’re producing. This quality control also extends to the compressed air that you use, and ensures that it is as pure and clean as possible. This can be helped by using an oil-free air compressor.
With less oil being used comes less chance of contamination which is crucial to businesses that operate in food and beverage, and also medical environments. Oil-free air compressors have many benefits when compared to traditional oil-lubricated air compressors. Oil-free air compressors can ensure an elevated level of filtration to safeguard against contamination from oil occurring in compressed air. They work to eliminate all traces of oil contamination from the air supply, leaving you with pure compressed air.
The PneuTech range of air compressors for manufacturing
There are some great industrial air compressors available from PneuTech that will work well in a number of manufacturing environments, depending on your specific requirements. Below we’ve outlined two specific options that have proven results in manufacturing environments.
RSCRV & RSCRPM Series Variable-Speed Rotary Screw Air Compressors
The PneuTech RSCRV series of variable-speed drive rotary screw compressors have the potential to provide substantial energy savings and significantly cut electricity costs by up to 40% or even as much as 60% on the highly-efficient permanent magnet motor range. VSD technology will also increase the working life of the rotary screw compressor, by reducing the working load and unnecessary wear-and-tear. Other special features of this industrial air compressor includes the precision-engineered air-ends with high-efficiency rotor profiles, and world-renowned Mepps 2 drive motors with class-F insulation and B temperature resistance.
The permanent magnet rotary screw compressors from PneuTech bring further efficiencies and savings to your factory, by accurately matching air supply to the demand, with as little as a 60-second turn-down time. Many businesses see power savings of up to 60%! All of these features help to produce the highest-efficiency variable speed rotary compressor series in our fleet.
Learn more about these air compressors and get product specifications here >
RSCRD-V Series Oil-Free Compressors
If you’re looking for an oil-free air compressor for a food and beverage manufacturing environment, then you can’t go past the RSCRD-V Series of oil-free air compressors from PneuTech. These air compressors will help to guarantee food safety by producing high purity, oil-free air.
The RSCRD-V Series air compressor comes with a 100% oil-free Class-0 Certification. The RSCRD-V will eliminate all traces of oil contamination from the air supply at the source providing you with peace of mind, so you won’t have to worry about any potential compressed air contamination.
Learn more about an oil-free air compressor and get product specifications here >
Whether you run a large-scale furniture manufacturing facility or perhaps you run a small-scale food manufacturing business, having the right industrial air compressor is paramount in ensuring that you end up with a quality product.
Our team is always happy to answer any questions you may have about air compressors for manufacturing, and provide advice on choosing the compressor that’s right for your needs. Send us a message here and we’ll be back in touch.
For more information on our complete range of air compressors and for simple guidance on choosing the perfect air compressor, you can download our free guide here.
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