Let's talk.... compressors!

[sqslabs]

Due to my recent compressor hiccups, I've decided it's time to get rid of the Home Depot brand unit that has somehow kept the shop running for the past 6 years and get something a bit more industrial.  I'm leaning toward a rotary screw if only for the noise reduction, but honestly don't know much about the difference or where to even begin. 

I have a 12 color, 14 station press, with servo drive and heads.  The specs in the schematic are as follows:

Air @ 6.9 bar (100 PSI) - 9 cfm (255 l/min)

I also dream of adding a 6 color press once we move to a larger location, but there's no plans for that to happen anytime soon.  I just want to ensure that I have the air capacity to run both machines if and when it does so I don't have to upgrade again.

I'll be trying to find a second hand unit in good condition, and really just need a ballpark idea of what I should be looking for.  I have a Speedaire chiller that I am currently using, but am also open to the idea of getting an all-in-one unit if its a better bet.

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thank youuuuu.

[ericheartsu]

we went with an atlas copco variable drive screw compressor. oh baby is it nice.

[sqslabs]

we went with an atlas copco variable drive screw compressor. oh baby is it nice.

Sounds pretty sweet.  Would that be something like this?

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/for/5600010270.html

[LocalColor]

MATTEI...Ran one for 17 years running two Gauntlets. Just changed oil and plastic vanes every 5 years. Silent and reliable.

[ebscreen]

I'm partial to Kaeser.

Roughly 10hp should do you fine with a second smallish press, particularly
if it's servo/ac, but even if it's all air you should be okay. 30 hp is a big electrical load,
and the one you linked is 480 volt. It's good to plan for the future but maybe
not that far in advance.

[Rockers]

Atlas Copco here. Very nice compressor.

[CGS]

Atlas Copco rotary screw w/ integrated air dryer is our house compressor here since we upgraded 7 years ago. Keep up with the pm and not a single drop of H2O ever drained from the unit. Zero issues with it, just runs everyday with no hiccups.

[screenprintguy]

20hp Boge rotory screw. Totally awesome.  Talk about quiet!

[sqslabs]

Thanks guys..  Did you all buy new, or is a used compressor usually a better buy?  I'd imagine its like any machine and would depend on age, cycles/hours and maintenance, but interested to hear of others experience buying used if there are any who took that route here..

[Rockers]

We bought new, was a good deal though.

[jsheridan]

Here is something to think about..

A compressor is a supply of 'free' heat and many of them offer heat exchangers. This heat is usually whisked away outside or the compressor is located out back or in the corner.

Think very consistent dry warm air in a room that supplies that air to drying screens.. hmm..

[BorisB]

I just pay rent. 4.00€ per day for 1000l/min, all servicing included. Like power, gas...

[GaryG]

We have been very happy with our Quincy compressor after an electrical issue was resolved.
Yes that was scarrrry!

[Croft]

I went throughout the home depot to a commercial piston compressor a real 5hp that did well , but when we moved I treated the shop to a KAESER 5hp airtower It is real nice and is pretty quiet . Its by far the best we've had the press runs faster because the duty cycle is 100% and the air is super clean with no water.

[mt_signex]

I have an older (1985) Ingersoll Rand 25H Rotary Screw, I was able to find it cheap and ship it to my location for around $1800 total.  It can be wired for 240/480 3ph and delivers 90 cfm.  The unit I bought was in a warehouse and only had 1000 hours on it, which is crazy for being 31 years old.  I had it checked out when it arrived and it was in perfect shape.  All I did was replace the filters and coolant and it's been running every since.  My only caution is that on older compressors it's hard to find parts that break, but luckily that doesn't happen too often.  I had to replace the auto stop/start controller and the part was $900 from Ingersoll Rand, but I found one on eBay for around $200.

I ran an all air Tuf 10/12 on it which requires around 30 cfm, but now that I have a Sabre I will likely replace it with a much smaller unit if anything ever happens to it.  I have another 120 gal tank located inside the shop, so with the new press I can print all day with the compressor only kicking on a couple of times due to the amount of air storage and lack of demand.