Engineered stone is a man-made material used in kitchen and bathroom décor as an alternative to granite. It is made by crushing natural stone, adding additives and colorants, and compacting it with resin. The final product is more uniform, non-porous, and easier to clean than natural stone. It is commonly used as a replacement for […]
Climate control is necessary in many industries to ensure that products are produced or stored at specific temperatures and other specifications. This includes wineries, computer part manufacturing, and other businesses. Climate control can be achieved through HVAC systems with sensors, but it is important to consider the comfort of workers in these environments. Protective clothing […]
The Peters projection map aims to minimize distortion of the Earth’s bodies. It was not invented by Arno Peters, but popularized by him. The map is useful for political purposes, but the Mercator projection is better for navigation. The controversy surrounding the Peters projection map began in 1974 due to issues of prejudice, colonialism, and […]
A solenoid switch uses a small amount of energy to create a magnetic field that connects to a larger power source. It has a metal coil, rod, and connectors, and is commonly found in automobiles. When energized, the magnetic field pushes the rod to create a loop and allow power flow. Solenoid switches are reliable […]
A welding torch fuses metal using fuel gas and oxygen. It consists of a metal shaft with a controlled flame and is used in various industries. MIG and TIG are common types. The torch melts metals and creates a strong bond. It is used in manufacturing, repair, and art industries. A welding torch is a […]
The Mediterranean Sea is an inland sea surrounded by Asia, Europe, and Africa, connecting to the Atlantic Ocean and Black Sea. It has a long coastline, abundant sunshine, and is home to many fish species. It was an important trade route in ancient times but is now facing pollution and overuse. Conservation efforts are being […]
Actuator travel is the full length of motion an actuator is capable of and is important when choosing or designing systems. Linear actuators are easier to measure than rotary ones. Incorrectly rated actuators can cause loss of efficiency or serious injury. Fixed stroke actuators have pre-set ranges while others can be adjusted. Measuring stroke can […]
Ontario is a Canadian province bordered by Manitoba, Quebec, Hudson Bay, James Bay, and Minnesota. It is the second largest province and has a population of over 12 million. Its economy is diverse, with a strong manufacturing and information technology sector. Its coat of arms includes a black bear, moose, and stag, and its flag […]
Continuous process control is a method used by manufacturers to monitor and adjust mass production variables without interrupting production. Automated systems, such as programmable logic control units, can make adjustments quickly and efficiently, improving production efficiency and standards. Human supervision is still necessary for an efficient process. Continuous process control is a method used by […]
Sawm is the Muslim tradition of fasting during Ramadan, with the meal after sunset called Iftar. Suhur is the pre-dawn meal. Muslims abstain from food and certain activities to practice self-restraint, and Iftar is often a community feast with traditional foods and charity. Socializing follows, with the greeting of “salaam aleikum”. Iftar is the meal […]
Back office support refers to the non-customer facing part of a business responsible for running it. Accounting and IT departments are almost always part of the back office, while sales departments can exist in a gray zone between front and back office. Different businesses have different definitions of what constitutes back office support. Back office […]
Post-and-lintel is an ancient construction technique using two vertical mullions and a horizontal lintel. It was used in Stonehenge and ancient Greek and Roman temples. Arches and trusses were later developed to increase load capacity. Laminated timber is a modern improvement. Stone has good compressive strength but is rarely used in modern construction due to […]
Copper slag, a by-product of copper refining, can be used in industrial cleaning, construction, and concrete. It is a safer alternative to silica sand and has a high strength-to-weight ratio. However, it may contain heavy metals and is classified as hazardous waste. Copper slag is a by-product created during the copper smelting and refining process. […]
A double square is a measuring tool used in woodworking and precision machining to maintain measured patterns. It consists of a rule and a blade, with the blade being the moving part that can be adjusted for proper measurement. The tool can be made from different materials and may have accessories like spirit levels or […]
A wax motor is a cheap linear actuator used in appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. It consists of a wax block, plunger, and heat source. It operates by heating the wax, causing the plunger to move. Wax motors are preferred over magnetic solenoids due to their smoother operation, low maintenance, and resistance to failure. […]
Mill scale is a by-product of the steel rolling process that forms a thin layer of oxidized metals. It can protect steel from corrosion but must be removed before painting or other treatments. Methods include chemical removal or weathering. Steel quality can vary based on production processes and materials used. Mill scale is a very […]
Articulated trucks are used in construction to haul heavy loads over difficult terrain. They have different drive systems, including 4×4 and 6×6, and can carry up to 40 tons. Semi-trailers can be problematic due to the independent rear trailer, but video cameras can help. Articulated trucks are used in various industries, including logging and garbage […]
Vacuum forming, or thermoforming, is a plastic molding technique used by hobbyists, designers, engineers, and in industrial settings. The process involves heating a sheet of plastic, draping it over a mold, and using a vacuum to adhere it to the mold. Common plastics used include polystyrene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, and acrylic. The process has limitations on […]
Stretcher bond is a brick wall format with a repeating pattern of vertical supports bonded to the foundation. It is only applicable in thin-walled rooms and requires ties to the foundation and roof system to prevent collapse. It is easy to build and often used in commercial interiors to create a cavity wall. The top […]
Diamond paste is a polishing compound made of finely ground diamond particles and liquid. It can be used to sharpen and polish various tools and surfaces, including metals, ceramics, and glass. Different grit sizes are available, and it can be applied with a polishing cloth or strop. Polycrystalline diamond paste is recommended for difficult-to-polish materials. […]
