Air compressor for powermax 105

[Hartmant07]

The shop i work at is looking to buy a separate compressor for the plasma table and was wondering if anyone has a suggestion on the size of compressor and air tank? I have a 24ft torchmate X with water table and a powermax 105.

[jimcolt]

The maximum flow rate while cutting with the Powermax105 is 7.6 cfm@90 psi. A compressor sized at exactly this size would run continuously if you were cutting continuously at 105 amps.

It is always a good rule of thumb for a small shop to size the compressor at least twice the size of the plasma cutter requirements....so as a minimum I would suggest 14 to 15 cfm rating at 90 psi. Larger tank and larger compressor flow will make the compressor last longer. Larger compressors will also run a bit less and will produce less moisture.

A major brand, good quality low rpm compressor (check the motor....it is generally a better compressor if it runs in the 1700 RPM range, the 3400 rpm motors are much noisier and will not last as long) is recommended. An auto moisture drain is also recommended, and if you are in a humid climate you should consider the options for moisture removal downstream of the compressor.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

[Hartmant07]

so right now i am looking at a Quincy QT-5 Splash Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor — 5 HP, 230 Volt, 1 Phase, 80-Gallon Vertical. Do you think this would be a choice?
Key Specs
Volts 230
Motor Phase(s) Single
HP 5
Amps 28
Max. PSI 175
Working Pressure (PSI) 145–175
CFM at 175 PSI 17.2
CFM at 100 PSI 17.7
CFM at 90 PSI 17.7
Air Outlet Size (in.) 3/4
Tank Type Vertical
Stage 2
Drive Belt
Air Tank Size (gal.) 80
After-Cooler Included No
Drain System Manual ball valve
Portable or Stationary Stationary
Pump Cast iron
Duty Cycle 100%
Low Oil Protection No
Pump Life (hrs.) 50,000+
Dimensions L x W x H (in.) 37 x 24 x 74

[Capstone]

I would add to the discussion by saying that a 3 phase compressor might be the way to go in your space where 3 phase service is likely in place instead of single phase.

There are two practical reasons why three-phase power is superior to single-phase power for many applications:

1st reason; Three-phase machines and controls can be smaller, lighter in weight, and more efficient than comparable single-phase equipment. More power is supplied to them in the same period than can be supplied by a single-phase power circuit. There is an initial trade-off for this advantage because three-phase machines and controls are more complex and expensive, but, used ones are usually much cheaper than similar spec'd single phase compressors. But they also will like have a much longer life when well-maintained.

2nd reason Only about 75 percent as much copper wire is required for distributing three-phase power as is required for distributing the same amount of single-phase power, although the circuit breakers are more expensive and take up more space in your breaker box.

[jimcolt]

That will be a great compressor for a Powermax105. Be sure to regulate the pressure to the 105 to stay under the maximum of 135 psi.

Jim Colt Hypertherm

[see&see]

3 phase is only the way to go if you have it available. They start with little effort under pump load as most shop compressors are not equipped with unloader valves for easy spin-up at start. We just lost a motor field winding on our 5 HP 230 volt 3 phase compressor at work.. It was installed new 1966 and has been running ever since until last month!

[Hartmant07]

Thanks Guys that helps a lot.

Travis Hartman