The benefits of selective soldering with nitrogen

Selective soldering with nitrogen is an essential process in the production of printed circuit boards (PCBs). It is used for bonding components to PCBs that could otherwise be damaged if exposed to a lot of heat. Another area of application are mixed-technology circuit boards with layout constraints. 

How does selective soldering work?

Selective soldering is an automated process. It gives you the precision of hand soldering with none of its delays and inconsistencies.

The benefits of selective soldering

Different soldering methods are available for PCB production. The most common are wave, selective soldering and reflow soldering. In the choice between these options, selective soldering offers distinct benefits:

The role of nitrogen in selective soldering

Because of its inert properties, nitrogen is applied in soldering to ensure the process is free from oxygen. That is because oxygen would react with the solder. This would create an oxide layer that can lead to quality problems or short circuits in the selective soldering units. 

How to make on-site nitrogen generation pay off for you

Many companies rely on nitrogen deliveries. However, this option comes with a high cost of gas. You not only have to pay a lot for the nitrogen itself but also for rental fees for the nitrogen cylinders. In addition, purchasing nitrogen from a vendor requires you to free storage space, which can lead to supply bottlenecks and logistics headaches.

A much better alternative is on-site nitrogen generation with a compressor and a nitrogen generator.

This eliminates these challenges while also offering a series of additional benefits. First and foremost is the reduction in costs. A cubic meter of nitrogen generated on-site is significantly cheaper than a cubic meter of purchased nitrogen.

Equally important is supply control. Nitrogen is critical to your soldering activities. Can you really afford to be dependent on third party suppliers?

In addition, a nitrogen generator allows you to select the required gas purity. This is critical in ensuring appropriate solder spreading behavior at low temperatures. Setting the right purity also allows you to reduce your energy and thus operating costs.

Finally, you can eliminate the transport emissions associated with gas deliveries and lower your carbon footprint. 

Increasing the effectiveness of selective soldering with nitrogen

Different factors determine the effectiveness of the selective soldering process. These include the configuration of the machine, the attributes of the flux, and the nozzle choice. And, of course, the nitrogen you use is important. You have to make sure it is of the right purity to prevent dross formation. High-purity nitrogen can also extend the lifetime of the nozzles, which saves costs.

A nitrogen generator from Pneumatech is the optimal solution for providing you with a steady supply of high-quality nitrogen. This not only lowers your operating costs but also can help you to take your selective soldering operation to the next level. To learn more, contact one of our experts now. 

Sourced from: https://www.pneumatech.com/en-international/blog/


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Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!

Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and we’ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a reputation for quality and reliability.We look after all things compressed air for your business!

  • Rotary Screw and Piston Air Compressors
  • Vacuum Pumps and Blowers
  • Nitrogen Generation
  • An extensive line of Air Treatment components
  • AIRnet Piping System and  Filtration
  • Mobile Compressors, Generators, and Light Towers

Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, ALUP, Pneumatech, and Atlas Copco products are used extensively around the world in industries ranging from oil and gas to food, automotive and farming, and we bring you these world-class compressors here in the land of the long white cloud.Our technicians are compressed air equipment experts and are dedicated to addressing customer needs. Supported with nationwide coverage, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air, vacuum pump, and industrial gas equipment and parts available today in New Zealand.

Reliability and Efficiency

With Ash Air, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our efforts on the following:

  • Increasing uptime
  • Reducing unexpected repairs
  • Reducing energy consumption and meeting our sustainability goals
  • Improving the cleanliness of compressed air


Talk to the team today:  CONTACT US CONTACT US

Read more from our #expertcorner


Just like any other equipment, a compressed air installation also requires the necessary maintenance work during its entire lifespan. Even though maintenance costs are only about 5 to 10% of a machine's annual operating costs, failure to budget for maintenance can have potentially disastrous consequences.


The air dyer is one of the most ignored cooler in the system. A dirty condenser will cause water in the lines, or worse it will cause complete dryer failure.


