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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Have a question about the who, what, or where of compressed air?
A: You’re in the right place. Our FAQ section covers the most common questions about FS-Curtis compressors, maintenance, and support, helping you keep your system running at peak performance.

Still can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Contact us now! 

CAGI stands for the Compressed Air and Gas Institute, the leading trade association in North America representing manufacturers of compressed air system equipment. CAGI develops industry standards, promotes best practices, and provides reliable, third-party verified performance data for air compressors, blowers, and related equipment.

For customers, CAGI is important because it:

  • Ensures transparency and accuracy – Members follow standardized testing protocols so you can compare equipment based on verified performance data.
  • Promotes energy efficiency – CAGI’s resources help identify products that meet high efficiency standards, saving energy and lowering operating costs.
  • Supports informed decisions – With tools like the CAGI Data Sheets, buyers can easily compare different compressor models and understand their real-world performance.

When you see a manufacturer participating in CAGI programs, it’s a sign of commitment to quality, integrity, and accountability—helping you choose the right air compressor with confidence.

Find out even more about the CAGI and FS-Curtis partnership in this blog!

Should you need help selecting the right compressor for your application, reach out to a compressed air expert at an Authorized FS-Curtis Distributor near you!

Both terms measure airflow, but they are used in slightly different ways:

  • CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): The raw volume of air a compressor delivers, without adjusting for temperature, pressure, or humidity. It’s a general airflow measurement.

  • SCFM (Standard Cubic Feet per Minute): Airflow measured under standard conditions (usually 68°F, 14.7 psi, and 0% humidity). This makes it a more accurate way to compare compressors because it removes environmental variables.

In short:

  • CFM = actual air delivered in real conditions.

  • SCFM = air delivered under standardized conditions (so you can compare compressors fairly).

Tip: When comparing compressors, always use SCFM, since CFM ratings can vary depending on where and how the measurement was taken.

Should you need help selecting the right compressor for your application, reach out to a compressed air expert at an Authorized FS-Curtis Distributor near you!

Oil-lubricated compressors use oil for cooling, lubrication, and sealing, making them a durable choice for heavy-duty and continuous-use applications. Oil-free compressors, on the other hand, are designed to eliminate the risk of oil contamination, making them the preferred option for industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and electronics manufacturing.

Want to dive deeper into why air purity matters? Read our blog How Clean is Clean Enough for more insights.

Should you need help selecting the right compressor for your application, reach out to a compressed air expert at an Authorized FS-Curtis Distributor near you!

Rotary screw compressors are best suited for continuous use because they deliver a steady airflow and maintain thermal balance during long operating cycles. This makes them ideal for applications where uptime and reliability are critical. Our NX Series, a four-time award-winning rotary screw line, is built to deliver the legendary reliability and efficiency FS-Curtis is known for.

Should you need help selecting the right compressor for your application, reach out to a compressed air expert at an Authorized FS-Curtis Distributor near you!

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) is the measure of how much air your tools or processes need to operate properly. To calculate the required CFM for your application, follow these steps:

  1. Find the CFM rating for each tool or machine you’ll be using (usually listed on the tool specs).
  2. Add them together if you’ll be running more than one tool at the same time.
  3. Use this formula to size your compressor:

Should you need help sizing the right compressor for your application, reach out to a compressed air expert at an Authorized FS-Curtis Distributor near you!

Most industrial applications require between 90 and 150 PSI. The exact pressure should be based on the highest-pressure tool or process in use, while also maintaining overall system efficiency. Choosing the right pressure helps avoid unnecessary energy costs and ensures reliable performance.

Should you need help selecting the right compressor for your application, reach out to a compressed air expert at an Authorized FS-Curtis Distributor near you!

FS-Curtis compressors are available in a range of standard voltages, including 208V, 230V, 460V, and 575V, depending on the model and motor horsepower. Always confirm compatibility with your facility’s electrical service before selecting a unit.

Should you need help selecting the right voltage for your compressor, reach out to the Authorized FS-Curtis Distributor near you!

Oil capacity varies by model and size. Always refer to your operator’s manual for the exact amount required. For convenience, you can also view our FSC Oil Capacity Sheet  with details for all compressor models. If you need to order oil, parts, or schedule service, Find a Distributor Near You.

Regular maintenance should be scheduled based on run hours and environmental conditions. As a guideline, filters should be checked every 250 hours, and a full service should be performed at 2,000 hours or annually, whichever comes first. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended preventive maintenance schedule and proper oil type for your model.

 

Should you need to order service parts, lubricants, or schedule service, reach out to a compressed air expert at an Authorized FS-Curtis Distributor near you!

 

FS-Curtis products are sold, serviced, and supported through our network of Authorized FS-Curtis Distributors.

 

Yes! FS-Curtis proudly continues to manufacture the Toledo Tools hose cut-off machine (commonly referred to as a hose saw) at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Known for its rugged design, precision performance, and long-standing reliability, this trusted machine is still available and built to meet the demanding needs of hydraulic hose assembly shops and industrial users.

If you are looking for a Hose Machine distributor for sales, parts, manuals, or service, contact us at the St. Louis manufacturing facility.