Piston Air Compressors

Reliable ABAC Piston Compressors for Workshop and Industrial Applications

  • Wide range of ABAC piston compressors for workshops, garages and industry
  • Expert advice and sizing support to match the right compressor to your application
  • Full servicing, maintenance and repairs from experienced compressor engineers
  • Genuine ABAC parts and service kits available from our online shop
Shop now Call Us

Our Partners

As proud partners of ABAC, ALUP and ELGi we can present to you a comprehensive range of energy efficient rotary screw air compressors.

Piston Air Compressors

Piston air compressors, also known as reciprocating compressors, are one of the most widely used and reliable forms of compressed air generation. They are designed to provide high-pressure compressed air in short bursts, making them ideal for workshops, garages, and smaller industrial applications where air demand is intermittent rather than continuous.

At the heart of a piston compressor is a piston and cylinder mechanism driven by a crankshaft. As the piston moves down it draws air into the cylinder, and as it moves upward it compresses the air before sending it to a storage tank for use throughout the system.

This simple but effective design has been used for decades and remains a popular choice due to its durability, affordability and ability to deliver high pressures when required.

PISTON COMPRESSOR RANGE

CAPABILITIES WE CAN PROVIDE

Pressure Range
8-10
bar
Volume Flow
0.06 - 2550
m³/min
Motor Power
1.5 - 15
KW
Type
Single & 2-Stage
Compressor

Most piston compressors operate between 8 and 10 bar, providing sufficient pressure to power a wide range of pneumatic tools, workshop equipment and production machinery. Higher pressures may be required for certain specialist applications.

Airflow determines how much compressed air a system can deliver. Our ABAC piston compressor range offers multiple airflow capacities, ensuring you can match the compressor output to the air demand of your tools and equipment.

Piston compressors are available with a range of motor sizes to suit different air requirements. From smaller workshop compressors to larger industrial units, selecting the correct motor power ensures efficient operation and reliable performance.

ABAC piston compressors are available in single-stage and two-stage configurations. Single-stage units are ideal for general workshop use, while two-stage compressors provide higher efficiency and improved performance for heavier duty applications.

Not sure what you need or can't find what you are looking for? We can help! Our team of experts are always on hand to advise and help determine the best fit for your business, please call or email us.

Applications for Piston Air Compressors

Piston compressors are extremely versatile and are commonly used in a wide variety of industries and environments where compressed air is required in smaller volumes.

Typical applications include:

  • Automotive workshops and garages
  • Body shops and spray painting
  • DIY and maintenance workshops
  • Agricultural equipment and machinery
  • Manufacturing and production facilities
  • Tyre inflation and pneumatic tools
  • General engineering and fabrication

They are particularly well suited to applications with fluctuating air demand, where compressed air is required in short bursts rather than continuously.

BENEFITS OF A

PISTON AIR COMPRESSOR
Piston compressors offer a number of benefits that make them a popular choice for many businesses and workshops:

Cost Effective

They typically have a lower initial purchase cost compared with other compressor technologies, making them ideal for smaller operations or occasional use.

High Pressure Capability

Piston compressors can generate high pressures, which makes them suitable for powering pneumatic tools, spray equipment and other applications that require strong bursts of compressed air.

Simple and Robust Design

With fewer complex components, piston compressors are easy to maintain and repair, and spare parts are widely available.

Ideal for Intermittent Use

Unlike rotary screw compressors that run continuously, piston compressors are designed to start and stop based on air demand, making them efficient for applications where air is required only periodically.

Choosing the Right Piston Compressor

When selecting a piston compressor, several factors should be considered to ensure the system meets your requirements:

  • Airflow (CFM) required by your tools or equipment
  • Maximum pressure (BAR or PSI) needed for your application
  • Duty cycle – how often the compressor will run
  • Tank size for adequate air storage
  • Single-stage or two-stage compression

Our team can help you select the most suitable piston compressor for your application, ensuring you get reliable performance, efficient operation and long service life.

Our Process

PISTON COMPRESSORS
Getting the Right Piston Compressor

Choose Your Compressor

Browse our range of ABAC piston compressors, designed for workshops, garages and industrial applications. With a variety of tank sizes, airflow capacities and motor powers, you can easily find the right compressor for your needs.

Order Online

Once you’ve selected the right compressor, simply order online through our shop. We offer competitive pricing, fast delivery and access to genuine ABAC equipment you can rely on.

Parts & Support

We don’t just supply compressors — we also provide genuine ABAC parts, service kits, oils and technical support to keep your compressor running efficiently for years to come.

How a Piston Compressor Works

Piston compressors operate using the positive displacement principle, meaning the compressor increases air pressure by reducing its volume inside a cylinder.

The process typically follows three key stages:

1. Intake
The piston moves downward, creating a vacuum that draws atmospheric air into the cylinder through the inlet valve.

2. Compression
The piston then moves upward, compressing the trapped air and increasing its pressure.

3. Discharge
The compressed air is forced through the outlet valve and stored in a receiver tank, ready to power tools and equipment when needed.

This cycle repeats automatically whenever the pressure in the tank drops below the set level.

Why You Can Trust Us

Accreditations & Memberships