Atlas Copco

Atlas Copco: Engineering for Sustainable Productivity

Introduction:

Atlas Copco is a Swedish multinational company that has been a major player in the industrial equipment and engineering sector for over a century. Known for its innovation, reliability, and sustainability focus, the company designs and manufactures industrial tools and equipment across a wide range of industries.

History of Atlas Copco:

Founded in 1873 in Stockholm, Sweden, Atlas Copco began as a manufacturer of railway equipment. Over time, it diversified into compressors, mining equipment, construction tools, and industrial automation systems. The company’s name, Atlas Copco, was adopted in 1955 and is short for Atlas Company Pneumatic, reflecting its deep roots in pneumatic tools.

Some key milestones:

1920s: Expanded into air compressors and tools.

1950s: International expansion began.

1990s–2000s: Acquisitions strengthened its position in vacuum solutions and industrial automation.

Today: Present in over 180 countries with thousands of employees and manufacturing sites worldwide.

Products and Services:

Atlas Copco offers a wide range of products primarily categorized into four business areas:

1. Compressor Technology:

Atlas Copco is one of the world's most recognized names in air compressor systems. This segment serves various industries including manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and automotive.

Products: Air compressors (oil-injected, oil-free), air dryers, filters, and air management systems.

Use Cases: Manufacturing plants, hospitals, food processing, and electronics.

Oil-Injected Rotary Screw Compressors:

Examples: GA Series

Specifications: Power range: 5.5 kW – 500 kW

Pressure: Up to 13 bar

Integrated VSD (Variable Speed Drive) for energy savings up to 50%

Oil-Free Air Compressors:

Examples: ZR/ZT Series

Specifications: ISO 8573-1 CLASS 0 certified (no oil contamination)

Ideal for sensitive industries like food, pharma, and electronics

Piston Compressors:

Examples: LE/LT series

Use: Smaller applications like workshops and garages

Air Treatment Equipment:

Air dryers (refrigerated and desiccant types)

Filters and condensate management

Air receivers and piping systems (AIRnet)

Gas Compressors and Boosters:

For handling industrial gases (oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen)

2. Vacuum Solutions:

This division grew significantly after the acquisition of Edwards (UK) and Leybold (Germany), giving Atlas Copco a strong foothold in vacuum systems used in high-tech industries.

Products: Dry pumps, turbo molecular pumps, vacuum controllers.

Use Cases: Semiconductor manufacturing, solar panels, packaging.

Dry Vacuum Pumps:

Examples: GHS VSD⁺ series

Used in general industry, packaging, and electronics

Energy-efficient and quiet operation

Turbo Molecular Pumps:

Used in semiconductor and analytical applications

High-speed, oil-free, low-vibration performance

Cryogenic Pumps and Leak Detectors

Vacuum Controllers and Accessories:

For precise vacuum level control and process integration

3. Industrial Tools and Assembly Systems:

This segment serves industries requiring precision tools, such as aerospace, automotive, general manufacturing, and heavy engineering.

Products: Electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic tools, torque systems, and robotics.

Use Cases: Automotive assembly, aerospace, heavy machinery.

Electric & Pneumatic Assembly Tools:

Examples: Tensor STB cordless nutrunner

Specs: Torque range: From 0.5 Nm to 4000 Nm

Features: Wireless connectivity, real-time torque feedback

Hydraulic Bolting Equipment:

Use: Wind turbines, mining equipment, oil & gas infrastructure

Smart Tooling & Automation Solutions:

Integrated software (ToolsNet 8, Scalable Quality Solution – SQS)

Real-time monitoring, traceability, and automation readiness

Material Removal Tools:

Grinders, sanders, and polishers for industrial metal finishing

4. Power Technique:

Atlas Copco’s Power Technique division provides mobile energy solutions mainly for construction, mining, events, and disaster response.

Products: Portable compressors, generators, lighting towers, and pumps.

Use Cases: Construction, mining, emergency power supply.

Portable Air Compressors:

Examples: XAS Series

Specs: Flow rates: Up to 63 m³/min

Pressures: Up to 35 bar

Engine: Diesel-powered with Tier 4 Final / Stage V compliance

Generators:

QAS Series (mobile), QES Series (stationary)

Power range: 9 kVA to 1450 kVA

Features: Easy transport, parallel load sharing

Light Towers:

Examples: HiLight Series

LED or metal halide variants

Up to 5000 m² lighting coverage

Pumps:

WEDA Series: Submersible pumps

PAS Series: Diesel-driven centrifugal pumps

Energy Storage Systems:

ZenergiZe range: Lithium-ion battery-driven solutions for hybrid power setups

Additional Services of Atlas Copco:

Atlas Copco complements its hardware with a strong service and support ecosystem:

Air as a Service: Customers pay for compressed air usage (OPEX model), not equipment (CAPEX model)
Rental Solutions: Temporary compressors, generators, and vacuum systems for short-term needs
Maintenance & Monitoring Platforms: SMARTLINK: A digital platform for real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance
Training & Technical Support: Global network of service centers and certified field technicians/ Custom training programs for industrial clients

Characteristics and Specifications of Products:

Atlas Copco’s products are known for several standout features:

Energy Efficiency: VSD (Variable Speed Drive) compressors that adjust motor speed to demand.
Precision: Industrial tools feature smart torque systems with high accuracy and connectivity.
Durability: Built with robust materials suitable for harsh environments.
Automation Ready: Many tools are IoT-connected, suitable for Industry 4.0.
Compliance: Products often exceed ISO standards and environmental certifications.

Example: GA VSD+ Compressor

Energy savings: Up to 50% compared to traditional compressors.
Noise level: As low as 62 dB(A).
Maintenance: Long intervals due to oil-cooled, enclosed motors.

Pros and Cons of Atlas Copco Products:

Pros:

High quality and reliability
Energy-efficient and eco-friendly solutions
Strong after-sales support
Advanced features for industrial automation
Global service network

Cons:

Premium pricing compared to competitors
Complex systems may require expert training
Spare parts can be expensive in certain regions

Atlas Copco's Competitors:

While Atlas Copco holds a leading position in many product segments, it faces stiff competition globally:

Company	Region	Competing Products
Kaeser Kompressoren	Germany	Industrial air compressors
Gardner Denver	USA	Compressors, blowers, vacuum solutions
Ingersoll Rand	USA	Compressors, tools, fluid management
Hitachi	Japan	Compressors, construction equipment
Sullair	USA	Portable and stationary air compressors
Bosch Rexroth	Germany	Industrial automation and pneumatic systems

Conclusion:

Atlas Copco remains a global leader in industrial productivity solutions, combining innovation with sustainability. Its broad product range caters to numerous sectors, offering reliable and efficient equipment. While pricing may be on the higher end, the quality, durability, and technological advancement often justify the cost. As the demand for smart manufacturing grows, Atlas Copco’s investment in connected technologies and eco-friendly designs positions it well for the future.