Air nozzles concentrate compressed air into a powerful stream. An air nozzle's stream can be round or flat, depending on the shape of the nozzle. Air nozzles cool off hot parts, clean off surfaces or remove water from glass, plastic or metal without leaving streaks.

Air nozzles can be either hand held or stationary and attach to either flexible or rigid hoses. Air nozzles are available with both male and female attachments to accommodate any hose. Non-corrosive materials, such as zinc, aluminum, stainless steel and plastics make air nozzles. When purchasing air nozzles, consider the following:

1. Use round air nozzles for most applications.

2. Purchase flat air nozzles for flat surfaces.

3. Cover a wide surface area with an air knife.

4. Order air nozzles with multiple nozzles for special applications.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase round air nozzles

Round air nozzles are standard nozzles. Round air nozzles are suitable for many applications, and you can typically use one air nozzle for several different tasks. This type of nozzle produces a single stream of air.

I recommend: Find air nozzles for sale at ITW Air Management. The air nozzle supplier offers round air nozzles ideal for most blow-off, cooling and drying applications. Compressed Air Management Impact RM sells round air nozzles with both male and female attachments. Browse the air nozzle distributor's website for air nozzles intended for a variety of applications.

Order from flat air nozzle manufacturers

Flat air nozzles produce a wide air stream. This type of air nozzle is especially effective on flat surfaces. Use a flat air nozzle to clean off a surface, blow away fluids or materials or keep site glasses clear.

I recommend: Buy air nozzles designed specifically for blow-off applications at Technical Products and Services. The air nozzle manufacturer's inventory includes flat air nozzles. Buy air nozzles online at Cole-Parmer. The company offers flat air nozzles that can be stacked for additional power.

Find air nozzle distributors for air knives

Air knives are specialized air nozzles that consist of a straight line of multiple nozzles. Air knives are ideal when you need to cover very large surface area. Applications that use air knives include cooling parts, cleaning parts prior to painting and blowing off water from sheet metal or plastic.

I recommend: Order air knives from AirTX International. The company's air knives quietly cover large areas. Find low-flow air knives at the Spraying Systems Company. The air nozzle supplier offers complete air knife packages that include pressure relief valves, pressure gauges, inlet air filters, fittings and mounting adapters.

Use air nozzles with multiple nozzles

Air nozzles with multiple nozzles are capable of producing high amounts of force. You can also arrange multiple nozzles in shapes for specific applications.

I recommend: Find air nozzle clusters at Exair. These air nozzle clusters are for applications that require high force with a far reach. Silvent manufacturers a "doughnut" air nozzle, which consists of a ring of nozzles. These nozzles are ideal for cleaning and drying cables, pipes, hoses and other round materials.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Air nozzle suppliers often offer energy saving air nozzles, which use less air to produce the same amount of power as standard air nozzles.