A center punch is a tool used to make a small impression in wood, plastic or metal before drilling a hole. It comes in different sizes and can be traditional or automatic. The automatic punch uses a spring and doesn’t require a hammer. Both types are available at hardware stores. A center punch is a […]
Tego film is a dry adhesive film used to create waterproof plywood. The original Tego film was a German-made adhesive infused with phenolic resins, used to create strong and waterproof plywood sheets. Today, plywood made with modern versions of this film is used worldwide in various applications. Tego film is a type of adhesive used […]
A rod mill uses loose steel rods in a rotating drum to grind ore into finer particles. It is more efficient than a ball mill and requires lower speeds and less steel. However, it is limited to wet milling and has a maximum length of 20 feet. All mills use mechanical friction to grind materials, […]
Triaxial cable has three conductor elements and is commonly used in the television industry. It can serve as both a power and signal conductor, and is often used to connect cameras to control units. It is not typically used in home applications, but can be used for signal distribution in Europe. Triaxial cable is a […]
Plastic extrusion melts plastic beads, which are mixed with dyes and UV inhibitors, and molds them into a continuous profile. The process is used to make a variety of items, including piping and plastic sheeting. The plastic is heated to around 400°F (200°C) and moves through a mold before being cooled and cut to size. […]
Insertional Achilles tendonitis is a common condition in older people who participate in repetitive activities such as running. It causes pain, inflammation, and swelling in the heel. Treatment includes rest, ice, and medication, but severe cases may require surgery. The Achilles tendon is responsible for transferring force from the calf muscles through the ankle to […]
Electric ATVs are powered by batteries instead of gasoline engines, making them lighter and quieter. They are useful for low-speed, light-duty applications and are commonly used by children, farms, and parks. However, they have limited range and require periodic recharging. An electric ATV is an all-terrain vehicle that is powered by an electric motor instead […]
Grill baskets are metal baskets used on barbecues to cook food that would fall through the grill bars. They come in different sizes and types, some specific to certain foods. They are not expensive and can be easily cleaned. A grill basket is a type of metal basket used on barbecues of all types and […]
A knurling tool is used with a lathe to emboss metal pipes and shafts with raised grooves that act as hand grips or better traction. Knurls come in different sizes and patterns, with diamond being the most common for grips. The lathe must hold the metal straight, and the machinist should use machine oil. Knurling […]
Martempering is a metallurgical process used to control the characteristics of martensite in steels and alloys. Martensite is a crystalline state that makes the metal hard but brittle. The process involves heating and cooling cycles to gradually reduce the extent of martensite characteristics while minimizing distortion and cracking. Tempering martensite involves heating and cooling it […]
Conveyor systems move goods in industrial and manufacturing processes, packing, shipping, and transportation facilities. Different types of systems are available, including standard belts, steel rod rollers, vibratory trays, roller beds, track or rail transportation, pneumatic or vacuum conveyors, vertical or spiral conveyors, and horizontal conveyors. The benefits of using a conveyor system include quick and […]
Dimethylformamide (DMF) is a solvent used in many products, but is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that can harm humans and wildlife. It is not stable with strong acids or bases. DMF is used in many products that require a strong chemical reaction, but it can cause cancer and chronic organ damage. The MSDS rates […]
A forge hammer is used to shape metal during forging, and can be powered by humans, steam, or air. An anvil is often used with it. The Industrial Revolution led to larger hammers, and the steam hammer was developed in response to a challenge. A kickback hammer allows for faster forging times and high amounts […]
A solenoid pump uses an electromagnetic solenoid piston to move fluid through a sealed suction chamber. It consists of a solenoid coil with a plunger attached to a diaphragm or piston. The pump mechanism relies on a pulsed power supply that turns the coil on and off. The solenoid pump is used for precise, low […]
Sputtering machines use energetic particles to eject atoms from a source material, which then coat a sample object. They are used in SEMs, semiconductor industry, and chemical composition analysis. They can be simple devices and use physical vapor deposition. They can also be used for coating various materials and cleaning delicate components. A sputtering machine […]
Dust explosions occur when flammable dust particles in an enclosed space come in contact with a flame or spark, resulting in a potentially powerful explosion. Safety regulations and preventative measures, such as expelling air and avoiding dust accumulation, have reduced the occurrence of these explosions. A dust explosion generally occurs when the air in a […]
Tight gas is difficult to access due to the dense rock and sand surrounding the reservoir. Companies require a large financial incentive to extract it, but as energy prices rise, interest increases. Tight gas is found in coal deposits and requires finding a “sweet spot” to extract. Most deposits are at least 251 million years […]
Pulp molding creates recyclable packaging from recycled newspaper and cardboard. Four types of products are available, but the process requires significant energy and water. Thick-walled molding is for heavy items, transfer products have thinner walls, and thermoformed fiber produces smooth, strong products. Some products require two stages to complete. Pulp molding is the process used […]
Vibrating sieves are mechanical tools used to separate solids, liquids, and powders. They are used in various industries and work by vibrating in a circular motion to separate impurities. The mining industry is a major user of this technology, as are manufacturing, archeology, metallurgy, and construction. A vibrating sieve is a large mechanical tool used […]
Thermal power plants use steam to generate electricity, with coal, oil, solar, and nuclear power being common fuel sources. The Rankine cycle is often used, with geothermal plants using naturally occurring steam. Fossil fuels are heavily polluting, while nuclear sources have safety concerns. Solar thermal systems are renewable but face efficiency and variable challenges. Advances […]