Using nitrogen is not about fully replacing CO2, but it can reduce their consumption of CO2 by close to 70%. Using nitrogen is about sustainability. Creating your own nitrogen is easy and will reduce the use of a greenhouse gas, which is better for the environment. It will also save you money as early as month one adding that savings to your bottom line.


A question that is occasionally asked by our customers to Ash Air is 'what is the cost of compressed air?'  This article looks at the product costs involved with compressed air, as well as minimising the energy cost of compressors and cost allocation. When looking at these factors, we need to realise what causes dropped efficiency of your compressor, leading to increased costs of compressed air.


You may have great fall protection measures in place to keep employees safe when working at height, but what about their co-workers below? Dropped tools and other falling objects are a major hazard – and one that isn’t always fully addressed. 


Providing a safe working environment for operators is essential, especially when using pneumatic tools and compressed air. If there is a failure in the air network and the hose is not adequately clamped, the resulting whiplash could be devastating. Failure to follow best practice can result in injuries, associated production downtime and decreased productivity.


A common questions asked is why do I need an air dryer for my compressor? Typically, air compressors produce water, and although the water can be drained, there can still be aerosol and vapour droplets that are present. This is because water cannoet be compressed. Water can damage your compressor by corroding the valves, pipes and machinery controls, which will cost you time and money to resolve. In the long run, the cost of a new compressor is a small price to pay compared to the loss of production that could potentially arise due to water damage in your compressor.






Air compressors can fail for an assortment of different reasons: Normal wear and tear, lifespan and age of the unit, poor maintenance, power surge, install issues are just a few the come to mind. Check out this blog to find out our top 7 tips to ensure your compressor is looked after! 


That cold, rainy, and in some places icey New Zealand winter is upon us, and with the following air compressor tips, your air system will be prepared with the preferred temperatures, despite the weather outside. Regardless of whether or not it actually snows or freezes up where you live, most winterisation service recommendations are also basic, solid maintenance procedures that will help extend the life and operational efficiencies of air compressors regardless of whether you live in Queenstown or Northland.


If you're wondering what an air compressor actually is, you've come to the right place. Simply, air compressors convert power in to air that is pressurised which is then used to power air tools such as spray guns. Air compressors are used in a wide range of applications, so naturally if you want one that will be designed for spray painting your vehicle, you want a compressor specifically made for spray guns! This way your compressor will be able to provide the right amount of power to perform the job.


Compressed air plays a fundamental role in industrial activities. Depending on the type of application, the energy cost of producing compressed air can be very high. Below are some tips to save on you compressor bill.


Air Compressors are essential tools in a variety of industrial settings. No matter what industry you are in having a reliable air compressor can be a crucial part of getting the job done efficiently. However, like an investment, air compressors require upkeep and maintenance, and eventually will need to be upgraded. But how do you know when it’s time to upgrade your air compressor? Here are some things you need to consider.


When it comes to laser cutting and other industrial processes, the choice of assist gas is crucial in achieving optimal results. Nitrogen and oxygen are commonly utilized as assist gases, each with its own unique properties and applications. Understanding the characteristics of both gases, will help you to make an informed decision to ensure precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in your operations.


Mobile air compressors are portable, towable compressors particularly useful for applications that suit the construction and roading industry! You'll often see a mobile compressor being used for sandblasting, irrigation blow-outs, and for quarrying tools such as pneumatic block cutters and rock drills.  


Did you know that Chicago Pneumatic helped man land on the moon? Notice in this photo of the Apollo 11 landing what appear to be "soccer balls" on top of the capsule. They were inflated through a compressor specially developed by Chicago Pneumatic for NASA.


Your company purchased an air dryer for your compressor, now where should you install it? One of the most common things we see in the industry are air dryers being stored on top of the compressors. Seems like a wasted space not being used on top of the compressor, right? Wrong.


When using air compressors, there are many variables that are integral to the quality and effectiveness of your compressed air. When dryer air is necessary, being able to constantly and accurately monitor dew points can be a critical factor to your operation.


