Drilling rigs are used to create boreholes in the ground for various purposes, from oil and gas to mining and environmental exploration. They can vary greatly in size and use different methods, such as pumping mud and water or using compressed air. Portable rigs are becoming more specialized, with small robotic units and pumpjacks for […]
A pull-back wrecker is a type of tow truck that features a retractable bed with rails, allowing vehicles to be transported entirely on the back of the truck. It is commonly used for personal vehicles but can also accommodate larger vehicles. There are three basic types of tow trucks, including wheel lift cranes, hook and […]
Cherimoyas are a rare fruit from the Andes, with a velvety pulp that tastes like banana, strawberry, and pineapple. They require careful handling and monitoring, and are considered an aphrodisiac. They are best eaten ripe and not stored for more than four days. They are rich in calcium, vitamin C, and niacin, and can be […]
A stepper motor is a precise computer-controlled motor that moves in exact steps. The stepper motor indexer synchronizes the motor and provides directional impulses. The indexer interprets user commands and translates them into pulses and directions for the motor to execute. The indexer also has a stop function to prevent damage to the motor. A […]
A surface planer is a tool used to adjust the thickness of a board and make it flat. The machine has a motor that rotates a cutting head, and the board is inserted into the machine and engaged by the feed roller. Snipe is a common problem that can be prevented by properly inserting and […]
Thread protectors are used to seal, protect, and mask screw threads on items such as pipes, gas cylinders, and firearm barrels. They prevent damage, corrosion, and contamination, and can have additional features such as lifting rings. They are made from materials such as silicone rubber, vinyl, and polyethylene. A thread protector is a member of […]
An air condenser is an adjustable capacitor consisting of rotating semi-circular aluminum plates and static plates with air acting as a dielectric. It is used in resonant circuits where adjustable capacitance is required. It allows for changes in capacitance by adjusting the total plate area. It is commonly used in frequency mixers, radio tuners, and […]
A single pulley is a wheel on an axle that changes the direction of force applied to a rope. It can be fixed or mobile and is the simplest type of pulley. Compound pulleys can further adjust force direction. Pulley systems are more effective but more complex. A single pulley is a device consisting of […]
Redwood lumber is a popular building material due to its natural resistance to pests and distinctive color. It is graded by quality and can be reclaimed from old growth trees or damaged trees. When selecting redwood lumber, people should look for straight boards with no signs of warping or twisting. Redwood lumber is lumber cut […]
Bend margin is the extra material needed for sheet metal bending, determined by bend angle, radius, material thickness, and K-factor. The K-factor is a ratio of the neutral line to material thickness. Bend allowance is calculated by adding the K-factor multiplied by thickness to the radius, then multiplying by the angle. Press brakes and box-and-pan […]
Thread angle is the degree of angle between the threads on a screw, affecting its fixing power and ease of installation. Standard angles include 60 degrees for most screws, 55 degrees for pipes, and 30 degrees for rounded or knuckle threads. The angle can be measured using a micrometer or calculated based on other screw […]
Dead load is the constant weight of a structure, including fixtures intended to be permanent. Architects must perform calculations to ensure the structure can support itself and variable moving loads. Calculating dead load can be difficult, and adjustments made to accommodate it cause it to change. Buildings need to exceed their rated capacities to reduce […]
Armored cable is a power conductor cable covered in a metal sheath. There are three types: BX, true armored cable, and Metal Clad (MC) cable. The differences are small, but the grounding systems vary. BX has a poor grounding system, true armored cable has a better grounding system and heavier insulation, and MC cable has […]
A subfloor is an additional layer of flooring placed over floor joists, adding stability and improving the chances of the floor staying level. Plywood or concrete can be used, and it helps distribute stresses on floor joists and reduces the chance of the floor shifting over time. A subfloor is a type of construction used […]
A pressure switch measures pressure and vacuum in various environments, including fluids and liquids. It is used to maintain and control supply pressure and downstream pressure of fluids. The device is used in various fields, including medical surgeries. The pressure-operated varistaltic pump is another device that measures pressure and vacuum and is used for the […]
Compressor filters remove contaminants from intake air, lubricating oil, and moisture in compressed air. Intake filters use cellulose, felt, or fabric, while water filters have a glass bowl and filter element with a drain tap. Oil filters keep lubrication oil free of contaminants. Regular inspection ensures compressor longevity and integrity of compressed air supply. Compressor […]
Electric generators use electromagnetic induction to convert mechanical energy into electricity. They were first invented by Anyos Jedlik in Hungary in the 1820s and became suitable for industrial use after Nikola Tesla’s work in the 1880s. Today, generators come in all sizes and are used to power everything from bicycle lights to hydroelectric dams. The […]
Pipe fabrication produces pre-designed piping systems for various uses, including irrigation and fire protection. Chemical treatments, welding, and sealed joining methods are used to create a system suited to the customer’s intended use. Pipe bending allows for full customization, making it valuable for creating versatile and exacting piping systems. Fabrication is commonly used for large […]
Cooler bags are insulated containers used to keep temperature-sensitive products cool during transport. They are commonly used for medical food, vaccines, and pizza delivery. The insulation helps maintain hot and cold temperatures, and metal padding can transfer escaping heat back to its source. Ice packs can be added for extra cooling. Personal cooler bags are […]
A heat lance is an industrial tool that generates temperatures up to 8000°F to cut through any material. It uses iron wire and high-purity oxygen and has various applications, including removing concrete, clearing rubble, and cutting scrap. A heat lance, also known as a flaming bar or heat lance, is an industrial tool that uses […]
