Air compressors come in many shapes and sizes, and you can find them in large industrial environments, shop floors, garages and even households. Engweld stocks various types of air compressors ranging from 2 litre to 270 litre. There are compressors for amateur DIY hobbyists or enthusiasts, as well as for professionals and industrial use. This guide will equip you with the information you need to make your decision making process easier.
Things to consider when buying an air compressor:
- Tank (Receiver) Size: the size of the tank/receiver will determine the performance factors like how much air is stored and how long it will run. The larger the receiver size the better and longer your tool will run at a more consistent CFM. Air compressors at Engweld have receivers from 2 Litre to 270 Litre.
- CFM Requirement: Knowing what CFM (cubic feet per minute) your air compressor needs to produce in order to power all your air tools. If you already own the air tools then it may be worth basing your choice of air compressor around them. Different tools will require different air pressures and volumes of air to run efficiently. You will need to buy an air compressor that meets the requirements of your air tools. In case you haven’t bought the air tools yet, it may still be worth checking the tools you intend to use before buying the compressor as that can help you make the right choice.
- Working Pressure: The pressure generated inside the receiver of an air compressor is measured in Bar and PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch). Make sure the air compressor satisfies the amount of pressure required for your air tools and machinery to operate correctly. The working pressure can be regulated by using an air pressure regulator for the correct pressure range of your air tool/s.
- Motor Power: The motor power will determine how quick your compressor can build up air and how high the level that air flow can be kept constant at.
- Voltage and Amperage: A large air compressor for industrial use will require a 400V three phase supply. Make sure you have this electricity supply available / installed before purchasing your compressor. Some 230V single phase compressors will require higher current capacity e.g. 16A, 18A or 32A, depending on their motor size. You may require an electrician to advise if you do not already have this available. 230V 13A models are fitted with a standard UK plug and can use a standard domestic household power supply.
- Belt Drive or Direct Drive: If you are looking for reliability, ease of operation, cost effectiveness and power, then direct drive air compressors are suitable. Belt drive compressors are a better choice when the application requires higher air volumes and longer duty cycle run times. They are also slower running and provide quieter operation than a direct drive compressor.
- Oil-less or Oil Lubricated Compressor: Oil-less compressors are low maintenance and free from contaminants making them popular for at home and light DIY use. However, standard oil lubricated compressors can produce larger output and tend to be a lot quieter than their counterparts.
- Floor space: If the space for an air compressor is limited then consider buying a vertical air compressor. Their vertical space-saving receiver tank design helps reduce the overall footprint in terms of floor space making them perfect for a range of applications.
- Maneuverability & Portability: For busy on-the-go environments, consider a portable air compressor as they offer mobility via a compact and wheel-mounted design.
- Noise Level: Stated in dB (decibels). If noise will be an issue then consider belt driven air compressors over direct drive.
How to choose the right air compressor?
The right air compressor depends on your needs and application. Therefore, having a good understanding of what it will be used for can make your choice a lot easier. For example, If you are looking for an air compressor that is handheld and lightweight to do DIY jobs around the house then there are small air compressors like the 2 litre 1.5HP Super Boxy Compressor which is a unique compressor designed specifically for household use and domestic applications, including inflating air mattresses, sports balls, bicycle tyres and a variety of outdoor products.
There are also slightly bigger 6 litre air compressors like the SIP Airmate designed for low pressure and low volume applications, making them perfect for home, garden or garages. If you are looking for portability and durability at the same time then a compressor like OM200/6 Compressor is a choice as it is equipped with a heavy-duty cast iron barrel and efficient cooling system making it ideal for applications like tyre inflation, cleaning, and nailing / stapling.
Then there are 10 litre compressors such as 230V OL197/10R Compressor and 110V OL197/10RC Compressor. They are built with an integrated sturdy foot plate for extra versatility, and built-in control panel with easy to read gauge and ergonomic dial.
For environments where floor space comes at a premium, vertical air compressors are the best option. For tasks requiring easy transport and maneuverability at the same time then we have a range available featuring V215/25 Vertical Compressor or V245/50 Vertical Compressor and V300/100 Vertical Compressor. Their vertical space-saving receiver tank design helps reduce the overall footprint in terms of floor space making them perfect for a range of applications requiring mobility. To compliment this range we have the belt drive VN3/150 Workshop Compressor delivering high performance via its twin cylinder pump.
Portable air compressors with tank receivers 24 litre, 50 litre and 100 litre are sufficient for most small trade environments including medium-sized garages, workshops and mobile applications. For busy on-the-go environments, compressors like the 24 litre models 245/25 Compressor and RC/24 Compressor are ideal as they offer mobility via a compact and wheel-mounted design. Then there are 50 litre alternatives like RC2/50 Compressor and the belt driven Airmate TN3/50-SRB Compressor that offer mobility and performance. The belt drive 100 litre TN3/10-SRB Compressor and the direct drive TN3/100-D Compressor provide mobile air with high performance and effective cooling system for an extended work life.
