Atlas Copco, a provider of sustainable productivity solutions, has won a 2017 Red Dot Design Award for its 8-series portable air compressors, including the XAS 110 model available in the U.S. The prestigious international awards honor outstanding product design.
The Atlas Copco compressors were recognized for elevating design standards for size, weight, efficiency and performance. The range includes a new version of the durable HardHat canopy, which resists corrosion and fading and first received a Red Dot Design Award in 2006.
The XAS 110 delivers 110 cfm of air power for a variety of pneumatic tools, such as breakers and chippers. Its 22-hp Kubota diesel engine meets Tier 4 Final emission standards without requiring exhaust aftertreatment components or filters, giving the operator maximum uptime between service intervals.
“Our product design continues to focus on customer benefits such as performance, ease of use, efficiency and minimal service needs,” said Jim O’Brien, Business Line Manager for Power & Flow Products. “We are honored that the XAS 110 has received this prestigious design award.”
The 8-Series compressors are up to 15% smaller and consume up to 12% less fuel than comparable models. The XAS 110 footprint is just 26 sq. ft. for easy maneuverability through narrow, cramped jobsites. Its small footprint also gives operators more space to move around the compressor when using pneumatic tools, and it makes storage in a garage or rental yard easy. The compressor weighs 1,100 lbs. — as much as 250 lbs. less than similar compressors — cutting fuel costs associated with towing.
The compressor features a stepless, fully automatic regulator, which optimizes fuel consumption by adjusting the engine’s speed to accommodate air demand. This allows the operator to maximize his or her productivity between refills. The XAS 110 also features an anti-airlock system that guarantees starting by eliminating the risk of fuel becoming trapped by air.
Atlas Copco designed the XAS 110 for fast and simple maintenance; there are no special tools required and components are easily accessible. The compressor features a centralized draining point that allows technicians to drain all fluids into one receptacle, saving time and hassle associated with multiple ports. In addition, air filters simply clip into place, making change-outs quick and easy.
The Red Dot Design Awards evaluate the best products of the year based on submissions from manufacturers and designers around the world. This year, entries were received from 54 countries, with each individually assessed by an independent and international jury of experts. The selection criteria were based on many factors, including innovation, formal quality, functionality and ecological compatibility.
“The Red Dot winners are pursuing the right design strategy,” said Dr. Peter Zec, founder and CEO of the Red Dot Award. “They have recognized that good design and economic success go hand in hand. The award by the critical Red Dot jury documents their high design quality and is indicative of their successful design policy.”
The official Red Dot Gala took place in Essen, Germany, on July 3.
