A flanged connector connects pipes and fittings on a flanged pipeline, commonly used in manufacturing plants. It allows for easy disconnection for cleaning and maintenance. Different designs can be used for different sized lines and hoses. Materials used are typically stainless or high carbon steel. A flanged connector is a device that allows many types […]
Extrusion is a process where material is forced through a die to shape it, used in home and manufacturing. Examples include piping bags, pasta makers, and metal, plastic, ceramic, and food products. Extruded foods are a specialty of food science, but there is debate over their nutritional quality. Extrusion, from the Latin past participle extrudere […]
Drilling mud is used in deep well drilling for oil and gas extraction, core sampling, and other purposes. It reduces friction, acts as a carrier for materials, and stabilizes the well. Mud selection and formulation is handled by a mud engineer. The mud is recirculated and screened to reduce waste, but environmental problems can occur. […]
Plumbing fittings are used to change the direction of water flow or stop it altogether. Elbow joints change the direction at an angle of 45° or 90°, tees combine or divide a stream of water, and cross joints have three inlet valves and one outlet valve. Caps and plugs close the end of a tube, […]
Tape measures are used to measure flexibility in people and materials. They have various models, including handheld devices and larger ones for material testing. Tape measures are used in physical rehabilitation, product development, and tire testing. Personal trainers and physiotherapists use handheld tape measures to assess flexibility levels. The types and features of tape measures […]
Shot blasting is a process that uses a blasting gun or machine to shoot various types of media at a material’s surface to remove scale, rust, paint, and small surface defects. Different types of shot blast machines are available, and safety precautions should be taken when using them. Shot blasting is a process that is […]
A gravel pit is an open mine used to extract materials near the earth’s surface, such as small rocks used for concrete or pavers. Miners remove topsoil and subsoil layers to reveal the gravel beneath, which is then washed and processed. Gravel pits can pose challenges for miners, such as water filling the pit, but […]
Plaster products have been used in construction, art, agriculture, and food production for centuries. Gypsum is a common ingredient in many plaster products, including plasters, joint compounds, and drywall. Plaster products can also be used to create decorative moldings and textured walls. Companies specialize in different types of plaster products but may offer custom designs […]
The violent events of the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity resulted in the Molotov cocktail being one of the most searched recipes in Ukraine that year. The homemade incendiary device was used by anti-government protesters during clashes with riot police in Kiev. The cocktail is named after Soviet minister Vyacheslav Molotov, who planned to invade […]
Hemoglobinopathy is an inherited condition where the globin chains are malformed, causing medical symptoms. Treatment options are available, but the underlying problem cannot be cured. Sickle cell disease and hemoglobin C disease are examples of hemoglobinopathy, while thalassemias involve normal globins being produced in low numbers. Blood tests can determine if treatment options are available. […]
Noise pollution, caused by unpleasant sounds from any source, can have negative effects on human and animal health and behavior. It is prevalent worldwide and can be caused by transportation, machinery, and even people. Noise pollution can lead to aggression, stress, sleep loss, hearing loss, and other health issues in both humans and animals. It […]
“Build to stock” is a production system where products are made on a fixed schedule, rather than in response to demand. It is suitable for predictable or seasonal demand and when there are economies of scale. Fast food restaurants also use this approach during busy times. The alternative is “build to order,” which has no […]
Upcycling is the process of reusing disposable or discarded items to make them valuable, useful, or aesthetically pleasing. It promotes reuse instead of waste and encourages people to think of new and innovative ways to use things. Upcycling communities have arisen, with people exchanging skills, goods, and materials. It is a personal philosophy and a […]
Wire drawing is a metalworking process that reduces wire diameter by pulling it through a die. It was originally done by hand and later with the help of a steam engine. The Bessemer process allowed for consistently high-quality wire production. The wire is tapered and dragged through the die to reduce its diameter. The wire […]
Recycled tires can be used as fuel for industries, as cushioning material in playgrounds, as an everyday cover for landfills, and even for clothing and accessories. Scientists are also looking for ways to recover oil and carbon black from discarded tires. Many of us have seen news footage of a major fire involving piles of […]
A cathode is an electrode where electric current exits a device. In energy-supplying devices, it is positively charged, while in energy-consuming devices, it is negatively charged. In electrochemical cells, the cathode is where reduction or gain of electrons occurs. In physics and electronics, the cathode emits electrons into the device. Cold cathodes are not directly […]
A production supervisor must balance the needs of workers and management, oversee the manufacturing process, allocate labor resources, and reduce costs while increasing quality and production. The job requires HR management, efficiency and improvement skills, and quality control knowledge. The role is often stressful and involves long hours. A production supervisor normally has an immediate […]
Finish nails are small, barrel-shaped nails with a ridged indentation on top used in woodworking to hide the presence of the nail. They are often used in interior projects such as moldings, wainscoting, millwork, furniture, cabinets, and paneling. When selecting a finish nail, a carpenter or manufacturing worker will base their choice on nail size, […]
Ductility is a desirable quality in metals, allowing them to be stretched without breaking. Tensile strength measures how far a material can stretch, while malleability measures how much pressure it can withstand. The bend test is commonly used to determine ductility. Gold and silver are the most ductile metals, while steel’s ductility can vary. Cold […]
Cold forging involves shaping metal parts through compressive forces at or slightly above ambient temperature. It offers advantages over hot forging, including better surface finish, dimensional stability, and lower costs. Cold forming is suited to small to high volume parts and produces high-quality finishes with little post-treatment. Cold forging is a variation of the metal […]
