Clay presses are used to remove excess water from clay and mold it into shapes. Natural and industrial clay can be used to make objects such as sculptures, plates, and bricks. Press molds are made from materials that absorb water and dry the clay as it shapes. There are two different reasons clay presses are […]
Air conditioning filters prevent dust and dirt from clogging the system and contaminating the air. Different types include glass fiber, pleated fiberglass, permanent mesh, electrostatic, and HEPA filters. It’s important to clean or replace filters regularly to avoid negative effects on energy consumption and system failure. HEPA filters are the most effective. Air conditioning filters […]
A lathe center holds a workpiece in place and prevents wobbling. There are two types: live and dead centers. A center screw is used for making bowls, while a center spur is used for cutting wood. A lathe center mounts in the tailstock of a lathe and is used to hold a work piece stationary. […]
A tuyau is a hydrostatic pressure mechanism used in ancient Roman forges to supply compressed air to operate machinery. It involves subsea pipes and a plenum chamber and was easy to install near streams. It changed the location of ironworking operations and allowed forges to be brought closer to water sources. In French, tuyau means […]
3D laser cutting recognizes all sides of a substrate, allowing for complex shapes and cuts in materials like wood, glass, crystal, and metal. It can cut below the surface without leaving scratches, making it ideal for etching 3D images in crystal and glass. Three-dimensional (3D) laser cutting is like regular laser cutting, except that the […]
Energy crops are plants grown specifically for fuel, divided into herbaceous (grasses) and woody (trees and shrubs) categories. Switchgrass is a popular choice due to high yields, low production costs, and resistance to pests and drought. Energy crops are used for electricity generation and biofuel production, with butanol, ethanol, and biodiesel being common products. Energy […]
Gate valves are used to isolate parts of a vacuum extraction system, often in dust extraction systems in wood shops. They consist of a sliding or rotating plate and are manually or automatically operated. They maximize vacuum pressure and efficiency, and are simple in design. In complex systems, they may be remotely operated with a […]
Electrofusion is a plastic tubing joining technique that uses heat to melt and fuse the tubes together. The process is reliable and strong, but requires proper training and safety precautions. Electrofusion kits are available from manufacturers for custom or generic use. Electrofusion is a technique for joining plastic tubing, in which heat softens and melts […]
Slurry walls are barriers made of clay and water used to prevent trench collapse during construction and control groundwater flow in land remediation. They are effective when dug deep enough to contact impermeable rock or clay and can be used to redirect clean groundwater or contain a contaminated site. Sewage walls are impermeable barriers that […]
Accurately calculating conveyor belt tension is crucial for proper system operation. Information about the environment, load rate, pulley diameter, belt speed, and more is needed to calculate TC, TL, TH, TE, and TS. TO can be calculated using TE and TS, and may need to be re-tensioned over time. Getting the conveyor belt tension right […]
Cold rolling is a process used to change the thickness of metals or glass. Steel is fed through a series of rollers that press it into a pre-ordered gauge. Cold rolling complements hot rolling, refining the metal and improving the surface. The process strengthens the steel and eliminates cracks or variable patches. Steel companies use […]
Tuned amplifiers amplify specific electrical signals while blocking others. They are used in radios, TVs, and other communication equipment, as well as in aircraft, sound systems, and scientific instruments. They use band-pass filtering to allow only specific frequencies to pass through. They can have adjustable or fixed filters and amplifiers, and are found in nearly […]
Manufacturers make a variety of products using different processes and equipment. They employ millions of people worldwide and have various business relationships. Manufacturing began in the 1800s, and companies have developed different approaches to production. Manufacturing facilities include production lines, offices, research, and engineering facilities. Manufacturers are companies that make things. They can range from […]
Polypropylene plastic is used in automotive construction, packaging, and various other consumer products. The majority of the plastic is used in packaging, with Asian nations being the largest consumers. Polypropylene is versatile and can be manufactured in different specifications for different uses. The packaging industry dominates in the consumption of flexible polypropylene, with over 70% […]
Clicker presses are machines that cut shapes from soft materials using a sharp die. They are used to make parts for shoes, wallets, and other die-cut products. Die-cutting is a manufacturing science and craft that has been around since the 1800s. The clicker press is an integral part of the manufacturing process and is used […]
Diode logic uses diodes as electrical switches to create Boolean “AND” and “OR” logic gates in circuits. Boolean logic is similar to search engine logic, with high and low voltages representing “true” and “false” outputs. Diode logic gates can only be used for simple functions and cannot be linked together without errors. Diode logic uses […]
Microalgae biofuel is a cost-effective alternative fuel source made from algae. Algae are grown in open ponds, closed loop systems or photobioreactors, harvested, and dried for use in the production process. Closed-loop systems and photobioreactors reuse CO2 emissions from factories to fuel algae growth. Microalgae biofuel is a green alternative fuel that produces neutral CO2 […]
Memory foam responds to temperature changes, molding to the body’s contours and providing support at pressure points. It can improve sleep quality and alleviate chronic back pain. Memory foam was developed for the space program but cannot be used due to trace gases. Investing in memory foam pillows can be a good way to test […]
Airports use two types of transportation systems: one for moving people and the other for carrying luggage. People movers are like horizontal escalators and luggage conveyors use belts, metal plates, and rollers. People movers typically move in one direction and luggage conveyors can have different setups. There are two main types of transportation systems found […]
Sealants are used to close gaps and prevent debris from entering, while adhesives bond surfaces together. Sealants are more malleable and contain quick-drying resins, while adhesives are stiffer and have complex structures for stronger bonding. Adhesives require thorough cleaning and treatment for proper adhesion, while sealants usually don’t. Hybrid products exist but may not work […]
