The different compressor types
Mobile air compressor - for DIY enthusiasts and construction sites
Thanks to its compact design and a tank volume of between 6 and 50 litres, a mobile compressor can be used flexibly at different workplaces. Portable models are particularly suitable for smaller projects, while versions with wheels can also be easily moved around larger workshops.
Areas of application:
- DIY and hobby workshop
- Craft and construction site
Stationary compressor - for workshops and industry
If compressed air is required permanently at a fixed location, stationary models are the right choice. With tank volumes of 100 to 500 litres, they offer sufficient compressed air reserves for intensive use without frequent start-up cycles.
Areas of application:
- Workshops
- Industry and production
Whisper compressor - for noise-sensitive areas
Sound-insulated compressors are the ideal solution for workplaces where noise is a problem. With a noise level below 60 db(A) , these devices operate so quietly that they can also be used in sensitive environments.
Areas of application:
- Office environments
- Noise-sensitive production areas
Mini compressor - for occasional use
A mini compressor is perfect for occasional work or as an emergency device. These compact products are available with a 12V connection for operation via the cigarette lighter or as a rechargeable battery version for complete freedom of movement.
Areas of application:
- Camping and leisure
- Small mobile jobs
Oil-free and oil-lubricated compressors
When choosing the right compressor, the decision between oil-free and oil-lubricated technology is crucial. Both variants have their specific advantages and are suitable for different areas of application. While an oil-free compressor produces absolutely clean compressed air, oil-lubricated models rely on proven lubrication technology for optimum service life.
Oil-free compressors:
- Absolutely clean compressed air without any oil particles
- Advantageous for painting work, the food industry and medical technology
- Low maintenance due to no need for oil changes
- Higher purchase price, but lower follow-up costs
- Modern models achieve a similar service life to oil-lubricated versions
Oil-lubricated compressors:
- Proven technology with optimum lubrication and cooling
- Traditionally longer service life and higher efficiency
- Less expensive to purchase
- More maintenance-intensive, as regular oil changes are required
- Low traces of oil in the compressed air (e.g. unproblematic for workshop applications)
Differentiation of compressors according to drive technology
The type of drive technology has a significant influence on the performance, maintenance requirements and service life of the compressor. Depending on the application profile and requirements, different technologies offer specific advantages.
Piston compressor
These models work according to a proven principle. Motorised pistons draw in ambient air and compress it in one or more stages to the desired operating pressure. The compressed air is then channelled into the boiler via an aftercooler and is available for work. This design is ideal for small to medium compressed air requirements in short-term operation.
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With direct drive, the compressor is coupled directly to the motor. This design is compact and low-maintenance, but leads to higher speeds and therefore greater wear and tear.
- An indirectly driven compressor uses a belt drive between the motor and compressor. This allows the speed to be reduced, which increases the service life and enables quieter operation.
Screw compressor
Two intermeshing rotor screws compress the air continuously and evenly, without the typical pressure pulsations of piston compressors. This design enables significantly quieter operation at just 61-68 dB(A), while maintaining high efficiency and performance. Screw compressors are therefore ideal for commercial and industrial applications where a constant supply of compressed air is required for many hours a day.
Buying a compressor: Important criteria
Choosing the right compressor depends on various technical and practical factors. Pressure capacity, tank volume and effective delivery volume are just as important as the power connection, noise level and maintenance requirements. A well thought-out needs analysis in advance helps to find the optimum device for the respective requirements in the company and to optimise both acquisition and operating costs in the long term.
It all comes down to the right operating pressure
It is important that the compressor can achieve the pressure output required by the tool. Most pneumatic tools operate at a pressure of 6 to 8 bar. The model selected should be able to generate slightly more pressure to compensate for the pressure loss in the tool. A difference of 2 bar is usually sufficient.
Example: Truck tyres are inflated with up to 9.5 bar. A compressor with a maximum output of 10 bar is not suitable in this case. A model with 13 or 15 bar would be ideal.
Select the tank volume as required
The tank volume determines how long you can work without the engine starting. The larger the tank, the more constant the pressure and the fewer start-up cycles. For occasional work, 24 litres is perfectly adequate. The best-selling compressors are those with 50 litres, as they offer a good balance between performance and space requirements. For professional applications in companies, models with 100 litres or more are suitable, depending on requirements.
The effective delivery volume as a comparative value
The effective delivery volume is the most important comparative value when buying a compressor. It indicates how much compressed air the device can actually deliver per minute. This is measured at 80% of the maximum pressure and therefore corresponds to the real working conditions.
