A turret milling machine is a vertical mill used to cut metal into specific shapes. It has a quill that can be raised or lowered to create different depths of cut. The table moves both perpendicular and parallel, making it easier for operators to make cuts. Turret milling machines can be manual or automated and […]
Rimmed steel is a low carbon steel that is easily bent and has a clean surface. It is partially deoxidized, allowing a circle to form that is almost entirely iron. It is softer than other steels and ideal for cold bending and rolling applications. The surface finish is cleaner and it is used for its […]
Falsework is temporary support structures used during construction to prevent collapse and provide stability for workers. Scaffolding is a common example, made of metal tubes and planks. Falsework is used in various construction projects, including restoration and remodeling of older buildings. “Falsework” is a term used in construction circles to identify temporary structures created to […]
Greenfield development is planned communities on undeveloped land, avoiding infrastructure problems of existing urban areas. It’s cheaper than brownfield reclamation and allows for environmentally responsible planning, transportation considerations, and community involvement. Funding and suitable land can be challenging, leading to smaller communities. Greenfield development is the creation of planned communities on previously undeveloped land. These […]
Kraft paper is a strong, machine-produced paper made from wood pulp. It can be bleached to create a range of colors and is used for various purposes, including meat packaging, paper bags, crafts, book spines, and electrical insulation. Deriving its name from the German word for strong, kraft paper is a sturdy machine-produced paper that […]
A trunk is a high-speed connection via a telephone line routed through a central office on a telephone network. Nowadays, trunk lines are fiber optic lines capable of carrying both voice and data. They allow for simultaneous transmission of all types of data without interruptions, making them ideal for teleconferencing and manufacturing companies. The term […]
Anodizing is a surface treatment that enhances the durability and appearance of non-ferrous metals like aluminum, zinc, and titanium alloys. The process involves manipulating the natural oxide layers on the metal to produce thicker, more durable films that resist wear and corrosion. Anodizing also creates attractive surface patterns and multi-colored effects. The process involves passing […]
Brass plating involves depositing a thin layer of brass on a metal object in an electrically charged chemical bath. Electroplating is used, with the substrate and brass immersed in the bath, and the composition and temperature of the bath affecting the process. Barrel and tank electroplating are common methods. Brass plating is the process of […]
Methane is a common gas made up of one carbon and four hydrogen atoms, found in the universe and on Earth. It has both good and bad properties, being valued for its energy-producing capabilities but also potentially wreaking havoc on ecosystems. Wetlands and oceans are the main sources of natural methane, while human sources include […]
Market pulp is crushed wood pulp used to make paper and related products. It is produced by paper mills and sold to paper companies worldwide. Pulp is graded based on chemicals, techniques, and texture. Prices are influenced by commodity market activities. It is used in cardboard, packaging, paper towels, diapers, and fabric manufacturing. Market pulp […]
A hand drill, also known as an auger, is a manual tool used to drill holes in various materials. Augers come in different sizes and can be powered mechanically or by hand. They are commonly used for gardening, plumbing, and construction. Proper maintenance is required to keep them in good condition. A hand drill, also […]
Flanges come in different shapes and sizes, made from various materials. Standards exist to ensure mating flanges match, with ASME and ANSI regulating in the US and DIN in Germany. Flange dimensions are important for proper connection, and manufacturers follow specific guidelines to ensure consistency. Knowing which type of flange is needed for replacement can […]
Aluminum formwork is a lightweight material used to maintain the shape of concrete until it solidifies. It is easy to transport, install, and disassemble. Steel and plywood are also used, but aluminum is preferred due to its strength and ease of use. The formwork is built in modular panels that can be connected to create […]
Pressure reducing valves control the flow of liquid or gas and shut off once a certain pressure level is reached. They are used in various industries for water pressure relief, propane gas, SCUBA diving, and RVs. They can be set for any downstream pressure level and contain a diaphragm, gauges, and a regulating handle. Water […]
Optical glass is a specialized glass used in optical devices like telescopes and eyeglasses. It requires precise formulation and handling to be free from impurities. Glassmaking techniques have been refined since the 1600s, and lens making is a precise art. Optical glass is expensive due to the labor involved, and alternatives like specialty plastics have […]
Support rings, also known as backup or anti-extrusion rings, are small pieces of material welded between two pipes to align and hold them together. They come in various types and materials, including rubber and metal, and are used in industries such as automotive, construction, and aerospace. The quality of the welder is crucial for their […]
Silicon manganese is a compound of natural silicon and manganese used to produce specialty steel alloys with enhanced strength, functionality, and aesthetic appearance. It can be used alone or combined with other substances to create various alloys, and the ratio of silicon to manganese can be adjusted to give the steel desired properties. The compound […]
New Zealand has a ratio of seven sheep to every person, with an estimated 30 million sheep and a human population of 4.5 million. The ratio has declined from a high of 22:1 in 1982 due to drought and a drop in wool prices. The first sheep were brought to the country by Captain James […]
A lathe headstock contains a motor, spindle, gear or belt drive, and bearings. The electric motor is usually in the base and delivers rotational power through a belt to the transmission. Some lathes may have a variable drive, and woodcutting lathes have a lighter construction. Swiss-style lathes have a sliding paddle to feed stock material. […]
The PSA test measures the levels of a protein made in the prostate to determine if abnormal cell growth is occurring, and is recommended for men over 50. Elevated levels do not necessarily mean cancer, and treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Prostate cancer screening is controversial, and patients should discuss with […]
