A cathode is an electrode where electric current exits a device. In energy-supplying devices, it is positively charged, while in energy-consuming devices, it is negatively charged. In electrochemical cells, the cathode is where reduction or gain of electrons occurs. In physics and electronics, the cathode emits electrons into the device. Cold cathodes are not directly […]
Finish nails are small, barrel-shaped nails with a ridged indentation on top used in woodworking to hide the presence of the nail. They are often used in interior projects such as moldings, wainscoting, millwork, furniture, cabinets, and paneling. When selecting a finish nail, a carpenter or manufacturing worker will base their choice on nail size, […]
Ductility is a desirable quality in metals, allowing them to be stretched without breaking. Tensile strength measures how far a material can stretch, while malleability measures how much pressure it can withstand. The bend test is commonly used to determine ductility. Gold and silver are the most ductile metals, while steel’s ductility can vary. Cold […]
Angle iron is a flat metal rod bent at a 90 degree angle, commonly made of iron or steel for structural use. Aluminum and brass are used for weight or aesthetic purposes. Slotted angle iron has holes for easy assembly and is used for commercial shelving. Angle brackets are L-shaped pieces used for support. An […]
Professional printers use standard operating procedures (SOPs) to control print quality, including color management. Different quality control processes are used in various industries, and the printing industry has its own standards. The International Color Consortium (ICC) specification helps establish color standards for high-quality printing. Ink, paper, and environmental conditions can affect print quality, and printers […]
Cold beam lamps redirect heat away from the light beam using a dichroic reflector, making them useful for illuminating heat-sensitive objects. However, they can be dangerous in some applications due to the potential fire hazard. LED lamps are a safer alternative and can produce cooler light. A cold beam lamp is a type of light […]
A bell nipple is a pipe used for drilling operations, acting as a funnel to maneuver tools. It is commonly used onshore, but less so offshore. It is connected to blast arrestors for safety and can control the removal of fluids and mud. Other methods are used offshore. A bell nipple is a type of […]
Cast iron is not pure iron, but a mix of iron, carbon, and silicon. It is versatile and used in pipes, machine parts, and pans. Proper seasoning is required for cooking. Cast iron bridges were used in the 18th and 19th centuries, and it was a breakthrough in the building industry in the early 20th […]
Air ducts are hollow tubes made of sheet metal that carry heated or cooled air around a building. Vents regulate temperature in rooms, but leaky ducts waste energy and can cause respiratory problems. Regular cleaning and maintenance are recommended, and professionals can be hired for a thorough cleaning and inspection. An air duct is a […]
A pipe clamp is a tool with two half-circle jaws used to hold a pipe securely while working on it. Some designs have a linked chain component that grips the entire circumference of the pipe. Professional pipe fitters use a self-contained vise mounted on a tripod. Some welding vices have an electric motor to rotate […]
Santoprene® is a thermoplastic rubber with flexibility and durability like natural rubber. It can be processed in various ways, is easy and cheap to produce, and can be recycled. It is used in various applications, including insulation, sporting goods, industrial tools, office equipment, and automotive parts. Its recyclability makes it a great way to make […]
Bearing plates distribute the force of a bearing wall or column and are used to support the weight of a building. Carrier plates are placed under carrier structures and have additional screw or bolt holes. They can also have additional features such as sliding surfaces. In most cases, a bearing plate is a specially designed […]
Ultrasonic sealing uses high frequency vibrations and pressure to join materials with a molecular bond, without requiring heat or hazardous materials. It can be used on plastic or metal, and is cost-effective and reliable. It is suitable for temperature-sensitive food products and pharmaceuticals. The process eliminates the need for additional components, simplifying manufacturing and reducing […]
Wood pulp is processed wood used to create paper-based products, including book and magazine printing, paper plates, and paper towels. It can be created through milling or chemical bathing processes and is produced from harvested trees or recycled pulp waste. Wood pulp is a type of material that is created by processing wood harvested from […]
A tee is a plumbing connector that joins two or more hydraulic hoses together at a 90-degree angle. It can combine or split the flow of pipes and is used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Tees are made of different materials and must match the diameter, wall thickness, and project requirements. They are joined […]
Galvanized metal buckets are resistant to corrosion from moisture and exposure to the elements. The process involves creating the frame of the bucket from a specific type of metal, such as aluminum, iron, or steel, and then coating it with a protective layer of zinc using a process known as hot dip galvanizing. This process […]
Hand levers are switches used to manually turn systems on or off in motor vehicles and machinery. They convert hand force into changing settings within the mechanism and can be found in various equipment. Well-designed hand levers take into account the user’s body position and grip comfort. Adjustable hand levers allow users to lock the […]
Reinforced concrete is a strong and affordable building material that can withstand tension and stress. It can be reinforced with various materials, including metal, plastic, fibers, and glass. Careful design is necessary to avoid weakness or inflexibility. Reinforced concrete is commonly used for foundations, walls, and entire structures due to its strength and moldability. Builders […]
A pick is a hand tool with a double-headed blade, often made of steel or other hard metal, and a handle made of hardwood or metal. It can be used for breaking up surfaces, detaching objects, and cutting through roots. The pickaxe is one of the oldest tools known to mankind and has been used […]
Porcelain is a hard, translucent white ceramic that originated in China in the 600s and Europe in the 1700s. It is often associated with delicate plates, cups, and vases. The technique of making porcelain involves combining white kaolin clay with ground granite and cooking it at high temperatures. European attempts to replicate it led to […]
