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Bambi · Worthington Creyssensac · Balma

Piston compressors for every job

From quiet oil-free compressors for dental practices to two-stage compressors up to 30 bar and engine-driven compressors for field work. We help you choose, supply and service.

models
229
series
22
motor power
0.34–15kW
max. pressure
30bar
Balma, Worthington Creyssensac and Bambi piston compressors
BambiWorthington CreyssensacBalma

Manufacturers and series

Three manufacturers, 22 series

Each series has its own page with technical data for every model, equipment and a brochure.

Balma

Italy · Turin, since 1950 · 124 models

From portable to engine-driven compressors

Direct-drive and belt-driven compressors, quiet enclosed versions, engine-driven compressors for field work and oil-free cleanAIR for dental practices.

Model finder

Find the right model

Filter all 229 models by manufacturer, lubrication, pressure, power and features. Click a model to open its series page.

Manufacturer
Lubrication
Pressure
Power
Features

229 models

ModelSerieskWbarFlow l/minReceiver ldB(A)kg
35/20Bambi BB0.34827 FAD 5 bar45518
BB8Bambi BB0.34827 FAD 5 bar95421
BB15VBambi BB0.34827 FAD 5 bar155422
BB24VBambi BB0.34827 FAD 5 bar245428
BB24Bambi BB0.34827 FAD 5 bar245426
BB24DBambi BB0.68854 FAD 5 bar246131
BB50DBambi BB0.68854 FAD 5 bar506146
PT5Bambi PT0.75875 FAD 5 bar46717
PT15Bambi PT0.75875 FAD 5 bar157223
PT24Bambi PT0.75875 FAD 5 bar247425
PTH24Bambi PT0.75875 FAD 5 bar247427
PT50Bambi PT1.58150 FAD 5 bar506744
PT90Bambi PT2.38225 FAD 5 bar907285
VT75Bambi VT0.55858 FAD 5 bar247429
VT150Bambi VT1.18125 FAD 5 bar507840
VT200Bambi VT1.58158 FAD 5 bar507744
VT250Bambi VT1.848210 FAD 5 bar598262
VT300Bambi VT2.28250 FAD 5 bar1008175
VT400Bambi VT38316 FAD 5 bar1008085
VTS75Bambi VTS0.55858 FAD 5 bar235764

Flow is given as stated by the manufacturer. FAD is the actual air delivered, while intake volume (Balma, DIXAIR) is a theoretical value and can be considerably higher than FAD.

How it works

How a piston compressor works

The piston moves up and down in the cylinder, while the intake and discharge valves make sure air flows one way only – from the surroundings into the receiver.

intakedischarge linevalvespiston
  1. 01

    Intake

    The piston moves down, the intake valve opens and air enters the cylinder through the filter.

  2. 02

    Compression

    The piston moves up, both valves are closed, the volume shrinks and the pressure rises.

  3. 03

    Discharge

    When the cylinder pressure exceeds the receiver pressure, the discharge valve opens and air flows into the receiver.

  4. 04

    Receiver and switch

    The receiver stores air and covers demand peaks, while the pressure switch stops the compressor at the upper and restarts it at the lower pressure.

Single- or two-stage

A single-stage unit compresses air in one step to about 10 bar. A two-stage unit compresses it in two stages with intercooling – for 11 to 30 bar, with lower temperature and higher efficiency.

Oil-lubricated or oil-free

Oil-lubricated units are robust and affordable, but some oil remains in the air. Oil-free units have no oil in the compression chamber – the right choice for dentistry, laboratories and food.

Direct or belt drive

With direct drive the pump sits on the motor shaft – compact and light. A belt lowers the pump speed: less wear, lower temperature and a longer service life.

Piston or screw

Piston or screw compressor?

Both compress air, but they are built for different demand. Air volume and running time decide.

Piston compressorScrew compressor
Air demandoccasional or intermittentconstant and high
Operationwith breaks; Blocair up to 100%up to 100%, even 24/7
Power0.34–15 kW2.2–290 kW
Pressureup to 10 bar, two-stage up to 30 bar5–13 bar
Purchase pricelowerhigher
Typical useworkshops, dental practices, laboratories, field workproduction and industry

If the compressor runs for several hours a day without a break, a screw compressor is usually cheaper to operate. Screw compressors →

Buying advice

How to choose a piston compressor

  1. 01

    Air demand

    Add up the consumption of the tools that run at the same time and add a 20–30% reserve. Compare it with the actual delivery (FAD), not the intake volume.

  2. 02

    Pressure

    Most air tools work at 6–7 bar; the compressor should have a 1–2 bar reserve. For truck tyres choose 15 bar, for lasers and PET 20–30 bar.

  3. 03

    Running time

    A single-stage compressor is enough for occasional work. For work lasting several hours, choose a two-stage unit or an industrial Blocair with a 100% duty cycle.

  4. 04

    Air quality

    For dentistry, laboratories, food and medicine choose an oil-free compressor with a dryer. For tools and painting, an oil-lubricated compressor with a filter is enough.

  5. 05

    Noise

    If the compressor stands in a work area, choose a quiet enclosed version – Bambi VTS, Balma FELP SILENT or cleanAIR S/ST.

  6. 06

    Supply and receiver

    Smaller compressors run on 230 V, larger ones need 400 V. A larger receiver means fewer starts and steadier pressure.

FAQ

Questions about piston compressors

Can't find the answer? Call us or send an enquiry.

What is the difference between intake volume and FAD?

Intake volume is the volume of air the pistons theoretically draw in. FAD (free air delivery) is the actual amount of air the compressor delivers at working pressure – it is always lower because of losses. Use FAD when choosing.

Do I need an oil-free compressor?

You need an oil-free compressor wherever oil in the air would put the product or health at risk: in dentistry, laboratories, food and pharmaceutical production and medicine. For air tools, an oil-lubricated compressor with a filter is enough.

Can a piston compressor run continuously?

Most piston compressors need breaks to cool down. Continuous work is what the industrial Worthington Creyssensac Blocair with a 100% duty cycle is built for; for high constant demand, choose a screw compressor.

How big should the air receiver be?

The receiver covers demand peaks and reduces the number of starts. For occasional tool use, 50–100 l is usually enough; workshops with several users need 200–500 l.

How do I maintain a piston compressor?

Drain condensate from the receiver regularly and check the oil level. Replace the intake filter, oil and belt as specified by the manufacturer. We also carry out regular servicing.

Do you also supply dryers and filters?

Yes. Besides compressors, we supply complete air treatment – filters, dryers and condensate separators. Bambi VT and VTS and Balma FELP SILENT and cleanAIR are also available with a dryer.

Do you offer service and spare parts?

Yes. We advise on selection, supply and commission the compressor, and provide regular servicing and genuine spare parts for all piston compressors in our range.

Compressors

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