Compressed air plays an integral role in breweries both large and small around the world. From start to finish, all details in the brewing process are managed in fine detail and having the right air compressor is no exception.


We Kiwi's love our Coffee! Coffee, like all other food & beverage products, must go through a preservation process to keep the beans fresh during storage and packaging before they reach the consumer. Coffee that is not properly stored after it is roasted will lose a large amount of carbon dioxide, which lessens its' flavor and speeds up the staling process. One of the most common ways to preserve the freshness of coffee is the use of nitrogen gas. Learn more here:


Air compressors are helpful for an enormous range of applications such as air filling, packaging, tools, HVAC control, and more! One possible drawback is the amount of electricity they use; air compressors can be a huge drain on energy if used ​inefficiency... 


We get it, buying an air compressor is a big financial decision. And now we are suggesting that you need two air compressors, not just one. Ask yourself one question- Can your business still run if your air compressor goes down?


It’s no secret – air compressors are excellent sources of energy. Not only do they power essential manufacturing elements and applications, but the heat generated as a result of the compressed air processes can be used as a byproduct that offsets other energy costs. However, there’s another form of energy that is also a consequence of the air compression process – sound.


The emergency stop, "e-stop", is for true emergency situations only. When hitting the e-stop, all power is halted from the machine and the unload process isn't achieved. The emergency stop button is intended to help with possibly hazardous situations that are developing. Common conditions of having to use the e-stop is the misuse of the equipment in ways that weren’t intended, predictable failures not addressed or failing to consider all the foreseeable uses of the compressor.


We've put together a list of tips for working safely with air compressors in your environment! We recommend that you always read owners manual before running your compressor. The number one cause for repairs and personal injury is improper use. You've got to remember to use eye protection and hearing protection when operating your air compressor and try to avoid using air compressors in a wet area. 


Air Compressor Installation Tips Installing Your Reliable Air Compressor

So, you've just bought an efficient and reliable ALUP air compressor? Welcome to the world of compressed air. As your partners in compressed air, we will continue to assist you along your journey. We have provided air compressor installation tips to ensure you get the most out of your air compressor. 


Air dryers remove any condensation from the air compressed by your air compressor. Questions about them? Find answers to the most frequently asked questions here.


Power tools are a key to productivity in the oil & gas or the metal working industry. Maintenance and production tasks must be carried out efficiently, however intensive use of vibrating power tools, such as grinders, can expose operators...


Selective soldering with nitrogen is an essential process in the production of printed circuit boards (PCBs). It is used for bonding components to PCBs that could otherwise be damaged if exposed to a lot of heat. Another area of application are mixed-technology circuit boards with layout constraints. 


Hydrogen is becoming increasingly important as a promising clean energy carrier – especially with a view to a more climate-friendly future. But have you ever wondered what hydrogen actually is and how it is produced? In this article, we look at the basics and technologies used to produce hydrogen and what makes hydrogen a special element.


Your passion is vinification, ours is air compressors. 

Compressed air accounts for a large amount of energy consumption in the wine production process, especially in the production of grapes. A big part of wine-making is a result of the work of equipment and is dependent on its efficiency. An air compressor should be located in well ventilated, shaded areas, out of direct sunlight. This includes the inlet for the compressed air system which should be located away from heat sources such as the compressed air outlet, refrigeration or air conditioning plant and equipment.


Cutting, shaping, drilling, and finishing, compressed air is critical for any machine shop. Shops rely heavily on the compressed air system to assist in a variety of operation processes. Commonly the parts produced are used in the machine industry, car industry or even the aircraft industry. A traditional workday in a machine shop requires the use of air compressors to generate an intermittent or continuous source of pressurized air. What machines commonly require compressed air in the shop?


