Product Summary
The Le Lematec AI-304 is a compact 1/4" NPT inline air filter and water separator rated at 200 PSI — the highest pressure rating in its class. Weighing just 0.2 lbs with an ultra-slim profile, it mounts directly at the tool without adding bulk or throwing off balance. 1-micron filtration removes water, oil, and particulates. Transparent polycarbonate bowl with push-button drain. Factory direct from Le Lematec.
Best for: HVLP spray gun users, auto painters, and anyone who needs clean dry air without the weight and bulk of traditional bowl filters.
Inline Air Filter & Water Separator — Ultra-Slim 200 PSI Design That Won't Get in Your Way
The Most Compact Air Dryer in the Le Lematec Lineup — Built for Precision Work Where Balance Matters
Traditional bowl-style air filters are bulky, heavy, and throw off the balance of your spray gun. The AI-304 solves this with an ultra-slim inline design that weighs just 0.2 pounds and measures under 3 inches tall. Mount it directly between your air hose and tool for moisture-free air without the added weight or awkward bulk that ruins your aim.
With a 200 PSI maximum working pressure — far exceeding the 150 PSI rating on most competing inline filters — the AI-304 handles everything from delicate HVLP spray painting to high-demand impact wrenches and pneumatic hammers. The reinforced aluminum body and polycarbonate bowl are built for professional shop environments where tools get knocked around.
Key Advantages Over Standard Filters:
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Ultra-Slim Profile: Mounts inline without adding bulk — won't interfere with spray gun handling or tight workspace access
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200 PSI Rating: Industry-leading pressure capacity — 33% higher than standard 150 PSI filters, safe for all pneumatic tools
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Featherweight 0.2 lb: Aluminum construction keeps weight minimal so your tools feel the same with or without the filter
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1-Micron Filtration: Removes water, oil mist, and fine particulates for clean, dry air that protects tool internals and paint finishes
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See-Through Bowl: Impact-resistant polycarbonate lets you monitor moisture buildup at a glance — no guesswork
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Push-Button Drain: One-touch purge empties trapped water in seconds without disconnecting from the air line
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Universal 1/4" NPT: Standard male and female threads fit any air compressor, hose, or tool connection
Technical Specifications:
- Maximum Working Pressure: 200 PSI
- Connection Size: 1/4" NPT (Male & Female)
- Filter Grade: 1 micron
- Body Material: Lightweight Aluminum
- Bowl Material: Impact-Resistant Polycarbonate
- Drain Type: Push-Button Quick Drain
- Weight: 0.2 lbs (3.2 oz)
- Dimensions: 2.16" L x 2.16" W x 2.94" H
Package Includes:
- AI-304 Inline Air Filter & Water Separator
- Replacement Filter Element
- Installation Guide
Ideal Applications:
- HVLP Spray Guns & Auto Paint Work
- Impact Wrenches & Air Ratchets
- Air Sanders & Grinders
- Pneumatic Nail Guns
- Professional & Home Garage Workshops
- Construction Sites & Automotive Shops
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the AI-304 better for spray gun use than a standard bowl filter?
A: Standard bowl filters add significant weight and bulk directly behind the spray gun, throwing off balance and causing wrist fatigue during long paint sessions. The AI-304's ultra-slim inline design weighs just 0.2 lbs and sits flush in the air line, so your spray gun handles exactly the same as without a filter. You get clean, dry air without sacrificing control or comfort.
Q: What does the 200 PSI rating mean compared to 150 PSI filters?
A: Most inline air filters are rated at 150 PSI, which is fine for light-duty tools but leaves no safety margin with larger compressors or high-demand tools like impact wrenches. The AI-304's 200 PSI rating provides a 33% higher pressure capacity, meaning it handles pressure spikes and high-flow applications without risk of failure. It's the highest-rated compact inline filter in its class.
Q: How often do I need to drain the water from the AI-304?
A: Drainage frequency depends on humidity and usage. In humid conditions or during extended spray sessions, check the transparent bowl every 30-60 minutes. The push-button drain takes less than 2 seconds — just press and release. In dry climates or light use, draining once per session is typically sufficient.
Q: Can I use the AI-304 with my impact wrench or just spray guns?
A: The AI-304 works with any pneumatic tool that uses 1/4" NPT connections and operates under 200 PSI. This includes impact wrenches, die grinders, air ratchets, sanders, blow guns, and nail guns. While it's designed to be especially beneficial for spray guns (where moisture causes fisheye defects), every air tool benefits from cleaner, drier air through longer life and better performance.
Q: How is the AI-304 different from the AI303-C1 and other Le Lematec filters?
A: The AI-304 is Le Lematec's most compact and highest-pressure inline filter. Compared to the AI303-C1 (150 PSI, manual drain), the AI-304 offers 33% higher pressure capacity, a slimmer profile, lighter weight, and a push-button drain for faster maintenance. For heavy-duty main-line filtration, consider the AI303-R1 filter-regulator combo. For point-of-use tool protection with minimal weight, the AI-304 is the top choice.
Q: Does this filter remove oil from compressed air?
A: Yes, the AI-304's 1-micron filter element captures oil mist and fine particles along with water droplets. For applications requiring absolutely oil-free air (medical, food processing), a dedicated coalescing filter may be needed downstream. For spray painting, automotive work, and general shop use, the AI-304 provides sufficient oil and moisture removal for clean results.
Why Professionals Choose the AI-304
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Slim Design, Zero Interference: Mounts inline without adding bulk — spray gun balance stays perfect, tight spaces stay accessible
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200 PSI — Highest in Class: 33% more pressure capacity than standard 150 PSI filters, handles any air tool and compressor setup
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1-Micron Precision Filtration: Traps water, oil mist, and particulates that cause fisheye paint defects and premature tool wear
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Instant Visual Monitoring: Clear polycarbonate bowl shows water level at a glance — no guesswork, no disassembly
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One-Touch Drain: Push-button purge empties trapped moisture in under 2 seconds without disconnecting the air line
What's in the Box
- AI-304 inline air filter & water separator
- Replacement 1-micron filter element
- Installation guide
Compatible With
| Air Compressors |
Any compressor with 1/4" NPT outlet, up to 200 PSI |
| Spray Guns |
All HVLP, LVLP, and conventional spray guns with 1/4" NPT |
| Air Tools |
Impact wrenches, ratchets, grinders, sanders, blow guns, nail guns |
| Installation |
Inline between air hose and tool — no mounting bracket needed |
Ideal Applications: HVLP spray painting, auto body paint prep, moisture removal, pneumatic tool protection, inline water separation, compact air dryer, home garage air system, professional workshop filtration
Related Guides & Resources
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