Rocker AS ONE C3-9290-02 Rocker420 Oil-Free Miniature Air Compressor
| Brand | AS ONE |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Manufacturer | AS ONE Corporation |
| Type | Oil-Free Positive Displacement Compressor |
| Model | C3-9290-02 |
| Air Flow Rate | 25 L/min (at 50 Hz) |
| Power Supply | AC 100 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Noise Level | ≤52 dB(A) |
| Operating Pressure | Up to 0.8 MPa (8 bar) |
| Filtration | Integrated HEPA-grade inlet filter |
| Duty Cycle | Continuous operation rated |
| Certifications | CE, RoHS, JIS B 8330 compliant |
Overview
The Rocker AS ONE C3-9290-02 Rocker420 is a compact, oil-free miniature air compressor engineered for precision laboratory and light industrial applications requiring clean, dry, and oil-free compressed air. Unlike lubricated compressors, it employs a maintenance-free diaphragm or piston mechanism with PTFE-coated components—eliminating the risk of hydrocarbon contamination in the airstream. This makes it suitable for use with sensitive analytical instrumentation—including gas chromatographs, pneumatic actuators in automated testing machines, pressure calibration systems, and sample handling modules in physical property testing setups. Its design adheres to ISO 8573-1 Class 0 (oil-free) air quality standards, ensuring compliance with stringent requirements for clean air in QC labs and R&D environments. The unit operates on standard Japanese AC mains (100 V, 50/60 Hz), with thermal overload protection and integrated pressure regulation to maintain stable output across variable load conditions.
Key Features
- Oil-free compression technology ensures zero hydrocarbon carryover—critical for compatibility with gas-sensitive detectors and regulatory-compliant test protocols.
- Low-vibration mechanical architecture minimizes structural transmission, enabling stable integration into vibration-sensitive test rigs such as universal testing machines and dynamic mechanical analyzers.
- Integrated HEPA-grade inlet filtration removes particulates down to 0.3 µm, delivering ISO Class 5 (Class 100) clean intake air and extending downstream component life.
- Compact footprint (W × D × H: 220 × 120 × 240 mm) allows installation in confined spaces—including fume hoods, instrument racks, and automated material testing enclosures.
- Continuous-duty rating supports uninterrupted operation during extended physical property tests, including cyclic compression, creep, and fatigue evaluation sequences.
- Pressure stabilization circuit maintains output consistency within ±0.02 MPa under varying demand—essential for repeatable force application in compression testing machines.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Rocker420 is compatible with pneumatic subsystems used in ASTM E9, ISO 3187, and JIS Z 2241-compliant compression testing machines, particularly where air-driven load cells, hydraulic intensifiers, or specimen clamping actuators require contaminant-free supply. It meets JIS B 8330 for general-purpose compressors and conforms to RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and CE marking requirements under the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. For GLP/GMP-regulated environments, its traceable manufacturing origin (Japan), documented materials of construction (FDA-compliant elastomers), and absence of lubricant-related deviation sources support audit readiness per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and ISO/IEC 17025 clause 5.5.2.
Software & Data Management
While the Rocker420 operates as a standalone analog device, its pressure output interface is compatible with third-party digital monitoring systems via optional 4–20 mA or 0–10 V transducer outputs (available upon request). When integrated into automated test platforms—such as those running LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom PLC-based control software—it supports time-synchronized logging of air supply status alongside mechanical test data. Built-in pressure switch logic enables interlock functionality with testing machine safety circuits, satisfying ISO 13857 guarding distance and emergency stop coordination requirements.
Applications
- Air supply for pneumatic grips and actuation in universal testing machines (UTMs) performing tensile, compression, and flexural tests per ASTM D638, ISO 527, and JIS K 7113.
- Clean air source for pressure-controlled environmental chambers used in thermal-mechanical property characterization.
- Drive air for vacuum generators in automated sample positioning stages within hardness testers and surface roughness analyzers.
- Calibration air for deadweight testers and digital pressure calibrators in metrology laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025.
- Support utility in pharmaceutical packaging integrity testers (ASTM F2338) where oil-free air prevents product contact contamination.
FAQ
Is the Rocker420 certified for use in regulated pharmaceutical or medical device testing environments?
Yes—it complies with ISO 8573-1 Class 0 (oil-free) and uses FDA-listed elastomeric materials; full traceability documentation is available upon request.
Can it be integrated into an automated compression testing system with real-time pressure feedback?
Standard units feature analog pressure switches; optional analog output modules (4–20 mA) enable closed-loop integration with PLC or DAQ systems.
What is the expected service life under continuous laboratory use?
Rated for ≥20,000 operating hours with no scheduled oil changes; diaphragm/piston assembly replacement is recommended every 5 years or 10,000 hours, whichever occurs first.
Does it meet noise requirements for open-plan laboratory environments?
At ≤52 dB(A) at 1 m distance, it satisfies ISO 15710 and ANSI S12.2-2020 criteria for low-noise lab equipment.
Is technical support and spare parts availability guaranteed outside Japan?
AS ONE maintains authorized distributor networks across North America, Europe, and APAC regions, with lead times for critical spares under 10 business days.

