How To Choose The Right Air Compressor

How To Choose The Right Air Compressor

SIP air compressors are designed for a wide range of applications and environments including tyre inflation, spray painting, drilling, sanding, cutting, grinding, stapling in workshops, garages and more.

With a variety options available including direct drive piston, belt drive piston and rotary screw models, it’s important to ensure you choose the right compressor to suit your requirements offering the best performance and efficiency.

Types of Air Compressor:

Direct Drive Air Compressors - the pump crankshaft is connected directly to the compressor’s motor shaft so when the motor runs, it powers the pump which delivers air to the receiver making it the most straightforward design out of the three.

Belt Drive Air Compressors – if you require something which is reliable, easy to use, powerful and cost effective, then a direct drive compressor is right for you. Designed to offer higher air volumes and longer duty cycle run times these compressors run slower and provide a quieter operation than direct drive models.

Rotary Screw Air Compressors - using an air-end pump mechanism to deliver high-volume air into the receiver, these compressors operate with significantly quieter noise levels and produce much less vibration than piston compressors. Best suited for applications where continuous air is required for use by multiple operators at one time, these compressors offer a heavy-duty performance even in demanding environments.

Other Factors to Consider:

Tank Size – Affects how long the compressor will run, the larger the tank the longer the run time consistency with CFM output.

CFM Requirement – Vital to the running of air tools, the CFM of the compressor must be equal to or higher than the CFM requirement of the tools to be powered.

Working Pressure – the amount of pressure generated within the compressor, it’s important the compressor satisfies the amount of pressure required for your air tools and machinery to operate correctly.

Motor Power – Determines how quick your compressor can build up air and how high the level that air flow can be kept constant. 

Noise Level – Do you require something with low noise levels?

Voltage & Amperage – Do you require a standard UK 230v supply or do you require something which can be hard wired in with a 400v supply?

Floor Space – If the spare where your compressor will sit is limited then consider the size of the compressor, vertical compressors are ideal for when space is limited.

Portability – Do you require something which can easily be moved or transported to where required? Some compressors are built on wheels for manoeuvrability whilst others require anti vibration mounts and are stationary models.

For more assistance please contact us with any questions including what type of compressor you require, the usage and any air tool requirements.