The 4 Main Types of Air Compressors—And How to Choose the Right One
When it comes to powering your operations, the air compressor you choose can make all the difference. Whether you’re running a manufacturing plant, an automotive workshop, or a large-scale industrial site, understanding the core types of air compressors—and how they work—can help you make a smart, long-term investment.
At Atlas Copco, we group air compressors into two fundamental categories: Dynamic Compression and Positive Displacement Compression. From these, four main types emerge—each with its own unique benefits, mechanisms, and best-use scenarios.
Let’s break them down in a way that’s easy to understand.
1. Dynamic Air Compressors: Speed Meets Pressure
Dynamic compressors boost air pressure by accelerating airflow and then converting that velocity into pressure. Think of it like a turbo boost—these systems are great when you need high volumes of air at a consistent pressure.
Axial Flow Compressors
These are the speed demons of the compressor world. Air flows parallel to a rotating shaft and moves through multiple sets of blades—some rotating, some stationary. As the air speeds up, it’s converted into pressure.
- Best for: Jet engines, large HVAC systems, and power generation turbines
- Why you’d choose it: They’re compact, lightweight, and handle high flow rates at moderate pressures
Centrifugal Compressors
Here, air enters at a right angle and is rapidly spun outward by a fast-rotating disc. The result? Increased speed that’s efficiently converted into pressure.
- Best for: Industrial plants, chemical processing, and other large-scale applications
- Why you’d choose it: They offer higher output pressures and are excellent for continuous-duty operations
2. Positive Displacement Compressors: Consistency is Key
These compressors do things differently. Instead of using velocity, they trap a fixed volume of air and then reduce its space to increase pressure. That means consistent airflow, even when system pressure changes.
Reciprocating (Piston) Compressors
These classics use pistons to draw in air and compress it through back-and-forth motion. Simple, effective, and perfect for jobs that don’t run 24/7.
- Best for: Small workshops, tire shops, DIY garages
- Why you’d choose it: Affordable, low-maintenance, and ideal for intermittent use
Rotary Screw Compressors
These use two interlocking helical screws to compress air in a smooth, continuous flow. They’re built to run non-stop and are known for their efficiency and reliability.
- Best for: Manufacturing lines, food processing, packaging, and continuous-use environments
- Why you’d choose it: Energy-efficient, long-lasting, and designed for high-demand operations
So, Which Compressor Is Right for You?
That depends on a few key factors:
- What are you using it for?
- How much air do you need, and at what pressure?
- How often will it run?
- Are there future expansion plans?
- Do you need extremely clean or dry air?
Here’s a quick comparison to help:
| Compressor Type | Flow/Pressure | Best For |
| Axial Flow (Dynamic) | High flow, moderate pressure | Jet engines, HVAC, turbines |
| Centrifugal (Dynamic) | Moderate flow, high pressure | Industrial plants, process industries |
| Reciprocating (Positive) | Intermittent, high pressure | Small shops, garages, basic tasks |
| Rotary Screw (Positive) | Continuous, efficient flow | Large-scale, 24/7 operations |
Next Steps
Choosing the right air compressor isn’t just about specs—it’s about what will give your business the reliability, performance, and efficiency it needs to thrive.
At Atlas Copco, we help companies around the world find the perfect compressed air solutions for their specific applications. Whether you need something compact and portable or a full-scale industrial system, we’ve got you covered.
👉 Need help choosing the right compressor?
Get in touch with our team today to book a consultation or request a tailored recommendation. Let’s power your productivity—efficiently and sustainably.
Email: njeru@njerukinyua.com