What size of (industrial) air compressor do I need? | MARK Mark (2024)

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As you have already read in our previous article, air compressors come in different types. Another question you might ask yourself is: how big does my air compressor have to be? Since they come in all shapes and sizes, it’s important to know what size will be the perfect fit for you. Before making a choice, you should keep these tips in mind:

The size of your compressor depends on:

  • the project
  • the tools or application
  • the power source
  • the space
  • the tank

Read more in our related articles

Do you need an air compressor for heavy construction work, or for some chores around the house?

You need a bigger size of air compressor depending on the nature of your work. The same applies for the type of compressor, like an oil-lubricated or oil-free one. If you need a constant airflow, the size will matter as well: smaller air compressors are usually not fitted to generate a constant flow.

What size of (industrial) air compressor do I need? | MARK Mark (1)

Will you need an air compressor to power a nailer, or perhaps a large sand blaster? For the latter, a compressor with a small tank will do. For the former, you’ll need a larger tank. It all depends on the equipment you’re going to use.

Airtools have a required airflow or CFM requirement. These are determined by the manufacturer. You should check the CFM of the tools you’re going to use. That way you can figure out the minimum airflow your compressor will have to generate.

Most compressors can operate on a standard home outlet. However, larger air compressors will also need a higher voltage (for instance a 240 volt source). Some compressors, for instance those who need to operate in remote locations where no electricity is available, operate on gasoline.

Sounds a bit redundant, but still: if you need a compressor to fit in your garage, you won’t be able to choose a large industrial air compressor. Also: will you be moving your compressor at all? If you need to move it frequently, a smaller, light-weight compressor will be of more service to you than a bulky one.

Air compressor tank sizes vary enormously. You’ll need to think about the size, simply because it will determine how long you can use your compressor before it needs to fill up with air again.

Will you power tools that need a constant airflow? Or will you be operating smaller tools, like a nail gun? These short bursts of air don’t require a large tank. However, in this case the motor has to switch on and off constantly, which will have a negative impact on the lifespan of your compressor.

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What size of (industrial) air compressor do I need? | MARK Mark (2024)

FAQs

What size industrial air compressor do I need? ›

A 10 CFM air compressor will work for tire inflation and small air tools. A CFM over 50 suits industrial devices like rock drills, impact wrenches and jackhammers. Tip: When running more than one tool at once, make sure their total CFM doesn't exceed your compressor's air delivery rating.

How do I calculate what size air compressor I need? ›

To get a feel for how much air (CFM) you will need, you can figure roughly 4-5 CFM per person in an automotive shop and 12-15 per person in a body shop. Once you determine the CFM you need, take that figure times 1.25 and use that total CFM to choose your compressor.

How many CFM air compressors do I need? ›

You'll find the CFM requirements on the tool's label or in the user manual. Airflow needs vary greatly. A small tool like an air nailer may require only 1 to 2 CFM, while a pavement breaker needs 90 CFM or more, and some heavy-duty air tools need hundreds of CFM.

How do you calculate the compressor requirement? ›

The general formula used to calculate this is expressed as compressor time on/ (time on + time off) = Duty Cycle percentage. For example, if a compressor is said to use a 100% duty cycle, that would mean that the compressor provides 25 CFM and 125 PSI for 100% of the time it is in use.

How do I choose CFM for my compressor? ›

Another parameter considered along with CFM is the amount of pressure that the air compressor can offer, which is measured in bar, kg/cm2 or PSI. For instance, small pneumatic tools usually need up to 5 CFM at 4.8-6.2 bar. Larger equipment, on the other hand, demand more than 10 CFM at 6.9-8.2 bar.

Is 4 CFM at 90 PSI good? ›

Air tools made for general use with portable air compressors typically require 0 to 5 cubic feet per minute (cfm) at 70 to 90 pounds per square inch (psi), whereas with larger tools connected to stationary systems, the requirements usually exceed 10 cfm at 100 to 120 psi.

Is a higher CFM better for an air compressor? ›

A higher CFM can support larger, heavy-duty applications, but it's important to know that higher CFM doesn't necessarily mean a better air compressor — it just means a bigger one.

How do I calculate how much CFM I need? ›

CFM Formula

Use the formula below to calculate CFM: CFM = (Room Volume in cubic feet) x (ACH) / 60.

Can you have too much CFM air compressor? ›

Knowing how many CFM you need in an air compressor to operate your air tools can be tricky. Too little CFM and you won't be able to run your tools continuously—or at all—and too much CFM could mean you've overspent on your air compressor!

How to pick the right air compressor? ›

When choosing an air compressor, consider the tools you want it to power. Determine which one requires the highest CFM at the highest PSI. Add 50 percent to the required CFM for a margin of safety, and look for a compressor that meets the requirement.

How to determine compressed air requirements? ›

This is calculated by adding up the air consumption of all tools, machines, and processes that will be connected, and then estimating their individual utilization factor by experience. It's essential to factor in potential leakage, wear, and future changes in the air requirement right from the start.

How big of an air compressor do I need to run power tools? ›

As a guideline, most air compressors for powering tools fall in the 10 to 110 CFM range. Air compressors with lower CFM ratings work well for passenger tire inflation and small tools, such as chippers, grinders, and sanders.

What size air compressor do I need to fill truck tires? ›

For truck tires, it is recommended to use a larger air compressor with a higher CFM rating. Generally, a compressor with a capacity of at least 20 to 30 gallons and a CFM rating of 5 to 7 CFM is suitable for most truck tires.

What size air compressor do I need to do body work? ›

However, for a general auto shop setup, air compressors ranging from five to 30 horsepower with 80 to 240-gallon air receivers are typically sufficient to handle most tasks efficiently.

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