O-rings are round rings made of materials like polyurethane, silicone, neoprene, nitrile rubber, or fluorocarbon. They are used in mechanical applications to create an airtight seal between two objects. O-rings are inexpensive and can withstand high pressure. They are used in various industries, including space and aircraft. Different types of O-rings are used for different […]
A ball valve is a quarter-turn valve with a ball that controls fluid flow. It can be two-way or three-way, and is controlled by a handle. It’s good for shutting off streams, but not precise control. There are three types: full bore, standard port, and small-port. A ball valve, a type of quarter-turn valve, is […]
“Super magnets” are neodymium magnets or powerful electromagnets used in fMRI imaging. They are much stronger than ferrite magnets and can be hazardous to pacemaker wearers. Neodymium magnets are made of an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron and can hold 1300 times their own weight. They have various uses but must be used with […]
Radiographic testing uses electromagnetic waves to detect defects in materials without damaging them. X-rays or gamma rays are used to send waves through the material, and changes in the waves are measured to identify defects. This method provides a film record of the results and is commonly used to test welds, building materials, and spacecraft […]
Power plants generate electricity by burning fossil fuels to produce steam, which turns a turbine to create electrical energy. Coal is the most commonly used fuel, but it produces harmful emissions. Other power plants use nuclear reactors or geothermal energy. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are becoming more popular. A power plant is […]
Flexible couplings allow for adjustable joints between inflexible pipes or shafts, maintaining torque or fluid flow while allowing for misalignment. Examples include universal joints and stainless steel mesh sleeves for pipe fittings. They are useful in automobile exhaust systems and front wheel drive vehicles. A flexible coupling is a mechanical device that allows an adjustable […]
Natural gasoline is a liquid form of natural gas that can be obtained by fractional distillation or from condensates. It consists of hydrocarbons like butane, pentane, and hexane, and was used as a fuel source for early automobiles and airplanes. It has a low octane rating and can be volatile, but can be combined with […]
Shear panels, also known as shear walls or braced panels, are walls designed to resist lateral stresses caused by earthquakes and high winds. They are constructed by bolting side supports to the exterior framing of a building, along with interior joists in the floor and roof. Shear panels must be strong and rigid to be […]
A bench assembly is a sub-assembly created off the assembly line at a workstation, often requiring extensive individual attention. Henry Ford created bench assembly to save time in the total assembly process. Bench assembly is used in woodworking, hydraulic systems, and plumbing components. The benefit of using benchtop assembly components in complex manufacturing processes is […]
Spade bits are used for drilling large holes in wood. They consist of a shank with cutters and a spike. Pilot holes may be necessary, but self-feed bits eliminate this need. Other alternatives include hole saws, auger bits, and multi-spur bits. Spade bits can be easily filed to create custom sized holes and are affordable […]
A UV test measures exposure to ultraviolet light and is used for commercial purposes such as determining color fastness in products like paint and fabric, as well as for photo stability in pharmaceuticals. UV detection is also used for human health to prevent skin cancer and sunburn. A UV test is a test for measuring […]
Sandblasting uses air pressure and materials to clean and prepare metal surfaces. A blasting system includes an air source, blast cabinet, dust collector, and blasting medium. Sandblast cabinets come in various sizes and designs for different jobs, and some have built-in units for convenience. Safety is important when using blast cabinets. Sandblasting is the use […]
Baseboard diffusers are slatted grilles that cover vents and direct airflow. They come in metal or wood with various slat designs and adjustable hinges. Choosing the right size and direction of slats is important. Material and style choices depend on the room. Wooden diffusers should have thicker slats to withstand warm air. A baseboard diffuser […]
Slaked lime, or calcium hydroxide, is used in building for various applications. It is made by combining lime gypsum or limestone chips with water and can be used as a binder, cover coating, or component in walkways or mosaics. The recipe involves adding water to raw gypsum of lime and heating it to thicken. It […]
Building hoarding is a temporary fence used for security reasons on construction sites. It ranges from webbed plastics to solid boards and can have printed panels for advertising. It reduces the risk of injury and theft, and contractors can hire companies to install, maintain, and remove it. Building hoarding is a temporary fence used to […]
Polyurethane insulation is a closed cell material that resists heat transfer, reduces air pollutants and mold growth. There are three types: MEPS, XEPS, and liquid foam. MEPS and XEPS can be laminated with coatings and used in construction or refrigeration. Liquid foam expands to fill small spaces and is moisture and flame resistant. Polyurethane insulation […]
A junction box protects electrical or telecommunication connections and is made of heavy-duty steel with a watertight interior. They are common in low-density areas and industrial areas, and can be found in commercial and residential buildings. They divide internal systems and aid in billing and surge protection. A junction box is a metal box that […]
Resin adhesives are synthetic polymer compounds that form a strong bond when mixed with a curing compound. They are resistant to temperature, humidity, UV damage, and moisture. They are used in various industries, including construction, marine, and aircraft, and require precise mixing ratios and ventilation due to containing volatile organic compounds. To understand what a […]
The well bay on a drilling platform provides access to the well and accompanying equipment. It can accommodate one or multiple wells and is regularly inspected for safety. Workers wear appropriate safety gear and receive training to work safely on site. A well provides an access point to a well and accompanying equipment on a […]
The Kroll process converts ore into titanium metal, which is used in various industries due to its strength and lightness. The process involves removing impurities from minerals such as rutile and ilmenite. William Kroll developed the Kroll method in 1938, which involves passing chlorine gas through rutile to produce titanium tetrachloride. The titanium tetrachloride is […]
