Compressed air is used in almost every industry you'd care to name: automotive, construction, universities, hospitals, mining, agriculture, food and beverage, consumer goods, pharmaceutical, electronics, and more. It's so flexible and useful that industry contacts sometimes refer to it as the "fourth utility." There are three main classes of compressed air applications:

On the smallest scale, compressed air can run a huge range of hand tools, such as grinders, drills, and nail guns. Using air power makes the tools lighter and cooler, since they don't need internal motors.

In manufacturing, compressed air is ubiquitous as a source of power: to gently move products from one location to another, drive powerful punches or stampers, or power modern robotic tools.

Finally, some applications make more direct use of the air. Compressed air is essential in sandblasting and spray painting. It's commonly used for cleaning - from blowing metal shavings off a lathe to making sure semiconductors are dust-free. And of course there are straightforward applications like inflating tires and filling scuba tanks.

Regardless of the application, the machine that makes it possible is an air compressor. If you're in the market for an air compressor, this BuyerZone Air Compressor Buyer's Guide will help you make the right choice. We'll help you understand the major types of compressors, learn how to choose the right size compressor, and get the best compressor for your business.