The VSD compressor of tomorrow

In that case, we are talking about (relatively) inexpensive technology, which means it was still affordable to keep buying the latest thing. But that is not always the case. Take compressors, for example. They constitute a much larger investment and, when you buy one, you expect it to last for many years. But what will your production environment look like toward the end of its service life? What kind of advances could the compressor industry make in the meantime and would you be missing out on them?

These two questions are especially crucial at this time because the entire manufacturing sector is in the midst of a major technological revolution. Whether you refer to it as the Internet of Things (IoT) or Industry 4.0, a move toward connectivity and digitalization is coming – and it will force businesses to either ride this wave of progress or get swept up by it. The upsides to being at the forefront of this technology are obvious: The possibilities that the new connectivity offers will completely change manufacturing as we know it. In the world of compressed air, it is the biggest thing since variable speed drive (VSD) compressors redefined energy efficiency and changed the industry forever. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Atlas Copco, which invented VSD compressors, is once again at the cutting edge of this new technology. Now, however, the compressed air expert is no longer “just” building supremely efficient and reliable compressors – Atlas Copco is also utilizing new technologies to makes its products as well as your production even more efficient and reliable.

But that’s not all. Atlas Copco is also a pioneer in using OPC UA communication technology in compressors. By establishing a single “language” for all industrial equipment, this technology allows all machines to effortlessly “understand” each other. And, because it is encrypted and security was a top priority in its development, OPC UA also protects machines from hackers. The use of this technology will also make it much easier to collect data from all of the different machines and optimize operations. Finally, its plug and play installation makes it very easy to set up and facilitates the harmonization with other equipment. The result of all these features will be a much smoother operation. As a class A member of the OPC Foundation, Atlas Copco understands that compressed air systems play an important role in achieving the full potential of this technology. That is why the compressed air expert recently released its first series of compressors that speak this universal language. And, in the future, you will be able to retroactively install this technology and enjoy all of its benefits. The choice is clear … because it is no choice at all. In the very near future, connectivity will be an absolute requirement for any business that wants to keep up. But why wait? You can be at the forefront of this technological revolution and give yourself a big advantaged over your competitors.