Piston Compressors: Application Areas
Piston compressors – also known as reciprocal compressors – are designed to work within certain limitations. Find out more about them here. Read More…
Choosing the right assist gas in laser cutting: nitrogen or oxygen
When it comes to laser cutting and other industrial processes, the choice of assist gas is crucial in achieving optimal results. Nitrogen and oxygen are commonly utilized as assist gases, each with its own unique properties and applications. Understanding the characteristics of both gases, will help you to make an informed decision to ensure precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in your operations.
Reactivity
- Nitrogen: Nitrogen is an inert gas, which means it does not readily react with other substances. It is ideal for applications where oxidation and chemical reactions need to be minimized.
- Oxygen: Oxygen is highly reactive and supports combustion. It is suitable for cutting materials that require exothermic reactions, such as wood or plastics.
Cutting Speed
- Nitrogen: Nitrogen typically offers slower cutting speeds compared to oxygen. It is favoured when precision and edge quality are of utmost importance.
- Oxygen: Oxygen provides faster cutting speeds, making it advantageous for applications where speed is a priority.
Edge Quality
- Nitrogen: Nitrogen produces clean, burr-free cuts, resulting in superior edge quality. The absence of oxidation or dross formation minimizes the need for post-cutting processing, saving time and effort.
- Oxygen: Oxygen can introduce oxidation and dross formation, leading to rougher edges that may require additional post-processing steps.
Suitability for Different Materials
- Nitrogen: Nitrogen is well-suited for laser cutting a wide range of materials, including metals, stainless steel, and aluminium. It is preferred when precise cuts and minimal discoloration are desired.
- Oxygen: Oxygen is suitable for cutting organic materials like wood, acrylics, and plastics. It facilitates faster cutting speeds but may introduce discoloration and increased thermal effects.
Why choose on-site gas generation?
If you need nitrogen at your plant, there is the option of delivery or on-site generation.
In case of vast distances and logistical challenges, on-site generation emerges as a practical and efficient solution that ensures a reliable nitrogen supply, minimizes transportation complexities and the associated environmental impact
Additional benefits of on-site nitrogen generation:
- Significant cost savings by eliminating expensive nitrogen deliveries and rental fees
- Enhanced operational efficiency and convenience with a continuous and readily available nitrogen supply
- Greater control and flexibility over nitrogen production based on your specific requirements
- Improved safety by eliminating risks associated with handling and moving large nitrogen cylinders
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Elimination of storage space requirements for nitrogen cylinders
Browse Ash Air Nitrogen Generators
Membrane Nitrogen Gas Generators
Pneumatech’s PMNG range of nitrogen generators utilizes proprietary membrane separation technology. Membrane generators are an excellent choice in low (90%) to medium (99,5%) purity applications such as tire inflation, fire prevention, tank blanketing and pipeline drying. Nitrogen pressures can go up to 12 bar (g) without the need for an additional booster.
Engineered for simplicity, durability and ease of use make the PMNG what we believe to be the most user friendly unit in the market. All pre-filters and controls are included inside the canopy.
PSA Nitrogen Gas Generators
The PPNG series is Pneumatech’s premium on-site nitrogen solution for low to high flows, with best-in-class performance and the most complete scope of supply.
The generator has outstanding air factors at full load thanks to the use of highly efficient Carbon Molecular Sieves (CMS) and back-flow pressurization.
The air consumption is also optimized at reduced nitrogen flow or pressure demands, thanks to the advanced energy saving algorithm, which automatically adjusts the cycle times of the generator.
The control and monitoring capabilities of the PPNG series are truly impressive.
PSA Oxygen Generators
Pneumatech gives oxygen to your business. With the PPOG series, Pneumatech offers an attractive replacement for traditional oxygen supply with very interesting returns on investment.
The PPOG1-120 series uses Pressure Swing Adsorption technology to extract oxygen from compressed air, resulting in oxygen purity levels up to 95%.
The PPOG 2-18 HE series is a true game changer in on-site oxygen generation. 30% more efficient than traditional oxygen generators, the PPOG HE gives you the oxygen volume, purity and reliability you need at a massively reduced cost and a smaller environmental footprint.
PSA Oxygen Generators
With the PPOG series, Pneumatech offers an attractive replacement for traditional oxygen supply with very interesting returns on investment.
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Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!
Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and we’ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a reputation for quality and reliability.We look after all things compressed air for your business!
- Rotary Screw and Piston Air Compressors
- Vacuum Pumps and Blowers
- Nitrogen Generation
- An extensive line of Air Treatment components
- AIRnet Piping System and Filtration
- Mobile Compressors, Generators, and Light Towers
Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, ALUP, Pneumatech, and Atlas Copco products are used extensively around the world in industries ranging from oil and gas to food, automotive and farming, and we bring you these world-class compressors here in the land of the long white cloud.Our technicians are compressed air equipment experts and are dedicated to addressing customer needs. Supported with nationwide coverage, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air, vacuum pump, and industrial gas equipment and parts available today in New Zealand.
Reliability and Efficiency
With Ash Air, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our efforts on the following:
- Increasing uptime
- Reducing unexpected repairs
- Reducing energy consumption and meeting our sustainability goals
- Improving the cleanliness of compressed air
Talk to the team today:
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