Many times choosing the right method of air compression is just as important as choosing the capacity (cfm) and pressure (psi). Think about it like this: Do you need continuous air like that used by jackhammers, piercing tools or any air tool running for longer than 20 minutes at a time, or do you need intermittent air like impact wrenches, drills or other short-duration tools?
“If you need continuous air, then you need a rotary screw-type compressor. If you need intermittent air, then you want a piston-type compressor,” says Chuck Hamilton, director of marketing for BOSS Industries.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
A rotary screw compressor is air on-demand, meaning you have immediate, continuous air that can run for hours or even days. The bonus is that there’s no air reservoir needed. This design uses two rotating lobes that are in an oil-flooded system. The oil serves primarily three functions: It seals the tolerances between the lobes to create compression, helps lubricate the bearings on the rotors, and transfers the heat from compression to the cooler.
Meanwhile, a piston-type compressor (reciprocating compressor), uses the piston and rings to build pressure and fills an air reservoir. This requires a short pressure build time to fill the appropriate size air reservoir, but is ideal for on/off, short air-usage applications.
WHAT’S NEXT?
You need to define what cfm you need by what tools you will be using. “We recommend sizing your compressor to the rated specifications for your tools to ensure the life span and investment in your air tools,” says Hamilton. “Choosing the right type and size of an air compressor is just as important as choosing the right tool for the job.”
BOSS Industries LLC was founded in 1988 and is a leader in PTO-driven rotary screw compressors, engine-driven rotary screw compressors and hydraulically driven rotary screw compressors. The company also has a wide selection of rotary screw air ends for OEM applications and also offers a range of piston air compressors. The company’s compressors are ideal for the utility truck and service truck industry. BOSS Industries is located in La Porte, Indiana, and operates across the world through its distributor network.
800-635-6587 | www.bossair.com