Mattei Blade 4–7 Compressors – Characteristics, Air Delivery and Applications

This article covers the Mattei Blade 4, Blade 5 and Blade 7 compressors currently available in the UK, including S and SE packaged versions.

Overview of the Mattei Blade 4–7 range

The Mattei Blade 4–7 range consists of compact industrial oil-injected rotary vane compressors designed for reliable, continuous compressed air production. With motor sizes from 4 kW to 7.5 kW, these machines are commonly used in workshops and light-to-medium industrial environments where predictable performance, durability and efficiency matter more than headline specifications.

Unlike many small screw compressors, Blade machines use Mattei’s long-established rotary vane technology, which delivers stable efficiency across the machine’s lifetime and performs particularly well under real operating conditions.

What all Blade 4, 5 and 7 compressors have in common

All models in the Blade 4–7 range share the same core design principles:

• Rotary vane airend with self-compensating carbon blades

• Simple, robust mechanical design with low rotational speed

• Stable air delivery over long operating hours

• Typical UK operating pressures: 8 or 10 bar

• Compact footprint and relatively quiet operation

Because the vanes operate on a thin oil film rather than tight mechanical clearances, efficiency remains consistent even as the compressor accumulates running hours.

Blade 4 – characteristics and air delivery

The Blade 4 is the smallest model in the range and is typically selected for lighter industrial duties.

At 8 bar, the Blade 4 delivers approximately 0.63 m³/min (22 cfm) of compressed air.
At 10 bar, this reduces slightly to around 0.60 m³/min (21 cfm).

This airflow makes the Blade 4 suitable for:

• Small workshops

• Light CNC or machining applications

• Sites with modest but regular air demand

It is often chosen where reliability and efficiency are more important than peak output.

Blade 5 – characteristics and air delivery

The Blade 5 is a well-balanced mid-range option and one of the most versatile models in the series.

At 8 bar, it delivers approximately 0.90 m³/min (32 cfm).
At 10 bar, air delivery is around 0.83 m³/min (29 cfm).

This makes the Blade 5 a strong choice for:

• Mixed-use workshops

• Manufacturing sites with fluctuating air demand

• Applications where the compressor runs for long periods but not always at full load

In many real installations, the Blade 5 replaces oversized fixed-speed screw compressors while reducing energy waste.

Blade 7 – characteristics and air delivery

The Blade 7 is designed for higher air demand and longer duty cycles.

At 8 bar, it provides approximately 1.09 m³/min (38 cfm).
At 10 bar, air delivery is typically 1.03 m³/min (36 cfm).

The Blade 7 is best suited to:

• Higher-consumption production environments

• Applications with extended daily running hours

• Workshops where multiple machines draw air simultaneously

Despite its higher output, it retains the same compact footprint and mechanical simplicity as the smaller models.

Air delivery comparison table (reference)

For clarity and quick comparison, typical air delivery figures are summarised below.

Air delivery at 8 bar

Air delivery at 10 bar

Blade S and Blade SE models

All Blade 4, 5 and 7 compressors are available in S and SE packaged versions:

• Blade S – compressor mounted on an air receiver

• Blade SE – compressor with air receiver and integrated refrigerated dryer

Both versions use the same compressor airend, meaning air delivery is identical to the base models listed above. The difference is purely in packaging and ease of installation.

Typical applications for Blade 4–7 compressors

Blade compressors are commonly used in:

• CNC machining and general workshops

• Laser cutting support air

• Packaging and assembly lines

• Food production where oil-free air is not required

• General manufacturing with variable air demand

Their compact design allows installation close to the point of use when required.

When Blade 4–7 may not be suitable

The Blade range is not ideal where:

• Air demand is very low or infrequent

• Oil-free compressed air is mandatory

• Significant future expansion is planned

Correct compressor selection should always be based on measured air demand, not assumptions.

Choosing the correct Blade model

Selecting between Blade 4, 5 or 7 should be driven by actual air consumption in m³/min or cfm, rather than motor size alone. In many cases, a short site survey or data-logging exercise provides clear guidance and avoids oversizing or inefficiency.

Explore more of Mattei’s vane technology here:
Mattei Rotary Vane Air Compressors