Air compressors are essential industrial and domestic tools that can be used for more than inflating tires. In fact, these versatile machines can be used to power air tools, nail guns, spray guns, wrenches, and many other pneumatic types of equipment.
This air compressor buying guide and review in Canada offers information you need when choosing the best air compressor for you in the Canadian air compressor market.
Why do you need an air compressor?
Air compressors can do a lot of tasks, both at home and at work. The number of applications is many ranging from inflating inflatables to powering heavy-duty industrial equipment and air tools. With the selection of many types, sizes, and designs, there is always one out there that will work for you and make your everyday tasks easier, simpler, and more efficient.
Thermotron is a well-established global manufacturer of environmental test chambers and vibration test systems.
The company was founded more than 50 years ago and currently works with other air compressor manufacturers to develop, test, and supply such equipment in Canada.
Thermotron also plays a significant role in the Canadian air compressor market by servicing, designing, engineering, and distributing air compressors and air compressor parts to various clients. The company is known for identifying customer needs, creating superior testing equipment, and offering comprehensive services to fulfill your compressed air needs.
If you are looking for a reputable supplier for your air compressor solutions, you can reach out to this company to get you sorted put.
Canada’s air compressor market is full of dealers and suppliers you can rely on, but few meet customer expectations like Surcis.
This company is specialized in air compressors and compressor parts for various domestic and industrial applications. Surcis air compressors are specially designed for respiratory tools and wastewater treatment plants.
Additionally, this is one of Canada’s most reputable air compressor suppliers because of its superior quality products and services. The company has also developed a series of applications and working protocols to offer quick responses and effective control of its products and services in Canada.
Chromatotec is part of a group of companies specializing in manufacturing and distributing compressed air systems in Canada.
The company has been operational for more than 40 years and offers full range air compressors for domestic and industrial applications. Chromatotec is one of the most recognized suppliers of industrial air compressors in Canada. The company also has offices in China and the United States, making it one of the wide-spread and global distributors of compressed air equipment.
Chromatotec has a broad reach beyond Canada and supplies air compressors and air compressor parts to France, China, the USA, and other parts of the world. The company also offers repair, consultancy, and maintenance services to its clients.
Markland is a leading air compressor designing and manufacturing company in Canada. The company also specializes in the production of ultrasonic and optical equipment for industrial plants around the world.
Markland is equally a superior brand when monitoring, testing, and controlling compressed air needs. This company has excelled in the supply of air compressors in Canada and other parts of the world.
Its products are specifically designed for industrial applications, such as water processing plants, mining, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, chemical, pulp and paper, and energy industries. Markland boasts of offering a complete report of its products and services in response to customers’ needs.
LNI Swissgas is a global powerhouse in the marketing of premium air compressors and compressed air systems.
The company supports various production services and activities by supplying quality air compressors in Canada, and it also designs compressed air systems featuring renowned Swiss quality and accuracy, coupled with Italian creativity and design.
The company specializes in research and technology to fulfill analytical requirements, industrial, environmental, and domestic applications for high efficiency, reliable, and precise air compressors in Canada and other parts of the world.
On top of the company’s continuous improvement and upgrades on its products and services, it is also committed to reducing energy costs and upholding environmental standards. The company is determined to offer the highest standard of air compressor solutions to its clients in Canada.
Sauereisen is a leading supplier of air compressors, air compressor parts, and equipment for Canada’s construction industry.
Sauereisen is a third-generation company, and it has established a reputation for its continuous manufacturing and distribution of corrosion-resistant materials and air compressors for the construction industry in Canada and other parts of the world.
The company’s offering includes different types of air compressors for construction and rehabilitation applications. Sauereisen is one of the most dedicated companies in solving compressed air problems using specialty materials.
Peak Scientific is a renowned innovator, designer, manufacturer, and distributor of high-quality gas generators for industrial applications.
The company was initially founded in 1977 in Glasgow, Scotland, and later spread to North America, China, India, and Canada. With almost two decades of experience, Peak Scientific Instruments Ltd. has established its presence as a leading supplier of compressed air systems in Canada to support its portfolio line.
The company has experience distributing the best air compressors, taking from its expertise of pioneering reliable gas generator technology.
Hilliard Corporation was founded in 1905 and has specialized in engineering, manufacturing, and distributing motion controls and filtration systems.
The company also has an extensive history, expert knowledge of industrial applications, and strict quality standards that make it a leading supplier of reliable products.
Hilliard’s extensive portfolio of products and services are customized to meet customer-specific needs. These features make the company a reputable and dependable supplier of air compressors in Canada.
Air Power Products is a well-known brand in Canada. The company is ISO 9001:2008 certified and is specialized in offering a wide range of pneumatic tools for industrial and medical applications in Canada and other parts of the world.
