Size air source for plasma CNC

[koenbro]

Hello, I need advice on how to size my compressed air source for a plasma CNC table. My plasma unit is Hypertherm Powermax 45XP. The Hypertherm book lists the recommended air inlet as 400 cfh @85psi.

My current air compressor is a California Air Tools 10020 2.0 HP 10gal that can deliver 5.30 CFM (or about 320cfh) @90psi. I like it very much because it is quiet, oil-free, and runs off 120 V. This is not a production environment --- I am a hobbyist, making small parts in my suburban garage. So space, quiet operation, and 120V are constraints (I do have 240V for the plasma).


Will my current compressor be enough? If not, can I add an air tank of 20+ gals and fill that up first, then run the CNC off it? I'd hate to have to sell my almost new, lightly used compressor at a loss to buy a slightly bigger unit, but I am determined to do what needs to be done to have an operational system. After all, I did not cheapen out when I bought the Avid Pro setup and Hypertherm plasma source.

Thank you for all the advice.






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[rodw]

There are not really any shortcuts. In reality, you need some headroom so you don't have a high duty cycle on the compressor, hot air leading to increased water in the air, marginal air pressure etc that will cause more problems. My guess would be that you should be looking at a 500 cfm compressor

[koenbro]

Got it. Just placed an order for a Quincy 3.5HP 60Gal unit ( Model: Q13160VQ ) that should deliver 12.8CFM, so it should have headroom above my needs of 7-8 cfm.
It's a 240 V unit, so will have to have an outlet drawn.