Variable Speed Drive compressors  are a game-changer in the world of compressed air. These compressors automatically adjust their operating speeds to match the real-time demand for compressed air. It's an important feature, especially when it comes to energy savings. Surprisingly, the electricity consumed by a compressor can account for the largest portion of its total cost of ownership, not the initial purchase price. On average, VSD technology can reduce energy costs by 35% to 50%, which translates into significant saving


When an industrial application calls for a steady supply of quality air, more and more users are turning to rotary screw compressors. Their efficiency, reliability and versatility make them a great choice in these cases. But there are countless applications and many different types of rotary screw air compressors. So which one is the right one for you?


Your tool is stalling, or is not working to its expected performance, and you find yourself asking ‘why is my angle grinder spinning too slowly?’, or ‘why has my pneumatic grinder stopped working?’, read on.


Lighting tower reminds night, but also refers to diesel engine. In turn, night reminds us of silence, which is not exactly what we associate with an engine... With urban centers becoming increasingly dense and legislation increasingly strict about noise pollution in construction sites, keeping decibels to acceptable levels has been the great challenge of the main construction equipment manufacturers.


In today’s world of increasing environmental awareness and the drive for sustainable practices, industries are actively seeking innovative solutions to reduce energy consumption and minimize their carbon footprint. If your business uses air compressors, focusing on energy recovery in air compressors is one area to pay attention too. 


Did you know that 70% of the total cost of compressor installation consists of energy costs?

There are many reasons why saving energy is important for your business as it helps you in many ways to make your business more efficient as well as providing you with many different forms of value. Ash Air's range of Alup products can help you become more energy efficient to help reduce energy bills, reduce your costs and comply with all environmental legislation.


Exactly what is compressed air? Where does it come from? What is it for? When we compress—or squeeze—air into a small space, we call it compressed air. When humans discovered the ability to compress air, civilisation made a huge leap forward. The reason? Compressed air opened the door to all kinds of new production methods. 


Compressed air system leaks are indeed a big source of energy waste. Leakage in piping systems have been shown to exhibit leaks of up to 25 percent of the total energy costs. Addressing leaks is one of the first maintenance steps a facility can take to reduce energy costs.


Think about efficiency for a minute. Every year with constant innovation, things are becoming even more efficient. Everything from electronics to industrial machinery are being developed to get more done faster while using less power.


The air surrounding us is a mixture of fry air and water vapor. The amount of water in the air depends on the temperature and volume of the gas. The higher the air temperature, the higher the air's ability to absorb more moisture. Find out about compressed air humidity here.


Investing in an on-site industrial gas generator is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint and your operating costs. Once you have taken this important step, there are some other things you can do to maximize your gas generation energy savings. Here are seven of them.


For many businesses, preserving energy and becoming more sustainable have become top priorities. That not only saves them money but also makes them more competitive in the future, when demand for “green” products and services will only increase. Not just because governments mandate greater sustainability but also because customers expect it.


While you relax and read this, do you see an electronic appliance around you? Wondering how could you relate to the current read? We got you! Compressed air is all around, in the electronic appliances you use right now.


There are many contaminants that can threaten your compressed air system, but moisture is among the most prevalent. You may be thinking, but it’s just water, but water can have a devastating impact on your compressed air system, your production equipment, and your end product. The best way to prevent moisture from contaminating your compressed air is with a dryer.


Compressed air can be one of the most expensive forms of energy for manufacturing plants, often using more energy than other equipment. One horsepower of compressed air requires eight horsepower of electricity. With many air compressors running at efficiencies as low as 10%, there’s often plenty of room for improvement. Fortunately, 50% of compressed air systems at small- to medium-sized industrial facilities have opportunities for low-cost energy conservation.


As easy as it would make all of our lives, vacuum pumps are far from being “one size fits all”. Not only do you have the size to consider when choosing a vacuum pump, but more importantly type. I will briefly touch on some of the advantages and disadvantages associated with each vacuum technology we deal with. This should give you a better understanding of where to begin your search...


AIRnet offers moisture-eliminating drop fittings called Quick Drops! Quick Drops make “drop-tees” obsolete, removing the need for extra parts and pipe, while saving time and money.


