Reciprocating compressors are known for their durability and are often considered the “work-horse” of air compressors. Reciprocating compressor technology has been around for decades, and for lower pressure applications (80 to 250 PSIG), this technology is still in high demand at 30 HP and below.
Commonly called a piston compressor or recip (short for reciprocating) compressor, these models use a piston in a chamber (cylinder) to decrease volume and increase pressure. The reciprocating motion comes from the piston moving back and worth.
In these positive displacement compressors, air is mechanically reduced causing a corresponding increase in pressure. Applying the principle of reciprocation, which means to move something back and forth, the piston moves back and forth in the chamber which causes a corresponding increase in pressure. As the rotor spins the piston is moved up and down. When the piston goes up air is drawn into the cylinder. As the piston recoils the air is compressed and forced out at a higher pressure. The compressed air is then used immediately by a pneumatic machine or stored in a compressed air tank.
Reciprocating compressors are known for their durability and are often considered the “work-horse” of air compressors. They offer a small footprint, low installation cost and low maintenance costs. Learn more about our reciprocating compressors, view our comprehensive product portfolio.
Reciprocating air compressors work on the principle of reciprocation, which means to move something back and forth. They are positive displacement type compressors meaning when the air is mechanically reduced, a corresponding increase in pressure occurs.