Air is pressurized by an air compressor, the most common of which operates by compressing air in a cylinder using a piston. An escape route is then provided via a valve, allowing the pressurized air to burst out with force.

An air compressor built on the principle of reciprocation, a piston air compressor is the go-to choice among many. It mandatorily employs a piston to pressurize air within a confined space. Consequently, from the created buildup, the air is expelled from the chamber through a valve.

A reciprocating air compressor is composed of several critical elements that enable it to function properly. The cylinder, which the piston moves up and down in, acts as the operational chamber of the appliance. The piston itself is responsible for its up and down movement. Connecting the piston to the crankshaft is another crucial part – the connecting rod. This enables the piston movement to be converted to rotational motion. The valves open and close accordingly to admit air into the chamber and then push it out. After compression, air gets transferred to a storage tank, allowing for use when needed.

The reciprocating air compressor may be less desirable when compared to other types of compressors due to being noisier and more vibration-prone than its counterparts. Additionally, its overall efficiency is not as high as other designs of air compressors.

Thanks to its strong construction, a reciprocating air compressor is sure to provide long-lasting performance. In addition, its upkeep is surprisingly straightforward.

The vital components of a reciprocating air compressor include a piston, cylinder, connecting rod, crankshaft, valves, and air tank. These distinct parts collaborate to push air into a contained space, ultimately compressing it for use.