Proper compressor installation and commissioning helps ensure trouble-free startup and long-term reliability. Thorough inspection and critical review during each phase of the installation process eliminates “built-in” deficiencies or problems which c...


Price is an important consideration when choosing a tool for metalworking applications, but it alone should not be the deciding factor. Other things also contribute to the total cost of ownership, performance, and, ultimately, the overall productivit...


Are you faced with the decision of whether to switch from purchasing bottled nitrogen or oxygen to on site gas generation? In that case, the decision is easy. You should! Lower costs, the right purity, less transportation emissions, improved safety, no logistics headaches. In all of these areas, on site gas generation is the superior solution. And making the switch is easy. All you need is a gas generator and a supply of compressed air.


Did you know that one of the largest costs for industrial manufacturers is compressed air? That’s right – anywhere from 12% to 40% of a facility’s total energy costs come from its compressed air installation. This means that finding innovative ways (no matter how small) to increase compressed air efficiency can amount to big savings over the long run! Items like leak eliminationair audits, reduced pressure bands, and reducing unloaded running hours are some of the most popular ways to decrease energy usage – but there are many other actions that you can take. Read on to discover additional ways to reduce your costs and make sure your compressor system is running as efficiently as possible!


A properly sized and designed piping system is a necessary component of any distribution compressed air system. Without this key component in place, the delivery of air from the compressor to the specific points of use will be inefficient and costly, both in the short term as well as in the long term. Let’s look more closely at how to size your compressed air piping system to ensure minimal pressure loss while maintaining maximum efficiency.


Potential for growth of micro-organisms in a compressed air system is tied to the moisture level (dew point) of the compressed air. In simple terms, if there is moisture in your compressed air, microorganisms such as mold and bacteria have the environment they need to grow and thrive. While it’s true that as air is compressed, much of the moisture present in the intake air will condense, enough moisture remains to allow micro-organisms to proliferate.


Your compressor installation is a workhorse that requires regular service and maintenance to help it achieve maximum efficiency and longevity. This is where compressor monitoring and data gathering technologies come in, as these provide meaningful information on your system that can be visualized, tracked over extended time periods, and used to make insightful decisions regarding compressor performance. 


A variable speed compressor is not for every application. VSD rotary screw compressors need to be ran in a location that is in need of 24/7 compressed air and has a changing demand on the amount of air needed. If your compressed air needs are constan...


Compressed air purification equipment must have a very low pressure drop, long service life and be strong enough to withstand the most strenuous operating conditions. Protection from oil slugs or compressor air/oil separator failure is essential.


Intelligent Connectivity System (ICONS) is the eyes into your compressed air system. Ditch the logbooks, the regular visits to the compressor room and dealing with surprises with your compressor. • Most maintenance organizations operate between 10% to 40% efficiency • Most spend more than 50% of time on emergency work • Reactive maintenance costs 3-5 times more than preventive maintenance.


Compressed air is used in many different industries. From refrigerator manufacturers to toy makers, companies around the world depend on compressed air to produce products. It's so important that many consider it a utility as significant as electricity, water or natural gas.


Compressed air is always contaminated. Contaminants include, • Liquid oil - oil aerosols - oil vapor, Dirt - microorganisms - pipescale, Trace gases: carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide. Learn more about why you need to filter compressed air... 


As part of a concerted effort worldwide to reduce energy consumption, CO2 emissions and the impact of industrial operations on the environment, regulatory authorities in many countries have introduced legislation to encourage the manufacture and use ...


Air is always contaminated with solid particles such as dust, sand, soot, salt crystals and water as it leaves the compressor. An effective compressed air treatment system lowers the dew point of the air and takes out the elements that may harm equipment downstream of the compressor and dryer


Dewpoint spikes immediately after desiccant switchover (line C) indicate that the desiccant was not sufficiently cooled before being brought on-line. Hot desiccant will not adsorb moisture well until it cools down, after which the dewpoint should dro...


Don’t be alarmed if you find oil in your air compressor tank. Actually, all rotary screw compressors pass trace amounts of oil in the compressed air. The question is how much is the normal amount of oil in my compressor tank?


