Direct Drive1

DIRECT DRIVE COMPRESSOR
This compressor type is known as direct drive. Direct drive compressors are available as a simple pump unit only compressors, or with receiver which act as a storage tank for the compressed air. The pump is integrated with its power source (an electric motor). There is a cooling fan mounted at the opposite end to the pump to cool the motor and the pump. The benefits of direct drive compressors are that they are compact, less parts than a belt driven compressor and require less maintenance than other types of compressor.

1 - Pump Unit
2 - Pressure Switch
3 - Tank Pressure Gauge
4 - Regulator Assembly
5 - Air Receiver
6 - Drain Valve

Direct Drive 3

This compressor type is known as ‘Direct Drive’. They are known as ‘Direct Drive Compressors’ because the pump unit is driven by the motor directly from the motor spindle. ie. not geared down. Therefore eliminating the use of a fly wheel. Because there is no speed reduction between the pump and motor the pump speed on direct drive compressors are much faster than that of belt drive compressors. Often the speed can be twice as much.

This fact can be considered as a contribution as to why ‘Direct Drive’ is not used in a commercial environment. And is really only suitable for DIY and light usage.

1 - Cylinder head
2 - Air Filter
3 - After Cooler
4 - Head Gasket
5 - Valve Plate Assembly
6 - Cylinder Gasket
7 - Cylinder
8 - Piston assembly
9 - Con rod
10 - Crankcase
11 - Capacitor
12 - Crankshaft/motor spindle
13 - Motor Assembly
14 - Cooling fan