The CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute) rating bears significant importance to both the air compressor and the tools it is used for. It’s important to understand that various tools necessitate different CFM. Consequently, it often becomes necessary to adjust the CFM rate of the air compressor to align with the needs of specific tools. This might mean increasing or reducing the CFM rate as per the requirement of diverse tools.
Need tools for your project? Toolbox, a tool rental marketplace, might be worth a look.
So, in this case, you can increase the CFM of the air compressor with the help of certain tools; but if you follow the wrong process, then your air compressor CFM has chances to be damaged. So first, you need to know how to increase CFM on air compressors properly to avoid risk. To make your learning easier, our team has provided a step-by-step guide on this topic. So without wasting time, let’s get started.
Benefits of Increasing CFM
We have already mentioned that the CFM rate varies depending on the performance of each tool. Here the great CFM rate helps to increase the reach of your work.
Air compressor’s CFM increase allows you to shift small tools to other tasks and run various advanced tools more easily.
It also helps to manage tools like a paint sprayer, impact wrench more efficiently, and help to speed up your work. Depending on the job, you will decrease the CFM later. As an air compressor is essential that everyone needs one in the car in case of a puncture or doing related work, you should learn how to increase CFM on it.
How to Increase CFM on Air Compressor?
In this part, we will share two easy methods; if you are a beginner, you can also easily increase CFM by following this method. So let’s get started.
Method 1: Decreasing the Pressure to Increase CFM
Each air compressor has a different power level, and that power depends entirely on the pressure and CFM of the air compressor. We have highlighted the complete process through a small formula: Power = Pressure × (Volume/Time), here Volume/Time means CFM.
One thing is clear from the formula here if you want to improve CFM, then you must decrease the pressure. You need to keep in mind that you cannot exceed the power limit of an air compressor. So you have the right way to dial the regulator and create less pressure in the air compressor’s tank.
Once you dial the regulator is down, the air will slowly flow into the tank. It will increase the amount of lower pressure, and this lower pressure will offer higher level CFM. This method will reach the specified limit without any damage to your compressor.
Method 2: Combining Up Two Air Compressors to Increase CFM
This method is very popular; it will help you get a higher CFM than the previous method. For example, if your air compressor is 5 CFM, and if you need more CFM, then follow this method.
We will basically connect two compressors to boost the CFM rate. In this case, if you connect your 5 CFM air compressor with another 3 CFM portable air compressor, then you will get 8 CFM at once. To start this process, you will need three connecting hoses. Then follow the steps below.
- First, place the two compressors side by side.
- Then connect to both compressors using two different hoses.
- Then select the third hose of 3 holes, where two holes will work as input, another hole will work as output.
- Then connect the two input holes with both compressors and the third output hole with your tools.
Why is Right CFM Important for Air Tools?
Maintaining the exact CFM is always important for any air tool. Because improper CFM not only slows down your work speed, it also damages your working surface and air tool. Below we present some essential things about why it is important to ensure the exact CFM air tools.
CFM requirement is mentioned in almost maximum air tools so that you can complete your work smoothly by providing the exact amount of CFM. If you can not provide proper CFM, then chances to power tools will not run.
Also, time is an essential thing for any professional mechanic. To complete the work at the right time, getting higher output from the tools is necessary. As a result of getting higher CFM, the output of the tools is also much higher, and the work can be completed instantly.
Providing less CFM than the requirement of your tools can have a negative impact on your compressor. As a result, the durability and efficacy of your air compressor will slowly decrease.
Improper CFM not only reduces the durability of the air compressor but also affects the functionality of the air tools.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good CFM for an air compressor?
It is very difficult to say in a specific way which CFM air compressor is good for your work. Because it completely depended on the tools requirement. The requirement of any small tools for regular work is 0 to 5 CFM; in this case, a small air compressor is a great option.
On the other hand, for heavy-duty work, large tools have a maximum field requirement of 10 CFM or more, in which case large air compressors are required.
How to increase air compressor performance?
It is very simple; you just follow the below steps to easily improve your air compressor’s performance.
- First, improve the air intake quality
- Second, Improve the system design
- Third, You must determine the exact pressure needed
- Fourth, Minimize the pressure reduction
- Finally, Always maintain the air compressor properly.
Is higher CFM better air compressor?
Higher CFM means higher ability to deliver more air. However, it depends entirely on work, due to which higher CFM may not be better in all fields. For example, a higher CFM air compressor is a great option for handling heavy air tools like a nail gun or impact wrench. But for regular tools, it is not so important a higher CFM air compressor.
Final Verdict
It is very easy to know the process of how to increase CFM on air compressors, but the experience is required to apply the process. If you are a complete beginner, and if you do not have a basic idea about the functionality of the air compressor, then I would highly recommend you to take the help of experts. But if you have basic knowledge, then you can follow the above process.
