Building restoration is the process of restoring a listed building to its original appearance using original materials and construction techniques. Governments often sponsor restoration for cultural heritage preservation, but funding can be insufficient. Restoration can be categorized as preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, or rebuilding, each with varying levels of labor intensity. Building restoration is a process […]
A socket wrench is a wrench designed to work around a specific type of nut or bolt with a specific number of sides. It allows for easier turning and stronger grip. It is typically double-ended, but other variations are available. Different sizes may be needed for different bolts. More expensive versions with more options are […]
Douglas fir is a strong and durable softwood used in construction, furniture, and even aircraft. It is popular for its ability to withstand the elements and is often recycled in the architectural industry for its antique appearance. Douglas fir lumber is considered one of the best woods for projects ranging from furniture to home construction. […]
An electrical voltmeter measures voltage or current in a circuit. They come in different formats, including analog and digital, and can be permanent or portable. They are used for circuit testing and can be multimeters. Electrostatic and oscilloscope voltmeters are also available, but solenoid voltmeters are the most commonly used due to their durability. An […]
Carving is the process of cutting notches in metal stock for welding, bending, and folding applications. The angle and precision of the cuts are crucial for proper material-to-material contact and are typically done by metal cutting band saws, punch presses, or shear presses. The efficiency of the process depends on the operator’s skills. Carving is […]
A turbo flange connects a turbocharger to an intake or exhaust system and is made from mild steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. It must have a flat and finished surface to properly bite into the gasket material. It can be fastened with bolts or welding, with welding providing the best method for proper seating. A […]
Thermal converters convert thermal energy into electrical energy using the Seebeck effect. They differ from heat engines as they have no moving parts and are smaller. They can be used to increase fuel efficiency and generate electricity for space probes, but their efficiency is limited unless the voltage is increased significantly. Research is being done […]
Stress cracks are caused by settling or stress in building materials, such as foundations, walls, and concrete barriers. They can be repaired but may reappear as buildings continue to shift and settle over time. A stress crack is a crack in a surface caused by the stress or settling of building materials. In a wall, […]
Abrasion resistance is the ability of a material to resist wear and damage caused by mechanical wear. It is useful in delicate applications such as building space shuttle components. Materials can be made abrasion-resistant through coatings or natural hardness. However, abrasion resistance does not make a material immune to wear and erosion. Abrasion-resistant materials can […]
Journal bearings reduce friction between moving parts in engines and machinery. Trunnion designs are best for high motion situations. They consist of four main parts and require regular lubrication. They handle high loads and speeds and are used in various applications. A journal bearing is a mechanical device used to reduce friction between moving parts […]
Plumbers work on residential and light industrial piping systems, while pipefitters work on industrial, commercial, or military applications. Plumbers install fixtures and work with materials like PVC and copper, while pipefitters work with special metals and alloys for high-pressure systems. Both are needed in industries like oil drilling and refining, and licensing and certification requirements […]
Pipe beading is the process of crimping the end of a metal pipe to form a spout shape. It is used to connect hoses or slide into other metal tubing. Internal roll forming or ram forming is used to bend the ends of metal tubes into the shape of the bead. Beaded metal tubing is […]
High impact polystyrene (HIPS) is a versatile, resilient, and inexpensive plastic resin used in various industries. It can be molded, pressed, or delivered on sheets or rolls. HIPS is stronger than polystyrene and has resistance to shocks. It is used in commercial, industrial, and residential settings for various applications. HIPS is heat resistant, durable, and […]
A DC motor uses magnets and an electric coil to produce torque, which drives it. The repelling and attractive forces of the magnets provide the torque that turns the motor. A DC motor requires at least one electromagnet, which switches the flow of current as the motor rotates, changing its polarity to keep it running. […]
Tool steel is a type of steel used for tools due to its hardness, ability to hold a sharp edge, and resistance to abrasion and deformation. It is produced in many grades and can be used for stamping dies, construction equipment, and axles. The different grades are classified under SAE or AISI/SAE steel grades. The […]
A digital protractor is more accurate than a handheld protractor and has useful features such as a screen displaying angle measurements. It consists of a moving arm and a small box with buttons and a display screen. The protractor can measure angles exactly and has a “Hold” button to save angles. It can also be […]
A caliphate is a traditional Islamic form of government led by a caliph, with a parliament-like body called a shura. It began after Muhammad’s death and was abolished in 1924 by Turkish President Atatürk. The Caliphate of Córdoba ruled the Iberian Peninsula in the 10th and 11th centuries. While some groups desire to restore the […]
Spalling is the process of flakes separating from a larger material due to aging, corrosion, friction, or impact. Mechanical spalling occurs in machinery, while concrete and brick spalling occur in construction. Repairs can be made to some forms of spall damage, but replacement is necessary for others. Also known simply as spalling, spalling is a […]
Virtual reality is increasingly used in business for customer interaction, employee training, and product design. It creates a realistic experience for consumers, simulates business environments for employees, and allows designers to demonstrate product attributes before committing to physical prototypes. The use of virtual reality in business is something that is applied in a wide variety […]
The Black Russian cocktail, made with coffee liqueur and vodka, is easy to make at home and can be modified for different tastes. It is served in an old-fashioned glass and was developed by Belgian bartender Gustave Tops in the 1940s. Variations include the Red Russ and Green Russ, while the White Russian adds milk […]
