Industrial laser cutting systems use different types of lasers for various materials. CO2 lasers are most commonly used for cutting dense materials, while Nd lasers are used for drilling, engraving, and welding. There are three basic machine configurations: moving material, flying optics, and hybrid systems. In industrial laser processing there are many different types of […]
Nurdles are small plastic pellets used to make various plastic products. Over 250 billion pounds are produced and shipped worldwide each year. They can cause marine pollution and harm marine organisms. Nurdles are difficult to estimate in the world’s oceans, but they are routinely found on beaches and in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Tighter […]
Impermeable surfaces like pavement and compacted soil prevent water absorption, leading to flooding, reduced groundwater recharge, and increased pollution. They also collect heat and inhibit plant growth. Permeable pavements and floodwater collection can mitigate these issues. An impermeable surface is a surface that cannot be penetrated by water. A classic example of an impermeable surface […]
There are two types of adhesive labels: permanent and removable, made from materials like acrylic, rubber, and water-based. Consider the surface, conditions, longevity, and purpose before choosing. Six commonly used types include permanent, peelable, ultra-peelable, freezer or frost fixable, high tack, and static cling. Water-based adhesives aren’t practical in humid environments, while rubber adhesives fail […]
Semiconductors are used in modern technology and fall between conductors and insulators. They can be made from various materials, with silicon being the most popular due to its low cost and simple processing. The manufacturing process involves cutting, etching, applying layers, and doping. The final step is coating with conductive metal and testing. Semiconductors are […]
Limescale buildup in pipes decreases flow volume, increases pressure, and makes water-based machines work harder. Pipe scale is caused by minerals in flowing liquid and can cause flow variations, increase electricity usage, and shorten the life of connected devices. It also affects the taste of drinking water and can cause bacteria buildup. Pipe scale in […]
Melamine chipboard is a strong and dense engineered wood product made from waste wood materials bonded with melamine resin. It is considered safe as melamine is embedded within the material, limiting exposure. Melamine is also used as an upholstery material and can add fire retardant and anti-bacterial properties. However, the main concern is that the […]
Moment frames are box-shaped frames with special joints that aid in resistance to wind and earthquake damage. There are three types: ordinary, intermediate, and special. Buildings are intended to bend with moderate momentum and return to their previous state, but to survive a major earthquake, the frame should bend and absorb energy without falling over. […]
A Swiss lathe, also known as a Swiss turning center or Swiss automatic lathe, uses a recessed collet behind a guide bushing for additional support and better tolerances. There are mechanical and CNC Swiss lathes, with the latter offering precision and increased functionality. However, a disadvantage is the longer remnants of bars. A Swiss lathe […]
Blast chillers, also known as shock freezers, rapidly freeze food with extremely cold temperatures, creating small ice crystals that preserve the food’s integrity and reduce bacterial growth. They are commonly used in the frozen food industry and commercial kitchens, but can also be used by home cooks. A blast chiller is an extremely cold freezer. […]
Cement clinkers are formed by heating limestone, clay, bauxite, and iron ore sand in a kiln, then ground with gypsum to make cement. Portland cement is the most commonly used type. Cement production has environmental impacts, but by-products can be reused. Cement mixed with water forms a strong alkaline solution and should be handled with […]
Urethane is a man-made polymer that provides superior protection on wood and metal, but its plastic appearance can be unsightly. It has higher chemical and impact resistance, making it suitable for automotive and countertop finishes. Urethane products for wood come in oil- and water-based varieties, with water-based being non-toxic. However, the plastic-like appearance may detract […]
Rivets are mechanical fasteners used to join materials. They come in various sizes and designs, including solid and blind rivets. Solid rivets require access from both sides for installation, while blind rivets only require access from one side. Specialized rivets exist for different materials and purposes. Rivets have been used since the Bronze Age and […]
Laser engraving is a precise method of marking or engraving a workpiece, with advantages such as accuracy and versatility, but high equipment costs. It can be used for industrial or artistic purposes on various materials, including stone, glass, metal, and plastic. The hardware typically includes a laser, workspace, and interface, with different types of equipment […]
Axial lead is a connection configuration used on many electrical and electronic parts designed for board or carrier mounting. The leads are typically long enough to allow for easy installation into most PCB layouts. Axial lead configurations are found on a wide variety of components, including carbon resistors, electrolytic capacitors, fuses, and LEDs. The conductors […]
A drill jig holds material and guides the drill for accurate, repetitive holes. It can be custom-made from metal or wood and has a locking system to keep it in place. While it has lost popularity in mass production, it remains popular in home wood shops. A drill jig does two important, repetitive jobs by […]
Heat registers cover the holes where ductwork enters a room and regulate airflow with adjustable slats. They come in different materials and shapes for different entry points. Proper maintenance is necessary for optimal function. Many heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems consist of ductwork that runs between the furnace and individual rooms in a […]
Day of the Dead, originally a pagan celebration, is now celebrated on November 1st and is a festive holiday in Mexico where people deliver special meals to cemeteries for the dead. Other countries have their own customs to remember the deceased. While Halloween now brings to mind trick-or-treating and fancy costumes, the celebration was originally […]
Contract assembly is outsourcing the assembly part of a manufacturing process to a company that is better suited to handle it. Reasons for outsourcing include cost, lack of expertise, or better equipment. Electronics and complex machines are common products that require contract assembly. Companies can outsource several stages of manufacturing, including contract assembly. Just as […]
The katar is a versatile knife with a unique handle consisting of two parallel bars supported by crossbars. It was once widely used in the Indian subcontinent and is associated with Hindu culture. The blade varies in length and some have forked blades or movable blades. The katar was effective against armor and was used […]
