The overall mechanism of an air compressor is a piston or rotary component (e.g. rotary screw or vane) that allures surroundings, which is compressed right into a storage tank. Naturally, because the piston or rotary element needs to move consistently and smoothly for this to function, it generally must be lubricated.

In a lubricated air compressor, there is lubricating oil which will keep the piston or rotary component running smoothly Water Lubricated Air Compressor without damaging the mechanism. The lubricant also helps to dissipate high temperature and keep maintaining air compression efficiency.

Oil-totally free air compressors also use a piston or rotary element, but they bypass the lubrication problem by coating the compression component with a pre-lubricating materials like Teflon. Some oil-free compressors may also use water instead of essential oil for the lubricating and cooling procedure. These alternate materials safeguard the pump and invite the mechanism to move smoothly without the need for any oil-centered or synthetic lubrication.