Best Dental Compressors for 2020

The quality of the dental services provided directly depends not only on the experience and professionalism of the doctor, but also on the technical equipment of the dental office.

The working instruments of the doctor are powered by a unit with a compressor, which pumps compressed air into them under pressure. Such an installation is quite expensive, therefore, before choosing a specific modification, it is necessary to compare the popular models not only in terms of price, but also in terms of functionality, scope, main characteristics, power, noise level, and other parameters.

Selection criteria for a dental compressor

In order not to make mistakes when choosing an air flow generator, you need to understand the basic principles of the device. The compressor engine is driven by pistons similar to those used in automobile internal combustion chambers. Early modifications of these engines used oil that could be released into the environment with the air.

Over time, such motors were abandoned, and now oil-free piston groups are used in dentistry. The principle of their operation is based on air injection into the receiver in the process of closing and opening of the piston in the cylinder, while the lapping is performed "dry". In order for the pistons to work without oil, they had to be modified. So, the cylinders themselves began to be made from a more resistant material - cast iron, and a special cooler was designed to reduce the temperature that rises when the parts of the apparatus rub against each other.

The air forced by the compressor is used at all stages of the dental unit operation - the operation of the turbine in the handpiece, the supply of compressed air mixture for blowing off the dust, the suction of saliva from the patient's oral cavity.

What to look for when choosing a compressor:

1. Piston group type. As previously mentioned, oil units can release oil particles into the atmosphere, which then enter the human lungs. To prevent air pollution, carbon filters are installed on such devices. To keep the air clean, they need to be periodically cleaned or changed as needed. Oil-free devices are characterized by increased wear due to the fact that the rubbing parts are not lubricated. They also make a lot of noise. However, these disadvantages are leveled by a clean air mixture without impurities, safe for human health.
2. Noise level during the operation of the installation. The maximum allowable value is 80 dB.Devices manufactured using modern technologies give an average of 60-65 dB. If such parameters still do not suit the buyer, you can purchase a sound-absorbing cabinet that will reduce the noise to a minimum value of 40-50 dB.
3. Operating pressure. This parameter is measured in liters per minute. Since one compressor can be used not for one, but for several dental units, it is important to calculate this figure correctly. Since such dental equipment can be used to power several consumers at the same time, the volume of consumption of each of them must be summed up to select the device with the required power. The approximate flow rate of the turbine is 30-40 l / min, the saliva ejector is 20-50 l / min, the water-air pistol is 11-20 l / min. Since no compressor head is capable of supplying the air mixture to different consumers at the same time with different parameters, a receiver is built into the unit.
4. Receiver volume. The receiver is a tank that is filled with an air mixture until the required pressure is reached. It is from it that air is distributed to all consumers. In order to maintain the required pressure in the chamber, it has a special sensor, at the signal of which the pump replenishes stocks. When choosing a receiver, the first thing you should pay attention to should be the container's coating material. To prevent rusting, the tank should either be made of stainless steel or be enameled on the inside. For small medical institutions, a receiver will be sufficient, which is completely filled with a compressor in 3-4 minutes.
5. The presence of a filter. Almost all modern compressor plants are equipped with multi-layer filters with a function of retaining dust and oil particles. The better the filter, the cleaner the indoor atmosphere will be. This element is mandatory in oil devices, which are characterized by the emission of fine liquid particles.
6. Dehumidifier availability. The air mixture has such a parameter as humidity, which directly affects the rate of hardening of the filling material. The higher the water content, the harder and longer the hardening process. Dehumidifiers are used in compressor units to reduce humidity.

You need to choose a compressor unit based on the scope of use. A small dental office will need only one compressor and a receiver. For a dentistry department, which includes two or more workplaces, it is irrational to buy several units. The best option would be to install one powerful apparatus, which, by wiring, will supply the air mixture to all workplaces. The unit must include multiple heads and receivers for efficient operation. Compared to buying several devices, this option has a number of advantages: budget price, inexpensive maintenance, reliable operation (if one of the heads fails, the rest remain in working order). Among the disadvantages, one can single out an increased noise level, as well as the possibility of incorrect calculation of the required power, due to which the device will not be able to provide all the necessary consumers.

Tips and Tricks for Extending the Life of Dental Compressors

Caring for air mixture injection devices is simple and does not require special skills and knowledge.

Weekly you need:

• remove condensate that has accumulated in the receiver - this is easy to do by letting off the water under low pressure (up to 2 bar);
• remove liquid that has accumulated in the condenser.

