{"id":51256,"date":"2025-01-27T16:22:42","date_gmt":"2025-01-27T16:22:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/air-compressor\/whats-the-difference-between-piston-compressors-reciprocating-compressors\/"},"modified":"2025-01-27T16:22:42","modified_gmt":"2025-01-27T16:22:42","slug":"whats-the-difference-between-piston-compressors-reciprocating-compressors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=51256","title":{"rendered":"What’s the Difference Between Piston Compressors & Reciprocating Compressors?"},"content":{"rendered":"


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When looking for a new air compressor for your operation, it can be difficult to differentiate between the many different types of systems. Luckily, Air Power East are here to help! During your search, you may have come across the terms \u201cpiston\u201d and \u201creciprocating\u201d compressors, but what\u2019s the difference? Here\u2019s everything you need to know.<\/p>\n

Piston Compressors vs Reciprocating Compressors<\/h2>\n

\u201cPiston\u201d and \u201creciprocating\u201d are terms used interchangeably and refer to the same type of air compressor. This is because this type of compressor uses pistons and a reciprocating motion to compress air. Find out more below.<\/p>\n

What is a Piston Compressor & How Does it Work?<\/h2>\n

Simply put, a piston air compressor is comprised of pistons, crankshaft and cylinders. The pistons are driven by a crankshaft in a reciprocating motion (back and forth in the cylinder) to allow air through the inlet valve, into the cylinder, then compress it. To increase the pressure of the air, it will reduce its volume. This cycle is then repeated to produce a constant compressed air supply.<\/p>\n

This technology is known as the principle of positive displacement and has been used since the 17th<\/sup> century, therefore this type of compressor is one of the oldest and most common compressors you will find.<\/p>\n

What Are the Different Types of Piston Compressor?<\/h2>\n

There is not just one type of piston compressor, there are many different variations that have evolved over the years to suit different applications, but they all follow the same operating principle.<\/p>\n