In the world of manufacturing these days, there are many different pieces of equipment that go into the manufacturing process. If you look the manufacturing business, you will find that 70% of all manufacturers have a compressed air system. While most of the manufacturers use an air compressor of some sort, their individual needs are not all the same. Each system might be set up differently. The compressed air piping sizing might be different depending on what is being manufactured. In other words, a compressed air system design is not a one size fits all proposition.

Engineers have traditionally called for several different types of compressed air piping materials. A compressed air piping design could call for galvanized steel, black iron, copper, or even plastic. Depending on the compressed air piping sizing, different materials were used to make the best possible and most affordable system. These days, many engineers and contractors are finding that aluminum makes for an ideal material.

Over half of the compressed air systems out there today are made with either galvanized steel or black iron piping. There are several reasons why this is the case, but mainly it boils down to the fact that the contractors are familiar with these materials and the cost of these materials are low. In addition, the pipe and compressed air fittings are easy to obtain. The compressed air piping sizing is relatively easy to get right compared with the other materials.

Perhaps the most important reason that galvanized steel is used is that steel pipe is rated for high pressure, which can have a very large impact on a company’s bottom line. A leak in a compressed air system could wind up being extremely expensive to a manufacturer. If a 100 psi compressed air system had even a 1/8 inch hole in the piping, that could end up costing the company upwards of $1,200.

Many small to medium sized industrial facilities that have compressed air systems have found that there are several low-cost energy conservation opportunities available. If their compressed air piping sizing is done properly and regular maintenance is done on the machine, many of the compressed air systems out right now can perform at a relatively inexpensive cost when compared to those machines that are not kept up to perform at optimum ability.

There are many ways in which compressed air systems are made. Whichever type you decide to use, consider all of the materials that might be used and which ones will perform best in your particular plant. Technology is expanding every day, and the designs of compressed air systems are getting better than ever. From the complete design of the systems to the materials being used.

Find the right materials, find the best fit for your company and keep up the maintenance. If you do that, you’ll be hard pressed to do more.