Once a month you need:

• audit all connections for tightness;
• check that the working pressure corresponds to that stated in the instruction manual;
• carry out wet cleaning of the condenser and radiator (due to the accumulation of dust, they give off heat worse and cool the unit more slowly).

Once a year is required:

• check the cleanliness of the incoming filter (if the contamination is not strong, clean it; if the dirt is not removed, the cleaning cartridge must be replaced);
• after turning off the device, check the tightness of the ring on the outlet valve;
• check the functionality of the safety valve (it is enough to press it while the device is in operation and evaluate the result of the action by the noise of the released air).

Calling a specialist is required in the following cases:

• during operation of the device, a loud noise is heard, vibration has increased;
• the pressure in the working chamber builds up more slowly than usual, or the device does not reach the working pressure;
• the fans do not work in the cooling system;
• the unit spontaneously turns on at a time when none of the consumers is active;
• the machine is too hot;
• the device does not turn on.

Rating of quality dental compressors for 2020

EKOM DK50

This mobile device made in Slovakia is designed for one dental unit. The unit belongs to the category of oil-free, due to which it supplies consumers with a clean air mixture without foreign impurities. According to dentists, it is best suited for small healthcare facilities or dental offices where there is only one workplace. The device has a compact size and small wheels that make it possible to move it to the desired location.

The reservoir, depending on the modification, can hold 5 or 10 liters of air. The DK50 series is available in several types:

• modification "Z" - has a board that allows the device to be placed outside the room where medical manipulations are carried out;
• modification "S" - equipped with a cabinet with a sound-absorbing function, which allows using the unit in the same room where the doctor works;
• modification "ZM" is similar to the first version, but it is also equipped with a built-in dryer;
• modification "SM" - a variant of the second version, there is a dehumidifier.

According to buyers, the device can be used not only for powering dental devices, but also for the operation of a dental office. The popularity of this model is due to the fact that it is mobile and is not tied to a specific place. Small dimensions allow placing the device in any place convenient for the doctor.

Specifications (Z model):

Index	Value
Manufacturer	Ekom, Slovakia
Number of serviced installations	1
Rated voltage, V	230
Maximum current level, A	8,9
Engine power, kW	0,55
Compressor power, l / min	75
Compressor working pressure, bar	4,5-6
Air reservoir volume, l	25
Noise level, dBA	66
Feed, l	105
Weight, kg	48
Overall dimensions (W * D * H), mm	460x500x708
Average price, rub.	99 000

• many positive reviews;
• small overall dimensions;
• mobility allows you to install the device in any convenient place;
• low price;
• Ekom is one of the best budget manufacturers of this kind, recognized all over the world.

• can serve only one unit at a time;
• buyers may have difficulties with the purchase - in online stores the model can be ordered online, while it is rarely found in free sale.

EKOM DK50 PLUS

The most popular and most frequently purchased model. It also belongs to the category of oil-free compressors. Used for one installation, no movement possible (fixed configuration).

The large volume of the reservoir allows the use of several dental instruments at once. Like the previous model, the Plus series is available in several modifications:

• Plus - standard version, no additional accessories;
• Plus S - is completed with a sound-absorbing cabinet, which allows the dentist to work in more comfortable conditions;
• Plus M - there is no sound-absorbing cabinet, but there is a dehumidifier that removes excess moisture from the surrounding atmosphere;
• Plus S / M - the delivery set includes both a noise absorption cabinet and a dehumidifier.

The manufacturer offers a 24 month warranty.All devices in the range without dehumidifiers are equipped with an automatic condensate drain system. It allows you to set the frequency of this procedure, and the user does not need to constantly monitor this process. Additionally, you can purchase a compressed air outlet regulator, as well as fine filters (if necessary).

All models are equipped with safety valves to prevent overpressure from being exceeded.

Sound absorbing cabinets are designed in such a way that they have an attractive appearance and complement the furniture of the dental office.

The delivery set of compressors necessarily includes an instruction with a detailed description of each model, as well as the installation method.

Specifications (basic model):

Index	Value
Manufacturer	Ekom, Slovakia
Number of serviced installations	1
Rated voltage, V	230
Maximum current level, A	8,9
Engine power, kW	0,55
Compressor power, l / min	75
Compressor working pressure, bar	4,5-6
Air reservoir volume, l	25
Noise level, dBA	66
Feed, l	105
Weight, kg	48
Overall dimensions (W * D * H), mm	460x500x708
Average price, rub.	99 000

• large tank volume;
• the compressor is reliable in operation;
• low noise level for this type of device.

• high price;
• stationary model;
• serves only one installation.

