Brickmasonry is a durable construction method using individual bricks bonded with mortar. Bricks come in various types for specific purposes. Structural reinforcement is often used, and veneer walls are popular. Brick offers beauty, solidity, and resistance to damage, and provides insulation. Brickmasonry is the process of constructing a building from individual bricks laid out in […]
Low-E glass controls heat transfer while allowing visible light to pass through. The U factor measures heat transfer, with lower U factors indicating higher energy efficiency. The glass reflects long-wave radiation energy to keep heat in desired locations. It is available in high, moderate, and low gain panels for different climates. Low-E glass is coated […]
A lock sleeve houses the workings of a locking mechanism and secures an object in place. It is used in various applications, such as an automobile’s ignition lock, a lathe’s tailstock, a front door’s locking mechanism, and electrical systems. Lock sleeves can be made of metal or plastic and may have protective covers or weatherproof […]
Viscoelastic foam, also known as NASA memory foam, was developed for space programs in the 1970s to reduce pressure points experienced by astronauts. It was later adapted for hospital beds and sold to the general public for home use. The foam adapts to the body’s heat and weight, reducing pressure and providing comfortable support. Memory […]
Pulley pullers are tools used to install or remove mechanical pulleys and similar parts. They are used in various industries, including automotive repair, heavy equipment maintenance, and manufacturing. Different types of pullers are available, including hand jaw, harmonic, hydraulic, and pneumatic pullers. Universal pulley pullers are available, but jaw pulley puller sets are the most […]
Safety glass is designed to resist shattering and minimize the risk of injury. It can be toughened or laminated, with tempered glass breaking into rounded pieces and laminated glass holding pieces in place. It is stronger than conventional glass and can prevent serious injury or death. Safety glass is a type of glass that is […]
Compressor surge is a phenomenon where the back pressure of compressed air expelled from the compressor exceeds the maximum capacity of the compressor, causing a sudden and violent backflow of air in the opposite direction to normal flow. This can cause a condition known as compressor stall, which shuts down the compressor and can cause […]
Tyrian purple, historically extracted from Murex crustaceans, was a symbol of royalty due to its difficulty to obtain. The formula for making it has been lost, but synthetic dyes are used instead. The Phoenicians first produced it in Tyre, and it was colorfast and closer to magenta. To make it, shellfish were harvested and processed […]
Water softener resin is a key component of water softening systems that remove magnesium and calcium ions from hard water. It comes in two types and typically lasts 20 years. If a water softener fails, it’s usually not the resin’s fault. A water softener system is often an integral part of homes that have particularly […]
The term “hardware store” can refer to a traditional ironsmith or a retailer who stocks hardware. The suffix “merchant” comes from a Latin word meaning “merchant or trader” and is seen in similar constructions. Iron products were historically handcrafted by skilled blacksmiths, but manufacturing shifted to more industrial applications. Hardware stores may stock a range […]
Tubesheets are perforated plates used to support and insulate pipes in heat exchangers, boilers, and filters. They can be made of various metals or composites and are coated with insulation and corrosion protection. Tubesheets are used in pairs in heat transfer applications and individually in filters. The design process is complex and precise, with computer-aided […]
Accurate mine mapping is crucial for worker safety and involves collaboration between engineers and surveyors using visual readings and computer software. Modern mine maps include information on tunnels, shafts, air flow, water sources, escape tunnels, and nearby infrastructure. Inaccurate maps can pose a danger, so many governments require regularly updated maps. Mining regions also focus […]
An anti-static wrist strap protects computer components from static electricity. It consists of a strap with a resistor that must be in contact with the user’s skin and a cable that attaches to the computer case. It does not protect against electric shock. Manufacturers use specialized equipment to protect components and workers must take precautions. […]
A bar magnet is a rectangular object made of iron or steel that has a magnetic field. Each end is called a pole, one is north and the other is south. They are used to pick up small ferromagnetic objects and have been used for years to demonstrate magnetic fields. A bar magnet is a […]
Retainer plates reinforce injection molds and secure internal parts. They consist of a backing plate and retainer plate, with channels for heating/cooling fluids. Retainer plates support guide and ejector pins, and are used as back cooling/heating elements. A retainer plate is part of the internal injection molding mechanism used to reinforce the mold and secure […]
A hydraulic fall is a rapid decrease in water channel depth caused by natural or artificial changes in slope. It is the opposite of a hydraulic jump, which is a rapid increase in depth. Controlling water discharge can create both. Assessing a channel’s potential for these phenomena is crucial for building locks and controlling flow. […]
Electrostatic painting uses electrically charged powders to create a glossy finish on metals and some plastics. The process involves creating an electrostatic field to attract the paint to the metal object. The paint is sprayed onto the grounded metal object and then fired in a furnace for a durable finish. The process is environmentally friendly […]
Breaking strength, also known as tensile strength, is the point at which materials deform or break under a given load. Throttling occurs when a material is pushed to failure. Tensile testing is used to identify breaking strength, and ultimate tensile strength is measured by force per unit area. Brittle materials are most often tested for […]
Projection welding uses surface protrusions on one or both sheets to concentrate welding energy, allowing for closer weld gaps on thicker materials. It is commonly used in the automotive industry for connecting studs and nuts to sheet metal assemblies. The process is suitable for low carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, with plate thicknesses up […]
A Sawzall is a versatile reciprocating saw used for construction and DIY projects. Choosing the right blade is important for different materials. Use an anchor when cutting wood and lubricate metal. Turn off electricity when using it for home repairs. Sharpen the blade for cleaner cuts and store it without the blade. Have it serviced […]
