If you’ve been in the air compressor industry for any length of time, you’re likely familiar with the acronyms PSI, CFM, and HP. These principles are essential in determining which size air compressor will fit your application – in fact, PSI, CFM, and HP are some of the most important elements to consider when selecting the best air compressor for your needs. In compressor terms, PSI is the amount of force that an air compressor can deliver. HP is not as important as pressure and flow in determining if your compressor will work for you, as newer & more efficient compressors can do more with less HP! Doing more with less HP will save you energy, as well as will give you larger returns throughout the life of the compressor.
One key air compressor performance indicator is CFM. Not only do you need to understand CFM to choose the appropriate compressor for your application, but understanding your air compressor’s desired CFM is also essential to ensuring your entire compressed air system is running as it should. Here’s a basic introduction to what air compressor CFM is, what it means, and how you determine how much CFM you need from an air compressor. It’s good to remember that your air compressor’s CFM is related to its PSI. An air compressor’s CFM is measured at a specific PSI. If that pressure goes up or down, your CFM will change, too.
The highest CFM air compressors have sufficient power to do anything you want. Single-stage compressors have a maximum pressure of 150 PSI, while dual-stage models can produce pressures much higher than 200 PSI. Do not confuse dual-piston compressors with two-stage compressors. Generally, 90 PSI gives you 3-4 CFM. Low-powered Compressors usually produce a maximum of 0.5 CFM, and high-powered units provide 8 to 10 CFM. “Different air tools operate with different levels of CFM. For example, a general ½” impact wrench needs about 5 CFM to work.
It is not uncommon to see this more like 3 CFM per HP. A two-stage compressor is more efficient, typically by 15 percent, versus a single-stage compressor. Air tools made for general use with portable air compressors typically require 0 to 5 cubic feet per minute at 70 to 90 pounds per square inch, whereas with larger tools connected to stationary systems, the requirements usually exceed 10 cfm at 100 to 120 psi. While small, mobile at-home air compressors may deliver around 2 CFM, industrial air compressors with 200 HP can achieve air flow of around 1,000 CFM at 100 PSI..
Most air tools require between 70 and 90 PSI. Any light-to-medium-duty air compressor can easily handle 90 PSI, but you always want the compressor to supply more flow than needed. A pneumatic stapler might just need 0.3 CFM, while a framing nailer may require 2.2 CFM. Continuous use tools need more air volume and therefore have a higher CFM requirement. A constantly spinning sander might have a CFM requirement of 8,, while a nail gun, which requires single bursts of air might have a lower CFM rating of 2.8.
You’re not actually interested in increasing the CFM of your compressor PUMP what you’re actually interested in is increasing the CFM you can draw from the OUTLET of the air compressor tank – to allow you to run an air tool that has a higher specified working CFM than your compressor PUMP. I explain this concept of CFM of the air compressor pump vs CFM of the whole air compressor system in my article explaining how to calculate CFM of an air compressor system. Still need to check the DUTY CYCLE of the air compressors to size the air compressors correctly in relation to the air tool working CFM. A duplicate air compressor might be a more drastic approach to increasing you CFM if you haven’t got a continuous demand for higher CFM. For example, a compressed air tank with a 5-11 gallon capacity, like this one from Performance Tool might cost you a fraction of the cost of a brand new second compressor – and still solve your low CFM problem. I specifically say “Compressed air system” as it’s not true to say that adding a second air tank to a compressor increases the “Air compressor CFM” – that’s If you take “Air compressor CFM” to mean “Air compressor PUMP CFM”. The CFM available at the OUTLET of the compressed air tank is actually a separated from the CFM of the Air Compressor PUMP by having air tanks to store the compressed air in.
is higher cfm better air compressor Related Question:
How much CFM do I need for an air compressor?
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 bigger air compressor better?
For example, with load/unload-controlled compressors, doubling the equipment size from a 50-hp to a 100-hp unit could increase operating costs by about 70%, even though the same amount of air is being produced. Consequently, in terms of air compressors, bigger is not usually better.
DOES CFM increase with pressure?
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What is a good size air compressor for home use?
For best results, use a compressor with a capacity of 5-6 CFM. Because you’ll be spraying nearly constantly, a larger, 10-gallon tank will keep you from waiting for the compressor to refill every few minutes.
WHY DOES CFM increase as PSI decreases?
The CFM value changes as PSI changes. As you lower the PSI output, CFM increases. A compressor with a higher CFM rating can deliver more air and is better suited for heavier applications, such as operating air wrenches and framing nail guns. Compressor manufacturers rate storage tank size in gallons.
What is a good size air compressor?
American manufacturers measure air compressor tank sizes in U.S. gallons. There is a wide range of reservoir capacities on the market ranging from small but efficient 1-gallon models up to large commercial 80-gallon products. For your home garage, a compressor size in the 2.6-gallon to 20-gallon range should do nicely.
What is a 6-gallon air compressor good for?
As for a 6-gallon air compressor, it is best to use with short tasks of grease gun, roofing and framing nailer, etc. since the machine can’t maintain an extended operation. Other than that, auto tire inflation, gauge finish nailer, and the like are what this small-size air compressor can finish with ease.
Is 150 PSI air compressor good?
You’d only need maximums beyond 150 PSI for jobs such as automotive repairs and industrial purposes. Air compressors that do not reach a max of 90 PSI will struggle to power pneumatic tools. But they do a great job inflating sports equipment, bicycle tires, and car tires.
What is the most efficient air compressor?
Compressor Size A rotary screw compressor is most efficient when running in a 100 percent loaded condition. (Loaded, means the compressor is producing air; while unloaded means the compressor remains idle.) A compressor will continuously load when its air production capacity matches the air requirement.
Does tank size matter air compressor?
Tank size matters—sometimes The compressors we chose have tanks ranging from 1 to 6 gallons. A larger tank holds more air and will allow you to use more air before the pressure drops and the motor kicks on to refill the tank. That might let you avoid stopping work while the compressor refills the tank.
What size air compressor do you need to run an impact wrench?
The average size air compressor you need is a 4-5 CFM @90 PSI for a ½” impact wrench. For instance, an impact wrench with a 1″ drive will need a 10 CFM @90 PSI, a ½” drive will need a 4 CFM @90 PSI, and ⅜” will need a 3 CFM @90 PSI.
What size air compressor do I need to paint a car?
Look for a minimum of 15 psi, with some applications, such as clear coat, better-suited to 20 or 25 psi. Horsepower: For auto painting, a 10hp compressor will typically suffice. However, higher horsepower compressors may operate more efficiently, and can be used for other tasks.
Is a 6 gallon air compressor good for air tools?
Air Compressor Tank Size Tools that require only quick bursts of air, like pneumatic brad nail guns and finish nail guns, drain the air tank much more slowly. For these tasks, 2- to 6-gallon tanks are sufficient.
What PSI should I set my air compressor?
Most air tools require between 70 and 90 PSI. Any light-to-medium-duty air compressor can easily handle 90 PSI, but you always want the compressor to supply more flow than needed. Pro Tip: Always respect a PSI rating. If you don’t supply enough air volume, the tool won’t operate correctly.
