Author Archives: Camille F.

Stretch Film vs. Shrink Film, What’s the Difference?

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It’s a common misconception that people believe stretch film and shrink film are the same thing. It’s true that both shrink and stretch films are designed to unitize products onto pallets and both are generally made from polyethylene resins. Shrink films are produced on blown film lines and stretch films can be produced on either blown or cast film lines. Outside of those similarities, the two packaging systems don’t have a lot of other common characteristics.

 

Shrink films contain a high percentage of low density polyethylene (LDPE), which is the same type of resin used to make bread bags and newspaper overwrap sleeves.  When fabricated under very specific parameters, LDPE gives shrink film its “shrink”.  The stress or tension required to make the film contract is frozen in during the fabrication process. To activate shrink film, a heat source is required such as a heat tunnel, heat gun, or torch. When sufficient heat is applied to the film, it approaches its melting point and the film begins to draw up or “shrink”. Because the film can only shrink so far, each product to be wrapped has to be matched with a specific size and configuration of film. As film resins go, LDPE does not have good puncture or tear resistance and has a relatively low load holding force. In order to provide sufficient load containment and protection for the load, these films are generally several times thicker than most stretch films.

 

In contrast, most stretch films contain high levels of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and, depending on the end-use application, can stretch from 25 to 300%.  Stretch films are either designed to be applied by hand or by machine. Hand films usually have minimal stretch (25-100%) in order to aid the operator in applying the product and are in many ways similar to a large roll of very thin tape. Machine films on the other hand can have very high stretch levels (150 -300%) and, because they are applied by automated equipment, can be configured to exert very high levels of tension on a load if desired.

 

Shrink films are good for applications where the object to be protected requires five-sided protection (top and four sides) or is very large (boats and industrial equipment). For five-sided protection on finished products such as washer/dryers, refrigerators and other appliances, along with bagged resins and cement/concrete, stretch hooders have started replacing shrink films as the older shrink tunnels are decommissioned and new, more energy efficient equipment takes its place.

 

If you have any interest in shrink film machine, I recommend that you can visit the website of Jumbo Steel Machinery Co., Ltd.

 

For over 25 years, Jumbo Steel has dedicated itself to the research of production technology for PVC shrinkable film. The company has made great improvements in product prescription and machine performance, upgrading the quality and efficiency of PVC shrinkable films. Jumbo Steel PVC shrink film machine has been sold worldwide, and has earned a reputation for its superior machine and outstanding production know-how. Get more details please do not hesitate to send inquiry or contact with Jumbo Steel immediately.

 

 

Article Source: http://www.paragon-u.com/bid/252257/Stretch-Film-vs-Shrink-Film-What-s-the-Difference

Fan and Air Circulator Buying Guide

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When researching ways to cool your home, you can consider getting a fan. Fans, also known as air circulators, can be the perfect solution to meet light cooling needs. In more temperate climates, they are an excellent alternative to having an air conditioner that may not see much use. In hotter or more humid climates, fans can help ventilate and dry an area while cooling it, or they can supplement existing air conditioning systems.

 

Size, cooling capacity, intended use, style, and operational noise will all influence how effective a fan will cool your environment. Hence, understanding how fans and air circulators work to keep you comfortable is a key component to choosing the right one for your needs.

 

About Fans

Though fans may seem simple upon first glance, they have more recently become sophisticated cooling systems that help you save on cooling costs, meet versatile needs, and promote energy efficiency. Fans were arguably the first cooling devices created by humans. Today most fans are operated by an electric motor, which turns the blades within a housing unit. Several variations in fan design and intended purpose have greatly enhanced their functionality.

 

Fan Types

There are three main types of fans:

  1. Residential fans are generally meant for personal use.

 

  1. Heavy-Duty fans are found in offices, warehouses, and other workplaces to meet practical needs as well as keep employees comfortable.

 

  1. Water damage restoration fans help dry structures that have sustained water damage and tend to be versatile and powerful.

 

Fan Style and Design

Additionally, fans can be further categorized based on style and design. Fan styles include:

 

  • Tower fans have a long, vertical housing unit that includes a cooling apparatus that runs the length of the fan. They conserve space and offer greater blade protection than more traditional fans.

 

  • Pedestal fans feature a conventional fan design perched on a long stand to reach higher areas than a floor or table fan. They are useful for cooling areas off the ground without needing a desk or shelf for support.

 

  • Table fans can rest on a table, desk, shelf, or other stationary object. These desk fans are generally smaller air circulators that are convenient and mobile.

 

  • Floor fans sit on the floor and have a variety of uses. They tend to be larger than other types of fans and are often used in commercial and industrial applications.

 

  • Personal fans keep you cool in everyday situations. These fans are often placed in bedrooms, workshops, and even cars with a primary purpose of cooling one occupant.

 

  • Misting fans generate water droplets that are then released into the environment and evaporated, cooling the area in the process. These fans are generally used outdoors.

 

Many fan models will fit into more than one of the above categories. If you are just starting to investigate what kind of fan you will need, you should first narrow down the type and style of fan you prefer.

