Atlas Copco GX Series Review: Compact Power for Small Workshops

Q: Is the GX Series quieter than piston compressors?

Yes—operates as low as 62 dB(A), significantly quieter than most piston models.

Q: Can I install it in a corner?

Yes—top discharge and front-facing service points allow corner or wall installation.

Q: Does it support continuous operation?

Absolutely—100% duty cycle even in high ambient temperatures.

Q: What’s the difference between GX 2–7 EP and GX 7–15 EL?

GX 2–7 EP uses start/stop or load/no load control, while GX 7–15 EL includes the BASE controller and more advanced monitoring.

Q: Is there an integrated dryer option?

Yes—Full Feature (FF) models include a built-in refrigerant dryer.

Q: How does it compare to piston compressors?

It’s more efficient, quieter, and lower maintenance—ideal for upgrading.

Q: What’s the maintenance schedule?

Basic service includes oil, filters, and separator changes—easy access design.

Q: Can it run in hot environments?

Yes—rated for ambient temps up to 46°C / 115°F.

Q: Is it suitable for CNC machines?

Yes—provides stable pressure and quiet operation for precision tasks.

Q: Does it come with a warranty?

Yes—Atlas Copco offers standard and extended warranty options.

Introduction: What Is the GX Series and Who Is It For?

The Atlas Copco GX Series is a line of oil-injected rotary screw compressors engineered for small to medium-sized businesses. Whether you’re running a tire shop, a CNC bay, or a packaging line, the GX Series offers a quiet, efficient, and low-maintenance alternative to piston compressors—without compromising on performance.

Available in power ranges from 2 to 15 kW, the GX Series is designed for continuous duty, easy installation, and minimal noise. It’s the go-to choice for operations that need reliable compressed air without the complexity or footprint of larger industrial systems.

Key Features and Technical Specifications

Feature	GX 2–7 EP	GX 7–15 EL
Compressor Type	Oil-injected rotary screw	Oil-injected rotary screw
Power Range	2–7 kW	7–15 kW
Pressure Range	Up to 10 bar	Up to 12.5 bar
Free Air Delivery (FAD)	Up to 29.2 cfm	Up to 417 m³/h
Noise Level	As low as 62 dB(A)	As low as 65 dB(A)
Controller	Start/Stop (GX 2–5 EP), Load/No Load (GX 7 EP)	BASE Controller with icon-based display
Installation Options	Floor or tank-mounted	With or without integrated dryer
Duty Cycle	100% continuous	100% continuous
Ambient Temp Tolerance	Up to 46°C / 115°F	Up to 46°C / 115°F

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

Quiet operation: Ideal for indoor use, even near workstations
Compact footprint: Can be wall-mounted or corner-installed
Energy efficient: Rotary screw tech beats piston compressors on consumption
Low maintenance: Easy access to service points, quality components
Integrated dryer option: Saves space and installation cost

❌ Cons

Limited smart features: No remote diagnostics or advanced analytics
Not ideal for large-scale operations: Better suited for small to mid-sized facilities
Controller limitations: BASE controller lacks touchscreen or cloud integration

Comparison to Alternatives

Feature	Atlas Copco GX Series	Ingersoll Rand UP Series	Kaeser SX Series
Noise Level	62–65 dB(A)	~68 dB(A)	~66 dB(A)
Energy Efficiency	High	Moderate	High
Smart Features	Basic	Basic	Sigma Control Basic
Installation Flexibility	Excellent	Good	Good
Maintenance Access	Front-facing	Side access	Side access

Verdict: The GX Series leads in quiet operation, installation flexibility, and energy efficiency for small-scale use. Kaeser offers comparable performance, while Ingersoll Rand is more rugged but louder.

Use Cases: Who Should Buy It—and Who Shouldn’t

✅ Ideal Buyers

Small workshops with intermittent or moderate air demand
Tire shops, CNC bays, packaging lines
Facilities with limited space or noise sensitivity
Buyers upgrading from piston compressors

❌ Not Ideal For

Large manufacturing plants with high-volume air needs
Facilities requiring remote monitoring or smart diagnostics
Buyers needing multi-compressor integration

Atlas Copco GX Series FAQ

Is the GX Series quieter than piston compressors?

Can I install it in a corner?

Does it support continuous operation?

What’s the difference between GX 2–7 EP and GX 7–15 EL?

Is there an integrated dryer option?

How does it compare to piston compressors?

What’s the maintenance schedule?

Can it run in hot environments?

Is it suitable for CNC machines?

Does it come with a warranty?

Interesting Fact

The GX Series uses Atlas Copco’s patented rotary screw element, which delivers up to 3% more free air delivery than previous models.

Lesser-Known Fact

The GX 2–5 EP models use standard start/stop control, meaning they only consume power when compressed air is needed—ideal for energy-conscious shops.

Further Read

Conclusion: Is the GX Series Worth It?

For small manufacturers and workshop owners looking to upgrade from noisy, inefficient piston compressors, the Atlas Copco GX Series is a smart, compact, and reliable solution. It’s not built for massive industrial loads—but it’s perfect for facilities that value quiet operation, energy savings, and easy installation.

Have you used the GX Series in your shop? Share your experience below and tag a colleague who’s considering a compressor upgrade. Let’s help small manufacturers make smarter choices.