Belt drive air compressors are oil lubricated along with some direct drive models but there are lots of oil-free models available such as the 24 litre V215/25 Vertical Compressor and OL197/24 Compressor with oil-free system for maintenance free cleaning air supply.
For trade environments with prolonged demands and for professional-grade applications, then belt drive air compressors are the preferred option featuring multi-cylinder pumps, high CFM performance, larger air receivers and air inter-coolers. Available are 150 litre and 200 litre options including 3HP/150ltr 230V Compressor, 3HP/200ltr 230V Compressor, Airmate PX3/150B Compressor and Airmate PX3/200B Compressor. Featuring 2 different twin cylinder pump options, oversized crankcases, aluminium aftercoolers powered by 3HP brushless induction motors, providing high quality air with improved moisture reduction for longer life and high performance.
For any trade environments where only a 230V single phase supply is available but high air volume is essential then the B3800/270 Tandem Compressor is the preferred option. It offers powerful performance through two B3800 twin-cylinder pumps and two robust 3HP brushless induction motors. Each pump and motor assembly can also be run independently.
To cater for larger workshop applications we have the SIP “TN” range. Powerful 400V 3 phase air compressors; TN5.5/200 Compressor, TN7.5/200 Compressor and TN10/0270 Compressor. Capable of high-quality air delivery, and designed with trade and professional-grade applications in mind. Fitted with 2-stage high efficiency pumps, heavy-duty cast iron barrels, and moulded guards for increased force air cooling.
To complement the “TN” range we have the “ISBD” model ISBD5.5/270 3 Phase Compressor. This is a premium electric air compressor ideal for heavy-duty industrial use, built to last and designed for high performance. Fitted with industrial parts, including robust slow-running pump, large inter-stage coolers, and long-stroke iron cylinders mounted on an air receiver with a 10 year anti-corrosion warranty.
| Model | Tank Size | Piston Displacement | Free Air Delivery | Max Air Pressure | Input Supply | Motor Power | Direct Drive | Belt Drive | Portable | Oil Free | Vertical | Noise Level |
| SIP 1.5Hp Super Boxy Compressor | 2L | 6.40CFM (181ltr/min) | 4.00CFM (113ltr/min) | 116psi (8bar) | 230V (13A) | 1.5HP | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 97dB(A) | ||
| SIP 6L Compressor | 6L | 6.40CFM (181ltr/min) | 4.00CFM (113ltr/min) | 116psi (8bar) | 230v (13A) | 1.5HP | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 97dB(A) | ||
| SIP OM200/6 Compressor | 6L | 5.00CFM (140ltr/min) | 2.00CFM (57ltr/min) | 116psi (8bar) | 230v (13A) | 1HP | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 85dB(A) | ||
| SIP 230V OL197/10R Compressor | 10L | 8.00CFM (227ltr/min) | 4.00CFM (113ltr/min) | 145psi (10bar) | 230v (13A) | 1.5HP | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 97dB(A) | ||
| SIP 110V OL197/10RC Compressor | 10L | 8.00CFM (227ltr/min) | 4.00CFM (113ltr/min) | 145psi (10bar) | 110v (16A) | 1.5HP | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 97dB(A) | ||
| SIP V215/25 Vertical Compressor | 24L | 6.50CFM (184ltr/min) | 3.00CFM (85ltr/min) | 116psi (8bar) | 230v (13A) | 1.5HP | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 97dB(A) | |
| SIP 245/25 Compressor | 24L | 8.00CFM (227ltr/min) | 5.40CFM (153ltr/min) | 116psi (8bar) | 230v (13A) | 2HP | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 97dB(A) | ||
| SIP 25-0 Compressor | 24L | 7.00CFM (198ltr/min) | 4.00CFM (113ltr/min) | 116psi (8bar) | 230v (13A) | 1.5HP | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 97dB(A) | ||
| SIP RC/24 Compressor | 24L | 8.00CFM (227ltr/min) | 4.80CFM (136ltr/min) | 116psi (8bar) | 230v (13A) | 2HP | ✓ | ✓ | 94dB(A) | |||
| SIP OL197/24 Compressor | 24L | 7.10CFM (201ltr/min) | 3.80CFM (108ltr/min) | 145psi (10bar) | 110v (16A) | 1.5HP | ✓ | ✓ | 94.5dB(A) | |||
| SIP Airmate TN3/50-D Compressor | 50L | 14.00CFM (397ltr/min) | 9.50CFM (269ltr/min) | 130psi (9bar) | 230v (13A) | 3HP | ✓ | ✓ | 97dB(A) | |||
