A forklift arm is an attachment that extends the reach of a forklift, allowing it to lift loads over a wider range and clear obstacles. These arms come in various designs, including telescopic and rotating models, and are rated to accommodate a maximum load. However, buyers should consider safety and legal aspects before investing in […]
Extrusion molding melts plastic or metal and pushes it through a mold to create a linear shape. The final shape is cooled and cut to length. The process varies for plastic and metal. Factors like temperature and pressure can be adjusted. Mold design must consider shrinkage rates. Extrusion molding, or extrusion molding, is the molding […]
Inclusions in steel are impurities that are not part of the molecular structure of the alloy, classified as endogenous or exogenous. They can reduce the quality of steel, but modern steelmaking processes minimize their presence. Endogenous inclusions are formed during the steelmaking process, while exogenous inclusions come from foreign substances. Inclusions are unavoidable to some […]
Insulation tests isolate a part of a device or system to determine where a defect or problem exists. This type of test is used in engineering to test any system where a current flows. It can be performed on various parts of a computer or other systems to find faults. An insulation test can be […]
A latch is a sliding mechanism that prevents a door from opening. It has evolved from simple crossbars to modern doorknob mechanisms. The latch can be part of a deadbolt and is still commonly used in many places. Two-bolt systems are common in higher security doors. A latch is the part of a door that […]
A pinion shaft is the primary driving element in most gear sets, transferring input from a drive shaft or crank to produce work. It can transfer motion to linear or right angle bevel gear sets. Pinion shafts and drive gears are typically one-piece steel assemblies and may pass through pillow block bearings and have an […]
Electricity demand fluctuates throughout the day due to various factors, and managing it is crucial for utilities. The outdated infrastructure of power grids is a potential threat to economic welfare. Electricity storage is inefficient, making it difficult to store energy during sudden demand. Utilities can match supply and demand by turning generators on and off […]
A carrier tube is a hollow tube that transports fluids and is contained within an outer sheath. It can be made of metal or plastic and is often used in double wall pipes for added protection against leaks. It is also used to protect water and sewage pipes and in manufacturing to keep liquids at […]
Foundation support is added to existing structures for various reasons, such as damage or retrofitting. A structural engineer recommends support options, which may involve underpinning. Building occupants may need to be cleared during the process, and costs may be covered by those responsible for falsifying records. Foundation support is the structural support added to the […]
Flat pack furniture is designed to be assembled quickly and easily, saving space and reducing shipping costs. It was invented by Gillis Lundgren, a Swedish furniture designer, and popularized by IKEA. The quality can vary, with some using high-quality materials and others using cheaper ones. The furniture may or may not be designed to be […]
Kiln-dried wood is dried in a special chamber to reduce moisture content for use as fuel or construction material. Kiln drying is faster and more controlled than air drying, but the cost of building and maintaining a kiln can be a disadvantage. Solar ovens are a cheaper alternative. Kiln-dried wood is lumber that has been […]
Phosphorus is a vital resource obtained from sedimentary and igneous rock deposits, with 95% of production going into agricultural fertilizers. It is also used in food production, household chemicals, and high-tech electronics. Morocco has the largest deposits, with global production levels increasing since the mid-1800s. Phosphorus is the second most abundant element in the human […]
Department stores are large chain stores that some criticize for driving out small businesses, lack of unionization, and questionable environmental practices. They offer low prices due to their size and contracts with suppliers. They are often located along highways and have unremarkable architecture. They can be divided into general stores, category killers, and warehouse clubs. […]
An HVAC filter protects heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems from dust and airborne particles, improving efficiency and longevity. HVAC filters also improve indoor air quality by capturing pollutants. Different types of filters include spun fiberglass, disposable pleated, electrostatic, and HEPA filters. HEPA filters are the most efficient and expensive, capturing 99.7% of airborne particles […]
Polypropylene is a versatile thermoplastic polymer used in various applications, including carpeting and upholstery. However, it has drawbacks, such as difficulty in adding paint or ink, susceptibility to cracking, and tendency to break and shrink during the manufacturing process. Manufacturers must carefully monitor the temperature and machinery to avoid these issues. Polypropylene is a thermoplastic […]
Pipe threads allow pipes to be joined together, with male threads on the outside and female threads on the inside. Industry standards include NPT and NPSM, with GHT and NST for specific applications. PTFE tape is recommended for leak-proof seals. Pipe sizes are measured by OD and TPI. Building codes require different materials for different […]
Electrical properties vary between solids, liquids, and gases. Solids like metals are good conductors, while insulators like glass and plastics protect from electrical charges. Saltwater is a good conductor, while potable and distilled water are insulators. Gases like oxygen and nitrogen are non-conductive, but can become conductive under certain conditions. Electrical properties are the physical […]
Automated equipment, such as industrial robots, assembly systems, and vision systems, make manufacturing more efficient and reliable. They can perform complex routines continuously without errors and can be used for assembly, packaging, and inspection. They can also provide safety, such as light curtains that switch off machines if blocked. The many types of automated equipment […]
A fire compartment is a fire-resistant area in a building that can slow down the spread of fire and protect valuable materials. They can be integrated into new construction or retrofitted into existing buildings. They are not fireproof but can be invaluable in reducing fire damage and increasing evacuation time. They are usually installed with […]
A greenchain is a lumber sorting process used in sawmills and logging plants to sort and stack freshly cut lumber by size and quality. It has evolved from manual labor to automated or combined human and mechanical labor. The process is used to select green lumber for further processing or sale and helps control and […]
