Compressed air

Compressed air line from multilayer pipe

A fixed compressed air line in your garage or workshop is quick and neat to make from multilayer pipe with press fittings: no soldering, no threading and no more hoses across the floor. It only works with a system the manufacturer specifies for compressed air, and the air has to be oil-free.

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In short

It is allowed with a multilayer system that lists compressed air as an application, such as Henco or Pipetec (TH profile).
Oil-free: compressor oil attacks the rubber ring in the fitting. Use an oil-free compressor or an oil filter.
Maximum 10 bar in the line. Set your compressor or pressure regulator to that.
Pressing is done with the same press jaw as for water: TH16, TH20, TH26 or TH32.

Which systems are allowed for compressed air?

System	Compressed air	Condition	Profile
Henco multilayer pipe	yes	oil-free, with active oil filter, max 10 bar	TH
Pipetec	yes	oil-free compressed air up to 10 bar	TH
Viega Sanfix Fosta	yes	according to Viega	VP (own)
Uponor Uni Pipe PLUS	no	excluded by Uponor	UP
Copper or stainless (e.g. Viega Profipress)	yes	standard EPDM ring with oil-free air	V / M

If compressed air is not listed in the applications of your system, do not use it for that. The profile says nothing about compressed air: it is about the pipe and fitting of that brand.

Why oil-free?

A press fitting contains a rubber O-ring, usually made of EPDM. It is made for water and air, not for oil. A compressor with oil always blows out a little oil mist, and that can make the ring swell or start leaking. That is why Henco only specifies compressed air for oil-free installations with an active oil filter. If you have a compressor with oil, fit an oil or carbon filter after it, before the line starts.

How to lay it

Set the pressure in the line to a maximum of 10 bar, with the pressure switch of the compressor or a pressure regulator.
Connect the compressor with a short piece of flexible hose. It absorbs vibrations and the air cools down a little before it enters the pipe.
Lay the line with a slight slope, with a drain valve at the lowest point. That way the condensate runs off.
Take branches to an outlet from the top of the line (gooseneck), so less water ends up in your hose and tools.
For a garage or hobby workshop 20 mm is usually enough; for a long line or tools that use a lot of air, take 26 mm.
Cut the pipe square, deburr and calibrate it, and push it into the fitting up to the mark before you press.
After pressing, put the line under pressure and check all joints with soapy water.

The press jaw to go with it

Every set has 1 press jaw and 19 inserts with TH, V, U and M, up to 32 mm multilayer and 28 mm copper. TH16, TH20, TH26 and TH32 are included, so you can press Henco and Pipetec with it. Standard (32 kN) €345, Compact (19 kN) €345, Standard Mini (15 kN) €395, UP profile €50 extra. Free shipping in the EU.

STAHLPRESSE press jaw set: press jaw and 19 inserts TH, V, U and M in a case — In the set: 1 press jaw and 19 inserts (TH, V, U, M) in a case. UP is an add-on.

View the sets →

Check your fitting

Choose the brand and system of your fitting and you see right away which profile you need.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if the manufacturer of your system lists compressed air as an application, such as Henco and Pipetec. Henco specifies it for oil-free installations with an active oil filter. Uponor excludes compressed air for Uni Pipe PLUS.

Usually 10 bar. Henco and Pipetec specify 10 bar. So do not set the compressor or a pressure regulator any higher.

Only with an oil or carbon filter between compressor and line. Oil mist can attack the rubber ring in the press fitting.

Usually 20 mm. For a long line or tools that use a lot of air, such as a sander or a blasting cabinet, take 26 mm.

The same as for water: the profile of your fitting. For Henco and Pipetec that is TH, in 16, 20, 26 or 32 mm. They are all in the set.

Which press profile do I need? →
TH profile: which fittings? →
Which press fittings to choose? →
Which press tool to buy? →