The general mechanism of an air compressor is a piston or rotary element (e.g. rotary screw or vane) that draws in air flow, which is compressed into a storage container. Naturally, since the piston or rotary component needs to move Water Lubricated Air Compressor regularly and smoothly for this to work, it generally must be lubricated.

In a lubricated air compressor, there is lubricating oil which keeps the piston or rotary element running smoothly without damaging the system. The lubricant also helps to dissipate warmth and maintain air compression efficiency.

Oil-free air compressors also use a piston or rotary element, however they bypass the lubrication problem by coating the compression component with a pre-lubricating materials like Teflon. Some oil-free compressors could also use water instead of essential oil for the lubricating and cooling process. These alternate materials shield the pump and allow the mechanism to move smoothly without the need for any oil-centered or synthetic lubrication.