Consider the required power connection
Depending on the model, different power connections are required to operate the compressor:
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Normal household sockets are sufficient for most smaller compressors, which run up to around 2.2 kW with 230V alternating current. These models are therefore particularly flexible to use.
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More powerful appliances, on the other hand, requirea 400V three-phase connection (power current). These are more efficient in operation, but require an appropriate electrical installation by a specialist.
Sound pressure level and working environment
The sound pressure level is specified in dB(A) and measured at a distance of 4 metres:
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Below 60 dB(A) are referred to as whisper compressors, which can also be used in quiet environments.
- A compressor between 60 and 75 dB(A) is suitable for normal workshop work.
- At values above 75 dB(A), you should wear hearing protection, especially if the compressor is in operation for long periods.
If possible, set up loud compressors in separate rooms. Soundproofed housings and vibration-absorbing mats also reduce noise levels. The legal limit values at the workplace are 85 dB(A) for an 8-hour shift. As compressors require sufficient fresh air for cooling, the necessary air supply should also be taken into account when positioning them.
Maintenance, practical accessories and components for your compressor
To increase the service life of the compressor, regular maintenance of the appliance is necessary:
- As moisture accumulates in the boiler, daily condensate draining is important during intensive use. Modern appliances have automatic condensate drains that perform this task.
- Air filters should also be cleaned or replaced regularly, as they reduce performance and increase wear when dirty.
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In the case of oil-lubricated compressors , regular oil changes should also be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
ELMAG offers a wide range of accessories and components for compressors to optimise work processes in your company. Our high-quality compressor units and pallet units offer you the opportunity to increase the performance and efficiency of your system.
Benefit from our comprehensive range and take your compressor to a new level of productivity, optimised to your individual requirements.
Special highlights of ELMAG air compressors
Discover the variety of our compressors, which impress with their quality, reliability and outstanding price-performance ratio. Air compressors from ELMAG stand for:
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Tested quality: All effective delivery quantities are measured in accordance with VDMA 4362 standard and guarantee realistic, comparable performance specifications.
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Comprehensive range: From low-noise whisper compressors to powerful PROFI-LINE industrial systems, we offer the right solution for every application.
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Immediate availability: Our extensive stock enables us to deliver many models immediately.
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Austrian specialised trade: Expert advice, regional proximity and reliable service from a single source. You can also benefit from attractive special prices on tried-and-tested models.
Rely on high-quality and reliable compressed air technology from ELMAG and find the right compressor for your requirements!
Frequently asked questions
What types of compressors are there?
There are different types of compressors:
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Piston compressors with direct drive are compact and cost-effective, and are particularly suitable for construction sites and DIY enthusiasts.
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Indirect-drive compressors are quieter and more durable, have a high cooling capacity and are ideal for long periods of use.
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Screw compressors are characterised by quiet operation and high performance with low energy consumption. They are ideal for continuous use.
- Our sound-insulated compressors are the ideal choice for applications where the noise level needs to be minimised.
Which compressor is used most frequently?
50-litre piston compressors with 10 bar and 230 V connection are the absolute bestsellers, as they offer the optimum ratio between performance, price and space requirements. This combination covers a wide range of DIY and hobby applications and fits into any workshop thanks to its compact dimensions. Commercial workshops and industrial companies are dominated by 100-200 litre compressors with a 400V connection for uninterrupted work.
How does a compressor work?
A compressor draws in ambient air and compresses it into a smaller space. This creates the appropriate pressure that you can use for your tools. In piston compressors, a piston moves up and down, drawing in air on the downward stroke and compressing it on the upward stroke and pumping it into the tank. An automatic switch ensures that the motor starts when the pressure becomes too low. Screw compressors , on the other hand, work with two rotating screws that continuously compress the air.
What should you look out for when buying a compressor?
First of all, it is crucial to clearly analyse the requirements of the planned tools and operating times and to clarify the mobility and noise protection requirements in the company. In technical terms, you should pay attention to the effective delivery volume, the appropriate tank volume and the required operating pressure. Other quality features for evaluating the various products are a robust design, available spare parts and accessories as well as reliable service.
How much bar should a good compressor have?
6 to 8 bar is completely sufficientfor entry-level applications such as tyre inflation and basic compressed air work. 10 bar is the universal standard and optimally covers the majority of all compressed air tools. 15 bar is only necessary for special requirements such as truck tyres or industrial applications. The rule of thumb is: select 2 bar above the highest working pressure to compensate for pressure losses.
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