As you know, compressed air filters protect your machine from dirt, dust, oil and water. These contaminants are extremely common in the areas you would find a compressed air system and will wear down your machine if not properly filtered out.


Air compressor leaks can be a substantial source of wasted energy in any system, sometimes wasting 20-30% of a compressor's production. Worst of all, a poorly maintained compressor can have a leak rate expected to equal 20% of total compressed air...


Choosing the right compressor is essential to your long-term satisfaction and maybe, to the profitability of your business. Many times compressors are based on a single factor alone, such as horsepower or tank size, which is only part of the story.


In oil injected screw compressors, there is a thin layer of oil found between the rotors to create a seal and maintain proper efficiency as the compression occurs. The unfortunate side effect of this solution is that oil may carry over to the point of use in your air system. This can be mitigated by having correct filtration in place to remove the oil contaminants in your air. Additionally, many individuals may decide to opt for a completely oil-free solution, with the use of a scroll compressor or water injected screw compressor.


Most businesses concentrate on the air compressor and consider the piping as a secondary concern. The piping system can make or break your business. Faulty, inefficient piping can cause pressure loss and lost power. Keeping a close eye on the overall layout, installations and maintenance of your air piping system will help keep your business running at its’ optimal efficiency.


Our #1 Focus is Customer Service! Whether you have questions about which compressor is right for you, or if you’re ready to improve your operations and start saving on expenses. Ash Air has been around for over 40 years because we offer reliable and hardworking air compressors, vacuum pumps, and services as well as expert advice and support.


An oil analysis can prevent problems later down the road. It's often been referred to as the blood test for your compressor. Just like a blood test can tell you about your health and early alerts to impending problems, an analysis can do the same for your compressor.




Did you know that pressure drops and leaks are the two largest areas of energy loss on your air compressors? It’s easy to understand why a leaking pipe or fitting creates energy loss. Pressure drops are not quite as noticeable, since you cannot hear ...


Whenever anything doesn't work properly, it's frustrating and we get it. If this is your first time experiencing troubles with your dryer, you're probably unsure where to even start. Getting your dryer repaired and back up and working is critical to ...


Screw compressors are helpful for an enormous range of applications such as air filling, packaging, tools, HVAC control, and more! One possible drawback is the amount of electricity they use; air compressors can be a huge drain on energy if used ​ine...



Most air compressors require constant oil lubrication to prevent friction on the pistons or screws and other moving parts. To make sure your air compressor is running efficiently, it is important to check your oil level regularly and to know how much...


Have you heard of the term "Total Air Solutions"? A total air solution means everything that goes with the compressor for your business’s air system. 90% of companies require more than just an air compressor. 


When speaking of air compressors, compressed air treatment is a process that dehumidifies and cleans air before entering the compressor. Most commonly, this process involves air filters and an air dryer.


Air compressors are used in many different applications and provide essential compressed air to many businesses and individuals with different air needs. No matter what your CFM, PSI and HP requirements are, the electronic controller on your air compressor is the motherboard for keeping your unit running as efficiently as possible. It is your eyes into your machine.


Air compressors are helpful for an enormous range of applications such as air filling, packaging, tools, HVAC control, and more! One possible drawback is the amount of electricity they use; air compressors can be a huge drain on energy if used ​inefficiently​. If you are running them too long, allowing leaks to exist, or using the wrong type of compressor, you are wasting ​energy and money​. This article will go over some of the biggest power-wasters and how to
stop/prevent them!



In the following guide, we want to try to answer some of the questions you may have been asking yourself in regards to screw air compressors. If you do not find the answer you are looking for, please get in touch with us.


Compressed air is a key utility supporting the food packaging and food processing industries. It is used in machines that fill products such as cakes, pies, and liquid products, as well as during the packaging and transportation of snacks, vegetables, beer, soda and other items.. Compressed air must be moisture and contaminant-free to ensure the protection of the food products processed in each facility. 


