Air compressors are popular for their versatility in the pharmaceutical, automotive, or food and beverage manufacturing industries. However, different purposes of application require different compressors. When considering them, you will notice the 2 most common terms: oil-lubricated and oil-free.
As their name suggests, the major difference is the lubrication system. Lubrication affects overall system efficiency, as do application limitations and maintenance costs.
Let’s take a closer look at oil vs. oil-free air compressors.
Quick Comparison Table – Oiled vs. Oil-free Air Compressors
Oiled and oil-free compressors differ in multiple aspects, including their air quality and applications. We will discuss them in detail later in the post, and here is a quick overview of the differences:
Feature | Oil-lubricated air compressors | Oil-free air compressors |
|---|---|---|
Lubrication | Manual | Automatic |
Noise levels | Often higher | Often lower |
Overall costs | Higher | Lower |
Durability | More | Less |
Portability | Lower | Higher |
Application | Industrial, general manufacturing | DIY, sensitive jobs |
Overview of Oiled Air Compressors
Regardless of the type, every air compressor wants an organized lubrication system. Like most machinery, oil-lubricated air compressors use oil to keep moving their internal parts. Mineral oil or synthetic oil serves this purpose.
Apart from lubrication, the oil is useful for sealing the housing, removing pollutants, and maintaining the inlet temperature of the unit.
Only with proper lubrication can any compressor perform well and last longer. You must inspect the oil levels regularly to keep the system trouble-free.
Advantages of Oiled Air Compressors
- Rigid build quality: Oiled air compressors are often designed with high-quality components to handle heavy-duty tasks. Ultimately, the extended lifespan decreases the rate of replacement over time.
- Less wear and tear: Oil lubrication reduces the damage to internal parts, ensuring longevity. Maintaining oil levels may be time-consuming, but it is worth it.
- Less noise: Their reasonable noise levels make them suitable for industrial environments.
- Minimal heat: Oil lubrication cools down the compressor after excessive use and minimizes damage caused by the heat.
- Excessive use: Because of the oil circulation, oiled compressors are powerful enough to execute prolonged industry job.
Overview of Oil-Free Air Compressors
Modern oil-free air compressors are widely used. When considering oil-free options, sellers admire their maintenance-free nature. As their name suggests, they do not require oil for lubrication.
If not oil, then what? Oil-free units have specialized protective coatings that prevent friction. More often, Teflon coatings or sometimes water help them operate smoothly.
Although oil-free air compressors do not operate through oil, they may still use oil for mechanical gear or bearings. This oil cools the system down and lubricates moving parts. However, the compressed air is processed separately in another loop, providing clean air.
Advantages of Oil-Free Air Compressors
- Budget-friendly: Depending on their type, size, and power, the overall cost of ownership is often less than that of oiled compressors. The major reason is that they require less preventative maintenance (PM) than those.
- Clean air: The most significant benefit of oil-free air compressors might be air quality. The oil-free and sterile air is useful for industries with extreme cleanliness standards.
- No regular maintenance: Fewer maintenance requirements save time and reduce additional costs. However, overuse can lead to more maintenance or replacement of your compressor in a shorter span.
- Minimal damage: The oil-free pumps with fewer possible leaks and spills tend to live healthier.
- Portability: Because of the automatic lubrication system, oil-free air compressors do not have oil pumps or filters. Their lighter weight makes them highly portable.
Key Differences Between Oil vs. Oil-Free Air Compressors
1. Lubrication:
Lubrication is the major difference between the oiled and oil-free compressors. Both types use a medium to overcome heat and friction.
Lubrication is performed via oil-in-oiled air compressors, while oil-free models have a friction-reducing chemical layer that eliminates manual lubrication.
2. Maintenance:
Oil-lubricated compressors rely on regular maintenance. Their system demands scheduled oil changes and filter inspections. Otherwise, they would not serve you as well as expected. However, their longer life expectancy balances the overall maintenance costs.
In comparison, oil-free air compressors need a little maintenance, such as draining the valve and cleaning air filters. Lubrication is usually automated in these units. However, the lifespan is generally shorter than that of oiled ones. They would still serve you for 70,000 active hours or 8 years.
Explore our guide for a complete checklist on maintaining different air compressors.
3. Noise levels:
Since oil is the lubrication medium in oiled compressors, they are reasonably quiet for noise-sensitive environments. However, they are still louder than the modern oil-free versions, which also come in ultra-quiet form.
