Continuous duty cycles allow you to keep machines and tools running without having to stop for a break. Specifically, the ones that say 100% duty cycle works continuously on a constant PSI and CFM. So, if you run an air compressor on its low cycle it will result in damage and breaks which will cost you a handful of money.
If you are new to air compressors, you might have heard somewhere in the stores, written on the products or by the seller, “What kind of an air compressor do you want? A duty cycle, a continuous etc. or what. This is where the confusion starts while making a decision.
Duty cycle plays an important part in an air compressor, so is the importance of a continuous duty air compressor. Everyone wants to buy the one that suits their needs or is advanced but authentic and likes to hear reviews first so that they can make a purchase. For that; in this article, we have talked in detail, about what is a continuous duty air compressor in real.
What does a continuous duty cycle mean?
There are numerous air compressors, one of them is the continuous duty air compressor. Most of the continuous ones are the rotatory screw, are used in industries etc.
This is one of the best options for continuous working, that specifically incorporates: Refinishing, colorings and for industrial & fabrication purposes.
This one works on a simple mechanism of constant pressure, when it reaches the highest level, the lid opens up to release the air and immediately closes down and air gets back to it. Considering the topic, it is basically a compressor percentage that counts the entire duration of the pump.
Percentages of the duty cycle:
In a continuous duty cycle air compressor, there are certain percentages on which it actually works. As mentioned above, the working is based on the pressure and output. So, let’s discuss the percentages of the duty cycle that comes in the order of 25% in some, 30%, 50%, 75% and 100%.
1. 25% duty cycle
The 25% duty cycle is used in smaller organizations or you can say in homes and offices etc. In particular, the total duration is ¼ of the entire cycle. This much duration is ideal for air tools and handheld, compact compressors.
2. 30% duty cycle
In an air compressor, with the duty cycle of 30% it will work or you can say that the whole duration of the cycle will be 1/3rd of the complete duration.
If we take an example here, think that you have a compressor that has a cycle period of 80 seconds so it will definitely work for 40 seconds in total, so if you are looking for a continuous compressor that you need for a shorter time, this one’s for you.
3. 50% duty cycle
The case is a little different for the 50% of the duty cycle in two ways; at first for 50% cycle, you will get the half of the work time or you can say the cycle duration but on the other hand; if it will run for 5 minutes it will rest for 2.5 minutes and then it will get into working; so for the 50% duty cycle you have to wait for the half of the duration.
In my opinion, I guess this one is better according to the work duration. If you are working for an hour continuously it will take 30 mins afterwards to build up the essentials required for functioning.
As we discussed the 30 and the 25% duty cycle and their working in respective genres, the 50% is primarily the best deal for medium sized machines; not so small and neither for factories/industrial purposes.
Also, people usually do not invest in big compressors because their work doesn’t require a complete day long usage or the working is not for something huge (bigger projects); so they make a perfect spot particularly in stores, shops etc.
4. 75% duty cycle
In our fourth category of the duty cycle in a continuous air compressor, for the 75% it covers around 3/4th of the complete duty cycle, as we talk about others above, for this working for an hour will take 45 minutes to function again.
For another perspective, the 75% duty cycle will stop for a short time to rest or to cool down. These are utilized for multiple purposes such as for nailing, pneumatic purposes, bolts and pins etc.
5. 100% duty cycle
As the name shows the 100% duty cycle, the compressor will run continuously for all the time required. For the usage, you can use it for spray painting and for long term use on surfaces, furniture and other objects.
Furthermore, a duty cycle offers 100 levels of PSI and so as the CFM level, within the temperature of 75F. Also, in some circumstances the real cycle works at 50% but at that you get the complete continuous PSI and CFM within the temperature, as the maximum capacity is 100 so it functions on that.
In addition, according to the information gathered from manufacturers it is known that if you make any difference, it will directly affect the duty cycle of the compressor.
Conclusion
They are meant to work continuously without any break and will rest after the required work is done by you, and with that it will take its required time to cool down. Also, these are portable enough to last you for a longer period.
There will always be less information about the continuous compressor duty cycle, with that I hope this article has explained to you exactly what a continuous air compressor duty cycle is with the respective separate definitions and their purposes with examples.
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