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Resource center · CBS Air Compressors
Piston & reciprocating air compressors
Complete guide to piston compressors. How they work, advantages, when to choose piston vs screw, 7 CBS families from 0.65 to 15 HP, and how to choose the right model.
Seven piston families for every application: electric, gasoline, oil-free, high pressure, and explosion-proof. Domestic manufacturing with immediately available spare parts.
From 0.65 HP
Up to 435 psi
110V / 220V / Gas
Quick answer: the piston (reciprocating) compressor compresses air in cycles and is the most versatile and affordable technology for shops and industry: it takes rough duty, maintenance is simple (SAE 40 monograde oil and filters) and spare parts are always available. Size it by your tools’ CFM — a piston is designed to work in cycles, not non-stop; for continuous demand, step up to a rotary screw.
- 1 to 30 HP
- High pressure up to 435 psi
- Gasoline versions
- NOM-020 tanks
0.65–15
HP piston range
175 psi
max pressure standard series
55+
years manufacturing compressors
7
piston families available
Technical advantages
Why choose a piston compressor?
Features that make it ideal for workshops, intermittent production, and specialized applications
Versatility for every application
The piston compressor covers more application types than any other technology. Electric or gasoline, lubricated or oil-free, standard or high pressure — there is a piston for every need. Available from 1 HP for workshops to 15 HP for intermittent production.
Higher pressures
Up to 175 psi standard — more than the typical 145 psi of a screw compressor. Air·co high-pressure models reach 435 psi for PET blowing and hydrostatic testing without a booster.
Accessible maintenance
Affordable and easy-to-find wear parts: rings, reed valves, gaskets. With CBS XV cylinder heads manufactured in Mexico, spare parts are immediately available nationwide.
Adapts to any installation
Single-phase 110V to plug into any outlet. Two-phase 220V for workshops. Three-phase for industry. Gasoline for field and jobsite. No matter your electrical service, there is a CBS piston for you.
Oil-free versions
The Air·co Oil-Less line offers oil-free compressors for applications that cannot tolerate oil in the air: dental, laboratories, instrumentation, and airbrushing. Zero oil in the compression chamber.
Gasoline versions
For field work, construction, and locations without electrical access. Gasoline engines with electric start and CBS cast iron cylinder heads. CBS XV Gasoline and Air·co Portable series.
Technical comparison
Piston vs. Screw: when to choose each one?
The most common question when sizing a compressed air system
| Feature | Piston | Screw |
|---|---|---|
| Initial investment | Lower | Higher |
| Duty cycle | 25–75% (intermittent) | 100% (continuous) |
| HP range | 0.65–15 HP | 10–200 HP |
| Max pressure | Up to 435 psi | 145 psi |
| Electrical service | 110V, 220V, 440V, gasoline | 220V / 440V three-phase |
| Noise | 72–90 dB(A) | 62–85 dB(A) |
| Cost per m³ | Competitive for intermittent use | Lower for continuous use |
| Ideal for | Workshops, intermittent use, field | Industrial plants, 24/7 operation |
General rule: for intermittent use, limited budget, or high pressure, choose piston. For continuous operation or more than 10 HP, consider screw.
Not sure which is right? We advise you at no cost.
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CBS XV Electric Series
The flagship piston series: 5 to 15 HP
Domestically manufactured with cast iron cylinders, Swedish steel reed valves, and a balanced crankshaft. Low RPM operation (580) for maximum durability. Simplex and vertical configurations, 300 to 500-liter tanks compliant with NOM-020-STPS.
- 5, 7.5, 10, and 15 HP available
- Maximum pressure: 175 psi (12 bar)
- 300 and 500-liter tanks NOM-020-STPS
- Warranty: 2 years cylinder head, 1 year motor
CBS XV Gasoline Series
Compressed air where there is no electricity
Same CBS XV compressor unit with a Honda gasoline engine. For construction sites, field work, road maintenance, and any remote application without access to electrical power. Electric start, 300 and 500-liter tanks.
- 13, 18, and 23 HP with gasoline engine
- CBS XV cast iron cylinder head
- 300 and 500-liter tanks
- Warranty: 2 years compressor unit
Air·co Piston Series
Excellent value for money
The Air·co line covers the widest variety of low and medium compressed air demand applications. From 1 to 15 HP with simplex, vertical, and horizontal configurations. From single-phase 110V units that plug into any outlet to three-phase for industrial workshops. 60 to 500-liter tanks with CBS technical support.
- 1, 2, 3, 5, 7.5, 10, and 15 HP
- Single-phase 110V, two-phase, and three-phase
- Horizontal and vertical configurations
- Warranty: 1 year factory-direct
Air·co Oil-Less Series
Oil-free air for sensitive processes
Oil-less compressors with integrated tank from 0.65 to 4.5 HP. Zero oil in the compression chamber — the air never comes into contact with lubricant. For dental clinics, laboratories, analytical instrumentation, and processes where oil contamination is not acceptable.
