A reliable air compressor system is the central power source for metal fabrication – it’s what keeps production moving quickly and efficiently. Air compressors power equipment for cutting and welding as well fastening, sandblasting and finishing metal projects. From mold and melt shop to finishing and flash removal, hard-working Ingersoll Rand industrial grinders, impacts and hammers are heavily relied on throughout the steel and iron industries. And our industrial strength hoists and handling equipment will help you move coil, sheet, plate, profiles, tube and pipe, raw materials and scrap throughout your fabrication facility.
Metal and Fabrication consumes a lot of compressed air, whether it is from clamping/unclamping spindles, running pneumatic tools and lasers to activate shear and puncher machines, power punch hole drills, cutback saws, etc. To ensure that you have enough air to keep your fabrication operations in motion, Ingersoll Rand built air compressors durable enough for the constant need of air.
Moisture: Did you know that moisture in your compressed air system can create hidden havoc in your machines, especially in the hotter months? Heat removal is one of the most important functions of metalworking fluid. Water has a greater effect from removing heat than oil; however, water in your system can lead to corrosion, various compressor and metalworking tools. To solve your moisture issues, you should invest in refrigerated dryer. Having a refrigerated dryer installed to your system will clean up your lines and keep your fabrication operations running efficiently. A refrigerated dryer is the standard choice if you are looking for a low maintenance solution.
Pressure Flow: Between 20% to 60% of the energy used to operate compressed air systems is wasted, which leads to your compressor running twice as hard and higher energy costs. In order to save energy and the possibility of your compressor burning out, a PacE Flow Controller will help you create a buffer between air supply and air demand. This allows for more effective use of air storage and a continuous response to demand fluctuations to actively stabilize system pressure.
Piping: How do you currently move compressed air around your shop to various pieces of equipment? If you say PVC, replace immediately! PVC will eventually become brittle over time when used in a compressed air system leading to cracks, breaks or even shattering. These failures, combined with air under pressure, are potentially fatal due to the airborne, razor-sharp shrapnel. The use of PVC is an OSHA violation, which means you could incur a hefty fine. The safest option is Ingersoll Rand's SimplAir piping, which is high-quality, light weight, marine-grade aluminum construction delivers cost savings at all stages of ownership. The SimplAir system provides superior corrosion resistance to keep pipe interior surfaces free of the oxidation-based contamination that can occur with steel systems — contamination that can not only cause turbulence and pressure loss, but can also cause problems if corrosion-related debris enters sensitive equipment. In addition, the installation and modification process is easy with push-to-connect fittings for a variety of different sizes:
- 14mm piping is true push-to-lock fittings
- 20-40mm piping is pre-torqued
- 50mm and above piping needs to be pushed and wrenched tightened