Cattani 150-476

This Italian-made model is capable of servicing up to 7 units simultaneously. Among those compressors that are on sale in Russia, this is a recognized leader. It is suitable not only for a public dental hospital, but also for large private clinics.

The device is equipped with two dehumidifiers that maintain the humidity of the air mixture in the room at a given level. High performance and a large receiver volume made this model one of the most popular in professional dentistry, regardless of how much the unit costs. It also has a built-in filtration and cooling system. According to the manufacturer, the device supplies air to consumers without the slightest admixture of dust and pollution. To ensure durability, the pistons in the cylinders are manufactured using a special technology, coated with Teflon and are capable of being in good working order for more than 10,000 hours. The unit can be operated both periodically and continuously.

The product is sold without a protective cover. The manufacturer recommends installing the device in a separate room, inaccessible to visitors and persons who have not been trained to work with the unit. If it is not possible to allocate such a room, it is necessary to purchase a protective casing separately. It is also recommended to equip the cabinet where the device is located with a temperature sensor and a smoke detector.

Two modifications of the model are made - single-phase and three-phase.

Technical characteristics (single-phase modification):

Index	Value
Manufacturer	Cattani, Italy
Number of serviced installations	7
Rated voltage, V	230
Maximum current level, A	two motors, each 10.2
Engine power, kW	two motors, each 1.5
Compressor power, l / min	476
Compressor working pressure, bar	5
Air reservoir volume, l	150
Noise level, dBA	74
Feed, l	no data
Weight, kg	137
Overall dimensions (W * D * H), mm	1320 x 770 x 1040
Average price, rub.	260 000

• can serve a large number of installations (up to 7) simultaneously;
• high-quality components are used for the production of the product;
• high performance;
• long warranty period (36 months);
• high motor resource.

• high price.

AJAX 600

This Chinese-made unit is not well known on the Russian market.This is due to the fears of buyers regarding the durability and reliability of the device, since everyone knows that most of the equipment made in China does not have good quality characteristics.

Nevertheless, experts say that this device is made exclusively of high-tech materials, and its characteristics are not inferior to the eminent counterparts of other manufacturers. So, bearings of the Japanese company NSK are installed in the piston group.

As in other models, it uses oil-free technology of the piston group, and therefore, the surrounding air is not polluted by small oil particles. The receiver of the device is covered with a special bactericidal compound, which prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and microorganisms in it, and also prevents the occurrence of foci of corrosion.

Despite the fact that it is difficult to find information and customer reviews about this model on the network, its characteristics suggest that it will be able to do its job efficiently, while significantly saving the budget.

A protective cover is not included in the scope of delivery, but it can be purchased separately.

Specifications:

Index	Value
Manufacturer	AJAX 600, China
Number of serviced installations	3
Rated voltage, V	230
Engine power, W	3000
Compressor power, l / min	260
Air reservoir volume, l	110
Noise level, dBA	no data
Weight, kg	160
Overall dimensions (W * D * H), mm	850x420x800
Average price, rub.	77 000

• the best price among analogues;
• low noise level, according to customer reviews;
• compact size;
• most of the components are made of quality materials;
• high performance;
• can be used for continuous work.

• due to the bad reputation of Chinese goods, many buyers, when choosing which company to buy a unit, undeservedly bypass this model.

Remeza SB4-16.GMS150K

The review of the best compressors is continued by the Russian-made Remeza model, designed to serve three dental units at the same time. The coaxial (direct) drive and oil-free technology allows the unit to deliver clean air without contaminants to laboratory and medical equipment and instruments. The receiver in the device has an anti-corrosion treatment to prevent rust and the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

The unit connections are standard size ¼ ". The receiver holds 16 liters of air. A distinctive feature of the device is the form of execution - it is installed from the factory in a rectangular cabinet, which not only prevents unauthorized access to working elements, but also absorbs noise.

The control panel is simple and intuitive - there is an on / off button, pressure sensors in the tank and at the outlet, a pressure regulator. Despite its small overall dimensions, the device has a good performance - up to 150 liters per minute.

Convenient wheels are installed under the cabinet, allowing you to move the device over short distances.

Specifications:

Index	Value
Manufacturer	Remeza, Russian Federation
Number of serviced installations	3
Rated voltage, V	220
Engine power, kW	1,1
Compressor power, l / min	110
Compressor working pressure, bar	8
Air reservoir volume, l	16
Noise level, dBA	57
Weight, kg	80
Overall dimensions (W * D * H), mm	640x515x800
Cooling type	aerial
Average price, rub.	67 000

• budget price;
• due to the fact that the product is manufactured on the territory of the Russian Federation, a potential buyer does not have any problems with where to buy the device right away;
• can serve 3 installations at the same time;
• high engine power.

