Air includes water, so moisture is always present in your compressed air to varying degrees depending on humidity and temperature. An accumulation of water can cause moisture to get pulled back into the compressed air stream. This can be especially problematic when you are using a compressor to spray paint because water can cause negative visual and texture effects on the finish sheen. Other uses where moisture is a real nuisance include sand and other material blasting, pneumatic tools, CNC machining centers, robotics, air cylinders, valves, and many other applications. When a compressor draws in air, the air is compressed... Read more »
Rotary or Reciprocating – How to Choose the Right Air Compressor
If you are shopping for a new air compressor, you might be overwhelmed by the different types and options. The first and most important choice you will make is whether to buy a rotary or a reciprocating compressor. Many people don’t know the difference between them, so let’s look at these two types. Reciprocating air compressors compress the air with pistons that move up and down inside the cylinders. Rotary screw air compressors have two rotors that turn in opposite directions. The air is trapped between thus causing compression to occur. Their manner of compressing air is not the only... Read more »
Is Your Compressed Air System Ready for Summer?
Now is the time to verify your equipment is in top running condition. Compressors generate a tremendous amount of heat on their own. Everything possible needs to be done to help them keep their cool. Your mission today is to take action to avoid any unnecessary shutdowns, motor failures, excessive condensate in your plant air, or other issues. Downtime is very costly. There are a few key areas to look at in regards to getting your equipment ready for the higher ambient temperatures. Below are a few bullet points of the most common things to look for. Safety First –... Read more »
Is My Air Compressor Really Delivering Full Capacity?
This week’s discussion addresses what seems to be an unknown to most users of compressed air. Many calls come in from customers who say their compressor system no longer keeps up with plant demand. Of course, this could be due to many factors such as added production equipment, air leaks in the equipment and/or distribution piping, or the need of maintenance to the air compressor itself. To troubleshoot your plant pressure issues, we recommend beginning with the source of your compressed air. Is the compressor delivering its rated Actual Cubic Feet per Minute (ACFM)? ACFM is the air delivery rating... Read more »
Air Compressor Overheating Newsletter
Is Your Air Compressor Overheating? Do you experience excessive downtime due to your air compressors shutting down on high temperature? Does downtime cost your company money? Here are a few reasons your compressor may be shutting down with high temperature alarms; Dirty or clogged coolers (air/oil) Low on oil Clogged Oil Filter(‘s) and, or Air/Oil Separator(‘s) Faulty Thermal Valve Faulty HAT(High Airend Temperature) sensor Excessive ambient temperatures If compressor is ventilated, ducting may be undersized or need a booster fan Compressor oil may be varnishing causing excessive friction in the pump
Machinist Newsletter
How does moisture effect your CNC machining centers? Does yourcompressed air system have the proper dryers or filtration needed to keep your machinery operating at peak efficiency? Solenoid valve and tool change-out problems on your CNC machines? If you are experiencing problems with solenoid valves and tool change-outs on your CNC machining centers, the problem could be that you are not supplying the CNC with clean dry compressed air to prevent rust and oil contamination. As you would know, when a tool change-out is being performed both the shank and the inside of the tool holder receive a blast of... Read more »