Near-sourcing involves placing operations near the final product market, often due to rising costs in supply chains and labor. Benefits include cultural alignment, proximity, and reduced time zone constraints. It may involve relocating to a nearby nation. Near-sourcing is a term used to describe a company that strategically places some of all of its operations […]
Combustion equipment burns fuel with oxygen to produce energy. Types include furnaces, boilers, turbines, and engines, which use different fuel sources such as oil, gas, coal, or wood. Furnaces produce thermal, mechanical, or electrical energy, while boilers produce steam or heated water. Turbines use gas or liquid to rotate blades and engines ignite fuel to […]
Roughcasting is an exterior finishing method using small pebbles and gravel mixed with concrete or plaster. It is durable and low maintenance, but difficult to repair. It can be used for interior walls and waterproofing, and can include shells or color additives. Uniformity is achieved by using a wide board to flatten the finish. Roughcasting […]
A product detector recovers the message from an amplitude-modulated or single sideband carrier. In AM, a diode detector rectifies the carrier to produce a DC proportional to the message. In SSB, the product detector reconstructs the message. A simple product detector can be made with four diodes. SSB saves power and bandwidth but requires an […]
A pug mill is a machine used to mix wet and dry materials, such as clay and asphalt. It has been around since the 1800s and is powered by horses, mules, or electricity. Potters use it to streamline the process of making and recycling clay, while making asphalt requires careful supervision. Pug mills vary in […]
Diesel and biodiesel are both used to power diesel vehicles, but diesel comes from petroleum and biodiesel is extracted from vegetable, seed, and animal oils. Diesel emits high levels of pollutants and is non-renewable, while biodiesel is renewable and releases marginal levels of pollutants. However, biodiesel requires crop diversion for oil production, which could lead […]
A voltage amplifier increases the voltage output higher than the input voltage, while a power amplifier creates a more powerful output. A voltage booster is used to transmit higher voltage across longer wires. Voltage amplifiers increase power passing through a circuit to achieve a desired result and are not suited for powering devices such as […]
Particulate emissions, also known as particulate matter pollution, are a major health and environmental concern caused by factories and vehicles. They can harm animals, plants, and the climate, and cause respiratory conditions and cardiovascular problems in humans. To address this issue, fuel efficiency standards and emission filter systems are used to reduce production and release […]
Turbo generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy by spinning a turbine connected to a generator. They come in different shapes and sizes and can run on electricity, steam, or biofuels. Steam-powered turbo generators are most common, using high-pressure steam to drive a turbine. Nuclear reactors use a similar principle, and smaller turbo generators can […]
Industrial sewing machines are heavy-duty and used in clothing and furniture upholstery industries. They can sew multiple layers of tough materials and are designed to perform one function. China is the major exporter of fabrics produced in industrial sewing, and refurbished machines are sold due to unpredictable demand. The industrial sewing machine is a heavy-duty […]
A hammer axe is a tool that combines an ax blade and a hammerhead on a single handle. It was used as a weapon in ancient times and is now used in construction, forestry, and mountaineering. The hammer ax was a signature tool of many ancient cultures and was used in battle. In modern times, […]
A thermostatic switch is a control that operates by measuring the temperature emitted by the device it controls, automatically switching it off when the desired temperature is reached. It is commonly used in electric ovens, home thermostats, and to protect electrical devices. The switch must be programmed with two separate temperatures to function properly. A […]
Commercial flooring is durable and available in various materials. Popular options include laminate, vinyl, artificial stone, concrete, rubber, and carpet. Consider the claims made about each type before making a selection. “Green” options like cork and bamboo are becoming more popular due to their sustainability and safety benefits. Commercial flooring is a durable floor covering […]
Sustainable wood is grown in eco-friendly forests or sourced locally to reduce energy consumption. Bamboo, cane, mango, and maple are good examples. Deforestation harms the environment by reducing carbon dioxide absorption and threatening plant and animal survival. Bamboo and mango are popular sustainable wood options. Some of the worst woods for sustainability include teak, mahogany, […]
Digital manufacturing uses computer technology to produce products with minimal human involvement. It offers companies the ability to develop prototypes and customize the production process. It is used by various industries and allows for efficient energy use and minimal material waste. Products are produced at a faster rate and complicated design systems can be processed […]
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a polymer compound used in various industries, including medicine, personal care, metallurgy, and food. It is a safe binding agent in medical tablets and a thirst quencher for metals. PVP is also used as a stabilizer in processed foods and as a fining agent in white wine. However, it is toxic to […]
Low carbon steels, containing up to 0.2% carbon, are used for truck beds, car parts, and structural shapes. Ultra-low carbon steels are used for steel panels and non-critical structural shapes. Carbon content affects strength and ductility, with high carbon steels being stronger but less ductile. Low carbon steels, such as 1010, 1018, and 1020, are […]
Yield strength is the stress required for permanent deformation in steel, determined by a tension test. It can be increased by heat treatments or mixing other materials. It differs from tensile strength, which is the point at which a metal breaks. The yield strength of steel varies based on the percentage of carbon and other […]
A bench stop is a fixture used in woodworking to hold items in place while working. Bench clamps offer benefits over metal clamps, and bench retainers can be recessed or surface mounted. Workers choose bench stops based on size and height, with adjustable units available. A bench stop is a fixture used on a workbench […]
Smelting separates usable metals from mixed deposits. The process involves heating the material with an agent to force precipitation of the desired mineral. Density changes allow for removal of desirable ore. Industrial metal production weighs the value of ore against the cost of mining. Smelting is a process of extracting usable ore from mixed deposits […]
