Human-made objects now weigh more than all living things combined, according to a study by the Weizmann Institute of Science. Infrastructure, plastics, glass, and paper contribute to the mass, while biomass, mainly plants, make up the majority of living things. Human production has increased significantly since the early 20th century, with enough material produced weekly […]
The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in Montana employs grizzly bears to test “bear resistant” products by trying to open them for an hour. The facility also serves as a conservation and education center for bears and wolves in Yellowstone National Park. There’s no job guarantee, but if you weigh around 600 pounds, love the […]
A cascade impactor measures the flow rate range and particle size of a substance dispensed through an aerosol. It collects samples in a graduated manner through a series of discs, with each disc representing a stage of the impactor. The impactor has ten stages, with each stage collecting smaller particles than the previous one. The […]
Injection molding involves melting plastic and injecting it into a mold to create products such as furniture, bottle caps, and car parts. When choosing a company, consider quality, reputation, price, and delivery time. Quality is important for safety, reputation can be checked through references and credit reports, price should be compared through identical specifications, and […]
The best sandblasting service offers multiple blasting media and mobile services, and chooses the appropriate medium for each job to avoid damage. They may cost more but provide better results. When looking for the best sandblasting service, it is wise to look into the different sandblasting mediums that the company uses. Different blasting jobs require […]
France mandates all new public buildings to be made with 50% wood or sustainable materials by 2022. President Macron aims for carbon neutrality by 2050 and plans to invest $21 million in urban farms. Paris will repurpose existing buildings for the 2024 Olympics and add greenery to public spaces. France bans supermarkets from throwing unsold […]
Choosing the best nail gun for flooring depends on personal preferences. Air-powered models are cheaper but require an air compressor and hoses. Cordless gas-powered models are more expensive but more convenient. Consider the type of nails used and other potential uses for the gun. When trying to choose the best nail gun for flooring, it’s […]
Bic’s disposable ballpoint pens have sold over $100 billion worth since their introduction in Europe in 1950, averaging 57 pens sold per second. Bic’s success with disposable products also includes a long-lasting lighter, but failures with underwear and perfume. Bic’s line of disposable ballpoint pens was so popular that in 2005, the company reported that […]
Around 50 million ounces of gold are mined annually, fitting into a 14-foot cube and weighing 3.1 million pounds. The US produced 529,109 pounds of gold in 2007, while China became the world’s largest producer with 608,476 pounds. South Africa has been the top producer for 101 years. Only about 50 million troy ounces of […]
Rotary dryers use rotation, gravity, and hot gases to dry materials. They range from small home dryers to large industrial systems. The drum rotates and moves the material while hot gases dry it. Different gases are used, and there are two types of heating methods: direct and indirect. The most common type is the indirect […]
Laser cutting is the preferred method for precision machining of sheet metal due to its consistency. Laser cutting machines use significant amounts of electricity, and the lasers used can vary in thickness. Industrial laser cutting machines come in three types, and different types of lasers are used for cutting and engraving. Factors such as metal […]
Cantilever racks are storage systems with individual shelves supported by a single beam, allowing for the storage of wider loads without vertical or oblique bracing. They can be free-standing or bolted to a wall, and are commonly used for lumber, pipe, and steel stock. They are easy to assemble and affordable, with modular designs for […]
Sand traps remove sand or silt from water pumped from wells and boreholes. They use a cyclonic flow pattern to separate heavier sand particles, making them easier to maintain than filters. There are two types: above ground with a purge valve, and in-well with an automatic flapper valve. A sand trap is a device used […]
Slow sand filters are low-cost and low-tech water treatment filters that rely on a bed of rock and sand topped with beneficial microorganisms to filter water. They require no electric pumping or chemical treatment and are suitable for communities in developing countries. However, they work slowly and may become logistically impossible to build and maintain […]
Steel toe boots are protective footwear with a steel insert in the toe, useful for construction workers and others at risk of injury. They use heavy materials, finish at mid-calf, and provide insulation and protection. They are mandatory safety footwear in some workplaces and can last many years if cared for properly. When shopping, consider […]
Electronics jobs include product development, manufacturing, teaching, and research. Electrical engineers and technologists are involved in the industry, with positions varying based on education level. Electronics covers a range of products and tools, all using the same principles. Advancement opportunities exist, with skills transferable to other areas. Promotion is based on education level, but experienced […]
Cutting tools are handheld devices that can be used for cutting and grinding various materials. They come in different sizes and configurations, with some requiring one hand to operate and others requiring two. These tools can be used for light to heavy grinding applications and are available in straight and angled versions. Smaller cutting tools […]
12V air compressors lack a pressurized vessel and pump air directly into objects. They are less powerful than AC units but useful for travel as they run on car and boat electrical systems. They must run continuously and have a time limit for operation to prevent motor burnout. They are powered by cigarette lighter sockets […]
Powered conveyors move materials using motorized parts such as rollers or belts. They are used in various industries to move products vertically or horizontally. Roller conveyors use direct drive motors, while conveyor belts can be permanently mounted or designed with wheels. Truck-mounted conveyor belts are used for loading baggage at airports. Powered screw conveyors move […]
A weld positioner rotates round or tubular workpieces to allow welders to work steadily on a flat surface, reducing fatigue and increasing productivity. It ensures consistently high-quality welds and allows for continuous and adequately penetrating welds. It is available in various sizes and can be electrically or pneumatic-hydraulically operated. A weld positioner is a device […]