| SIP RC2/50 Compressor | 50L | 8.00CFM (227ltr/min) | 4.80CFM (136ltr/min) | 116psi (8bar) | 230v (13A) | 2HP | ✓ | ✓ | 94dB(A) | |||
| SIP TN2.5/50-D Air Compressor | 50L | 9.50CFM (270ltr/min) | 6.50CFM (184ltr/min) | 116psi (8bar) | 230v (13A) | 2.5HP | ✓ | ✓ | 94dB(A) | |||
| SIP TN3/50-SRB Compressor | 50L | 13.00CFM (368ltr/min) | 8.50CFM (240ltr/min) | 145psi (10bar) | 230v (13A) | 3HP | ✓ | ✓ | 96dB(A) | |||
| SIP V245/50 Vertical Compressor | 50L | 8.00CFM (227ltr/min) | 5.40CFM (153ltr/min) | 116psi (8bar) | 230v (13A) | 2HP | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 97dB(A) | ||
| SIP V300/100 Vertical Compressor | 100L | 10.00CFM (283ltr/min) | 6.70CFM (190ltr/min) | 116psi (8bar) | 230v (13A) | 2.5HP | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 97dB(A) | ||
| SIP TN3/100-D Compressor | 100L | 14.00CFM (397ltr/min) | 9.50CFM (269ltr/min) | 130psi (9bar) | 230v (13A) | 3HP | ✓ | ✓ | 97dB(A) | |||
| SIP TN3/10-SRB Compressor | 100L | 13.00CFM (368ltr/min) | 8.50CFM (240ltr/min) | 145psi (10bar) | 230v (13A) | 3HP | ✓ | ✓ | 96dB(A) | |||
| SIP PX3/150-SRB Compressor | 150L | 16.00CFM (453ltr/min) | 10.70CFM (303ltr/min) | 145psi (10bar) | 230v (16A) | 3HP | ✓ | 97dB(A) | ||||
| SIP 3HP/150ltr 230V Compressor | 150L | 13.00CFM (368ltr/min) | 8.50CFM (240ltr/min) | 145psi (10bar) | 230v (13A) | 3HP | ✓ | 96dB(A) | ||||
| SIP VN3/15-SB Vertical Compressor | 150L | 13.00CFM (368ltr/min) | 8.50CFM (240ltr/min) | 145psi (10bar) | 230v (13A) | 3HP | ✓ | ✓ | 96dB(A) | |||
| SIP Airmate PX3/200B Compressor | 200L | 16.00CFM (453ltr/min) | 10.70CFM (303ltr/min) | 145psi (10bar) | 230v (16A) | 3HP | ✓ | 97dB(A) | ||||
| SIP PX4/200B Belt Driven Compressor | 200L | 18.00CFM (510ltr/min) | 14.00CFM (396ltr/min) | 145psi (10bar) | 230v (18A) | 4HP | ✓ | 97dB(A) | ||||
| SIP 3HP/200-SRB Compressor | 200L | 13.00CFM (368ltr/min) | 8.50CFM (240ltr/min) | 145psi (10bar) | 230v (13A) | 3HP | ✓ | 96dB(A) | ||||
| SIP TN5.5/200 Compressor | 200L | 24.00CFM (680ltr/min) | 18.00CFM (510ltr/min) | 145psi (10bar) | 400v (20A) 3-PHASE | 5.5HP | ✓ | 97dB(A) | ||||
| SIP B3800/270 Tandem Compressor | 270L | 32.00CFM (906ltr/min) | 22.00CFM (623ltr/min) | 145psi (10bar) | 230v (32A) | 2 x 3HP | ✓ | 99dB(A) | ||||
| SIP TN7.5/200 Compressor | 270L | 34.00CFM (963ltr/min) | 25.00CFM (708ltr/min) | 145psi (10bar) | 400v (20A) 3-PHASE | 7.5HP | ✓ | 97dB(A) | ||||
| SIP TN10/0270 Compressor | 270L | 42.00CFM (1189ltr/min) | 28.00CFM (793ltr/min) | 145psi (10bar) | 400v (20A) 3-PHASE | 10HP | ✓ | 97dB(A) | ||||
| SIP Compressor ISBD5.5/270 3 Phase | 270L | 23.50CFM (666ltr/min) | 15.50CFM (439ltr/min) | 160psi (11bar) | 400v (20A) 3-PHASE | 5.5HP | 95dB(A) |
To browse the full range of air compressors stocked by Engweld – click here
Air Compressors use with Plasma Cutters
Air compressors are required for all plasma cutters to function. Plasma cutting is a process that uses ionised compressed air and electricity to cut through various metals such as ferrous metals, stainless steel and Aluminum. The benefit of plasma cutters is that they help harness high intensity localised heat for a superior cut quality. A high voltage at a high frequency is applied to the compressed air which in turn ionises the air creating the “plasma” stream. In this state the machine is capable of cutting a large range of material quickly and cleanly.
Compressors with lower CFM capabilities can be used for occasional and short cuts. However, to ensure your long and thicker cuts are continuous and uninterrupted by a lack of air pressure, you will need to have an air compressor big enough to keep up with your machine’s consumption. It is generally recommended to go for an air compressor with a 1.5 to 2 times higher CFM rating than your plasma cutter.
To browse our full range of Plasma Cutters – click here.
Hopefully this guide offered you a useful starting point for understanding the different types of compressors offered by Engweld.
If you still need help or assistance in choosing the right air compressor for your job, contact us at any time – Contact Us – Engweld
