A blackout is a loss of electricity in a large area caused by short circuits, overloaded power grids, or environmental factors. Brownouts are a decrease in voltage that can damage devices. Backup systems are used to ensure public safety during blackouts, and restoring power can be challenging. The US is upgrading its power grids to […]
Hoists can only move objects vertically, while cranes can move them horizontally and in three dimensions. Cranes can also be converted for other tasks, while hoists are only designed for lifting and lowering loads. Hoists are often used as sub-components of cranes. The main differences between a hoist and a crane are the ways each […]
Backsaws are hand saws with a strip of steel or brass running along the back of the blade, making them suitable for cutting wood and creating joints or grooves. They are smaller than a table saw and come in two specialized versions: the tenon saw and the dovetail saw. Backsaws should be used with a […]
Greenwashing is when companies falsely claim environmental responsibility to appeal to consumers’ growing concern for sustainability. It can be difficult for consumers to distinguish between truthful advertising and greenwashing, but clues such as donation records and consistency can help. Many companies in traditionally environmentally controversial industries have launched greenwashing campaigns, making it difficult for truly […]
Furfural is an organic chemical made from agricultural by-products and used in industrial products such as herbicides, fungicides, and solvents. It is made through acid hydrolysis and is soluble in water, ether, and ethanol. Exposure to furfural can cause irritation to the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes. It was first developed in 1832 and is […]
A 5-in-1 painter’s tool combines five different tools into one, including a spreader, scraper, putty knife, crack repairer, and paint remover. It is small and easy to carry, with metal being the most durable material. It has a long handle with teeth for spreading paint and a flat edge for scraping and spreading other substances. […]
Demand Flow® Technology is a manufacturing process that uses just-in-time inventory, lean manufacturing, and six sigma efficiency standards to produce products based on customer demands. It requires employees to move from station to station as workflow demands and is geared towards product runs designed to fulfill current customer orders. The methodology reduces lead times by […]
Ballistic nylon was developed in the 1940s for military troops’ protection, but it was not bulletproof. It has been used in luggage, jackets, belts, watch bands, sports equipment, and kayaks. Ballistic nylon is a material developed in the 1940s specifically for protection and abrasion resistance. Best known for being used in body armor for military […]
Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is a semi-automatic welding process that uses a constant power source to weld materials such as steel and aluminum. It was first developed in the early 19th century and is widely used in industries such as auto manufacturing. GMAW requires a welding gun, wire feed unit, electrode wire, and shielding […]
A punch list is a list of tasks that need to be completed to meet the terms of a construction contract. It can be created during the final stages of construction and can include anything from cleaning up scraps to finishing touches. The list can be managed as a written or electronic checklist and is […]
An awl is a simple tool used to mark hard surfaces, typically made of a metal point with a handle on one end. It is used to indicate the location for the next job and leave noticeable marks. There are different types of awls, including scratch awls, bradawls, and stitching awls. An awl is a […]
Impeller pumps use blades to push fluids at high pressure and velocity through pipes, making them ideal for manufacturing and personal use. They allow for high pressure and volume across multiple outlets, require little maintenance, and can operate under extreme conditions. Modern advancements have led to benefits in various aspects of life. An impeller is […]
Cotter pins are used to securely connect two components in machinery and come in various sizes and types, such as the R-clip, bow tie, and circular cotter pins. They are often made of stainless steel and can be purchased in batches. The UK version has a larger body for a tighter fit. Confusion can arise […]
Condition monitoring is the ongoing observation and inspection of equipment to identify problems before they cause failure. Visual inspection is the most cost-effective method, but more advanced methods like thermography and oil analysis can also be used. Regular monitoring and maintenance can reduce downtime, repair costs, accidents, and provide accurate budgeting. It is best suited […]
A planer and thicknesser is a woodworking tool that produces flat and equally thick boards. It has a height-adjustable table, cutting head, infeed and outfeed rollers. A surface planer is used for larger panels and has a cylindrical cutting head. It works best on flat boards and can be dangerous if not used properly. A […]
Wire binding is a popular and inexpensive way of binding books, using a machine to punch holes in the pages before inserting a C-shaped metal spine. This allows the publication to lay flat and is commonly used for brochures, notebooks, and calendars. Wire binding machines can be purchased for personal or commercial use. Wire binding […]
Planing is a metalworking technique used to shape and bend thin sheets of metal by pounding them with a specialized hammer on a rounded post. It is commonly used in industrial metal fabrication environments and can be performed by hand or with pneumatic or electric machines. After shaping the metal, imperfections are smoothed out using […]
Boring machines are used to dig large holes and tunnels in the earth for mining and construction projects. They can drill horizontally and vertically, saving time and effort. The machines have been in use since the mid-1800s and come in various sizes, from portable units to several-story-tall fixtures. Special screw machines are used for underwater […]
Destructive distillation is a process that breaks down large molecules into smaller ones by heating a substance in an oxygen-poor environment. It has been historically used to determine chemical compositions and harvest compounds. Common substances include wood, coal, and petroleum. The process is also used to recycle waste plastic and create products such as tar, […]
A slugcatcher is a device that stores and dissipates the energy of liquid or gas slugs in a pipeline, protecting processing equipment. Slugs can form due to various factors, including changes in elevation and hydrodynamic slugging. Slugcatcher designs vary, but generally fall into three categories: ship-type, multi-pipe, and parking lot. A slugcatcher is the part […]
