Used Ateliers François (AF) Equipment Sold by Meadoworks

Ateliers François (AF) was founded in 1870 in Liège, Belgium, originally producing pneumatic hammers for the coal-mining industry. The company reorganized under the Ateliers François S.A. name in 1960 and steadily evolved its engineering focus. In the 1960s AF pioneered oil-free reciprocating piston compressors using PTFE piston rings, supplying the brewing, glass, food, and chemical industries. When the PET bottle market emerged in the early 1980s, AF redirected its expertise toward high-pressure blow-molding air supply and has since grown into the dominant global force in that segment.

Ateliers François (AF) builds exclusively oil-free reciprocating piston compressors across two main pressure ranges. The flagship CE series and the newer L series cover high-pressure applications from 20 to 40 bar, with free-air delivery spanning from roughly 88 to over 1,800 CFM; these three-stage machines are the workhorses of PET blow-molding lines worldwide. The CE46 and CE24 variants are among the most widely installed models in the field, while the L series introduced an L-shaped crankcase layout that reduces moving parts, lowers operating speed to the 340–755 RPM range, and cuts both energy consumption and maintenance intervals. For lower-pressure plant-air duties, AF also offers the OPC series, delivering oil-free air at 6–15 bar.

Ateliers François (AF) high-pressure compressors are found wherever PET packaging is produced at scale. Core end markets include mineral water and spring water bottlers, carbonated soft-drink producers, breweries, edible-oil and dairy packagers, and pharmaceutical manufacturers that require absolutely oil-free compressed air. The machines also serve chemical processing, automotive assembly, textile, electronics, and glass manufacturing plants that demand clean, dry high-pressure air as a utility.

Buyers seeking used Ateliers François (AF) high-pressure compressors cite the brand's exceptional build longevity — units from the 1990s and early 2000s remain in active production service globally — as the primary reason to purchase pre-owned. The slow-speed design minimizes wear, and AF's worldwide network of subsidiaries and authorized agents means spare parts such as valves, piston rings, and oil packings are readily available. The combination of low operating costs, a robust aftermarket parts ecosystem, and strong resale values makes a used AF CE or L series compressor a cost-effective alternative to new equipment for expanding or replacing blow-molding air supply.

Meadoworks is your trusted source for used Ateliers François (AF) equipment. As third-generation industrial equipment dealers and AMEA-certified appraisers with over 50 years of experience, we offer quality-inspected Ateliers François (AF) machines at competitive prices. Most of our Ateliers François (AF) inventory sells before we can list it online — call 800-323-0307 for equipment not yet listed.

Every machine includes detailed specifications and high-resolution photos, and inspection visits are available for most equipment. We ship worldwide with experienced rigging partners and offer financing for qualified buyers. Have Ateliers François (AF) equipment to sell? Get a free valuation or contact our team.