Minimizing the risk of accidents in the workplace is a top priority in industry, and it is especially important when working with pneumatic power tools. Ensuring that all safety precautions have been taken to protect the health and wellbeing of operators is vital. With this in mind, here are seven simple steps to reduce the risk of accidents and improve operator safety


Regardless of the type of compressor you have, vibration issues can be troubling for any business. The root of the vibration can stem from multiple sources, some internally and others externally. Understanding the cause of the vibration and how to resolve them will be critical in keeping your compressor in proper working order.


Air compressors are essential to your business, but they can also become a safety hazard when used improperly. Reading your owner’s manual and following all proper safety precautions before use is vital in keeping your compressor in great, working condition.


Corrosion in the pipeline is due to insufficient condensation drainage that occurs during compression. The resulting condensate, together with the compressed air, flow further into the compressed air line network and has a negative effect on the pipes. Find out more about how you can prevent corrosion here.


FRLs – Filters, Regulators and Lubricators – guarantee the efficiency and durability of pneumatic tools. Including an FRL in your air system is vital to running an efficient air line set-up and key to achieving a good return on investment. Read more here!


Check out this blog and video included to help you know what you should be looking for when you're thinking about purchasing a Chicago Pneumatic Rotary Screw Compressor for your shop or application. If you want to learn about what a screw compressor actually is, check out this article  


There are 3 simple steps to make sure your air line installation is providing the right pressure and that your accessories selection is correct, so you can ultimately work productively. It does not take long and it is something you can easily do yourself using our self-diagnostic checklist. 


Okay, okay, we're a bit excited. With the recent launch of our air tools in our online shop. Here's a 101 for you about what air tools you might need in your air compressor tool kit. Air tools are prevalent in automotive industries, woodworking, construction, metalwork and more. Did you know that there's pretty much an air-powered version nearly any power tool on the market? We want to share with you our 'Must have Air Tools'.


When you are thinking about an air compressor, you might be have the image of the super popular piston or reciprocating compressor in your mind. The compressor that you see in home workshops, automotive garages pumping up tyres and assisting in spray painting cars.


As a follow on to our Why You Should Not Use PVC Piping for Your Compressed Air System blog, we share with you what piping you shouldbe using to get the most out of your compressed air system. Here at Ash Air we have the perfect solution if you're wanting to match your great compressor with a fast, easy and reliable piping solution that supports the operational excellence of your whole compressed air system. 


An air compressor is a big purchase for any business. It is visibly important to properly maintain the air compressor and filter elements to protect that investment. Air intake filters are installed in an air compressor to remove any dust or debris the compress may suck in. Dust will cause wear to the compressor element, valves, filters, compressor oil and any moving parts.


So you have a vacuum pump installed and you rely on it for your business operations and performance? Here are some reasons why you should consider overhauling your vacuum pump! s with all machinery and compressed air equipment, regular maintenance can help ensure optimised safer performance of your vacuum pump. Learn more about benefits of restoring, rebuilding and repairing your vacuum pump.


Air compressors are used every day, by many industries around the world. They are often considered the heart of a business, in that most companies will rely on their performance and efficiency to run their operations, to get work done effectively and safely. In your day to day, you've probably seen air compressors in use - whether at a build site powering construction equipment or in a mechanics workshop inflating tyres.


A scroll air compressor, or spiral compressor, compresses air by drawing it it, trapping it, reducing the volume and discharging it at the outlet port. The scroll compressor that you see today, such as SpiralAIR, have been the result of modernised advancements in manufacturing technology, even thought the concept of a scroll compressor has been around for over 100 years.The scroll compressor is oil-free orbiting, or positive displacement compressor. The compressor has a stator spiral fixed in a housing, and a motor driven eccentric orbiting spiral. 


Air compressors come in many types, rotary screw, piston, scroll, reciprocating, some are oil-free and other air compressors require oil lubrication. Like many businesses, an efficient air compressor is at the heart of their operations. So, which type of compressor should you choose? What makes a compressor, like a rotary screw, unique? Here are some clear cut benefits of equipping your business with a rotary screw compressor.  