• poor quality of components.

FINI DR.SONIC 640-90F-ES-6T, 50 L, 2.2 kW

The model belongs to the Medicair series of the Italian manufacturer FINI. Able to simultaneously service up to 8 dental units.Such devices are widely used in laboratories to power instrumentation and gas analyzers, as well as to operate dental chairs. Since the appliance uses oil-free technology, it is completely safe and does not pollute the environment.

The simplicity of the design makes the device easy to maintain and operate. The inside of the receiver is coated with a special compound that prevents the appearance of corrosion and the growth of microorganisms. The piston and compressor rings are coated with an anti-friction compound, which increases their wear resistance. To reduce the humidity of the supplied air, a dehumidifier with an adsorption function is used.

The device is equipped with filters not only at the outlet, but also at the inlet, which provides a deep degree of air purification. The device has two piston groups that can work both simultaneously and alternately, allowing the second system to "rest" and thereby increasing the service life of the device. They are controlled by a special electronic controller.

In order to reduce the level of noise and vibration, the device has a two-stage anti-vibration system and a noise-absorbing casing.

Specifications:

Index	Value
Manufacturer	Fini, Italy
Number of serviced installations	8
Rated voltage, V	380
Engine power, kW	4,4
Compressor power, l / min	640
Compressor working pressure, atm	8
Air reservoir volume, l	90
Noise level, dBA	64
Weight, kg	118
Overall dimensions (W * D * H), mm	1120 x 720 x 820
Number of cylinders	2
Average price, rub.	415 000

• a large number of serviced installations;
• high power and performance;
• low noise and vibration for such a powerful device;
• there are two cylinders that can work alternately or simultaneously;
• there is a built-in dehumidifier;
• high quality components.

• high price;
• one power step.

Mercury HK-1EW-30

One of the most budgetary models made in China. Like the others discussed in this article, it works with oil-free technology. Instead of oil, a special polymer with a reduced friction coefficient is used in the piston group. This technology prevents the ingress of harmful substances into the air and provides the required sanitary conditions. The compressor is capable of servicing only one installation.

The mini-system consists of a compressor, an air reservoir, pushbutton switches, piping, a fine filter and an air valve.

The unit has a drain valve that releases excess air when the pressure rises above the set value. There is a built-in pressure gauge that displays the current pressure in the tank. The air filter is installed at the inlet only. The legs of the device are equipped with soft shock absorbers that prevent it from moving across the floor.

During the operation of the compressor, moisture forms, which is collected in a special container. For the catchment system to work effectively, it must be cleaned at least once a month. It is recommended to clean the air filter with the same frequency, which eventually becomes clogged with dust, which leads to increased energy consumption and poor filtration. It is recommended to carry out maintenance only by qualified personnel: once every 2-3 months, you need to wipe the dust from all elements of the device, check the reliability of the connections, check the presence of a contact in the grounding cable. The device can only be used indoors at temperatures from 5 to 40 ° C.

Specifications:

Index	Value
Manufacturer	Mercury, China
Number of serviced installations	1
Rated voltage, V	220
Engine power, kW	0,55
Compressor power, l / min	70
Compressor working pressure, Mpa	0,8
Air reservoir volume, l	30
Noise level, dBA	no data
Weight, kg	25
Overall dimensions (W * D * H), mm	450*450*650
Consumption current, A	2,4
Average price, rub.	18 000

• budget price;
• unusual design;
• oil-free technology;
• small size.

• can serve only one installation;
• short service life;
• poor quality components.

Conclusion

When choosing a compressor for a dental office, it is recommended to make a preliminary calculation of the performance of the existing equipment, while laying in some margin. The higher the capacity of a compressor unit, the more it will be able to serve, and the less load will fall on one cylinder.

When choosing a specific model, it is worth focusing, first of all, on technical characteristics (such as performance, noise level, number of serviced installations, etc.), and only then on cost.

We recommend choosing appliances with oil-free technology. In combination with a good filtration system (at least a filter is required at the inlet to the tank), this will keep the air clean at the required level. Another important parameter is the presence of a dehumidifier that removes excess moisture from the air, since high humidity is a significant obstacle for the high-quality hardening of the filling material.

If the dental office is small, the size of the compressor should also be taken into account. Since there are a large number of modifications on the market, you can pick up a device of almost any size. There are also mobile models that allow the compressor to be removed to another room, if necessary.

We hope that our article will help you make the right choice and buy a suitable unit at the best price.