A journal box is a housing unit in a railway bogie that contains oil for the axle and journal bearings. It minimizes friction between the wheel and axle to prevent overheating and is made of durable material. It is positioned to prevent interference with moving parts and is easily accessible for repairs. A journal box […]
A fly cutter is a tool used in milling machines to make circular cuts on flat aluminum stock. It is commonly used to make clearance notches in automobile pistons and planing a stock square piece. The tool resembles a metal lathe cutting tool and is operated slowly to ensure a smooth and exact cut. It […]
A drive pulley moves a conveyor belt, and is a type of pulley that can have belts, chains, cables, or ropes. It is one of six simple machines that can change the direction of applied force and multiply force. Drive pulleys are used in two types of belt conveyors: those that move material and those […]
Formaldehyde resin is a synthetic resin made with formaldehyde used in various industries. It can be made with different chemicals and has various properties. It is commonly used in paints, engineered wood products, leather, and insulation. However, there are health concerns about formaldehyde, and some people are sensitive to it. Formaldehyde-free products are available but […]
Desoldering is the process of removing solder to separate electrical components. It requires a desoldering pump, wick, or solder braid and a 15 to 30 watt soldering iron. The preparation is the same regardless of the tool used. A good desoldering job should remove all old solder. Resoldering must be done carefully. Desoldering describes the […]
Wire strippers are plier-like tools used by electricians to remove the protective coating from electrical wires. They come in various shapes and sizes, with serrated teeth and rubber-coated handles. They can be self-adjusting and have different functions, including cutting, stripping, and attaching metal staples or fasteners. They can be used on various types of wires […]
CMYK is a color mixing system used in traditional offset printing with cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks. Images are separated into four related images, each transformed into a plate with the right concentration of ink. CMYK can produce a large number of colors, but is limited by external factors. Subtractive color refers to how […]
Industrial magnets come in various types, shapes, sizes, and strengths, and are used in diverse industries for different purposes. The MMPA and MDFA set industry standards for magnet manufacturing and testing. Industries that use magnets include automotive, electronics, mining, food, and pharmaceuticals. Magnets are used in conveyor belts, assemblies, separators, and cranes, and can lift, […]
Composite lumber is made from recycled wood and plastic, and is ideal for building decks, framing windows, and creating moldings. It is durable, less prone to decay, and has a wood grain appearance. However, it can be more expensive and less flexible than natural wood, but it helps reduce the demand for new wood and […]
Enrichment in mining increases profits by extracting as much recoverable material as possible from an ore deposit. Techniques include grinding, sorting, and suspending particles in water. Enrichment can make fringe mining facilities more practical and benefit communities by keeping profits in the country. In the mining industry, enrichment is a process designed to improve the […]
Faux wood paneling is a cheaper and lighter alternative to real wood, made from materials such as polyurethane, particle board, and vinyl. It can be used on floors, walls, and blinds, but may not be as strong or sturdy as real wood. Its advantages include being resistant to warping, rot, and insect infestation. However, some […]
Bend radius measures the flexibility of materials and is critical for manufacturers in selecting materials that can withstand long-term pressures. It is calculated on pipes, tubes, cables, and other objects to show maximum safe curvature. Bend radius is important for underground utilities to avoid damage to internal components. A bend radius is the inward force […]
Waxed leather is a waterproof fabric made by impregnating oil into canvas. It was commonly used for waterproof clothing and coatings, particularly by sailors. Although it was uncomfortable, it was worth it for the protection it provided. With the development of synthetic fibers, waxed garments were replaced. However, it is still possible to buy oilcloth […]
Sawmills process raw lumber into dimension lumber for shipment and sale. They were centralized in the 1600s and now use highly automated systems. Lumber is graded, debarked, and passed through a face saw before being finished and packaged. Working in a sawmill can be dangerous, but smaller sawmills exist for individual use. Many old sawmills […]
Most flooring types use expansion joints to prevent damage from expansion and contraction. Joint fillers like caulk, rubber, foam, or asphalt reduce tripping hazards and provide a clean look. Latex or silicone caulk is convenient but less durable, while rubber and foam are quick to install and water-resistant. Asphalt-based fillers are durable but pose environmental […]
Lithium bromide is an ionic compound made of lithium and bromine, commonly used as a desiccant and in refrigeration units. It can be produced by reacting lithium hydroxide and hydrobromic acid, and affects CNS functions. Lithium bromide (LiBr), also known as lithium monobromide, is a compound of the elements lithium and bromine, with a lithium […]
Helical gears have angled teeth that engage slowly and smoothly, making them quieter and smoother than other gears. They transfer force and come in different sizes for various tasks. Helical gears wear less and generate less thrust load. Double helical gears have two sets of teeth and reduce thrust load. A helical gear is a […]
Barrier metals are thin layers of metal or ceramics placed between objects to prevent contamination. They must be conductive and inert, with the right thickness. Titanium nitride is the most common barrier metal in semiconductors, while diffusion barriers protect metal components from welding. Gold, nickel, and aluminum are common metals used for diffusion barriers. A […]
Glass requires more energy to recycle than plastic due to its initial production process. However, glass can last longer and preserve taste better. The “reduce, reuse, recycle” hierarchy prioritizes reducing and reusing products before recycling. Recycling uses fewer natural resources and prevents excess landfill waste. The more research that is done on this topic, the […]
A tandem roller, also known as a steam roller, is a heavy machinery used for paving roads and parking lots. It consists of two steel rollers powered by steam, petrol or diesel, and is used to smooth and compact asphalt. Modern versions use diesel or petrol engines and may have a vibratory unit. Water is […]
