Compressor (50) has electromagnetic actuator (52) for driving the piston (58) in compression cylinder (56). Electromagnetic element (76) has core (77) and coil (80). The core has surface (104) and channel (90). The coil is disposed in the channel. Axially reciprocating armature element (78) is interconnected with the piston, defining an axial stroke having a stroke midpoint and stroke peak. The armature element has surface (94) dimensioned to align with the electromagnet surface at the stroke peak. Primary spring (84) disposed on one end of the armature element biases the armature from axial movement. Secondary spring (86) disposed on the opposing end of the armature element biases the armature from movement in an opposite axial direction. The springs bias the armature to resonate at a pre-determined frequency. Applied current at stroke midpoint continues the resonating frequency, and allows the armture surface to overcome friction losses and compression forces. Two actuators placed back-to-back creates a dual piston compressor.