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Complete guide to rotary screw compressors. How they work, advantages vs piston, CBS series from 10 to 200 HP, and how to choose the right model for your operation.
Screw compressor series designed and manufactured in Mexico: XV Custom, Air·co and Air·co GO. From medium workshops to high-demand industrial plants.
Quick answer: a rotary screw compressor compresses air with two helical rotors spinning continuously: it delivers constant flow at a 100% duty cycle, runs quietly inside an acoustic cabinet and needs less maintenance than a piston unit. It is the right choice when your operation consumes air for hours at a time. CBS builds them in Mexico from 10 to 200 HP, with variable speed available.
Compression principles that make it superior for continuous industrial operation
The helical rotors spin with an oil film between them. No direct contact, no mechanical wear in compression. The screw unit lasts tens of thousands of hours without replacement.
100% duty cycle. Unlike piston compressors that need cooling stops, screw compressors operate without interruption shift after shift. Designed for production lines that never stop.
Variable speed drive (VSD) series automatically adjust motor RPM to actual air demand. Up to 35% savings on electric bills in operations with fluctuating demand.
SPIN-ON separation system that reduces residual oil to ≤ 3 ppm in discharge air. With additional filtration, quality levels suitable for most industrial processes are achieved.
Micro-controller monitoring pressure, temperature, amperage, operating hours, and fault history. Immediate diagnostics from the panel, no external tools needed.
Un solo servicio preventivo al año: cambio de aceite, filtro de aceite, filtro de aire y separador. Sin anillos, sin válvulas de lámina, sin ajustes mecánicos. El servicio más simple de la industria.
The most common comparison when sizing a compressed air system
| Feature | Screw | Piston |
|---|---|---|
| Duty cycle | 100% | 25–75% |
| HP Range | 10–200 HP | 1–30 HP |
| Typical noise | 62–85 dB(A) | 72–90 dB(A) |
| Oil in air | ≤ 3 ppm | Requires filtration |
| Airflow | Continuous, pulse-free | Pulsating |
| Maintenance | 1 service/year | Periodic (rings, valves) |
| Initial cost | Higher investment | Lower investment |
| Cost per m³ of air | Lower long-term | Higher with continuous use |
General rule: if your operation requires more than 25 HP or runs continuous shifts, screw is the most efficient option long-term.
Not sure which is right? Our engineers analyze your process at no cost.
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The XV Custom series is the flagship product of CBS Air Compressors. Designed and manufactured in Mexico with acoustic enclosure, integrated micro-controller, SPIN-ON oil separation, and Y-Delta starting. Available in fixed speed and with VSD on select models.
The Air·co line offers screw reliability at a competitive price. From 10 to 100 HP, with simple maintenance, available spare parts, and national technical support. The ideal option for operations looking to migrate from piston to screw.
Industries where continuous operation and constant airflow are operational requirements
Automation, pneumatic actuators, assembly tools. Continuous 24/7 air for production lines that never stop.
Paint booths, assembly lines, torque tools. Constant airflow and pressure for every workstation.
Packaging, PET blowing, pneumatic conveying. SPIN-ON separated air that meets food industry quality standards.
Process control, instrumentation, valve actuation. Continuous operation in demanding environments with high temperature and sustained demand.
Sealing, automatic labeling, robotic palletizing. Reliable compressed air for high-volume distribution centers.
Sandblasting, pintura industrial, herramientas de impacto pesadas. Compresores de tornillo para uso continuo en obra de gran escala.
Your sector not listed? Tell us about your application.
Request consultationThese are the questions a CBS engineer would ask to size your system correctly.
Our technical team visits your plant, analyzes your operation, and delivers a recommendation with a firm price — no obligation.
Technical answers to the most common questions
Con mantenimiento preventivo adecuado (un servicio al año), la screw unit supera las 40,000 horas de operación. Los componentes eléctricos y mecánicos periféricos tienen vida útil variable, pero el corazón del compresor — los rotores — prácticamente no se desgasta gracias a la película de aceite que los separa.
If your operation is continuous (more than 8 hours a day) or you need more than 25 HP, screw is more efficient long-term. Piston is better for intermittent use, small workshops, or limited budgets. From 10 HP, the energy savings of screw surpass the initial investment difference in 1-2 years.
One preventive service per year or every 2,000-4,000 hours (whichever comes first). Includes oil, oil filter, air filter, and oil separator change. No rings, reed valves, or crankshaft to replace. The simplest maintenance of any industrial compression technology.
VSD (Variable Speed Drive) is a variable frequency drive that adjusts motor speed to actual air demand. If your consumption fluctuates during the day (peaks and valleys), VSD prevents the compressor from consuming energy producing air you don’t need. Typical savings are 25-35% on the electric bill. If your demand is constant, fixed speed is more economical.
Yes. CBS screw compressors come with an integrated acoustic enclosure that reduces noise to 62-85 dB(A) depending on the model. They can be installed directly in the production area if ventilation is adequate. You only need access to electrical power, a flat surface, and space for enclosure ventilation.
CBS XV Custom: 5 años factory-direct. Air·co Screw: 2 años unidad / 1 año motor. Todas las garantías son directas de fábrica, sin intermediarios. Refacciones originales con disponibilidad inmediata en 5 sucursales.
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