Air Power Products Limited is a leading manufacturer and distributor of various air compressors and air compressor parts in Canada. The company’s portfolio includes industrial air compressors, air compressor dryers, industrial blowers, vacuum pumps, air, and vacuum systems, and several other niche products.
Gardner Denver is an air compressor supplier in Canada. The company was founded in1859 and is a global manufacturer and distributor of industrial air compressors, air blowers, pumps, loading arms, and fuel systems.With 40 manufacturing facilities across the Americas, EMEA, and the Asia Pacific, Gardner Denver is one of the biggest global manufacturers of air compressors with a branch in Canada.
The company is believed to be a leader in product categories with its high-quality offering.
Air compressors are available in a wide range of sizes, types, and models. Additionally, some unique features and specifications can make it hard for you to settle on one brand and model that suits your applications.
The Canadian air compressor market is one of the fastest-expanding in the world. The growth in various Canadian industries has increased demand for compressed air in Canada over the years. Consequently, air compressor manufacturers in Canada have increased their production capacities to match the demand for compressed air systems in the market.
All these factors make it hard to select an air compressor in the saturated market. However, we have made it easier for you to choose by providing this air compressor buyers’ guide in Canada 2020.
An air compressor that is too small may not give you the necessary power, pressure, and airflow. In other brands, you may have to wait for the air compressor to recharge its pressure after short intervals, which can be a frustrating experience.
On the other hand, a too big air compressor may offer an unnecessary amount of energy that only adds to your operational cost. That is why you need the correct size of air compressor that matches your demand for compressed air.
The airflow in an air compressor is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). This rating should be greater than the air compressor’s operational requirement but slightly lower than the air compressor’s maximum output. You need to determine the total CFM of all your air tools to know the right CFM you need for your air compressor.
You can power your air compressor in two ways: electricity or gasoline. Electrically powered air compressors are easy to maintain and more affordable. On the other hand, gas-powered air compressors are more portable and can be used in projects that require you to move from one location to another.
You should look at small but extra features that make air compressor maintenance and use more straightforward and simpler. Specifications such as stainless steel finger valve that eliminates corrosion, an oil-monitoring system that prevents oil damage, and a one-piece connecting button are just but a few that you can look out for.
Using an air compressor on your pneumatic tools means that you can get the job done faster and efficiently. Some tools that need air compressors include nail guns, spray guns, orbital sanders, reciprocating saws, socket and ratchet wrenches, drills and drivers, air hammers, paint sprayers, and tire inflators.
Picking the right type of air compressors gets your jobs done faster and efficiently. Air compressors are available in various capacities and technologies. Knowing the type of air compressor that suits your needs will help you choose the right one. Air compressors are made in two broad classes:
- Positive displacement, and;
- Dynamic.
Positive displacement air compressors work by trapping a certain amount of air in the compression chamber, while the volume that the air occupies is reduced to increase the corresponding pressure. Rotary screw, reciprocating, and vane air compressors are all positive displacement air compressors. These air compressors are found in both small and large sizes.
Dynamic air compressors are all centrifugal and axial machines that are mostly used in manufacturing plants.
- Rotary screw air compressors
Rotary screw air compressors are the most used industrial air compressors in Canada and most parts of the world. These units are used mainly in sizes that range from 5HP to about 900HP. The most popular type of rotary screw air compressor in Canada is the helical twin screw air compressor.
The most significant advantage of rotary screw air compressors over reciprocating air compressors is that they can run continuously without stopping. Additionally, rotary screw air compressors are also less noisy and generate cooler dryer compressed air.
- Oil-injected rotary screw air compressors
Oil-lubricated rotary screw air compressors are the most common and dominant type of industrial air compressors in Canada.
They are most suitable for a perse set of applications. In oil-injected rotary screw air compressors, the lubricant can sometimes be a hydrocarbon composition or a synthetic product. Two-stage models of these air compressors are more efficient in producing dry compressed air. Consequently, they require less energy to run.
- Oil-free rotary screw air compressors
Also called the dry type, oil-free air compressors work without the intermeshing rotors coming into contact with each other. Most designs of air compressors in this category are two-stage with intercooler and aftercooler. Oil-free rotary screw air compressors come in a wide range of sizes and pressure, and the common ones are between 25HP and 1200HP or 90 cfm and 5200 cfm.
- Reciprocating air compressors
Reciprocating air compressors use a piston-driven through a crankshaft by an electric motor. Reciprocating air compressors can be used for general purposes. The commercial models of reciprocating air compressors range from 1HP to about 30HP. These air compressors are mostly used in air conditioning and supplying compressed air to building control and automation systems.
