Stress relieving steel involves heating a steel workpiece to a specific temperature for a specified amount of time to remove internal stresses. The temperature is determined by the alloy and the process is necessary to prevent warping or breaking during use. After heating, the part is left to cool without hardening. Stress relieving steel is […]
Celluloid is a plasticized nitrocellulose material invented in the 1800s as a substitute for ivory and bone. It is highly flammable and not stable to light, but durable and versatile. Celluloid was used for corsets, billiard balls, and film production until the 1940s. Today, it is hard to find due to its disadvantages. Celluloid is […]
A scoring tool is used to partially cut a flat object, creating a groove for folding or snapping. It includes a guide and score and requires even pressure. Scoring tools can be used on various materials and a bending tool is recommended for folding. Different tools are needed for different materials. A dead ballpoint pen […]
Manufacturing systems are based on factors such as product demand, speed, and uniqueness. Custom, assembly, flexible, intermittent, reconfigurable, just-in-time, and lean manufacturing systems are used. Each system has advantages and disadvantages, with lean manufacturing focusing on efficiency by eliminating waste. A manufacturing system is an approach to making products that is based on several factors. […]
A waste heat recovery boiler recycles energy from a process to create steam, reducing fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. There are two types: fire-tube and water-tube boilers. Water-tube boilers can handle higher pressures and respond quickly to heat input. Waste heat boilers can be used in cogeneration plants to improve efficiency. A heat […]
Augers are used in industrial machinery to move materials through a pipe. They are commonly used in the plastics and food manufacturing industries to mix and extrude products. Augers can also be used to blend raw materials into a final product with precise amounts dispensed by each auger. An auger is a component of some […]
Adhesive removers break down adhesives to separate objects or remove residue. They come in various forms and can be found at hardware stores. Some adhesives are permanent and difficult to remove. Adhesive solvents are toxic and should be used in a well-ventilated area with protective gear. An adhesive remover is a product designed to break […]
Blanking is a manufacturing process where metal is punched into blanks using dies, which can be customized. Shearing is commonly done with metal coils, and leftover metal can be recycled. Precision blanking produces metal parts with tight tolerances for specialized applications. Outsourcing is an option, and additional services may include grinding, stamping, and polishing. Blanking […]
Phosphate mining extracts ores containing the phosphate ion, which are used to make chemical fertilizers and other industrial products. The extraction process varies based on the composition of the mineral, and mining sites are rehabilitated to minimize environmental damage. Modern mines focus on reducing environmental impact and repairing damaged ecosystems. Phosphate mining involves the mining […]
A septic tank riser is an extension that sits above a septic tank, making it more accessible. They can be added later and are made of materials such as PVC, concrete, and polyethylene. Risers are custom made to fit the precise dimensions of the tank and can vary in cost. They improve access and may […]
A forklift arm is an attachment that extends the reach of a forklift, allowing it to lift loads over a wider range and clear obstacles. These arms come in various designs, including telescopic and rotating models, and are rated to accommodate a maximum load. However, buyers should consider safety and legal aspects before investing in […]
A latch is a sliding mechanism that prevents a door from opening. It has evolved from simple crossbars to modern doorknob mechanisms. The latch can be part of a deadbolt and is still commonly used in many places. Two-bolt systems are common in higher security doors. A latch is the part of a door that […]
A pinion shaft is the primary driving element in most gear sets, transferring input from a drive shaft or crank to produce work. It can transfer motion to linear or right angle bevel gear sets. Pinion shafts and drive gears are typically one-piece steel assemblies and may pass through pillow block bearings and have an […]
Electricity demand fluctuates throughout the day due to various factors, and managing it is crucial for utilities. The outdated infrastructure of power grids is a potential threat to economic welfare. Electricity storage is inefficient, making it difficult to store energy during sudden demand. Utilities can match supply and demand by turning generators on and off […]
A carrier tube is a hollow tube that transports fluids and is contained within an outer sheath. It can be made of metal or plastic and is often used in double wall pipes for added protection against leaks. It is also used to protect water and sewage pipes and in manufacturing to keep liquids at […]
Pipe threads allow pipes to be joined together, with male threads on the outside and female threads on the inside. Industry standards include NPT and NPSM, with GHT and NST for specific applications. PTFE tape is recommended for leak-proof seals. Pipe sizes are measured by OD and TPI. Building codes require different materials for different […]
A fire compartment is a fire-resistant area in a building that can slow down the spread of fire and protect valuable materials. They can be integrated into new construction or retrofitted into existing buildings. They are not fireproof but can be invaluable in reducing fire damage and increasing evacuation time. They are usually installed with […]
A greenchain is a lumber sorting process used in sawmills and logging plants to sort and stack freshly cut lumber by size and quality. It has evolved from manual labor to automated or combined human and mechanical labor. The process is used to select green lumber for further processing or sale and helps control and […]
Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye, is a highly alkaline chemical used in various applications such as cleaning products, water purification, and paper manufacturing. It is a skin irritant and should be handled with care. It is used in household products like soaps, cleaners, and detergents, as well as in food preparation and industrial settings. […]
Wheel lathes are machines used to manufacture and recondition railroad car wheels. They work by turning the wheel on a fixed cutting point to trim its profile. There are different types of wheel lathes, including floor-mounted, portable, portal, and horizontal lathes. Modern wheel lathes use computer numerical control (CNC) for automated programming. They are used […]
