Filament winding is an automated process used to manufacture composite materials, using glass, carbon, or aramid fibers wound around a mandrel and coated with resin. The arrangement of fibers affects the material’s compressive and tensile strength, and the resulting high strength-to-weight ratio makes it ideal for aeronautical and industrial products. Filament winding is a technique […]
Greenhouses protect crops from the elements and allow for longer growing periods, but can be expensive. Early greenhouses were attached to houses and used the sun for light and heat. Break-resistant plastic greenhouses were developed in the 20th century. Commercial greenhouse production became more affordable in the late 20th century, and water conservation techniques were […]
Rotary solenoids use solenoids to create rotational torque and have various applications in security, medicine, and industry. They offer advantages such as being relatively inexpensive and consuming less energy, but have limitations such as limited torque and wearing out over time. A rotary solenoid is an electromechanical device that uses solenoids to create rotational torque. […]
An optoisolator uses light to send signals between circuit parts, preventing voltage spikes and reducing noise. There are two types: digital and analog. Optocouplers are for systems with 5,000-50,000 volts, while optical isolators are for less than 5,000 volts. Humidity and air pollution can damage optocouplers. An optoisolator is an electronic device that uses light […]
3PL refers to outsourcing logistics to another company, including transportation, warehousing, supply chain management, and order fulfillment. It reduces costs and space requirements for businesses. The 3PL company manages the process and delivers goods to the end customer. The term 3PL stands for Third Party Logistics. It refers to a process whereby one company’s logistics […]
Rising stem valves have stems that rise with the gate, providing a visual indication of whether the valve is open. There are two types of rising stem valves, one with a threaded nut and one with a threaded stem. Non-rising stem valves have gates that move up the stem, but no visual indication of their […]
The tan delta test checks insulation quality in medium and high voltage cables. It measures the resistance in the cable as current flows through it to determine the level of phase shift and insulation condition. It can uncover water tree problems, but does not provide information about the location of a problem. Technicians must take […]
Fillet weld is a basic type of weld used to join flat steel at a 90° angle. It requires proper penetration and heat settings, and the weld wire must travel the same distance on both sides of the joint. It is important to avoid excessive penetration when welding a lap joint. Fillet weld is the […]
Base molding is a protective strip applied to walls where they meet the floor, designed to protect from furniture and other objects. It also hides gaps and provides access to the area behind the wall. Chair rails protect walls from chair backs. Commercial base moldings are usually plastic and less decorative than residential ones. Installation […]
A universal vise can hold objects at compound angles and adjust to irregular shapes. There is no standard configuration, and buyers should consider their project needs. They are used in various industries and come in different sizes. Swivel bases and accessories are available, and it’s important to test the vise for a secure fit. Sometimes […]
“First Nations” is the preferred term for Canada’s indigenous population, as “Indian” and “Native American” are considered offensive or confusing. Inuit and Métis people are not included. Members are entitled to benefits and represented by the Assembly of First Nations. The population is diverse and culturally distinct. The term “First Nations” has been used since […]
A current transformer measures electricity without diverting the current into the measuring instrument, which could be hazardous. It uses the magnetic field produced by the current to create a current that is directly proportional to the device or line being measured. It is an important tool in electrical engineering for safety and efficiency monitoring. A […]
White gas, also known as naphtha, is a petroleum ether used as a feedstock for high-octane gasoline. It’s found in many household and industrial products, but overexposure can lead to health problems, including cancer. Companies have strict guidelines for its use, and it’s generally safe in small quantities. More properly known as naphtha, white gas […]
Solder wire is a fusible alloy of tin and silver or lead, used for electronics and plumbing. Different alloys are used for different jobs, and some contain a flux core. Lead-free solders are becoming more popular due to health and environmental concerns. Cored solder wire contains internal veins of rosin or acid-based materials, making external […]
A package conveyor is used in warehouses or shipping facilities to move packages. There are three types: powered, unpowered, and a combination of both. Belts and rollers are used to move items. Retarders are used to slow down packages and prevent collisions. Some systems combine gravity rollers with motorized conveyor belts, and transfers are used […]
Black start is the ability of certain power plants to generate their own power to restart after a power outage, allowing for quick restoration of power to the grid. Black start stations must meet strict criteria and have their own fuel source. They have limitations and are used in different countries. A black start is […]
A hand vise is a tool used for gripping objects, with a handle attached to a set of jaws that can clamp various objects. They are made of steel or other corrosion-resistant metals and can be used for woodworking, jewelry making, and other crafts. Hand vices can hold small or delicate objects while working on […]
Injection molded plastic parts are made by melting plastic granules and injecting them into a mold. The design process must consider the part’s purpose, including the nominal wall, protrusions, holes, and indentations. Varying wall thicknesses can cause defects, and bosses must not be thicker than the nominal wall. The location of holes and indentations affects […]
Knowing the generator load is important for safe operation and purchasing a generator with the appropriate load capacity ensures continuous operation of appliances during a power outage. It’s important to assess what appliances will be needed and purchase a generator that can handle the maximum voltage required. Overloading the generator can cause damage. Generator load […]
3D printing is a manufacturing method where objects are made quickly on a machine connected to a computer. Enthusiasts hope it will usher in a custom manufacturing revolution. Current models are expensive and used by professionals. The latest devices use a laser and metal powder to make metal objects. There may one day be 3D […]
