Cotter pins are used to securely connect two components in machinery and come in various sizes and types, such as the R-clip, bow tie, and circular cotter pins. They are often made of stainless steel and can be purchased in batches. The UK version has a larger body for a tighter fit. Confusion can arise […]
Condition monitoring is the ongoing observation and inspection of equipment to identify problems before they cause failure. Visual inspection is the most cost-effective method, but more advanced methods like thermography and oil analysis can also be used. Regular monitoring and maintenance can reduce downtime, repair costs, accidents, and provide accurate budgeting. It is best suited […]
Roofing materials vary in advantages and disadvantages, and homeowners should consider location, climate, maintenance, and installation costs. Composite asphalt shingles are the most common in the US, while metal is best for areas prone to rain. Clay tile and concrete are durable but expensive, while slate is aesthetically pleasing and can last over 100 years. […]
Agile manufacturing uses modular parts and automation to increase customer satisfaction by enabling faster and more customized production. It reduces inventory levels and costs, but requires extensive preparation and a high initial investment. Many companies are adopting this strategy to meet consumer demand for instant gratification. Agile manufacturing is an enterprise manufacturing strategy that uses […]
A planer and thicknesser is a woodworking tool that produces flat and equally thick boards. It has a height-adjustable table, cutting head, infeed and outfeed rollers. A surface planer is used for larger panels and has a cylindrical cutting head. It works best on flat boards and can be dangerous if not used properly. A […]
Wire binding is a popular and inexpensive way of binding books, using a machine to punch holes in the pages before inserting a C-shaped metal spine. This allows the publication to lay flat and is commonly used for brochures, notebooks, and calendars. Wire binding machines can be purchased for personal or commercial use. Wire binding […]
Planing is a metalworking technique used to shape and bend thin sheets of metal by pounding them with a specialized hammer on a rounded post. It is commonly used in industrial metal fabrication environments and can be performed by hand or with pneumatic or electric machines. After shaping the metal, imperfections are smoothed out using […]
Boring machines are used to dig large holes and tunnels in the earth for mining and construction projects. They can drill horizontally and vertically, saving time and effort. The machines have been in use since the mid-1800s and come in various sizes, from portable units to several-story-tall fixtures. Special screw machines are used for underwater […]
Destructive distillation is a process that breaks down large molecules into smaller ones by heating a substance in an oxygen-poor environment. It has been historically used to determine chemical compositions and harvest compounds. Common substances include wood, coal, and petroleum. The process is also used to recycle waste plastic and create products such as tar, […]
A slugcatcher is a device that stores and dissipates the energy of liquid or gas slugs in a pipeline, protecting processing equipment. Slugs can form due to various factors, including changes in elevation and hydrodynamic slugging. Slugcatcher designs vary, but generally fall into three categories: ship-type, multi-pipe, and parking lot. A slugcatcher is the part […]
Oxy-fuel combustion uses pure oxygen instead of air to burn fuel, allowing for easier removal of carbon dioxide without the need to remove nitrogen. This technology can be applied to coal-fired power plants, gas turbines, and welding applications. The resulting gas is nitrogen-free and can be easily purified and stored. While still under development, oxy-fuel […]
Excavation involves removing dirt and debris from the earth using heavy equipment and manual labor. Different types of excavation companies specialize in specific tasks such as building foundations, drainage fields, road construction, tree removal, pond building, and laying water and gas pipes. Each type of excavation requires specific equipment and training. Excavation is the process […]
Chromium plating is a process of depositing a thin chrome layer onto metal for decoration or protection. The process involves degreasing, cleaning, smoothing, pre-treatment, and etching. Properly done, chrome plating can last for many years with minimal maintenance. Chromium plating is a process which involves the electrodeposition of a thin chrome veneer onto an underlying […]
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provide in-depth information on potentially dangerous chemicals or components in a substance or product, including physical data, storage, handling, and disposal. MSDS forms vary by country and are enforced by specific organizations. Any workplace that uses a chemical-based product must have MSDS information accessible to its workers. Consumers can request […]
Raw materials are tested using various methods, but there were no consistent standards in 2011. Testing is important to ensure appropriate materials are used for intended functions, as using the wrong materials can have serious consequences. Testing methods vary by industry and include corrosion resistance, environmental exposure, durability, fire, physical property analysis, metallurgy, and performance […]
ISO provides quality and environmental management systems to industries worldwide. ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 standards are accreditations issued to organizations that meet or exceed the criteria set by ISO. ISO 9001 is a quality management certification, while ISO 14001 is an environmental management certification. Both standards require a continuous improvement process and external audits. […]
Foundry engineering involves designing and building structures to heat raw materials to high temperatures to create metal products. Foundries have large furnaces, mold building stations, and storage facilities. Foundry engineers also repair and improve existing foundries. They do not build metal forging machinery. From aluminum to steel, zinc to iron, the world’s metals are created […]
Embossing machines vary based on the surface used. Manual metal types are used for seals, while card and leather embossing machines are compact and customizable. Sheet metal types are used for hard surfaces, and multifunctional machines are cost-efficient. Embossing dies and cutters can also be integrated. The different types of embossing machines depend on the […]
Cast iron pipes are made by melting pig iron with scrap metal and casting it in a mold. They transport sewage and potable water and come in eight grades. Cast iron pipes have been used since the 15th century and are still used in sewer and drain lines. There are two types of cast iron […]
Electrostatic separation uses charges to separate crushed material particles, commonly used in ore sorting to remove valuable or foreign material. Conducting particles attach to oppositely charged objects, while repulsive force changes the trajectory of falling objects. Electrostatic charges can be positive or negative, and can build up from friction. Electrostatic separation is a preferred method […]