4 Tips for Selecting and Installing Compressors with the DWX-4W

Choosing an air compressor for the DWX-4W and setting it up for maximum production can be a very tricky process. We can take the confusion out of the selection process with four quick tips to help you choose the right compressor for your business needs.

Tip 1: Think about your future.
Before deciding which compressor to purchase, think about the amount of dental restorations you mill currently and how to meet the needs for the future growth of your business. Whether you mill 10-to-50 or 200-to-1000 restorations a month, workload is a key factor when selecting a compressor for your Roland DG DWX-4W wet mill. 

With a proper understanding of how many dental restorations you plan to mill, you can choose a compressor that better fits into your daily workload. Portable and piston-based compressors have different advantages, yet both will operate the DWX-4W successfully if all specifications and features are met. 

Portable compressors run continuously, maintaining consistent air pressure throughout each milling job. Since there is no air tank for air storage, they remain in operation 100% of the milling process (a duty cycle of 100%). It’s preferable to use a portable compressor when milling less than 50 units each month.

Piston-based compressors are supplied with air tanks. This type of compressor cycles on-and-off to maintain air pressure by filling the tank. This process is referred to as a duty cycle. The larger the tank, the lower the duty cycle and vice versa. If you have a high monthly output of dental restorations (more than 50 units), you may want to employ a piston-based compressor to successfully operate the DWX-4W.

Tip 2: Get to know the specifications.
Compressors will fail if the specifications are not met and understood. The DWX-4W requires proper air pressure, air capacity, and tank capacity to perform all milling and maintenance operations successfully. If even one specification is not met, it leads to interrupted milling experiences. View the chart below to familiarize yourself with these essential specifications:

Air Pressure	0.7 – 1.0 MPa (101.5-145 PSI)
Air Capacity	114 liters/min (30 gal or 4.03 CFM) or more
Tank Capacity	33 liters (8.7 gal) or more
Features	Oil free, Auto dryer

Figure 1-1

If the specifications above are met, you are one step closer to making a good choice. We encourage you speak with the manufacturer of the compressor to confirm all specifications are met prior to purchasing a compressor for the DWX-4W.

Tip 3: Screen your workspace.
All workplaces are not the same. When thinking of large or small spaces, you must determine if the noise level, weight, size of the compressor, and ambient temperature of the working environment is suitable for installation. 

For example, in small areas, where heat generates quickly or noise level will interrupt your business workflow, a quiet, low-duty compressor would be ideal. If you’re in a factory setting, where noise and weight are not an issue, a large, loud compressor would work just fine. In either case, choose the compressor than not only meets the recommended specifications, but also fits into your working environment and installation space.

Tip 4: Watch the regulator gauge.
After you have purchased your compressor and have set up your DWX-4W, test the compressor prior to performing any maintenance or running your first milling job. Once all installation steps are completed, the compressor is turned on, and the regulator gauge on the back of the DWX-4W has reached 0.6-0.8 MPa, try the following steps to confirm the compressor will operate properly:

1. Open VPanel and perform the collet maintenance operation.
2. During the operation watch the regulator gauge to determine if there is a dip in air pressure once the dummy pin is released.
3. If you have a piston-based compressor, continue to watch the regulator gauge on the back of the DWX-4W until the compressor’s refilling cycle starts (allow for 1-2 cycles). Note: do not perform the collet maintenance at this time.

 If the operation does not cancel (or produce an error) during this test, your compressor has been properly installed for use with the DWX-4W. If it does trigger an error during any part of the operation, after the maximum air pressure has been reached (or tank has been filled), then the compressor PSI scale (duty cycle settings) must be adjusted to successfully operate the DWX-4W.

Now that you have read these tips, would you be able to tell me if the compressor specifications below would operate the DWX-4W? Why or why not?

Gallons	50
CFM at 40 PSI	10.1
CFM at 90 PSI	6.0
Maximum PSI	135