How To: Sizing an Air Compressor
Choosing the correct air compressor for your facility is critical to production and ensuring there is no wasted energy. Understanding how much air you will need is the most important factor when picking the right equipment. Below is a sizing guide to allow you to know your options:
What to consider when sizing an air compressor?
Sizing your air compressor according to your compressed air needs is mandatory to reduce costs on your bills. Here the main factors to consider when sizing your compressor:
- Pressure: determinate how much pressure is needed across your compressed air system;
- Electrical requirements: knowing how much energy you need helps to choose the proper technology and, possibily, cut compressed air costs;
- Users: how many people will use the compressors per time? With this information, you can decide if you need more compressors and which employees should take specific trainings;
- Application: some industries may require specific technology for pure compressed air. The quality of your final products and your industry's standards make the different in sizing your compressor.
Air comrpessors should be sized based on air volume (CFM) and pressure (PSI or Bar) needed to do the job. Do not base it off of horsepower (HP) only.
Single stage air compressors have a maximum pressure around 130 PSI, and two stage air compressors have a maximum air pressure of 175 PSI.
Tank size typically is not a critical factor in sizing an air compressor.
CFM Consumption Table
| Air pressure | Air Consumed | |
| Tool/Equipment | Requires (PSI) | (cfm) |
| Impact Wrench 3/8-1/2 | 70-90 | 5 |
| Impact Wrench 1/2-3/4 | 70-90 | 10 |
| Impact Wrench 3/4-1 3/4 | 70-90 | 20 |
| Air Ratchet | 70-90 | 3-5 |
| Body Sander (Orbital) | 70-90 | 12 |
| Tire Changer | 125-150 | 2 |
| Bead Breaker | 125-150 | 2 |
| Blow Gun | 70-90 | 3 |
| Die Grinder | 70-90 | 7 |
| Screwdriver #2-6 Screw | 70-90 | 5 |
| Screwdriver #6-5/16 Screw | 70-90 | 10 |
| Paint Spray Gun (Touch Up) | 70-90 | 4 |
| Paint Spray Gun (HVLP) | 40-60 | 15 |
| Nailers/Stamplers | 70-90 | 2-4 |
Understanding how much air you will need is the most important factor when picking the right equipment.
Get in touch with the expert
If you need expert guidance or support for your Chicago Pneumatic air compressor, their team of specialists is readily available to help. Whether you're looking for maintenance tips, troubleshooting assistance, or product recommendations, you can easily get in touch with Chicago Pneumatic's knowledgeable professionals to ensure your equipment runs at peak performance.
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