In the world of compressors, there are often significant and unutilized energy-saving possibilities including energy recovery, pressure reduction, leakage reduction and optimization of operations through correct choice of a control and regulation system as well as the choice of compressor size.We are going to take a look at some of the opportunities for minimizing the compressor’s operating costs. 


Liquid water in compressed-air systems can lead to rusted equipment and unresponsive controls. Anyone who uses compressed air will, at some point, find liquid water in the air distribution system. This can be anything from a nuisance to a serious problem, depending on the application. If water might corrode equipment or introduce bacteria, removing it is critical. 


Liquid water in compressed-air systems can lead to rusted equipment and unresponsive controls. Anyone who uses compressed air will, at some point, find liquid water in the air distribution system. This can be anything from a nuisance to a serious problem, depending on the application. If water might corrode equipment or introduce bacteria, removing it is critical. 


Whenever most people think about a compressor, they probably have a piston compressor in mind. You might already know there are two basic principles of air compression. One of those is the principle of displacement compression. There are a lot of compressor types that classify as a displacement compressor. The piston compressor is one of them, oil-lubricated or oil-free. 


Once you have the size and type of compressor figured out, one last question remains, should I go with an oil lubricated or oil-free air compressor. To not overcomplicate the answer, your choice should be based on the application and process that the compressed air will be utilized in.


Like all compressor types, rotary screw models do require periodic maintenance. Thanks to the simplicity of the internal components, maintenance is relatively easy on most rotary air compressors. As long as you stick to a rotary screw compressor maintenance schedule, you will likely be rewarded with many, many years of optimal productivity from your machine. 


Did you know, the biggest part of the air we breathe is nitrogen? Everyone needs oxygen to survive, however air is made up of 78% nitrogen, only 21% oxygen and tiny amounts of other gases. Although, the human body does not use this nitrogen, it is very helpful in various industrial applications. There is an unlimited source of nitrogen readily available, allowing you to achieve needed purity at a fraction of your current annual nitrogen cost. 


If you notice that your compressor is getting hot and bothered, there may be heating issues affecting your air compressors performance. Did you know that an overheating compressor is top of the pops for being the most common cause of compressor failure. 


A rotary-screw compressor is an air compressor that uses a rotary-type positive-displacement mechanism, typically used replace piston compressors where large volumes of high-pressure air are needed, either for large industrial applications or to operate high-power air tools. 


Have a look around and what do you see? What are you thinking about? Your next holiday to Queenstown maybe? You might go snowboarding with the kids or have some alone time at the Day Spa. Whatever holiday you choose, compressed air is involved in some way, without you even realising it!  


There are crucial reasons why you should service and maintain your compressor regularly, with the most common issues being piston failure caused by wear of components, increased friction, corrosion, reduced cooling, overheating bearings and components, clogging of air filters. 


Compressed air is all around us, from the air in a balloon to pumping up tires on your bicycle. In this article we will explain what compressed air is and how it is created. Whether you know it or not, compressed air is involved in every aspect of our lives, from the balloons at your birthday party to the air in the tires of our cars and bicycles. It was probably even used when making the phone, tablet or computer you’re viewing this on. 


One of the biggest challenges is to correctly size your new air compressor. Similarly to everything else, new compressors available on the market are more efficient and employ better technology, therefore you have to understand the application and usage to size the machine correctly. Choosing the wrong air compressor for your facility can lead to problems with production and or increased costs due to wasted energy. 


Once you have the size of the air compressor figured out, the next thing to do is to decide on the type of compresor you will need for your application - piston, rotary screw compressor etc. Let us take a look at two of the most popular options available. When choosing the right type of compressor, you should ask yourself the following questions:


​Which vacuum pump do I need? - this is one of the most frequent questions we receive and this is understandable, because there are number of technologies which can provide the same vacuum level and pumping speed. Here is quick advice on how to choose the best vacuum pump for your needs.