Milestones

Innovation is at the heart of Atlas Copco’s values and for a century now, we have been at the forefront
of compression technology thanks to a number of groundbreaking introductions. Over the past decades we have developed the highly efficient and economical screw technology, which complies with the requirements of standard ISO 9001. By applying this technology to air blowers, industries all
over the world will decrease their energy costs while actively contributing to a better environment.
 
With its ZS range of screw-type air blowers, Atlas Copco is laying down yet another milestone on the road to innovative low pressure compressed air solutions.

• 1904
  Atlas Copco introduces its first compressor
  
• 1950’s
  Atlas Copco introduces its first ‘U series’ of oil-free screw compressors
  
• 1966
  The first dual-stage Z compressor with asymmetric screw design, resulting in a very low Specific Energy Requirement
  
• 1970’s
  Atlas Copco introduces the single-stage Z compressor with asymmetric screw design (ZE/ZA)
  
• 1991
  Atlas Copco introduces the single stage centrifugal blower (HA)
  
• 1994
  The first integrated Variable Speed Drive (VSD). This revolutionary innovation allows energy savings of up to 35%.
  
• 2002
  Launch of the ES system/controller, which optimizes the operation of multiple compressor installations.
  
• 2003
  Launch of complete range of ‘Roots’ type rotary lobe blowers (ZL)
  
• 2004
  Introduction of the high-speed direct drive turbo blower range (ZB) for maximum energy efficiency
  
• 2006
  The Z compressors are the first air compressors to be TÜV-certified as “oil-free” (ISO 8573-41 CLASS 0)
  
• 2008
  Atlas Copco launches its first energy efficient screw type air blower (ZS)
  
• 2009
  Atlas Copco introduces its 'Carbon Zero' range for optimal energy recovery
  
• 2010
  Atlas Copco introduces a full range of energy efficient ZS screw blowers, and withdraws its ZL lobe technology blowers.
  

View more about the history of Atlas Copco