Looking to buy reciprocating air compressor at a competitive price? Airo Shot Blast Equipments is a manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of reciprocating air compressors in India, offering piston-type compressed-air solutions for sandblasting, spray painting, pneumatic tools, and industrial applications. Our industrial reciprocating compressors are available in 5-30 HP models, with an indicative air delivery range of 18-110 CFM and pressure ratings of up to 175-200 psi, depending on the model. Built with a V-belt drive, deep-finned cast iron cylinder, aluminium alloy piston, cast iron crankcase, and compatible air receiver tank, these compressors are designed for dependable operation and convenient maintenance. Contact us for reciprocating compressor prices, technical specifications, capacity options, and a customized quotation based on your air pressure and consumption requirements.
What Is a Reciprocating Air Compressor?
A reciprocating piston compressor is a positive displacement compressor: it traps a volume of air in a cylinder and reduces that volume with a piston, which raises the pressure. A motor turns a crankshaft, and a connecting rod converts the rotation into the piston's up-and-down motion. Automatic valves let air in and out of the cylinder, and the compressed air is delivered to a receiver tank.
Reciprocating compressors reach high pressure ratios and are a common, economical choice for workshops, sand blasting machine operation, painting, and intermittent industrial duty.
How Does a Reciprocating Air Compressor Work?
- Suction: As the piston moves down, pressure in the cylinder falls below atmospheric pressure. The inlet valve opens and air flows in through the air filter.
- Compression: The piston moves up, closing the inlet valve and squeezing the air, which raises its pressure and temperature.
- Discharge: when cylinder pressure exceeds the pressure in the receiver, the discharge valve opens, and the compressed air flows out.
- Re-expansion: a small volume of high-pressure air left at the top of the stroke (the clearance volume) expands as the piston goes down, then the cycle repeats.
- Cooling: cooling fins on the cylinder and a cooling fan carry away the heat of compression.
- Storage and control: air goes into the air receiver tank. A pressure switch starts and stops the motor, so pressure stays between the lower and upper settings.
Suction, compression, and discharge all happen in two piston strokes, which is one full crankshaft rotation.
Types of Reciprocating Air Compressor
| Type |
How it works |
Typical pressure |
Best for |
| Single-stage |
One compression step in one cylinder (or cylinders in parallel) |
Lower, up to about 8-10 bar (120-145 psi) |
Light workshop and general use |
| Two-stage (multi-stage) |
Air is compressed in a low-pressure cylinder, cooled in an intercooler, then compressed again in a high-pressure cylinder |
Higher, up to 175-200 psi |
Sandblasting, heavy-duty, industrial use |
| Single-acting |
Compression on one side of the piston |
Standard |
Most workshop compressors |
| Double-acting |
Compression on both sides of the piston |
High volume |
Large industrial units |
| Oil-lubricated vs oil-free |
Oil in the crankcase, or oil-free for clean air |
- |
Oil-free for food, medical, and electronics (confirm what you supply) |
Air Receiver Tank - A Key Part of Every Reciprocating Compressor
A reciprocating compressor delivers air in pulses, so the air receiver tank is essential. It:
- Smooths the pulses into steady pressure
- Stores air for peak demand, such as a sandblasting machine opening
- Reduces start-stop cycling, which protects the motor and starter
- Cools the air and lets water settle, protecting dryers and filters
Our compressors come with a matched receiver, and you can add separate wet or dry receivers.
Key Features & Benefits of Reciprocating Compressor
- Deep-finned cast iron cylinder: Good heat dissipation and long life.
- Low-expansion aluminium alloy piston: Close, stable fit as it heats up.
- Steel crankshaft and strong cast iron crankcase: Rigid, durable construction.
- Efficient cooling: Aluminium cooler tubes and a dynamically balanced fan.
- High pressure: Up to 175-200 psi with 18-110 CFM.
- V-belt drive: Smooth, adjustable, and easy to service.
- Receiver built to ASME-style standards (confirm), with a pressure relief valve for safety.
- Automatic start/stop loop control: Saves power when air is not needed.
- Low maintenance: Accessible parts and widely available spares.
- Custom builds: Choose HP, stages, receiver size, and accessories.
Reciprocating vs Rotary Screw Air Compressor
| Feature |
Reciprocating (piston) |
Rotary Screw |
| Compression method |
Pistons in cylinders |
Two meshing rotors |
| Duty cycle |
Intermittent, with rest |
Continuous |
| Upfront cost |
Lower |
Higher |
| Pressure capability |
High per stage |
Moderate |
| Noise and vibration |
Higher |
Lower |
| Air delivery |
Pulsating (buffered by the receiver) |
Smooth |
| Maintenance |
Simple and familiar |
More specialised |
| Best for |
Workshops, blasting and painting |
Large plants, all-day air |
Choose a reciprocating piston air compressor for intermittent, high-pressure duty and the lowest purchase cost.
How to Choose the Right Reciprocating Piston Air Compressor
- Air demand (CFM): add up your nozzle, gun, or tool consumption and add a 20-30% margin. Our air compressor page has a nozzle-to-CFM guide.
- Working pressure: 100-120 psi for most blasting and painting, so a two-stage unit gives headroom.
- Duty cycle: reciprocating suits intermittent use.
- Single or two-stage: two-stage for higher pressure and efficiency.
- Receiver size: enough to buffer your peaks.
- Power supply: electric 415 V, 3-phase, 50 Hz, or portable diesel.
- Air quality: add an after-cooler, dryer, and filters if needed.
- Support: spares, service, and warranty.
Why Buy a Reciprocating Air Compressor from Airo Shot Blast Equipments?
- Direct manufacturer, supplier, and exporter in Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- ISO certified, GST-verified, 18 years' experience
- Built for blasting and painting duty
- Standard and custom builds, spares, and technical support
- Pan-India and export shipping by air, sea, and land, with export documents handled in-house
- Payment: 100% T/T, NEFT, RTGS, IMPS
- One supplier for compressors, receivers, blasting machines, and abrasives: grit blasting machine and shot blasting machine
Reciprocating Air Compressor Manufacturer in India
Airo Shot Blast Equipments is a manufacturer, supplier, and exporter of reciprocating piston air compressors in India, offering compressed-air solutions for sandblasting, surface preparation, spray painting, and industrial applications. The reciprocating air compressor price varies according to horsepower, air delivery capacity (CFM), operating pressure, receiver tank capacity, and configuration. In addition to air compressors, we supply a wide range of industrial equipment and consumables, including abrasive blasting machines, airless blasting equipment, wheel blasting machines, shot blasting machines, granite engraving machines, sand blasting machine spare parts, thermal spray guns, thermal spray wire, thermal spray powder, paint booth systems, dust collectors, air compressors, and abrasive media.