What is CFM and Why Is It Important?

When it comes to air compressors, one of the most important metrics to consider is the CFM or cubic feet per minute. CFM is a measure of the amount of air that an air compressor can deliver at a given pressure level. It indicates the compressor's airflow capacity and is a crucial factor to consider when selecting an air compressor for a specific application. The higher the CFM, the more volume of air the compressor can deliver and the more powerful the compressor will be.

Displaced CFM vs Delivered CFM

It's important to note that there are two types of CFM to consider when selecting an air compressor:

1. Displaced CFM

Refers to the volume of air that the compressor can theoretically displace or move when the compressor piston travels from the top to the bottom of the cylinder. This measurement does not take into account factors like compression and heat loss, which can affect the amount of air that is actually delivered by the compressor.

2. Delivered CFM

Refers to the actual amount of air that the compressor can deliver at a specific pressure level. This measurement takes into account factors like compression and heat loss and provides a more accurate representation of the compressor's airflow capacity. Since delivered CFM is a more accurate representation of what the compressor can produce, this is the specification you want to pay attention to.

The difference between displaced and delivered CFM can be significant. For example, a compressor with a displaced CFM of 10 may only deliver 6 CFM at a specific pressure (PSI) level. It's essential to consider both displaced and delivered CFM when selecting an air compressor to ensure that you get the airflow capacity needed for your specific application.