All About Industrial Air Compressors

What are industrial air compressors?

Industrial air compressors are large, usually stationary air compressors that are used to power heavy equipment and/or factory machinery.

Air compressors of all sizes are used for all sorts of jobs. A small air compressor might be used to power a small tool, like a nail gun, whereas a larger industrial air compressor might be used to power something much bigger, such as different pieces of machinery in a factory.

Whereas a small air compressor can be easily portable, a large, industrial air compressor is usually much less portable. When air compressors are used in a factory setting, for instance, a series of industrial air compressors will be installed in the building or on the roof. All of that air is used for air-powered machinery inside the factory, such as spray guns, nailers, and other varied types of pneumatic tools.

Industrial air compressors are also used often in construction settings, out in the field, to power machinery such as pneumatic shovels and a large number of nail guns. Air hoists are another common air-powered piece of construction machinery.

What happens when an industrial air compressor breaks down?

When an industrial air compressor breaks down, it’s a huge inconvenience, and sometimes even causes a loss in profits. If you rely on that compressor to run an important piece of machinery in an assembly line or as a standalone, it’s impossible to continue production without it.

Air compressors work by pulling in air through an intake port, where it then sits in a space with a piston that works up and down to build up pressure, creating a vacuum effect. The pressurized air is then usually moved to a storage chamber, which is where the air that powers your machinery comes out of.

The piston, of course, is controlled by a motor. The motor varies in size according to the pressure and size of the air compressor. When an air compressor breaks down, the motor is oftentimes the part that malfunctions. Just like in a car, the motor can malfunction for a variety of reasons.

Where can I find industrial air compressor parts?

There are many places that have air compressor parts in stock, but not all of these places will have the best prices, nor will they be able to help with the installation of those parts.

If you need to replace the whole compressor, depending on the manufacturer, you may be able to find a rebuilt unit for less. At Fitz Equipment, for instance, we have both new and rebuilt units in stock for a variety of manufacturers, such as Gardner Denver and FS Curtis. So, if you need a new air compressor and you’d like to save money on it, rebuilt might be the way to go.

If it’s just a part that needs to be replaced, it’s best to hire a professional to do the job. Doing it yourself or hiring someone without enough experience can cause further downtime if it’s done incorrectly. Hiring someone that has a lot of parts in stock is a great idea, since you won’t have to wait while the part is ordered that way.

Fitz Equipment has industrial air compressor parts, rebuilt units, and new units all in stock across a variety of manufacturers. Not only can we ship parts same-day, but we also have an on-site repair team that can bring parts and repair expertise to you, out in the field or at your factory, or wherever your air compressor problem is. Our customers are country-wide, and our shipping is fast.

Contact Fitz Equipment today for all your industrial air compressor needs!