Screw Air Compressor

PSI (pounds per square inch) is the air pressure provided by the air compressor. The higher the PSI of the compressor, the more air you need to power your air tools. To power most standard air tools you will need around 150/200 PSI, but check the exact PSI required for your equipment before purchasing. if it is only used to inflate tyres then a lower PSI (50-100 PSI) can be used.

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) measures the amount of air generated and delivered to the tool per minute. Similar to PSI, a higher CFM means more air to power the air tool. Different tools require different CFM. for example, air drills typically require 3-6 CFM, but HVLP guns require 12 CFM. for both PSI and CFM, it's best to overestimate the amount of air required. A useful trick is to multiply the requirements of your largest tool by 1.5 and use that as the minimum requirement for your portable air compressor. This will ensure that you always have enough air for your needs.

This is the amount of time the machine can run before it needs to take a break to cool down. It also indicates how long the equipment needs to cool down. Duty cycle is measured as a percentage. For example, a machine with a 20% duty cycle can only run for 2 minutes before it needs to shut down for 8 minutes. However, a machine with a 90% duty cycle can run for 9 minutes and then needs to be shut down for 1 minute. 100% duty cycle means it can run without interruption. Some high performance models will automatically switch off when they reach a certain temperature. It is worth remembering that the duty cycle of a machine is defined as operating at 100 PSI and 72 degrees. Therefore, higher temperatures will affect the machine's runtime. In general, the higher the duty cycle, the more expensive the machine will be. The duty cycle that works best for you depends on your budget and how you will use the machine.

When considering the portability of an air compressor, it's useful to consider factors such as weight, size, and whether or not it has a handle or wheels. Portable air compressors are usually smaller and lighter than standard air compressors. They are designed with smaller tank sizes and lightweight materials. However, it's worth noting the weight of the machine and checking that you can carry it easily. Many portable air compressors come with handles so that you can carry it easily. Make sure you check that the handles are strong, secure and have a good grip for transporting the unit. Some of the larger portable air compressors come with wheels for transport. This means you can get a larger, more powerful compressor and still push it between jobs or locations. However, this means that they are usually too heavy to carry easily, so their mobility limits how you can use them.

Portable air compressors usually have tanks with a maximum capacity of 100 litres. The tank size determines how long you can operate the compressor before refilling the tank. It is therefore vital to check that the tank size is suitable for the type of work you will be doing. For domestic applications and small jobs, a small 24 litre tank is usually sufficient. However, for larger tasks, a larger tank will work better. It's important that you consider that any tank larger than 24 litres requires extensive HSE certification by a qualified inspector every year. If you are still unsure about choosing the correct size, check out this guide on how to choose the right size air compressor.

Most portable air compressors use mains power. These electric air compressors are ideal for indoor applications. They usually run on the standard UK voltage of 230 volts, or some field machines can run on 110V for added safety. Some are even more portable and are powered by petrol or diesel engines, which is great if you plan to use them where there is no electricity. However, they should only be used outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. Smaller inflators run on battery power or come with a 12V cigarette lighter plug. It's also important to check the length of the power cord. Try to use a longer power cord so that it is easy and quick to use without the need for an extension cord.