Polyethylene tarps are lightweight, tear-resistant, and come in various colors and sizes. They are versatile and can be used for many applications, from covering woodpiles to protecting floors in gymnasiums. Polyethylene is a popular plastic used for different items, including grocery bags and bulletproof vests. Polyethylene tarpaulins or tarpaulins are lightweight, tear-resistant plastic tarpaulins with […]
An aquastat regulates the temperature of fluid in hydronic heating systems, which circulate heated fluid through pipes to maintain a desired temperature. Thermostats monitor air temperature, while the aquastat monitors fluid temperature and activates the boiler or circulator as needed. An aquastat relay can recirculate hot fluid without heating it for greater efficiency. A modulating […]
IPS, or integrated power systems, is a backup power source for when primary energy sources fail. IPS plans have become more sophisticated with technology, including compact batteries and solar panels. All businesses require a constant source of power to operate, making IPS essential for business continuity. A workable IPS plan ensures that even short-term power […]
Polyurethane adhesive is a water-resistant glue used in bookbinding and woodworking. Different chemical combinations give rise to different properties, such as stiffness, density, and hardness. The adhesive was first developed in 1985 and has undergone several improvements, with the fourth generation having a low viscosity, high solidity, and curing time of a few seconds. It […]
Concrete pumps are useful in construction as they can quickly deliver large volumes of concrete. There are two types: boom pumps, which have a robotic arm, and line pumps, which use hoses. They save time and labor costs and can be used to pour slabs quickly, especially in cold weather. A concrete pump is an […]
Sodablasting uses baking soda and compressed air to remove dirt, paint, and oil from surfaces without damaging them. It is safe and effective for use in food preparation areas and high-traffic kitchens. The equipment used is similar to pressure cleaning, but works differently. Sandblasting is a method of removing unwanted layers from a surface without […]
Embodied energy is the energy required to build a product from raw materials, including manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal. Buildings have a large amount of embodied energy, and it is advisable to use materials with a lower environmental impact to reduce overall energy. Embodied energy is the energy required to build a product from […]
Concrete leveling involves pumping a mud-like substance or foam under sunken concrete to lift it back to its original level. This method is cost-effective and prevents future sinking. The most common substance used is a mixture of sand, cement, and earth, but closed cell polymer foam is preferred for its waterproof and crack-resistant properties. Once […]
Horizontal pumps push liquids through pipelines, maintaining flow and pressure. They are used in reservoir pipelines to move crude oil and in agriculture to transport raw milk and water crops. Horizontal pumps also provide water to households in drought-prone areas, making them crucial for communities. A horizontal pump is used to push liquids through horizontal […]
Clay presses are used to remove excess water from clay and mold it into shapes. Natural and industrial clay can be used to make objects such as sculptures, plates, and bricks. Press molds are made from materials that absorb water and dry the clay as it shapes. There are two different reasons clay presses are […]
A lathe center holds a workpiece in place and prevents wobbling. There are two types: live and dead centers. A center screw is used for making bowls, while a center spur is used for cutting wood. A lathe center mounts in the tailstock of a lathe and is used to hold a work piece stationary. […]
3D laser cutting recognizes all sides of a substrate, allowing for complex shapes and cuts in materials like wood, glass, crystal, and metal. It can cut below the surface without leaving scratches, making it ideal for etching 3D images in crystal and glass. Three-dimensional (3D) laser cutting is like regular laser cutting, except that the […]
Gate valves are used to isolate parts of a vacuum extraction system, often in dust extraction systems in wood shops. They consist of a sliding or rotating plate and are manually or automatically operated. They maximize vacuum pressure and efficiency, and are simple in design. In complex systems, they may be remotely operated with a […]
Electrofusion is a plastic tubing joining technique that uses heat to melt and fuse the tubes together. The process is reliable and strong, but requires proper training and safety precautions. Electrofusion kits are available from manufacturers for custom or generic use. Electrofusion is a technique for joining plastic tubing, in which heat softens and melts […]
Slurry walls are barriers made of clay and water used to prevent trench collapse during construction and control groundwater flow in land remediation. They are effective when dug deep enough to contact impermeable rock or clay and can be used to redirect clean groundwater or contain a contaminated site. Sewage walls are impermeable barriers that […]
Accurately calculating conveyor belt tension is crucial for proper system operation. Information about the environment, load rate, pulley diameter, belt speed, and more is needed to calculate TC, TL, TH, TE, and TS. TO can be calculated using TE and TS, and may need to be re-tensioned over time. Getting the conveyor belt tension right […]
Cold rolling is a process used to change the thickness of metals or glass. Steel is fed through a series of rollers that press it into a pre-ordered gauge. Cold rolling complements hot rolling, refining the metal and improving the surface. The process strengthens the steel and eliminates cracks or variable patches. Steel companies use […]
Tuned amplifiers amplify specific electrical signals while blocking others. They are used in radios, TVs, and other communication equipment, as well as in aircraft, sound systems, and scientific instruments. They use band-pass filtering to allow only specific frequencies to pass through. They can have adjustable or fixed filters and amplifiers, and are found in nearly […]
Clicker presses are machines that cut shapes from soft materials using a sharp die. They are used to make parts for shoes, wallets, and other die-cut products. Die-cutting is a manufacturing science and craft that has been around since the 1800s. The clicker press is an integral part of the manufacturing process and is used […]
Diode logic uses diodes as electrical switches to create Boolean “AND” and “OR” logic gates in circuits. Boolean logic is similar to search engine logic, with high and low voltages representing “true” and “false” outputs. Diode logic gates can only be used for simple functions and cannot be linked together without errors. Diode logic uses […]
