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.
As leading compressed air specialists serving South Wales, Bristol, and the West, Control Gear provides aerospace-ready systems designed for maximum reliability and efficiency.
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.
The risks of contamination include:
- 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.
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.
Key Aerospace Applications for Compressed Air
Compressed air breathes life into many vital operations throughout aerospace’s entire lifecycle.
- Manufacturing & Assembly: Driving pneumatic tools such as rivet guns, drills, applying spotless paint finishes, and running automated material handling equipment.
- Testing & R&D: Simulating real-life flight conditions during engine tests, performing structural integrity testing, and running wind tunnels.
- 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
Solution: Robust systems from Atlas Copco combined with preventative maintenance plans ensure maximum uptime and productivity. - 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
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.
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.
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.
Onsite Gas Generation:
Systems to produce high-purity nitrogen on-demand for tasks like tire inflation and fuel system purging.
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.
- Expert System Design & Audits
- Professional Installation
- 24/7 Emergency Support
- Certified compressor air quality testing for compliance
Why Work With Us?
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.
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.
