Air Compressor Machines

Equipment which produces compressed air from ambient air. Compressed air is often a source of power and motion for packaging equipment. Compressor equipment or compressors are used to compress ambient air and give the air a higher pressure. Compressors can employ different methods to compress ambient air. A reciprocating air compressor uses reciprocating pistons and valves to compress the air. A centrifugal compressor uses two close tolerance centrifugal turbines to create compressed air. A screw type compressor uses twin rotating interlock screws with a cavity between the two screws which is progressively decreasing in volume. Most industrial type air compressors will produce compressed air pressurized to approximately 100 pounds per square inch (psi). Most packaging machines utilize compressed air pressurized to 60 to 80 pounds per square inch (psi). (Because of air pressure regulators attached to most machines, a 100 psi air feed from a compressor will working for an 80 psi machine.Compressed air is used in conjunction with pneumatic actuators also called air cylinders. Air cylinders are designed with a small metal rod with a diaphragm at one end. An air cylinder can be used as a linear actuator because the metal rod extends beyond the cylinder and the use of compressed air can turn into actual motion.