4. Air quality:
Because of the oil, oiled air compressors catch up with the pollutants, resulting in contaminated air quality. Even after filtration, the air may contain some traces of oil. However, this air efficiently powers air tools or general manufacturing tasks. In fact, mechanical air tools operate better with oil lubrication.
In contrast, oil-free units provide cleaner air that is further filtered for more validity. This air is better suited for industries where dry air is a priority.
Please click here to see the specific industries for each compressor type.
Modification in Modern Air Compressors
The latest technology has further dropped the difference gap between oil vs. oil-free air compressors. The modern versions are more qualified and have improved efficiency.
- In the past, oiled air compressors were considered more durable than oil-free models. The reason might have been the oil flowing through the system, keeping it cool and rust-free. But modern oil-free air compressors are now better protected than ever before.
- Today’s oil-free air compressors run even cooler than the previous oiled models. A bonus is that they do not require oil to combat the heat, saving you from maintenance.
- Even without oil, the latest oil-free models are designed to be incredibly quieter than their oiled versions. They feature special sound-reducing technology, building a more peaceful environment.
How to Choose Between Oil vs. Oil-Free Air Compressors: Buying Guide
Choosing between an oil vs. oil-free air compressor is much simpler than you think. Both types serve the same purpose of compressing and pressurizing the air for increased efficiency. Each one has its different benefits and drawbacks. What determines your final decision is which type can meet your needs better.
3 factors that shape your decision:
- Your application requirements—dry air or moist air?
For dry air→ Oil-free. For moist air→ Oiled. - Which compressor type matches your needs—heavy-duty or medium-duty?
For heavy-duty or commercial jobs→ Oiled. For medium-duty or DIY jobs→ Oil-free. - Your budget—costly but durable unit or maintenance-free?
For great durability→ Oiled. For lower overall costs → Oil-free.
When to choose oiled: Oil-lubricated compressors are best for general manufacturing and construction jobs where air quality is not a concern. Since oil is their lubrication source, the final product may contain some traces of oil.
An oiled model is your solution if you are more familiar with heavy-duty and prolonged applications. They have an extended lifespan as they experience less wear and tear. However, optimal performance is only achievable with regular maintenance.
When to choose oil-free: Oil-free air compressors are ideal for sensitive applications, where dry and clean air is crucial. Some industries, like food and beverages, cannot favor oil contamination in their products. The oil-free compressors play their part there.
Modern oil-free models are quieter and better protected than ever. Since oil-free pumps are absent, they demand less maintenance with minimal overall costs. Besides that, these compressors have fewer environmental impacts.
Oil vs. Oil-free Air Compressors for Specific Industries
Oiled air compressors for: | Oil-free air compressors for: |
|---|---|
Automotive manufacturing and repairs | Pharmaceutics |
General manufacturing (i.e., cement or plastic) | Electronics |
Construction work or mining | Textile manufacturing |
Metal manufacturing | Food and beverages |
Woodworking | Oil and gas stations |
Learn here some innovative ways to apply compressed air in ‘Your Industry.’
Conclusion
Ultimately, the final decision between oil vs. oil-free air compressors is not about which is better. Rather, it comes down to your needs and what you are supposed to do with the compressor.
Today’s compressors are better equipped to do their job than before. You may blindly choose an oil-lubricated model for any heavy-duty job. For clean and dry compressed air, go with oil-free. And if air quality is not a concern, please choose your preference.
Comment down your choice of oil vs. oil-free air compressors. Share the post if you find it helpful!
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
More Posts You May Like:
5 Best Air Compressors Under $500 | Buying Guide | ElectronicsTool.com
Spread the loveAre you on a limited budget for an air compressor that can support your various workshop activities? Slow down—this is your guide to unfolding the 5 best air compressors under $500. The market offers a wide range of options today, ranging from as little as $100 to $5000. What differentiates them is their […]
7 Innovative Uses for Air Compressors That Will Make Your Life Easier | ElectronicsTool.com
Spread the loveYou might be familiar with air compressors and their role in everyday essentials, like air conditioners and refrigerators. However, people rarely know their different types and versatile uses in multiple grades. An air compressor is the unsung hero for improving our lives. They are common for DIY projects and contribute to the commercial […]
10 Best Air Compressors for Automotive Shop | Complete Guide and Reviews | ElectronicsTool.com
Spread the loveAre you expanding your business for automobile repairs or bodywork? Then, an auto shop air compressor is all that you want. It can serve you in a dozen ways, from powering pneumatic tools to sandblasting and more. However, making a smart purchase is hard without proper guidance. The right source of compressed air […]