By Energy Machinery, Inc.
•
08 Jan, 2019
Air compressors, like many other types of mechanical equipment, require adequate lubrication to ensure maximum longevity and optimum performance. The piston, in particular, needs to be able to draw and compress air with minimum frictional resistance. In this regard, air compressors are available in two primary configurations: oil vs oil free air compressor systems. In oil-lubricated compressors, oil is used to reduce the friction between the piston and the walls of the piston chamber. Oil may even be splashed onto the walls and bearings of the cylinder by means of an oil bath. This type of compressor is also referred to as oil-flooded. On the other hand, oil-free compressors, as their name suggests, do not require lubrication oil. Instead, the piston is pre-lubricated with a Teflon (PTFE) coating. Teflon has one of the lowest coefficients of friction among any solid due to its layered structure, which possesses relatively weak intermolecular bonding forces. These layers easily slide past each other with minimal effort, significantly reducing the friction between the coated elements. While many compressors in use today are oil-lubricated, oil-free compressors are quickly gaining popularity among various industries. Oil-free compressors are less expensive and capable of achieving the same level of performance as their oil-lubricated counterparts in most applications, making them ideal for myriad industrial purposes. However in the case of oil vs oil free air compressor machines, which one does your business need?