A universal router is a milling machine capable of performing multiple functions. It was first created by Joseph Brown in 1861 for automated manufacturing. Universal routers can handle different types of tasks and are available in different sizes and capabilities. They are more maintenance-intensive and expensive but popular for their flexibility and versatility. Milling machines […]
Lobster buoys are attached to traps to help lobstermen locate and identify them. They are usually brightly colored and made of wood or plastic. Laws regulate their use and hunters must register their buoy colors and patterns. Buoys have become a symbol of the New England coast and are sometimes sold as vintage decorations. A […]
TIG welding uses a tungsten electrode to create an arc between metals, with shielding gas to prevent oxidation. Argon is the preferred gas and steel and aluminum are commonly used. Different joint types can be welded, with a filler rod used for heavy metals. Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding is the process of mixing reactive […]
The forest industry includes companies involved in forest management and the use of forest resources, such as lumber and paper manufacturers. Timber harvesting, forest management, and supply chain monitoring are all aspects of the industry. Regulations are in place to ensure sustainable logging and protect natural resources. The forest industry is a collective of companies […]
Autofrettage is a metal fabrication process that strengthens metal pressure vessels by subjecting them to high pressure to induce residual compressive stress. The process is used in industries such as aeronautical and petrochemical, and also in the manufacture of gun barrels. The technique allows components to handle stress from pressure, temperature, or repetitive use. The […]
A hook wrench is a hand tool with a flat handle and a hook that can be fixed or hinged to fit various sized parts. It is used to tighten, loosen, or hold round, notched, or faceted machinery components. Hook spanners are made of durable materials and come in different sizes and weights. They are […]
A building inspector checks construction projects for compliance with building codes. They may work for the government or be hired by a homeowner. Education and certification requirements vary, but continuing education is often necessary. A building inspector is one who inspects buildings, roads, bridges, dams, tunnels, and almost any other type of construction job to […]
A concrete mixer is used to mix and pour concrete, and comes in various sizes. The process requires precision in blending sand, water, and aggregate, with Portland cement being the most common mix. The rotating drum with blades mixes the concrete, and the size of the mixer depends on the job. In construction, a concrete […]
A gearmotor is a device that uses a gear train and an electric motor to drive a large force on a low-speed object. It simplifies the design of power tools and machines that require high torque at low rpm. AC-powered motors are economical and fast, while DC-powered motors are used in the automotive industry. Reduction […]
Pulverizing machines crush various materials into small fragments or granules, including glass, concrete, plastic, coal, and medical waste. Different types of machines include hammer mills, ring mills, double roller crushers, granulators, wood pigs, impactors, and shredders. Each machine has a specific purpose, such as reducing aluminum, grinding rocks and minerals, or chopping wood and bark. […]
Active rectification converts AC to DC with low distortion at low voltages. It is used for circuits handling low levels of AC, such as AM sensing. Synchronous rectification is used in alternators. Active devices like transistors and op amps can be used for active rectification. H-bridge can be used for full-wave rectification and bi-directional drive. […]
A ballpoint hammer has two ends, one shaped like a ball and the other cylindrical, used for shaping and striking metal. Shot peening hammers are used for metal fabrication and work hardening. Peen hammers come in different shapes and sizes and are used to form metal objects and make knife and sword blades. A ballpoint […]
A shared neutral wire is used in electrical circuits for neutral lines with low current. It is also called a common neutral wire and is used in the Edison circuit. Copper wire is needed to carry current during load imbalances. Single-phase wiring is more expensive than split-phase wiring, which uses a shared neutral. Three-phase motors […]
A tuyere is a device used in metallurgy to supply oxygen or air to a furnace, hearth, or forge to melt or smelt metal. It is usually a tube or nozzle made of copper or cast iron, and can be attached to a set of bellows or an internal combustion engine. The word tuyere comes […]
Nickel smelting removes impurities from nickel ore to leave only the metal. Ores come from laterites in tropical climates or sulfuric ore mined underground. The ore is melted in an electric furnace using flash smelting. Refining the liquid matte is done through fluid bed roasting or chloride-hydrogen reduction. The resulting nickel is used for alloys, […]
Freshwater generators convert saltwater into potable water using heat and pressure. They are important for long sea voyages and are increasingly used in desalination plants. However, they are expensive and require maintenance. Generators are not a solution for widespread water shortages, as they are not powerful enough to meet the scale of the need. A […]
Dimension stone is natural stone cut to specific size or shape guidelines using techniques such as trimming, grinding, or drilling. It is chosen for its texture, color, and durability, and used for aesthetic effects in construction. Techniques used to harvest dimension stone include cutting, burning, and controlled explosives. After separation from the rock face, the […]
Drive rods transfer engine power to other devices and must be manufactured to prevent twisting or sagging. They vary in length and material, and the design determines the amount of torque they can handle. The gap between the motor and drive point affects the force required for rotation. A pushrod is used in torque applications […]
Tanbark is a wood product made from the outer layers of the tanbark oak, valued for its tannins used in leather tanning. It is used as a ground cover in playgrounds and public arenas, but concerns include maintaining minimum depth levels and potential infestation with insects or contaminants. Shredded recycled rubber may be just as […]
A cup washer is a convex fastener used for support, insulation, or decoration for screws and bolts. It can be surface mounted or countersunk and is made of materials such as steel, brass, plastic, or leather. Cup washers come in various designs and sizes and are used in different applications, including electrical and electronic ones. […]
