AccuMetal Compressed Air Supply Guidelines
Applies toAccuMetalTopicAir, Exhaust & Cooling
Minimum specification for cutting with air · AccuMetal 24 / 51 · US market
Air is an addition, not a replacement. A compressed-air supply lets you cut thin metal at the lowest running cost, but it does not replace nitrogen or oxygen. Keep the compressor connected even when cutting with oxygen: the pneumatic clamps always run on air.
AIR SUPPLY LAYOUT
WHAT THE MACHINE NEEDS
| Requirement | AccuMetal specification |
|---|---|
| Inlet pressure | 0.6–1.6 MPa (87–232 psi) at the Air/N₂ inlet |
| Air quality | Completely dry — no water, no oil |
| Gas flow (manufacturer spec) | More than 1.0 m³/min (≈35 CFM) |
| Clamp supply | Regulated to 0.3–0.4 MPa (44–58 psi) on the machine |
| Typical cutting pressure | 8–12 bar (115–175 psi) at the head, depending on nozzle and thickness |
AIR COMPRESSOR (MINIMUM)
| Item | Minimum specification |
|---|---|
| Type | 2-stage stationary electric, oil-lubricated cast-iron pump |
| Tank | 80 gal, ASME-rated, vertical |
| Maximum pressure | 175 psi |
| Air delivery | 11.9 SCFM @ 90 psi (or more) |
| Motor | 5 HP |
| Electrical | 230 V single-phase, 22 A — dedicated 240 V circuit installed by an electrician |
| Footprint / weight | 26.5 × 29.5 × 66 in · 386 lb |
| Tank outlet | ¾" NPT |
| Reference model | Campbell Hausfeld XC802100, or equivalent with equal or higher pressure and SCFM |
DRYER / SEPARATOR KIT (MINIMUM)
| Stage / item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Ports | ½" NPT in and out |
| Stage 1 | 5 μm particulate filter / water separator |
| Stage 2 | 0.01 μm coalescing filter — removes oil aerosol from an oil-lubricated pump |
| Stages 3–4 | Dual desiccant dryers with color indicator (replace beads when they change color) |
| Regulator | 0–240 psi adjustable with gauge and lock |
| Drain / bowls | Automatic drain, metal bowls |
| Reference kit | 4-stage ½" NPT drying system, 0–240 psi regulator |
Capacity note. At 11.9 SCFM @ 90 psi, this compressor is below Thunder Laser's published gas-flow figure of 1.0 m³/min (≈35 CFM). It meets the pressure requirement and suits thin sheet with smaller nozzles (S1.5–S2) and short-to-medium jobs; on long jobs expect the compressor to run continuously and head pressure to sag. For production cutting, size up to a compressor rated for 35 SCFM or more with a refrigerated dryer.
FITTINGS AND CONNECTIONS
| Connection | Thread / fitting | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor tank outlet | ¾" NPT (female) | ¾" ball valve, then ¾" × ½" NPT reducer; rated 300 psi+ |
| Compressor to dryer | ½" hose or pipe · dryer ports ½" NPT (female) | 300 psi+ working pressure; short runs, few elbows; follow the kit's flow arrow |
| Dryer to machine | ½" NPT male × ⅜" hose barb | Machine inlets take ⅜" hydraulic hose; secure with a hose clamp. Use hose rated 300 psi or higher |
| N₂ regulator to machine | ⅜" NPT female × ⅜" hose barb | Fits the regulator's ⅜" NPT male port |
| O₂ regulator to machine | 9/16"-18 RH nut × ⅜" hose barb | Brass, oxygen-clean; to the O₂ inlet |
| Thread sealant | PTFE tape or paste on NPT threads | Never on CGA seats; oxygen-rated sealant on oxygen lines |
CYLINDER REGULATORS (NITROGEN AND OXYGEN)
| Gas | Regulator requirement | Reference regulator |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen | CGA-580 cylinder inlet; delivery adjustable to at least 232 psi; high-flow design. Set no higher than 232 psi (machine max 1.6 MPa) | Harris Model 3500-400-580 (P/N 3003540): 0–400 psig, single stage, high flow; outlet ⅝"-18 RH female plus ⅜" NPT male port (use for the ⅜" barb) |
| Oxygen | CGA-540 cylinder inlet; delivery 0–150 psi. Set no higher than 146 psi (machine max 1.0 MPa); oxygen-clean, oil-free | Victor EDGE 2.0 ESS32 (0781-3626): 0–150 psig; outlet 9/16"-18 RH, fit a ⅜" barb nut |
AIR, NITROGEN AND OXYGEN
| Gas | Use it for | Supply |
|---|---|---|
| Air | Thin stainless, mild steel and aluminum where a gray, lightly oxidized edge is acceptable | This spec sheet |
| Nitrogen | Bright, oxide-free edges on stainless and aluminum that will be welded, painted or left visible | Manifolded cylinders or liquid dewar, 87–232 psi, ≥99.99% purity |
| Oxygen | Mild steel from about 3 mm (⅛") and up | Cylinder with regulator, 29–145 psi, ≥99.99% purity |
INSTALL AND UPKEEP
- Mount the dryer kit between compressor and machine, away from the hot discharge.
- Drain the compressor tank daily; check the kit's auto drain works.
- Replace desiccant when it changes color; filters per the kit maker.
- Check pressure at the head while cutting, not at the tank. Set the dryer regulator no higher than 175 psi.
Minimum recommended specification for planning. Verify against your machine nameplate and the compressor and dryer manufacturers' documentation. Compressor figures from Campbell Hausfeld XC802100 published specs; regulator figures from retailer listings; machine figures from the AccuMetal Series User's Manual.
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