Air Knives

Air knives, also known as air blade knives or compressed air knives, are engineered devices designed to blow dust, dirt, moisture, or debris from various surfaces with high-velocity air. Air knives can consume anywhere from 60 to 3,000+ liters of compressed air per minute, depending on the length and application, with exit velocities ranging from 30 to 170 m/s.

By generating an intensive, even sheet of air, these pneumatic air knife solutions offer unmatched efficiency for drying, cleaning, and cooling products, especially on conveyor lines.

What is an Air Knife Used for?

Air knives are primarily used in manufacturing and industrial processes for:

• Drying packaged goods, automotive parts, and bottles after washing.
• Cleaning surfaces by removing debris, dust, and moisture on production lines.
• Cooling extruded plastics, metals, and electronics during processing.
• Blow-off and separation applications in packaging and electronics industries. Their precise, non-contact nature makes air knives ideal for delicate conveyor applications where mechanical brushes or physical contact would cause damage.

How Does an Air Knife Work?

An air knife works by channeling compressed air or air from a dedicated blower into a plenum chamber, then releasing it through a narrow slot or series of holes in a linear or curved housing. This design ensures an even, high-velocity airflow across the target surface, allowing air knives (including industrial air knife and air blade knife types) to perform continuous drying or cleaning without physical contact.

Types of Air Knives

Pneumatic (Compressed Air) Air Knife

These use compressed air, delivering powerful, focused air sheets ideal for smaller, targeted cleaning and drying jobs on industrial lines.

Blower-Powered Air Knife

Blower-based air knives use external blowers, providing large volumes of air at lower pressures for continuous, cost-effective performance in large-scale conveyor air knife setups.

Linear Air Knife

A straight, elongated air knife suitable for wide surfaces, conveyors, and high-volume industrial drying applications.

Circular Air Knife

Designed to blow air 360 degrees around pipes, cables, or cylindrical parts—common in cable manufacturing or extrusion.

Industrial Air Knife

Heavy-duty models built for demanding applications and extended duty cycles, typically constructed with reinforced materials and larger air throughput.

Material for Air Knife

Air knives are most commonly manufactured from:

• Stainless steel: High durability, corrosion resistance, suited for food, chemical, and pharmaceutical applications.
• Aluminium: Lightweight, cost-effective, and ideal for general-purpose and conveyor air knife operations. Both materials can withstand high temperatures and abrasive environments, while specific models (such as air blade knife) are tailored for either performance or price requirements.

Features of an Air Knife

Key features include:

• Adjustable airflow and velocity for process control.
• Even drying, cleaning, or cooling over wide or narrow surfaces.
• Non-contact operation ensures zero damage to products.
• Easy integration with existing conveyor or automated systems.
• Available in custom and standard lengths, mounting options, and connection types for any industrial air knife need.

What is the Difference between an Air Knife and an Air Spade?

• Air knife: Provides an even, linear curtain of high-velocity air for drying/cleaning on conveyors.
• Air spade: Designed for soil excavation and root protection using focused, powerful air jets, not for cleaning surfaces.
• Applications: Air knives are ideal for industrial production; air spades are used in arboriculture and groundworks.

Industrial Applications of Air Knives

Food Processing

Linear and blower-powered air knives are used to remove water or debris from packaged foods and conveyor products, maintaining hygiene and quality.

Electronics Manufacturing

Compressed air knives and pneumatic air knives eliminate dust from circuit boards and precision components, ensuring product efficacy.

Metalworking & Automotive

Industrial air knives and circular air knives are critical for removing coolant or lubricants from machined parts before assembly, inspection, or painting.

Pharmaceuticals & Cleanrooms

Stainless steel air knives deliver sterile, contaminant-free airflow for sensitive products, commonly found in pharma manufacturing setups.

Why Choose Air Knives from RS Australia

RS Australia offers a wide range of air knife Australia solutions from trusted brands like Meech. Our products meet rigorous industrial standards and cover a comprehensive price range, catering to all pneumatic and compressed air knife needs.

Whether you need conveyor air knife systems or other essential tools like contactors, 4 core wires or push button switches, RS provides reliable products and nationwide next-day delivery. For more delivery details, please visit our delivery pages.