Air Compressor Types: Which One to Choose?
The compressor is the heart of every compressed-air system. Piston, screw and scroll compressors differ clearly in delivery, pressure, noise and duty cycle. Sizing the type to your air demand and run time saves energy and avoids an undersized or oversized machine. This guide compares the types and shows the key selection criteria step by step.
View pneumatics basicsWhich compressor designs are there?
Three designs cover most applications. The piston compressor is cheap and rugged but runs intermittently and is loud. The screw compressor delivers high, steady air flow in continuous duty at low noise, yet costs more. The scroll compressor runs oil-free and very quietly, ideal for labs and medical use, but stays limited in delivery volume.
How do I size delivery and pressure?
What matters is the real free air delivery (FAD) in litres per minute, not the intake volume. Add the air demand of all tools running at once and add 20 to 30 percent reserve. The working pressure should sit about 1 to 2 bar above the highest tool pressure so line and regulation losses are covered.
- Take each tool's air consumption (l/min) from the datasheet and apply a simultaneity factor.
- For short, heavy peak loads choose a larger air receiver as a buffer.
- Above a 50 percent duty cycle a screw almost always beats a large piston unit.
What matters for treatment, maintenance and location?
Raw compressed air carries water, oil and particles. A refrigerant dryer lowers the pressure dew point, while filters hold back oil and dirt. Plan condensate drainage, ventilation and service access from the start. The location decides noise, cooling and running service cost over the life of the system.
A refrigerant dryer and filters protect tools and valves from water and oil.
Understand treatmentFrequently asked questions
Piston or screw compressor - which is better?
For occasional use and a tight budget the piston compressor is ideal. If you run many hours at a stretch or feed several consumers at once, a screw compressor is quieter, more efficient and longer-lived.
How big should the air receiver be?
The tank buffers pressure swings and extends the pauses between runs. As a rule of thumb allow roughly 6 to 10 litres of tank volume per 100 l/min of delivery. With strong peak loads the tank may be far larger.
When do I need an oil-free compressor?
Whenever oil traces would spoil the application, for example in food plants, laboratories, medical technology or spray painting. Scroll compressors deliver oil-free air by design without an extra filter chain.
Find the right compressor
Our pneumatics specialists help with design, delivery, pressure and treatment for your application.
Right design
Recommendation based on air demand and duty cycle.
Correct delivery
FAD and pressure sized cleanly to your tools.
Clean air
Dryer and filters matched to the application.
Expert advice
Pneumatics specialists support your selection.