Air Compressors for the Aerospace Industry

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Air Compressors for Aerospace Industry

Speed is of the essence in the aerospace industry in the United Kingdom. After all, when human lives are involved and the consequences of non-compliance can result in significant legal liability, high-purity compressed air isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a need-to-have. In component manufacturing, assembly, testing, and MRO, the right compressed air system can help prevent safety-critical failures, maintain OEE, and keep production lines running.

  • Atlas Copco Premier Distributors
  • 50 Years Experience
  • ISO 8573-1 Class 0
  • 24/7 Emergency Support

The Purity Mandate: Why Oil-Free Air is Non-Negotiable

Untreated compressed air contains oil, water, and particle contaminants that can cause catastrophic failures. For aerospace applications, 100% oil-free air is the only way to eliminate risk

Oil-free Class 0 isn’t just a standard, it prevents costly rework, rejected batches, and failed audits. Failure to meet this standard can trigger non-conformance under AS9100, CAA/EASA Part-145, and ISO 14644 cleanroom regulations.

Air Compressors for the Aerospace Industry

50

Years Experience

The risks of contamination include:

A 100% oil-free compressor eliminates these risks at the source. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on choosing between oil-lubricated and oil-free air compressors. The same purity is required by many oil-free compressors for sensitive industries

Product Rejection

Compromised composite bonding, paint defects, and damaged avionics.

Costly Rework

Production halts to clean contaminated pipework and equipment.

Failed Audits

Non-compliance with mandatory aerospace quality standards.

Key Aerospace Applications for Compressed Air

Compressed air breathes life into many vital operations throughout aerospace’s entire lifecycle.

01

Manufacturing & Assembly

Driving pneumatic tools such as rivet guns, drills, applying spotless paint finishes, and running automated material handling equipment.

02

Testing & R&D

Simulating real-life flight conditions during engine tests, performing structural integrity testing, and running wind tunnels.

03

Ground Support & MRO

Powering Air Start Units (ASUs) to start engines, inflating high-pressure tires, and running tools in hangars for maintenance and repair.

Solving Your Core Challenges: Uptime, Costs, and Compliance

An optimised compressed air system directly addresses the biggest pressures facing the Bristol and South Wales aerospace supply chain.

Problem: Unplanned Downtime

Problem: Unplanned Downtime

Solution: Robust systems from Atlas Copco combined with preventative maintenance plans ensure maximum uptime and productivity.

Problem: High Energy Costs

Problem: High Energy Costs

Solution: The Benefits of Variable Speed Drive (VSD) Compressors can cut electricity use by up to 50%. We also provide AIRScan energy audits and leak detection surveys to identify and eliminate waste.

Problem: Strict Compliance

Problem: Strict Compliance

Solution: We design systems to meet all key aerospace standards (AS9100, CAA/EASA Part-145, BS EN12021) and provide certified testing to prove it.

Aerospace-Ready Technology from Atlas Copco

Control Gear is a premier UK distributor for Atlas Copco, offering technology engineered for the aerospace industry.

01

Guaranteed Oil-Free Air

The Z-series (ZT/ZR and ZH) compressors are TÜV-certified to meet ISO 8573-1 Class 0, available in air-cooled and water-cooled variants.

02

Complete Air Treatment

We provide a full range of desiccant dryers and filtration to achieve the required purity. For more detail, read our guide on compressed air quality filters and standards

03

Onsite Gas Generation

Systems to produce high-purity nitrogen on-demand for tasks like tire inflation and fuel system purging.

04

Smart Monitoring

SMARTLINK remote monitoring provides real-time data and predictive maintenance alerts to prevent breakdowns before they happen.

Your Local Partner for Lifecycle Support

The right technology needs expert installation and support. Our factory-trained engineers provide a complete lifecycle service to aerospace firms across South Wales and the West.

Control Gear engineer at work

50 Years Experience

Why Work With Us?

  • One of the largest independent Fluid Power companies operating in the United Kingdom
  • Atlas Copco Premier Distributors
  • Diverse Market Coverage including 9 key specialisms

BOOK YOUR AEROSPACE AIR COMPRESSOR CONSULTATION TODAY

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Class 0 air essential for aerospace manufacturing?

Class 0 air, with its 0% oil aerosol content, is vital for aerospace manufacturing for several reasons. It ensures that no oil contamination from the compressor can enter your processes, which is essential for preventing product defects, protecting sensitive electronics, and ensuring safety and compliance.

How often should aerospace compressors be serviced?

There is usually an established preventative maintenance program, which calls for at least semi-annual professional service to maintain performance, efficiency and compliance.

How do aerospace firms reduce compressor energy costs?

The most effective methods are installing VSD compressors, conducting regular leak detection surveys, and implementing energy recovery systems to reuse waste heat.

What’s the difference between rotary screw and centrifugal compressors in aerospace?

Oil-free rotary screw compressors are highly versatile for varied air demands like assembly lines. Centrifugal compressors are ideal for facilities with high, stable air demand, like large manufacturing plants.

Get in touch

Secure Your Mission-Critical Air Supply

Do not leave your aerospace compressed air system to chance. Contact our South Wales and Bristol-based experts today for a full system audit or service plan. As leading compressed air specialists serving South Wales, Bristol, and the West, Control Gear provides aerospace-ready systems designed for maximum reliability and efficiency.

Mon–Fri · 09:00–17:00
24/7 emergency call-out available