Atlas Copco GA5-18VSDS Variable Speed Rotary Screw Air Compressor Series

Atlas Copco GA5–GA18 VSDS Variable Speed Rotary Screw Air Compressor Series (7.5–25 HP)

The Atlas Copco GA5–18 VSDS series is an oil-injected variable speed rotary screw air compressor line designed for real-world plant air demand. In most facilities, air use isn’t constant—tools cycle, processes ramp up and down, and a fixed-speed compressor wastes energy running unloaded. VSDS technology automatically adjusts motor speed to match consumption, helping stabilize system pressure while reducing wasted kWh. The result is a compressor package built to deliver the air you need, when you need it, with a strong focus on energy-first performance.

What makes VSDS different

This isn’t “variable speed” as an add-on—it’s an engineered platform intended to reduce lifecycle cost while supporting reliability and uptime.

Key platform advantages include:

1. Neos Next inverter drive technology: precise speed control to match airflow to demand
2. Smart Temperature Control (STC): designed to reduce condensation risk and support efficient operation
3. Boost Flow Mode: temporarily exceeds maximum capacity to help cover short demand peaks
4. Connectivity standard: Elektronikon Touch controller with remote monitoring capabilities and optional integration features

Why customers choose the GA5–18 VSDS

Energy savings that actually show up on your bill
Energy is typically the largest cost of owning a compressor. By reducing unloaded time and continuously matching output to demand, a variable speed compressor can lower operating cost dramatically in fluctuating-use environments. The GA VSDS platform is positioned to deliver significant energy savings versus comparable fixed-speed solutions, especially in shops and plants with variable air consumption.

Stable pressure for smoother production

Consistent pressure matters. A stable system reduces nuisance alarms, helps tools run predictably, and can improve process quality in applications where pressure swings cause defects or downtime.

Quiet, point-of-use friendly package

Many GA VSDS configurations are designed for low sound levels, making them a strong fit for facilities that want installation closer to the point of use without turning the compressor room into a constant noise problem.

High-efficiency motor platform

The GA VSDS design highlights a high-efficiency motor concept that is built for energy performance and designed without rare-earth materials.

Engineered for efficiency and durability

The GA5–18 VSDS series is built around the idea that efficiency and reliability go hand-in-hand. The platform design emphasizes an efficient compression element, smart cooling control, and a package layout intended to simplify service access and support long operating life.

Notable design and service-friendly features include:

• Efficient rotary screw air end designed for continuous duty
• Variable-speed fan control to reduce unnecessary cooling power and noise
• High ambient temperature capability for tough mechanical-room environments
• Elektronikon-based monitoring, protection, and maintenance planning

Performance Range

The GA5–18 VSDS line spans a practical range for shops and industrial facilities that need dependable, energy-conscious compressed air.

Typical range highlights (model dependent):

• Power: 5–18 kW (approximately 7.5–25 HP)
• Airflow: roughly 12 to 138 CFM, depending on size and pressure selection
• Pressure options: commonly available in 150 PSI and 175 PSI configurations (by model)

Configurations

Choose the configuration that matches your space, air quality requirements, and installation preferences.

Pack (base-mounted)
Best when you already have downstream air treatment or want to customize filtration and drying separately. It’s a clean, compact solution that focuses on core compressor performance.

Full-Feature (FF)
Includes an integrated refrigerated dryer for cleaner, drier compressed air at the outlet. This is a strong choice for moisture-sensitive tools, controls, pneumatic equipment, and finishing processes where water in the air line causes issues.

Tank-mounted options (select sizes)
Some smaller configurations can be paired with an integrated receiver to add storage without expanding the footprint dramatically—useful for point-of-use installs, small production areas, or tight mechanical spaces.

Air quality and reliability features

Cleaner, drier air protects tools and reduces maintenance—especially in environments where condensate can damage equipment or compromise product quality.

Depending on configuration and options, features may include:

• Intelligent no-loss drain functionality to remove condensate with minimal air loss
• Integrated dryer on Full-Feature models
• Filtration options to match air quality to your application needs
• Controls and monitoring to support preventative maintenance and uptime

Compact footprint and practical installation details

The GA5–18 VSDS series is designed with a compact cabinet footprint that fits well in shops, mechanical rooms, and production environments where space matters. Connection points and outlet sizes scale by model to support proper airflow and minimize pressure drop.

Optional energy recovery: turn waste heat into useful heat

Compressed air generation produces heat—energy recovery allows you to reclaim a large portion of that heat for facility use, such as hot water support or space/process heating (depending on your setup). For operations running many hours per year, energy recovery can meaningfully reduce total utility costs and improve overall efficiency.

Ideal applications

• Manufacturing and assembly lines with fluctuating air demand
• CNC and machine shops
• Automotive service and general industrial compressed air
• Facilities that want quieter point-of-use installation and smarter monitoring
• Operations prioritizing lower lifecycle cost and energy-conscious performance

At-a-glance benefits

• Variable speed control to match air supply to real demand
• Lower operating cost potential versus fixed-speed compressors in variable-use environments
• Stable pressure for smoother process performance
• Quiet, compact package options for space-conscious installs
• Smart controls for monitoring, protection, and maintenance planning
• Configuration flexibility: Pack, Full-Feature (integrated dryer), and select tank-mounted options

If you want premium efficiency, stable pressure, and modern controls in a compact rotary screw package, the Atlas Copco GA5–18 VSDS series is built to deliver dependable performance while targeting lower energy use in real shop and plant conditions.