Injection Moulding | Blow Moulding | Extrusion | Recycling

Air Compressors for the UK Plastics Industry

At PPS, we understand the demands of the plastics industry. From injection moulding and extrusion to blow moulding and packaging, a reliable compressed air supply is vital to keep production lines running without interruption. Any downtime costs money, and energy efficiency is more important than ever. That’s why plastics manufacturers across the UK trust PPS to deliver compressed air systems that are efficient, dependable and tailored to their exact processes.

Solutions to plastic manufacturers challenges

Plastics production relies heavily on compressed air, but it also comes with unique challenges:

  1. Continuous operation means downtime is costly.
    Most moulders run 24/7, you need a compressor that is reliable. Duty/standby systems ensure no loss of air supply.

    Another benefit of a duty/standby system - if your plant room is configured correctly, it means servicing can take place while full production continues uninterrupted.

    As a further back up PPS offers 24/7 emergency support. Save the number as you never know when you might need it - 0330 058 1099.

  2. Air quality issues can cause defects
    Air quality directly affects part quality and machine reliability. We ensure clean, dry, contaminant-free air to maintain production quality and reduce scrap. A proper dryer and filter setup prevents moisture, defects and premature wear.

  3. Air compressor energy efficiency and cost control
    PPS helps reduce compressor energy use through leak detection, air usage energy audits, supplying VSD air compressors and offering heat recovery options.

    Fixing your air leaks helps to keep the pressure in your system consistent. Each air leak could also be costing you between £500-£900 a year, depending on your compressed air system and the pressure it runs at.

  4. Ageing or inefficient systems risk breakdowns and expensive repairs.
    After 7-10 years, efficiency decreases and you may struggle to get spare parts - which risks longer breakdown periods. At this point it is often more cost effective to upgrade to a modern air compressor.

Where compressed air is used in plastics manufacturing

  • Moulding process support

    • Blow-off guns for part release or cooling
    • Air jets for deflashing and gate trimming
    • Removing dust/static from mould faces
    • Direct air cooling on complex geometries

  • Extrusion and blow moulding

    • Air rings and cooling systems
    • Internal air for pipe/profile stability
    • Trimming and ejection
    • Pneumatic scrap/regrind conveying

  • End-of-line and packaging

    • Bagging and sealing systems
    • Labelling and printing
    • Case tapers and palletisers
    • Air knives for drying

  • General factory use

    • Maintenance tools
    • Lifting and hoist systems
    • Leak testing of moulded products

  • Material handling and conveying

    • Conveying granules and regrind from silos to day bins
    • Vacuum loaders and central material feed systems
    • Hopper loaders and drying systems
    • Purging and unblocking feed lines

  • Machine operation and automation

    • Pneumatic core pulls, sliders, valve gates and ejector assist
    • Door/guard interlocks and machine safety systems
    • Robotic pickers, sprue pickers and end-of-arm tooling
    • Pneumatic valves on hot runner systems
    • Index tables and auxiliary movements

Why work with PPS?

  • Over 30 years supporting UK plastics manufacturers.

  • Proven knowledge of injection moulding, extrusion and blow moulding.

  • Trusted by industry leading brands.

  • A track record of reducing costs and downtime for plastics producers.

  • Nationwide engineers with 24/7 support.

Have you considered an onsite nitrogen generator?

PPS can help you to specify an Atlas Copco onsite nitrogen generator. If you use nitrogen onsite this makes sense because of:

  • Lower running costs
  • No bottle rental or deliveries
  • Guaranteed supply 24/7
  • It's safer (no high-pressure cylinders)
  • Works alongside your compressed air system
Find out more about onsite nitrogen generation

Contact us

What our customers say

We have dealt with PPS for 25 years since they installed our original system, they have always been professional, quick to respond and helpful in maintaining our system. 

When we decided to investigate updating our system, they provided useful data on our existing and future possibilities.  This data along with their advice was superb. 

The new system has met our expectations. I would always recommend PPS.

John Gibson

Waddington & Ledger Group

I’ve worked with pneumatics but had no schematics for this particular application, so PPS helped us all the way through. I’m really impressed with the system; it lifts up easily and is set on a 360° revolving plate with wheels that also turn, which makes it easy to manoeuvre.

PPS were very helpful and supportive, sorting every problem in the process and taking the stress off me. Everything was spot on, I can’t fault PPS and I would highly recommend their services.

Connor Turner

Safe Stage Services

PPS are a great team to work with. I have peace of mind and working with them takes something off my plate. They leave me knowing it’s left in good hands and that I know I don’t have to worry about the compressors or the plant room.

Without the compressors we wouldn’t run, so working with a company that gives me no headaches is all you want.

Bob Holinski

Facilities & Engineering Manager, Cirteq Ltd

I was naturally nervous about replacing our complete pneumatic system during full production.

From our initial meetings, PPS were completely professional and remained so throughout the whole project – high levels of safety and courtesy were maintained. I had zero interruption to the plant, the engineers fully understood the needs of my plant and worked around us.

It was a completely painless project.

Ron Stromberg

Site Engineering Manager, Morrisons Gadbrook
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