Choosing the right blasting material depends on the purpose of the blasting. Sand, aluminum oxide, and glass beads are some options. Sand is cheap but disposable, while aluminum oxide lasts longer. Silicon carbide is the best choice for a wide range of blasting needs. Safety concerns include silica dust from sandblasting. When trying to choose […]
Material handling equipment moves goods in factories and warehouses, and includes transportation, positioning, cargo forming, and storage and retrieval equipment. It can impact productivity and profit margins. It may also include systems to track goods, such as inventory control software and barcodes. Materials handling equipment includes all the machinery and devices used to move goods […]
Base material is used to support paved surfaces and can include aggregate and binding agents like asphalt or tar. It provides insulation and structural support, and can prevent damage from heavy loads and seismic activity. The depth and composition depend on factors like soil conditions and weather. Installers compact the soil and apply the base […]
Resin materials include plastic, polyester, polycarbonate, casting, polymer, acrylic, chemical, and dry resin. Plastic resins are made from synthetic materials and are used to make products such as soda containers, milk jugs, and pill bottles. Acrylic resins are used for aquariums, cell phone displays, car taillights, and bathtub liners. Resin casting is used for making […]
Proper management of hazardous materials is crucial to prevent harm to the environment and human and animal health. Good safety practices include providing Material Safety Data Sheets, labeling materials correctly, ensuring proper storage, and providing necessary safety equipment and training. Employers should prioritize safety and not allow shortcuts or improvisation. The safety of hazardous materials […]
Bulk material handling involves developing systems to move, process, and package bulk materials such as minerals and grains. Engineers collaborate with companies to develop efficient systems, including heavy equipment, conveyor belts, and containerization. Automation is used for efficiency and safety, and companies design equipment that can expand and accommodate changing uses. Bulk material handling is […]
Direct material inventory tracks materials available for production, including raw materials and supplies, to control costs and identify issues. Indirect materials are harder to track. Accurate records are necessary for accounting and insurance purposes, and computer programs can help with real-time updates. A direct material inventory is a detailed accounting of materials available for production […]
Raw materials can be stored indoors or outdoors, but the best option depends on the product and regulatory requirements. Outdoor storage can lead to environmental contamination, while indoor storage allows for better protection and organization. Consultants can help companies choose the most appropriate option. There are several options for storing raw materials, depending on the […]
Raw materials are necessary for industrial processes and can include minerals, organic material, crude oil, metals, and timber. Costs vary based on demand, scarcity, and ease of harvesting. Processing is required to make raw materials usable. Controlling supplies is essential to avoid interruptions in production. Trends in manufacturing can cause sudden spikes in demand and […]
Designers consider material properties, cost, and sustainability when selecting materials for products. Databases provide information on available options, and samples are tested before making a final decision. Environmental and social concerns are also taken into account. Material selection is a phase in product development where designers make decisions about what types of materials to use […]
Mesoporous materials have openings ranging from 2 to 50 nanometers, making them between microporous and macroporous materials. Silica is a primary material in this class, often filled with a secondary material for scientific uses. Mesoporous materials are used for transport and filtration due to their small pores and large surface area. Other metals can also […]
Automated material handling uses machinery and electronic equipment to increase efficiency and reduce costs, human error, and injury. Examples include robotics, inventory systems, and shipping equipment. It is necessary in many manufacturing environments and has been around since the early 20th century. Automated material handling refers to the management of material processing through the use […]
Raw material costs are influenced by supply, demand, availability, extraction difficulty, and purity. The commodity market is dominated by major producers who transform raw materials into desirable products. Labor costs in developing countries are controversial. The cost of raw materials is almost constantly changing, and this is due to the intersection and overlapping of many […]
Formwork is a temporary structure that acts as a mold for concrete. Panels, prefabricated molds, and falsework are used. Panels can be made of steel, aluminum, plastic, or plywood. Falsework includes rods, pins, couplers, or boards. Plywood is cheap but can warp, steel is durable but heavy and expensive, plastic is reusable, and aluminum can […]
The term “material” has different meanings, including supplies for a functioning army, assets for a business, and goods in the shipping industry. Military material includes weapons, ammunition, and medical supplies. The word originated from French with Latin roots and is crucial for a stable supply chain. In civilian enterprises, it refers to goods that keep […]
A materials database is a specific type of database used to store information about industrial materials, including development, design, and experimental results. It allows for consistent standards and communication across an organization, and can now be accessed online using SQL. A general database is a collection of information arranged in a table format, containing information […]
Material requirements planning (MRP) is a system used to plan production, inventory needs, and product delivery to increase profits. MRP software simplifies the process and can be adapted to any manufacturing environment. Successful planning ensures high profit margins, increased productivity, and satisfied customers. MRP benefits include reduced shortages, inventory levels and costs, shorter delivery times, […]
The first computer mouse was developed in 1964 by Douglas Englebart and consisted of a wooden shell with two metal wheels. The design was updated in 1972 with plastic and a ball, which served as the basis for popular mouse designs in the 1990s. Optical and laser mice were later developed, and various button configurations […]
Material planners come from various backgrounds, but typically have a bachelor’s degree in industrial management, business administration, or industrial engineering. They must be organized, creative, and have good communication skills to negotiate deals. Leadership skills are also important for overseeing purchasing and production. Being practical and thinking outside the box can help save the company […]
Carbon nanotube fiber has the highest tensile strength and stiffness of any material, with multi-walled carbon nanotubes measuring 63 GPa. Bulk carbon nanotube fiber has a tensile strength of 1.6 GPa, making it the strongest fiber. The US Navy is interested in using it for ropes and ROVs, while it could also improve bridge strength […]