- 0.65 to 4.5 HP with integrated tank (4 to 140 liters)
- Oil-less operation — no oil at any compression stage
- From 62 dB(A) — install directly in office or lab
- Warranty: 1 year factory-direct
Air·co High Pressure Series
Compression up to 435 PSI for demanding industrial applications
Standalone piston compressors that compress atmospheric air directly to 435 psi (30 bar), without the need for a primary compressor. For PET blowing, hydrostatic testing, laser cutting, and applications requiring pressures above conventional levels. Also available as a booster to raise pressure from 145 psi.
- Standalone compressors at 10, 15, and 25 HP (435 psi)
- 30 HP booster — raises from 145 to 435 psi
- Multi-stage compression with intercooling
- Warranty: 1 year factory-direct
Air·co Portable Gasoline Series
Portable compressed air for field and jobsite
Compressors with gasoline engine and electric start. Designed for construction, road maintenance, field sandblasting, and any remote job without access to electrical power. IMC cast iron cylinder head with 300 and 500-liter tanks.
- 13 and 18 HP with gasoline engine
- 302 and 500-liter tanks
- Maximum pressure: 175 psi (12 bar)
- Warranty: 1 year factory-direct
CBS Explosion-Proof Series (APE)
Safe compression in hazardous atmospheres
Motor and electrical components rated for operation in environments with potentially explosive gases, vapors, or dust. Design compliant with industrial safety standards for chemical plants, oil and gas facilities, and any installation classified as a hazardous area.
- 5 and 25 HP available
- Explosion-proof motor and starter
- Rated pressure switch and electrical components
- Warranty: 2 years factory-direct
Applications
Where is a piston compressor used?
Sectors where versatility, accessibility, and high pressure are priorities
Mechanical workshops
Pneumatic tools, painting, inflation, cleaning. The piston compressor is the workhorse of any automotive or mechanical workshop.
Dental clinics and offices
Air·co Oil-Less compressors for dry, clean, and quiet air. Zero oil in contact with the patient. From 0.65 HP.
Construction and jobsite
Impact tools, sandblasting, facade painting. Gasoline compressors that go where the job is.
Painting and finishing
Paint booths, airbrushing, lacquering. Stable pressure and sufficient airflow for surface finishing applications.
Laboratories
Analytical instrumentation, calibration, test equipment. Oil-less compressors for contaminant-free air.
PET blowing
Air·co high-pressure compressors up to 435 psi for PET bottle blowing lines and plastic packaging.
Your application not listed? Tell us about your case.
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Before you decide
What to evaluate when choosing a piston compressor?
Key questions to size your equipment correctly.
- Tools you will connect — each tool’s CFM consumption determines the minimum airflow.
- Required pressure (PSI) — most tools work at 90-120 psi, but some applications need more.
- Hours of use per day — piston is ideal for intermittent use (25-75% of the time). For continuous use, consider screw.
- Available electrical service — 110V single-phase, 220V two-phase, or three-phase? Or do you need gasoline?
- Do you need oil-free air? — for dental, laboratory, or food applications, consider the Air·co Oil-Less line.
- Available space — horizontal or vertical? The vertical piston saves floor space.
Not sure which model you need?
Our technical team helps you calculate the airflow and pressure you require. Free advice with no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Everything about piston compressors
Straightforward answers to the most common questions
With proper maintenance (oil changes, valve and ring inspection based on operating hours), a CBS XV cast iron cylinder head can exceed 10,000 hours. Lifespan depends on the operating cycle — a piston used intermittently lasts significantly longer than one forced into continuous operation.
It is not recommended. Piston compressors are designed for intermittent duty cycle (25-75% of the time). In continuous operation they overheat and wear accelerates. If you need 24/7 operation, the correct technology is screw or scroll.
The CBS XV series is manufactured in Mexico with cast iron cylinder heads, Swedish steel valves, and low RPM (580) for maximum durability. It has a 2-year warranty. The Air·co line is a more affordable option with a 1-year warranty. Both have spare parts available at all 5 CBS locations.
Periodic oil changes (every 500-1,000 hours depending on use), air filter inspection, reed valve and ring check. Unlike screw, wear parts are affordable and service can be done by a general mechanic. Air·co Oil-Less models require no oil changes — just air filter replacement.
It depends on your consumption and how long you need air without the compressor starting. Practical rule: 3-5 liters of tank per CFM of airflow. For a workshop with light tools, 60-150 liters is enough. For heavy tools or multiple users, 300-500 liters. All CBS tanks comply with NOM-020-STPS.
CBS XV Electric: 2 years cylinder head, 1 year motor and accessories. CBS XV Gasoline: 2 years compressor unit. Air·co Piston: 1 year. Air·co Oil-Less: 1 year. APE: 2 years. All factory-direct, no middlemen.
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