David Morey 
Air compressors are used by a variety of manufacturing businesses, for a host of different applications. You may have certain technical specifications that you need to meet, but air compressors within those specifications may look very similar, if not identical.
However, if you want your manufacturing business to thrive, you need to invest in better air compressors. But what exactly makes for a better air compressor and how do you find one?
How Air Compressors Are Used
In manufacturing, air compressors have a variety of potential uses, including:
Powering specific tools. Sometimes, air compressors are used to power specific tools. The compressed air creates pressure, which can then drive specific mechanisms of action.
Assisting with assembly line operations. Air compressors can also help with certain assembly line operations, moving things, pushing things, and even driving assembly line belts.
Painting and finishing. Some organizations use air compressors for painting and finishing. With the help of compressed air, you can paint and finish much more quickly and reliably.
· Cleaning and maintenance. Air compressors also have utility for cleaning and maintenance. Relying on compressed air gives you a powerful force that can be used to keep your environment and machinery clean and operational.
Monitoring production. It’s also possible to use air compressors for monitoring production.
The Perks of Better Air Compressors
So why would you bother trying to get a better air compressor? Aren’t most air compressors the same?
While it’s true that any commercial air compressor is going to be capable of compressing air, there are certain aspects of higher-quality air compressors that can benefit your business, including:
Effectiveness. Better air compressors are generally more effective. They may be capable of compressing air to a higher total pressure, or they may have a wider range of options for utility. If you have a niche function in mind, technically all you need is something that meets the minimum requirements. But if you’re going to use this air compressor for multiple things, or if you just want to make sure that niche is served adequately, you’ll want to invest in the best air compressor you can afford.
Reliability. You need your equipment to be reliable. Just because an air compressor works now doesn’t mean it’s going to continue working indefinitely into the future if properly maintained. Nearly all equipment fails eventually, but with a higher-quality air compressor, you can rest assured that this piece of equipment will last for years, if not decades. Not all air compressor manufacturers prioritize this factor the same way.
Support. You also need to consider the amount of support available for this type of product. If something goes wrong with this commercial air compressor, will you have someone to contact? What kind of warranty is available for this product? And does this manufacturer stand by their products generally?
Price and value. Manufacturers also need to consider dynamics of price and value. Not every industrial air compressor is cheap, nor should they be. If you want access to a better air compressor, you need to be willing to pay for it. At the same time, you want to make sure you get your money’s worth. Consider the relative value of each potential acquisition before deciding whether or not to purchase it.
How to Find a Better Air Compressor
So what steps can you take to find a better air compressor for your industrial needs?
Know what you need. First, you need to know exactly what your organization needs. What exactly are you going to use this air compressor for? What kind of pressure do you need to be able to exert? What other bells and whistles are necessary to accomplish your goals?
Get familiar with the specs. You should also get familiar with the specifications associated with commercial air compressors. For example, are you interested in positive displacement type air compressors, Rotary vane and Rotary screw compressors, or dynamic types of air compressors? Do you need low, medium, or high pressure? And what type of compressor manufacturers are you considering? You’ll also need to consider size and portability.
Shop around. If you want the best price, you need to shop around. Chances are, you can find similar models of air compressors from different manufacturers and different distributors listed at very different prices.
You should also look at the quality and reliability of the entity offering these air compressors; is this person or company worth buying from?
Form good partnerships. Finally, try to form good partnerships. When you find the air compressor you need from a manufacturer or distributor you can trust, consider working with them continuously in the future.
Shopping for an air compressor can be a pain. But if you end up with a better-quality air compressor with greater reliability, your manufacturing business will strongly benefit.
