Akrotiri and Dhekelia are two small areas in Cyprus controlled by Britain, with a history of human settlement dating back 12,000 years. Cyprus was an important trading center in the Mediterranean, controlled by various groups before being taken by Britain in the 19th century. After gaining independence, Cyprus allowed Britain to maintain military bases on […]
A rising butt hinge lifts a door as it opens and lowers it as it closes, providing extra space for thick carpets or uneven floors. They are available in various finishes and sizes and are useful for doors with seals or thresholds. They also make it easier to pull the door out and automatically close […]
Sawm is the Muslim tradition of fasting during Ramadan, with the meal after sunset called Iftar. Suhur is the pre-dawn meal. Muslims abstain from food and certain activities to practice self-restraint, and Iftar is often a community feast with traditional foods and charity. Socializing follows, with the greeting of “salaam aleikum”. Iftar is the meal […]
Back office support refers to the non-customer facing part of a business responsible for running it. Accounting and IT departments are almost always part of the back office, while sales departments can exist in a gray zone between front and back office. Different businesses have different definitions of what constitutes back office support. Back office […]
Post-and-lintel is an ancient construction technique using two vertical mullions and a horizontal lintel. It was used in Stonehenge and ancient Greek and Roman temples. Arches and trusses were later developed to increase load capacity. Laminated timber is a modern improvement. Stone has good compressive strength but is rarely used in modern construction due to […]
Copper slag, a by-product of copper refining, can be used in industrial cleaning, construction, and concrete. It is a safer alternative to silica sand and has a high strength-to-weight ratio. However, it may contain heavy metals and is classified as hazardous waste. Copper slag is a by-product created during the copper smelting and refining process. […]
A double square is a measuring tool used in woodworking and precision machining to maintain measured patterns. It consists of a rule and a blade, with the blade being the moving part that can be adjusted for proper measurement. The tool can be made from different materials and may have accessories like spirit levels or […]
Different types of binding machines offer different looks and durability. The best machine depends on the binding’s appearance, number of books, and usage. Types include comb, coil, wire, thermal, tape, ribbon, and saddle stitching machines, with each having its own advantages. There are different types of binding machines and they offer different looks and durability. […]
Bricks have been used for thousands of years and can be made by hand or with machines. They are durable and come in various colors and sizes. Some regions still use traditional methods, while others use illegal labor to produce cheap bricks. Brick has been a popular building material for thousands of years, as extensive […]
Piezoelectric transducers convert mechanical energy into electrical potential and vice versa using crystals or other materials. They are used in microphones, scales, accelerometers, and as generators and detectors of ultrasound. They can also be used as actuators for precise movement. The most common material used is PZT. They are reliable and rugged, unaffected by electromagnetic […]
Contract manufacturing services involve outsourcing a company’s manufacturing process to a subcontractor. Types include electronic, pharmaceutical, and medical contract manufacturing. Contract manufacturing agencies can help companies find the right subcontractor. The design and ownership of the product still reside with the original company. Contract manufacturing services refer to the outsourcing of part or all of […]
A wax motor is a cheap linear actuator used in appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. It consists of a wax block, plunger, and heat source. It operates by heating the wax, causing the plunger to move. Wax motors are preferred over magnetic solenoids due to their smoother operation, low maintenance, and resistance to failure. […]
Mill scale is a by-product of the steel rolling process that forms a thin layer of oxidized metals. It can protect steel from corrosion but must be removed before painting or other treatments. Methods include chemical removal or weathering. Steel quality can vary based on production processes and materials used. Mill scale is a very […]
Articulated trucks are used in construction to haul heavy loads over difficult terrain. They have different drive systems, including 4×4 and 6×6, and can carry up to 40 tons. Semi-trailers can be problematic due to the independent rear trailer, but video cameras can help. Articulated trucks are used in various industries, including logging and garbage […]
Vacuum forming, or thermoforming, is a plastic molding technique used by hobbyists, designers, engineers, and in industrial settings. The process involves heating a sheet of plastic, draping it over a mold, and using a vacuum to adhere it to the mold. Common plastics used include polystyrene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, and acrylic. The process has limitations on […]
Stretcher bond is a brick wall format with a repeating pattern of vertical supports bonded to the foundation. It is only applicable in thin-walled rooms and requires ties to the foundation and roof system to prevent collapse. It is easy to build and often used in commercial interiors to create a cavity wall. The top […]
Diamond paste is a polishing compound made of finely ground diamond particles and liquid. It can be used to sharpen and polish various tools and surfaces, including metals, ceramics, and glass. Different grit sizes are available, and it can be applied with a polishing cloth or strop. Polycrystalline diamond paste is recommended for difficult-to-polish materials. […]
Backfill is the aggregate removed from construction sites and reused for practical and environmentally friendly purposes such as foundation protection, landscaping, and filling voids. It is also used in mining operations, landscaping, and surrounding pipes to protect them from damage. Backfill, or backfill, is aggregate that is removed from a construction site as part of […]
Virtual manufacturing uses simulated processes and computer models to design and optimize products, reducing costs and time. Finite Element Analysis software enables designers to simulate behavior and solve engineering problems. It can be used in any industry. Virtual manufacturing involves the use of simulated manufacturing processes and computer models. These components can typically help with […]
A boiler economizer reduces operating costs by recovering waste heat and preheating water, extending the life of the boiler. It’s important to use a suitable product and consider installation costs versus savings. A boiler economizer is a device designed to increase the operating efficiency of a boiler by reducing its operating costs over the life […]