Drum motors are enclosed, highly efficient motor drives used in conveyors, including x-ray machines, checkout terminals, and food processing. They operate in various conditions, have a steel, aluminum or stainless steel shell, and use helical or planetary gears for around 95% efficiency. A drum motor, also known as a motorized pulley, is a highly efficient […]
A tilt test is required for ships over 79 feet before they are commissioned, providing information on stability, center of gravity, draft, and weight. Shipbuilders may perform the test or hire third-party specialists. The test is part of a series of evaluations required by law before a boat can be approved for sailing. A tilt […]
ISO 13485 is a guideline for the medical industry that helps managers ensure medical equipment is in good working order and details the design and manufacturing of devices. It outlines how to build and maintain quality equipment, monitor quality, and maintain device control. ISO 13485 supersedes three documents and is usually coupled with ISO 9001. […]
The knotted rope was an ancient measuring device used in surveying, with knots marking units of distance. It was replaced by more accurate tools like the chain. The device is still used for quick measurements and education. Egyptian tomb paintings and Greek writings provide insight into its use. A knotted rope is an ancient device […]
Tikal, a Mayan city in Guatemala, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest cities in the Classic Maya world. It was conquered by Caracol but regained independence under Jasaw Chan K’awiil. The site has six step pyramids and thousands of structures, making it a popular tourist destination. Tikal is a ruined […]
3D laser engraving involves engraving a three-dimensional surface on multiple edges or creating a 3D image with depth. Laser engraving is better for this process and can engrave beneath the surface of glass or crystal. Grayscale images are used, and there are different methods of 3D engraving, including Sub-Surface Laser Engraving (SSLE). The operator must […]
Switched reluctance motors use electromagnetic forces to produce torque. They have high power output and few moving parts, but can be noisy and inefficient for low torque applications. Digital technologies can help optimize performance and increase efficiency, making them feasible for high-volume or high-power applications. A switched reluctance motor works through the manipulation of electromagnetic […]
Swamp buggies are motor vehicles designed to navigate swampy terrain, originally developed in Florida in the 1930s. They have large balloon tires and high suspension, allowing them to travel in standing water and over obstacles. Some are custom-made, and some are tracked for industrial use. Recreational use in wetlands is a concern for environmental activists, […]
A manual bread slicer is a plastic or wooden structure that holds a loaf of bread and guides a knife to cut it evenly without crushing it. It typically has a rimmed base and one or more knife guides. A long, serrated bread knife should be used, and cleaning instructions vary. A manual bread slicer […]
Forklift wheels are steel rings with rubber tires that provide a cushioned ride and traction on various surfaces. Different rubber compounds are used for different surfaces, and hard rubber is preferred for heavy loads and rough terrain. Tire replacement is usually due to rips and tears. A forklift wheel is a steel ring with a […]
Laser cutting aluminum is challenging due to its high thermal conductivity and reflectivity. Neodymium or CO2 lasers can be used with gas assist technology to remove waste material. Thicker aluminum requires more powerful CO2 lasers, and flying optics systems are used for large sheets. Energy consumption and costs are higher, and heat treatment may be […]
The voice of the customer (VOC) is a way for companies to monitor customer response to their products or services. Companies use VOC research and techniques throughout the product phase, from research and development to marketing and sales, to assess customer preferences and needs. Companies can use surveys, call center tracking, and social network monitoring […]
Allspice, also known as pimento, is a spice made from the dry unripe berry of the allspice plant. It is used in both sweet and savory dishes, including pumpkin pie and Jamaican jerk, and is rated a four out of ten on the spicy heat scale. A spice is made from leaves, seeds or other […]
A workers’ compensation specialist is trained in workers’ compensation law and can work in various fields such as insurance, law, and safety and risk management. In the US, they can register on the National Register of Workers’ Compensation Experts after completing 12 hours of classroom work and passing a 50-question web-based exam. They must also […]
The moose test simulates a collision with an animal, common in Scandinavia, where large ungulates roam the road. The test is conducted on a closed course with a professional driver, and some car companies use automated safety testing systems. The goal is for the car to flip the moose onto its roof, preventing windshield penetration. […]
Golden Syrup is a popular sweetener in the UK, made from evaporated sugar cane juice. It is similar in appearance to honey and is used in desserts and as a topping. It is primarily composed of sucrose, fructose, and glucose and does not crystallize. Tate and Lyle is the most popular brand in the UK. […]
Bowl feeders sort and align parts for assembly lines, delivering hundreds or thousands of parts per minute. They come in different types, including vibratory and centrifugal, and offer benefits such as quick and precise insertion of parts while reducing labor costs. However, they require precise operation and frequent maintenance. A bowl feeder is a device […]
Space frame design is a skeleton-type approach to building construction and automotive manufacturing that offers weight savings, increased stiffness, and increased durability. The concept dates back to the 1900s and is rooted in the natural stiffness of angular constructs. Spatial structures are most commonly employed in large rooftops and experimental buildings, while some high-end automakers […]
Pneumomediastinum is when air leaks from one lung and becomes trapped in the chest cavity, causing chest pain and shortness of breath. It can be caused by alveolar injury from coughing, laughing, or respiratory infections, as well as trauma or inhalation of harmful substances. Diagnosis is done through imaging tests and treatment depends on the […]
Market multiple is the price/earnings ratio that compares a company’s stock price to its earnings per share. It helps investors predict future stock price movements and make decisions based on the multiple earnings approach. However, it can be flawed due to accounting manipulations and non-cash expenses. A market multiple is another name for the price/earnings […]
