I am looking for an electric air pump component to go into a product I
am thinking of building that can take atmospheric air, and pressurize
it to around 40 to 60 psi. My preference is for the pump itself, two
wires to power it, an inlet and output for air, no packaging or
control circuitry. If there is control circuitry, the entire device
needs to cost less than $7 in bulk. Without control circuitry and
packaging I'd expect the cost to be less than $2 in bulk (say quantity
1000). I'd like it to run on AC or DC, 12 volts or less. I'd like it
to be small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. I realize that you
would not be able to hold it while it runs due to the heat that it
would generate but in general, I want it very small. As for flow
rates, I need it to pump 30 liters of air from atmospheric to 40 to 60
psi in around 40 minutes or less.

You didn't mention your country, but these are available in UK. No
pictures I'm afraid but you could phone for more detail.

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSearch/searchPage2.jsp?x=0&Ntt=air+pump&Nty=1&N=1000109+401&Ntk=gensearch&y=0&No=0&showImages=true&viewType=null&comSearch=true&manufacturerDisplay=true

Best

USA but the idea would be to have a product manufactured somewhere
probably in asia or mexico.

The links provided do not give specifications such as physical size,
maximum pressure, air flow. They look like they are low pressure for
air mattresses.

Yes, the really cheap one is for mattresses etc. More detail in the
catalogue. But the ones at the top of this link......

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSearch/searchPage2.jsp?&Nty=1&Ntt=compressor&N=401&&Ntk=gensearch&&showImages=true&comSearch=null&paramSearch=false&viewType=&specialorder=off&Nso=0&Ns=PRICE_PLS_002_PRICE1#results

......are 250 psi.

Also....

http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSearch/searchPage2.jsp?x=0&Ntt=air+compressor&Nty=1&N=401&Ntk=gensearch&y=0

... which curiously lists the same item twice at different prices. CPC
is now part of the Farnell group, and stock is available in the
States.

I do actually have a similar pump without a gauge. Someone gave it to
me. Blows up tyres fine, bit noisy and dubious longevity, but
depending on your app it might be acceptable. Most of these seem to
emanate from ?uncertain? sources, Far East being common. Perhaps 1000
quantity would be too small for direct import. Mine is Taiwanese but
no manufacturer indication, just says 12V DC, 8A and an inspection
number. You could have a trawl through this Chinese site -- never
know.

I can have a more intensive hunt for UK items if you?d like, but on a
brief search these are the best prices I could find and still way
above your desire.

Best

Oops, forgot to add the Chinese link :-

http://www.made-in-china.com/help/sitemap/

The chinese site was interesting. Lots of Air Conditioning compressors
and various other mini compressors that a human would have difficulty
lifting but ... there were a bunch of car tyre air compressors that
were in the range but they looked like they were about half the size
of a briefcase and they come with car tyre connectors, 12VDC lighter
connectors, etc. Wonder if the pump part is actually small. Only was
able to find completed products.

Someone out there would love to sell you 1000 pumps. Just got to make the link.

I?ll keep looking too -- two heads being better than one (as I told my
plastic surgeon). Might be a day or two but if there?s anything
promising I?ll post.

Best

Still can?t find cheaper than previous I?m afraid. I?ll ask the guy
who gave me mine where he got it but I don?t think they are around any
more. Seem to recall a flood a year or two back -- maybe I?ll check
out our local bargain shops. That?s a point though because many
Indo-Asian emporiums in UK seem to supply unusual product ranges.
Perhaps they use overseas family contacts. If you have likewise in the
States, perhaps you could ask them. I?m sure they wouldn?t mind
supplying 1000.

If I get more info I?ll post.

Best

I had a conversation with the local Indo-Asian shop owner today. He
said he used to import directly by way of the network but has since
stopped because there were too many returns. His main source is now
through an English importer which though initially slightly more
expensive works out cheaper. He freely volunteered the address if
needed but I briefly explained the situation. As I thought, one of his
recent lines was the very inexpensive compressors and they may still
be available.

So, as I mooted, failing anything better, perhaps have a blether with
bargain shop owners and they might be able to point you.

Best