What’s Cranberry Sauce?

Cranberry sauce is a versatile condiment that can be made with traditional salsa ingredients or fruit. Recipes often include onions, peppers, and lime juice, but can be adjusted for sweetness or spiciness. It pairs well with tortilla chips and can complement pork, chicken, or fish tacos. Cranberry sauce is a fresh, spicy sauce that includes […]

What’s a Crystal Oscillator?

Crystal oscillators transform mechanical energy into electrical energy and are used for precise timing in watches and electronics. Quartz crystals are commonly used due to their stable frequency at various conditions. The piezoelectric effect was discovered by Pierre and Jacques Curie in 1880. The crystal is cut into a thin slice or tuning fork shape […]

What’s Conformal Coating?

Conformal coating protects circuit boards from environmental hazards, applied through dipping, spraying, or brushing. Different materials offer varying advantages, and companies can handle coating in-house or outsource to specialized companies for higher quality and R&D options. Conformal coating is a layer of material applied to a circuit board to protect it from environmental hazards, particularly […]

What’s a performance indicator?

A performance indicator is a benchmark used to measure a company’s actual performance against desired levels, with quantitative or qualitative measures. It can be used to identify areas for improvement, assess macroeconomic conditions, and determine a company’s financial health. Subjective measures can also be used in employee appraisals. A performance indicator is a pre-established benchmark […]

What’s an afterburner?

Afterburners are used on modern aircraft to burn additional fuel in the exhaust path, providing extra propulsion. They are primarily found on military aircraft and are used sparingly due to their inefficiency. Afterburners can also refer to a second level flame system used to remove particulates from off-gases. An afterburner is equipment used on many […]

What’s a horizontal boring machine?

A horizontal boring machine is a versatile tool for drilling horizontal and angled holes in metal and wood. It offers accuracy, deep drilling, and adjustable RPM speeds. It is primarily used for the dowelling process, ensuring a snug fit every time. A horizontal hole puncher offers many options for carpenters and metalworkers to drill horizontal […]

What’s ISO 17799?

ISO 17799 is an outdated information security standard that was revised in 2005 and renumbered as ISO/IEC 27002 in 2007. It covers topics such as security policies, access control, risk assessment, and incident management. The standard is part of the ISMS Family of Standards and is intended to guide information management personnel in establishing security […]

What’s a roll cage?

A roll cage is a safety feature installed on vehicles used in high-risk environments, such as racing, military, and law enforcement. It protects occupants by preventing intrusion into the passenger compartment, but may not offer enough protection in serious accidents. Roll cages can be integrated into the vehicle structure or installed as a modification, and […]

What’s a Positioner?

A positioner is a machine that rotates a workpiece at a constant speed and controlled range of positions, making continuous manufacturing processes easier. Weld positioners eliminate the need for vertical welding and improve safety. They come in various sizes and can handle workpieces weighing many tons. A positioner is a machine used to rotate a […]

What’s a vernier scale?

A vernier balance is a measuring tool with a second scale next to the primary scale, invented by Pierre Vernier in 1631. It improves accuracy by aligning the vernier mark with the primary scale. It is used in micrometers, calipers, weighing devices, and other tools for precision measurement. Vernier scales can be flat or rotary, […]

What’s polydactyly?

Polydactyly is a genetic condition that causes extra fingers and toes. It is not harmful, but may be associated with more serious genetic conditions. Surgery is the only treatment, but some people choose to keep their extra digits. Polydactyly is also common in cats. Polydactyly is a genetic condition that manifests itself in the form […]

What’s the HazMat ID System?

The Hazardous Material Identification System (HMIS) uses four categories to convey safety information about materials, with higher values indicating higher risk. The categories are health hazards, flammability potential, physical hazards related to reactions to other materials, and personal protection that should be worn. The system was created by the American Coatings Association and is designed […]

What’s a Vacuum Conveyor?

Vacuum conveyors use air pressure or suction to transport materials through an enclosed pipeline, commonly used in agriculture or food processing. They are customizable and efficient for transporting bulk goods over long distances, but can only be used with small or light objects and consume more energy. A vacuum conveyor uses air pressure or suction […]

What’s Thrombocytosis?

Thrombocytosis is a condition where the body produces too many platelets in the blood, which can lead to clotting problems. It can be primary or secondary and caused by various health conditions or medications. Symptoms include numbness, bleeding, and unusual clotting. Treatment options include aspirin, anagrelide, and platelet apheresis. Long-term struggles can lead to myelofibrosis, […]

What’s an e-commerce merchant?

E-commerce merchants buy and sell goods or services electronically with no limit to the type or amount of transactions. The term emerged in the 1980s and became legal in 1991. With advances in technology, e-commerce has rapidly changed and become a booming industry. Anyone with a valid product or service can become an e-commerce merchant, […]

What’s a PCB CNC Router?

PCBs can be built using additive or subtractive methods. Two common subtractive methods are engraving and milling, which use a CNC router to cut out unnecessary areas of copper. Etching is another method but requires hazardous chemicals. PCB CNC routers are used for rapid prototyping and can create through-hole and SMT boards. There are several […]

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