Closed-cell foam is a versatile material with high structural integrity, compressive strength, and low moisture absorption. The six basic types are polyethylene, Styrofoam, Volara®, Minicel®, neoprene, and gym rubber. Each type has its own specific uses, such as insulation, shock absorption, and padding. Closed-cell foam is a strong, flexible material made up of internal pores, […]
Micrometer calipers are precise measuring devices used in mechanical engineering and electronic design. There are three basic types: external, internal, and deep, with specific functions. They consist of two pieces that open and close, allowing non-standard items to be measured. The reading is usually on the handle, with a secondary scale for fractional areas. The […]
Welding is the process of joining materials, traditionally metals, and is an ancient craft. Welders work in heavy and light industry, construction, and as freelancers. Training can be obtained through vocational schools or on-the-job apprenticeships. Welders must be strong, skilled, and careful, and may specialize in different types of welding. A welder is someone who […]
A quenching mill processes steel plates and sheets to increase their strength and flatness. It involves rolling the steel through a cold reduction process, reducing its thickness by 1.5% to 2%. This eliminates uneven bending caused by annealing. The steel is fed into the mill from coils and is cut into smaller segments after passing […]
Dyngus Day is a Polish holiday celebrated on Easter Monday, where males douse females with water and females take revenge on Tuesday by dousing men. The holiday dates back to the baptism of Polish prince Mieszko I and is intended as a fun holiday after Lent. It is also associated with a legend about a […]
A surgical knife, or scalpel, is a small bladed instrument used for incisions in medical and scientific procedures. They are made of high-quality steel and come in various designs for different tasks. Sterility is crucial, and some surgeries require non-magnetic blades or alternative techniques. Surgeons use two main grips for different cuts. A surgical knife, […]
The yurt is a round, portable shelter used by nomads in Central Asia. It has a wooden frame and a domed roof that promotes water runoff and prevents snow accumulation. Yurts can be quickly erected and are resistant to water. They can also be designed to occupy a fixed spot and are often cheaper and […]
Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS) is a chronic pain and discomfort in soft tissues caused by repetitive movements or uncomfortable positions in the workplace. It can damage nerves, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissue. Suitable working conditions, regular breaks, and physical therapy can prevent and treat OOS. Poor working conditions are a major risk factor. Occupational […]
A cam plate is a device used for smooth movement of a part in multiple directions simultaneously. It can be used in linear applications, such as carousels. The plate portion of the device is inclined, allowing for multi-directional movement. The attached form is the most popular due to reduced slippage. A cam plate is a […]
Immunoglobulin deficiency is a medical condition where low levels of immunoglobulins make it difficult for the body to fight off diseases. It can be hereditary or acquired, and is diagnosed through blood tests. Treatment depends on the cause and may include bone marrow transplants or immune serum injections. Patients are advised to take precautions to […]
The trade-weighted dollar measures the value of the USD in foreign currencies, giving more weight to those used in international trade. There are two main measures, the fixed-weighted dollar index and the trade-weighted dollar index, which updates its weights annually. The real index adjusts for inflation rates to provide a more accurate picture of the […]
Conveyor idlers are small parts of a conveyor belt that help with gear ratio and engineering aspects. Tensioners move the belt or provide resistance, while idlers are “dummy” pulleys. Different types of idlers serve specific purposes and can be composed of multiple rollers. They can also interact with safety and emergency systems. A conveyor idler […]
The Balkan region includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and European Turkey. It has a diverse population and rich natural resources, but has also faced violent historical events, including World War I and the collapse of Yugoslavia. The Balkan region encompasses over 270,271.5 square miles (700,000 square km) across […]
Flat organizations eliminate middle management to promote direct contact between executives and employees. This structure can streamline operations, promote accountability and innovation, and be cost-effective. It may work best in small companies but can be adapted for larger ones. A flat organization eliminates as many middle management positions as possible to put executives in direct […]
Gatorade, originally developed in 1965 to help athletes cope with heat, is a popular sports drink named after the University of Florida Gators. It contains electrolytes, carbohydrates, and is available in various flavors. The Gatorade Sports Science Institute was founded in 1998 to continue research in the area of electrolyte and carbohydrate loss in athletes. […]
A step block is an adjustable tool used to lock items onto a table, typically made of metal and sold in sets or as a standalone item. They consist of two triangular pieces that can be adjusted to varying heights to support a clamp. Step blocks can be made from wood, metal, or plastic. The […]
Transmission lines are conductors that transmit energy, including electricity, acoustic energy, and electromagnetic energy. They can be designed to carry large or small quantities and operate in extreme conditions. Loss and interference can be problems, but manufacturers take measures to minimize them. The science behind transmission lines dates back to the 1800s and played a […]
Natural unemployment is unavoidable in the long-term performance of an economy and includes voluntary reasons and technological changes. The natural rate of unemployment was popularized by economist Milton Friedman and is not affected by business cycles. Natural unemployment is the level of unemployment that is unavoidable in the long-run performance of an economy. It is […]
Mastic adhesive is a non-toxic and reusable alternative to tacks and tape for hanging objects on walls and furniture. It works on various surfaces and comes in different strengths. It can also be used for cleaning and has many innovative uses. It should be stored away from direct sunlight and high heat. When removing items, […]
Gate valves block flow using a sliding wedge. They are designed to be fully open or closed and are not used for flow control. They have two connectors and a hood with a handle for raising and lowering the cap. The method of connecting the cover impacts use. A properly designed valve should have no […]
