Metal fabrication
Compressor for metalwork and fabrication shops
Screw compressor for metal fabrication, locksmith and boilermaking shops - dry air for plasma cutting, grinders, painting, impact wrenches. 2-year warranty.
In a metal fabrication, steelwork or boilermaking shop, compressed air moves from one station to the next: air grinders and sanders, plasma cutting, the spray gun for finishing, the impact wrench during assembly, the blow gun to clean parts. Each use has its own demands, and plasma cutting is the most sensitive to air quality.
Plasma cutting: dry, clean air
A plasma cutter uses compressed air as its cutting gas. Water and oil reaching the torch spoil the cut and wear nozzles and electrodes faster. The air therefore needs treatment: a refrigerated dryer to remove moisture, filtration for particles and oil aerosols, and regular draining of the network. To choose the right treatment, read our article on which air dryer to choose.
Our compressors are oil-lubricated: outlet filtration is what delivers clean air at the workstation.
Painting and light powder coating
For spray guns and light powder coating in a small booth, the rule is the same: dry, filtered air avoids finish defects on railings, gates and fabricated parts.
Abrasive blasting: small cabinets only
A compressor from our range can occasionally supply a small blast cabinet, for touch-ups or small parts. High-volume blasting (stripping steel frames, structures or large parts, continuous blasting) needs air flows beyond our range. We do not cover it, and we would rather tell you before you buy.
Our models for metal fabrication
- Screw compressor 7.5 kW 4-in-1: the steelwork or metal shop with a few stations. Compressor, 420 L air receiver, refrigerated dryer and filtration on a single frame: dry air reaches the plasma cutter.
- Screw compressor 11 kW 4-in-1: the fabrication shop where grinders, plasma and painting run at the same time.
- L series 16 bar: if the shop invests in a laser cutting machine, the L series combines the compressor, a 16 bar air receiver, a refrigerated dryer and fine filtration on a single frame. Our article on the laser cutting compressor explains what this process requires.
After-sales service that keeps up
AIRSTAHL compressors carry a 2-year warranty, with spare parts available for 15 years and consumables stocked near Paris, France. Every machine is supplied with its documentation in French, and service kits are grouped by model.
Frequently asked questions — Metal fabrication
What kind of air does a plasma cutter need?
Dry, clean air. Water and oil reaching the torch spoil the cut and wear nozzles and electrodes faster. Plan a refrigerated dryer, filtration at the compressor outlet and regular draining. AIRSTAHL 4-in-1 screw compressors already include the dryer and filtration. Also check the pressure and air flow specified by your plasma cutter manufacturer.
Can an AIRSTAHL compressor be used for abrasive blasting?
Yes, but only occasionally in a small blast cabinet, for touch-ups or small parts. High-volume blasting (stripping steel frames, structures or large parts, continuous blasting) needs air flows beyond our range. We do not cover it.
Which compressor for a shop investing in a laser cutter?
Laser cutting needs higher pressure and very clean air. The L series combines a 16 bar compressor, a 16 bar air receiver, a refrigerated dryer and fine filtration on a single frame, in 11, 15 or 22 kW. For grinding, plasma and painting, a 4-in-1 screw compressor remains the simplest choice.
The recommended models
7.5kW
K 75Screw compressor 7.5 kW 4-in-1
Compressor, 420 L air receiver, refrigerated dryer and filtration combined on a single frame.
11kW
K 110Screw compressor 11 kW 4-in-1
Compressor, air receiver, refrigerated dryer and filtration combined on a single frame, at 11 kW.
11kW
L 11016 bar all-in-one laser cutting compressor 11 kW
Compressor, 16 bar tank, dryer and fine filtration on one frame: the clean, dry air a laser cutter needs.
Other trades
A project, a question?
We answer quickly and quotes are free. Tell us what you run on air and we'll point you to the right model.