Lime plaster is a building material made of water, sand, and lime, often confused with other types of plaster. Hydrated lime is the most commonly used form and takes time to dry. It has been used since ancient times and is making a comeback due to its eco-friendliness. It is important to wear protective clothing […]
Foam tape is a specialty tape made of polyethylene or similar material that is sticky on one or both sides. It is used for sealing and gasketing, as well as medical purposes. It comes in rolls and may have a protective backing that must be removed before use. Double-sided foam tape is also available for […]
A generator set is an electrical generator located near the end user, used as an extension to an existing grid or off-grid power source. It can be integrated with an existing electrical grid, providing backup power during outages. Cogeneration plants can capture excess heat and convert it back into electricity. However, routing excess energy back […]
Barbed wire fences are made of wire with barbs and used to contain people and animals. They can be made of various materials and mixed with other fencing products. They were developed in the 1800s and can be electrified or mixed with solid barriers for security purposes. A barbed wire fence is a fence made […]
Rust removers contain toxic oxalic acid and can corrode surfaces. Rust stains can be removed with household items like cream of tartar, hydrogen peroxide, borax/baking soda, and white vinegar. A mixture of borax and lemon juice can also be used. As the name suggests, rust removers are special formulas used to remove rust stains, which […]
Dynamometers measure RPM and torque of an engine, with Charles Babbage credited for creating the first ones. There are two types: engine dynamometers and chassis dynamometers, with the latter being more practical. Both draw power from a running engine and calculate engine RPM. Dynaometers are specialized instruments used to measure the revolutions per minute (RPM) […]
Assembly line balancing optimizes assembly lines to minimize costs and maximize profits. It considers factors such as workstations, time, workers, and resources. Different methods, including equations and algorithms, are used to optimize specific operations. Balancing the assembly line guides decision making based on the variables affecting the manufacturing process. Managers can analyze their operation using […]
A rotary kiln is a device that uses heat to change the chemical composition of an object. It consists of a reinforced steel shell, support rollers, and internal heat exchangers. It is commonly used in the creation of cement and can break down many types of solids into usable materials. A rotary kiln is a […]
Co-injection molding involves injecting different polymers into the same mold to change physical properties or reduce costs. There are two types: machine-based and mold-based. It allows for creating double-layered effects and combining materials for different properties. It also reduces cooling time and allows for recycling materials, benefiting both manufacturers and consumers. Coinjection is an injection […]
A photodiode converts light into energy through a photodetector and can be triggered by UV or X-rays. It works on a PIN or PN connection structure, creating a photocurrent that powers electrical devices. Photodiodes can be used in photovoltaic or photoconductive modes for various applications. A photodiode is an electrical device used to detect and […]
A sump pump prevents flooding in basements by collecting excess water and draining it away from the home. There are two types of pumps, submersible and pedestal, and they are usually powered by electricity with the option for a backup battery. A float triggers the pump and most issues can be fixed by unclogging or […]
Proper disposal of chemical waste is important to avoid harm to the environment and human and animal health. Guidelines vary globally, but in the US, the EPA maintains lists of hazardous waste. Hazardous waste collection programs are available to ensure safe disposal. Containers should be compatible with waste, labeled, and rinsed before disposal. Special consideration […]
Agile manufacturing focuses on meeting customer needs while controlling costs and maintaining high quality standards. It is related to lean manufacturing but adds the idea of meeting customer demands quickly. Companies using agile manufacturing have strong networks and can quickly adapt to changing market forces. The goal is to stay ahead of the competition and […]
Wood branding is the process of making a permanent mark on wood using a heated tool. It can be done with a stamp, stencil, or freehand. It is often used to add decorative designs or information to wood products. Safety precautions should be taken when doing wood branding. Wood branding is the making of a […]
The vertical turret lathe positions the workpiece at a 90-degree angle to the floor, allowing for precision cutting without operator interaction. It can be controlled using computer programs and improves the quality and speed of mass-produced parts. The operator’s primary function is to ensure proper operation and material supply. The vertical turret lathe is a […]
Kevlar® gloves are used in various industries and environments due to their strength, lightweight, heat and cut resistance, and non-conductivity. They can also be washed and worn for a long time. Kevlar® is used in various products, including bulletproof vests, motorcycle apparel, suspension bridge cables, sports equipment, and musical instruments. However, it can be broken […]
An impact socket is used to loosen or tighten fasteners with percussion instruments. They are made of soft steel and have a black oxide or plastic coating instead of chrome finish. Impact sockets are safer to use as they are less likely to break and cause injury. They can be used with electric, pneumatic, or […]
The Bourdon manometer, invented in 1849, is widely used for measuring pressure in liquids and gases. It consists of a tube that straightens as pressure rises, with an oval cross section and a pointing device for accurate measurement. Bourdon gauges are accurate to within 0.1% and used in various settings, but can be damaged by […]
Plantic® is a biodegradable plastic made from corn starch, which decomposes naturally and sustainably. It can be made in various colors and thicknesses, and is used for packaging fine chocolates and injection molding. The product has been improved to be more robust and versatile. Its use has increased due to concerns about petrochemicals’ environmental impact […]
Microwave integrated circuits (MICs) are microchips that operate specifically on microwave frequencies and are used in small electronic devices such as cell phones, GPS devices, and imaging devices. They have evolved from simple single-function circuits to complex, multifunctional circuits of increasingly smaller sizes and complex capabilities. There are two types of MICs: hybrid microwave integrated […]