Industrial compressors are heavy-duty machines used to compress materials like air, gas, oil, and water. They are critical components in many industrial systems and are found in commercial and industrial buildings. Manufacturers rely on three basic types of operating systems: centrifugal, reciprocating, and rotary screw. Industrial compressors are more powerful and expensive than smaller air […]
A brake band is a flat metal band that can be tightened or loosened around a shaft to slow or stop its rotation. It is used in various applications, including shifting equipment, chainsaws, tractors, go-karts, and emergency braking systems in automobiles. Other elements, such as an anchor and servo piston, are used to regulate the […]
A palletizer is a device used to stack and organize factory products on a pallet for transportation. It can be operated manually or by a complex robotic device. The pallets are designed to be lifted by forklifts or cranes and packed tightly for transit. Automatic palletizers use conveyor belts or rolling platforms to stack boxes […]
Aluminum ducts are used to move air in HVAC systems and home drying systems due to their resistance to corrosion. They can be rigid or flexible, and insulation can be added for better thermal control. Aluminum ducts are easy to install and maintain an airtight cavity. An aluminum duct is a passageway made from aluminum […]
A milling lathe is a woodworking tool that uses an electric router to cut decorative flutes or grooves into round pieces of wood. It is similar to a traditional wood lathe but has a router mounted perpendicular to the axis of the lathe bed. The router is fed along the lathe bed by a screw […]
Product packaging supplies protect and enhance the appeal of products. Common types include blister packs, plastic bags, clear tubes, cardboard and plastic boxes. Clear plastic tubes are ideal for small items, while plastic bags come in various sizes and can be heat-sealed or have zip closures. Hard plastic shells, or blisters, prevent theft and breakage. […]
Boron carbide is a hard and dense ceramic material made by combining carbon molecules with boron. It is used in nuclear power, manufacturing, and as armor due to its durability and resistance. However, it is expensive and has potential drawbacks such as thermal shock failure and susceptibility to oxidation. Boron carbide is one of the […]
A center punch is a tool used to make a small impression in wood, plastic or metal before drilling a hole. It comes in different sizes and can be traditional or automatic. The automatic punch uses a spring and doesn’t require a hammer. Both types are available at hardware stores. A center punch is a […]
Tego film is a dry adhesive film used to create waterproof plywood. The original Tego film was a German-made adhesive infused with phenolic resins, used to create strong and waterproof plywood sheets. Today, plywood made with modern versions of this film is used worldwide in various applications. Tego film is a type of adhesive used […]
A rod mill uses loose steel rods in a rotating drum to grind ore into finer particles. It is more efficient than a ball mill and requires lower speeds and less steel. However, it is limited to wet milling and has a maximum length of 20 feet. All mills use mechanical friction to grind materials, […]
Triaxial cable has three conductor elements and is commonly used in the television industry. It can serve as both a power and signal conductor, and is often used to connect cameras to control units. It is not typically used in home applications, but can be used for signal distribution in Europe. Triaxial cable is a […]
External factors such as environmental conditions and fluid contaminants can affect the operation of solenoid valves, while internal factors include natural wear and electrical faults. Regular maintenance is necessary, and design specifications such as valve sizing and media compatibility should be considered. There are several internal and external factors that can affect the operation of […]
Plastic extrusion melts plastic beads, which are mixed with dyes and UV inhibitors, and molds them into a continuous profile. The process is used to make a variety of items, including piping and plastic sheeting. The plastic is heated to around 400°F (200°C) and moves through a mold before being cooled and cut to size. […]
China’s one-child policy, also known as the family planning policy, is a government-mandated limitation on the number of children certain groups of people in China can have without paying a fine. It applies to around 35% of citizens and has exceptions for ethnic minorities, those in rural areas, and parents without siblings. The policy has […]
Insertional Achilles tendonitis is a common condition in older people who participate in repetitive activities such as running. It causes pain, inflammation, and swelling in the heel. Treatment includes rest, ice, and medication, but severe cases may require surgery. The Achilles tendon is responsible for transferring force from the calf muscles through the ankle to […]
In many US states, it is illegal to require a credit card when paying by check. Merchants who ignore the law can be fined or face class action lawsuits. While some states allow merchants to ask for a credit card, it is generally not allowed to write credit card information on a check. Showing a […]
Electric ATVs are powered by batteries instead of gasoline engines, making them lighter and quieter. They are useful for low-speed, light-duty applications and are commonly used by children, farms, and parks. However, they have limited range and require periodic recharging. An electric ATV is an all-terrain vehicle that is powered by an electric motor instead […]
Grill baskets are metal baskets used on barbecues to cook food that would fall through the grill bars. They come in different sizes and types, some specific to certain foods. They are not expensive and can be easily cleaned. A grill basket is a type of metal basket used on barbecues of all types and […]
A knurling tool is used with a lathe to emboss metal pipes and shafts with raised grooves that act as hand grips or better traction. Knurls come in different sizes and patterns, with diamond being the most common for grips. The lathe must hold the metal straight, and the machinist should use machine oil. Knurling […]
Inductive sensors detect metal using a magnetic field and are used in various applications. They consist of an oscillator, iron core or coil, sensing circuit, and output processor. They are preferred over mechanical switches due to their durability and lack of physical contact. They can detect various metals, but calibration may be required for non-ferrous […]
