CNC machine shops use compressed air for tool changers, spindle air purge, part clamping, chip removal and air bearings. The air must be dry and clean, because moisture causes rust and accuracy problems in precision equipment.
Key applications
- Automatic tool changer and spindle purge
- Hydraulic and pneumatic fixture clamping
- Chip and coolant blow-off
- Air bearings and measuring equipment
Air quality
Precision shops usually need a refrigerated dryer plus coalescing filtration, with adsorption drying where air bearings or optics are involved. Moisture in the lines causes rust on fixtures and parts, and oil mist contaminates coolant and surfaces.
Sizing
Machine shops have intermittent demand from many small consumers, so a receiver tank and a variable speed compressor hold pressure steady during simultaneous tool changes. Separate the clean, dry supply for measuring equipment from the general shop air.