Saltar al contenido
Resource center · CBS Air Compressors

All about rotary screw compressors

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.

100% Duty Cycle 10-200 HP From 62 dB(A)
View products

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.

  • Continuous flow 24/7
  • 10–200 HP
  • From 62 dB(A)
  • Made in Mexico
What is a rotary screw compressor?

Continuous friction-free operation:
the industrial technology of choice

A rotary screw compressor works through two helical rotors (male and female) spinning in opposite directions inside a housing. Air is trapped between the rotors and progressively compressed as it moves toward the discharge port. No valves, no reciprocating motion, no pulsations: constant, continuous airflow 24 hours a day.

It is the dominant technology in industry because it combines 100% duty cycle, low noise thanks to the acoustic enclosure, and simple maintenance (one service per year). CBS has been manufacturing screw compressors in Mexico for over 55 years with series covering 10 to 200 HP.

100% Duty Cycle
Designed for continuous 24/7 operation with no cooling stops. The industry standard.
Energy efficiency
Lower consumption per m³ produced. With VSD, savings reach up to 35% vs fixed speed.
Low noise level
From 62 dB(A) with soundproof enclosure. Install directly in the work area.
One service per year
Oil, filter, and separator change. No wear parts like rings or reed valves.
10–200 HP CBS screw range
62 dB minimum noise level
55+ years manufacturing compressors
4 screw series available
Technical advantages

Why choose a rotary screw compressor?

Compression principles that make it superior for continuous industrial operation

No metal-to-metal contact

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.

Continuous 24/7 operation

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.

Energy savings with VSD

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.

Efficient oil separation

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.

Integrated electronic control

Micro-controller monitoring pressure, temperature, amperage, operating hours, and fault history. Immediate diagnostics from the panel, no external tools needed.

Simple, scheduled maintenance

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.

Technical comparison

Screw vs. Piston: which is better?

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.

Request consultation
Applications

Where are screw compressors used?

Industries where continuous operation and constant airflow are operational requirements

Manufactura

Automation, pneumatic actuators, assembly tools. Continuous 24/7 air for production lines that never stop.

Automotive

Paint booths, assembly lines, torque tools. Constant airflow and pressure for every workstation.

Food and beverage

Packaging, PET blowing, pneumatic conveying. SPIN-ON separated air that meets food industry quality standards.

Petroquímica

Process control, instrumentation, valve actuation. Continuous operation in demanding environments with high temperature and sustained demand.

Packaging and logistics

Sealing, automatic labeling, robotic palletizing. Reliable compressed air for high-volume distribution centers.

Industrial construction

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 consultation
Before you decide

What to evaluate when choosing a screw compressor?

These are the questions a CBS engineer would ask to size your system correctly.

  • Required airflow (CFM) — how many tools or processes will you run simultaneously?
  • Working pressure (PSI) — what pressure does your process or equipment require?
  • Operating cycle — continuous 24/7 or defined shifts?
  • Variable demand — does your air consumption fluctuate? (VSD may be the best option)
  • Electrical service — single-phase, three-phase 220V, or 440V?
  • Air treatment — do you need dry, filtered, or specific quality class air?

Need help with sizing?

Our technical team visits your plant, analyzes your operation, and delivers a recommendation with a firm price — no obligation.

Frequently asked questions

Everything about screw compressors

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.

Have a question not listed here?

Request consultation

Featured rotary screw compressors

Air•co 10 HP Rotary Screw
Best sellerAir•co 10 HP Rotary Screw30.02 CFM @ 145 psi · 62 dB(A)
Direct drive · acoustic cabinet
View product
Air·co GO 10 HP Rotary Screw
Compact w/ VSDAir·co GO 10 HP Rotary Screw38.85 CFM @ 116 psi
VFD start · for tight spaces
View product
CBS XV Custom 10 HP
Flagship seriesCBS XV Custom 10 HP35.30 CFM @ 145 psi · 62 dB(A)
45.91 CFM @ 100 psi · IP54
View product

Factory specs from each product page. Browse the full screw series.