 

Fans vs. Air Conditioners

Fans have a variety of advantages over air conditioner systems. While air conditioners have an overall better cooling capacity than fans and offer a greater degree of control over your cooling experience, fans are more ideal for managing specific cooling tasks and allow for increased portability and convenience. Below are some of the more common benefits of using a fan instead of an AC.

 

  • Cost — As a rule of thumb, fans usually cost less than air conditioners, especially for residential usage. If you are trying to spend economically and wouldn’t necessarily benefit from the added capacity of an air conditioner, purchasing a fan may be the perfect route to take. Fans also cost less to maintain than air conditioners, since fans do not have filters, exhaust systems, and drainage concerns associated with them.

 

  • Efficiency — Fans consume less energy than an air conditioner when cooling a similar-sized same space. Whereas air conditioners create a low volume of air at a high pressure, fans create a high volume of air at a lower pressure. If you are looking to save on energy costs or only need a temporary cooling solution, you would do much better with a fan. Combined with a central air conditioning system, fans can help you save on your energy costs each month.

 

  • Green Living — Because fans don’t require refrigerant and conserve more energy when compared to an AC, they are far easier on the environment than an air conditioning unit. Running a fan is one of the cleanest ways to reduce your carbon footprint as you cool your home or workplace.

 

  • Setup — Air conditioners may involve elaborate exhaust and drainage systems, complicated installation processes, specific window or location requirements, and even professional assistance to setup. Fans operate out of the box. Merely choose a location for your fan and plug it in. Most fans do not require any assembly on your part, and those that do are easily put together.

 

  • Maintenance — Air conditioners often need air filters cleaned and replaced, refrigerant recharged, water drained, and pumps maintained in addition to the regular cleaning and upkeep any home appliance would require. Maintaining a fan involves keeping the blades clean and keeping the fan clean. Wiping it down with regular soap and water will get the job done, and you won’t have to purchase additional items not included with the fan to make sure it lasts. Fans are also far more convenient than ACs to repair and replace should a major incident befall it.

 

  • Portability — Because fans weigh less, require little or no installation, and have fewer external components than most ACs, they can be easily moved from room to room or put away for storage purposes.

 

Maintenance

Compared to other appliances, fans are relatively low-maintenance. The most significant issue related to fan upkeep is preventing dust, dirt, grime, and other buildup on the fan blades. When too many particles accumulate on the blades, the fan will spin slower, spread dust and dirt throughout the room, won’t move air as fast or as far, and will generally reduce the fan’s effectiveness. Too much dust buildup may cause the fan to stop spinning altogether.

 

The best way to avoid particle buildup is to regularly clean the fan blades, housing unit, and any air intake mechanisms. If your fan can be disassembled, simply take it apart and wipe down the various components. Refer to the manufacturer’s user manual when disassembling your fan, as the screws may be hidden or there may be easier methods to reach the blades. If your fan cannot be easily taken apart, try using brushes, sprays, or canned air to remove internal buildup. Take care not to get water on the motor or any other electrical parts.

 

Other measures you can take to prolong the life of your fan include placing it out of reach of children or pets, not running it when it’s not needed, using the fan only as it was intended, securing it from falling over or on top of other items, and giving the fan enough space to provide maximum benefit. Should it become necessary, fans are one of the easiest household appliances to replace.

 

Looking for Best Fans Manufacturer? I Recommend You…

King Fortune Electrical Co., Ltd. has become the most trusted name in industrial desk fan products. To meet the customers’ maximum satisfactions, the company has committed to its uncompromising insistence on excellence, quality and innovation. The superior quality of every King Fortune desk fan is backed by the most dedicated technical service support in the company.

 

If you have any questions or have an interest in King Fortune desk fans, please do not hesitate to send inquiry or contact with King Fortune immediately.

 

 

Article Source: https://www.sylvane.com/fan-buying-guide.html

When Should I Use A 3 Piece Ball Valve?

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The options for ball valves are seemingly endless. To select a ball valve, decisions have to be made. Which seat material? What kind of end connections? Full, reduced, or standard port ball? 2-way or multiport? What about packing? Finally, how many pieces?

 

What Is A 3 Piece Ball Valve?

Ball valves come in one, two, or three pieces. One piece ball valves are inexpensive and generally not repaired. Two piece ball valves consist of two separate pieces, with the connection between them being either threaded or a bolt and flange assembly.

 

As you may have guessed, a 3 piece ball valve consists of three pieces, two end caps and a body. The end caps are welded, threaded, or flanged to connect to the pipe on either side.

 

Why Use A 3 Piece Ball Valve?

For processes that put heavy demands on valves, having a 3 piece valve is more convenient than one or two piece ball valves. When seats and seals need to be routinely replaced, having three pieces allows for easy disassembly, servicing and reassembly without having to do major cutting on the pipe.

 

Three piece ball valves also allow for elastomers to be changed accommodating different process conditions, temperatures, pressures and flows.

 

Need to weld the valve in place? Another benefit is being able to move the body with trim out of the way while welding, ensuring the internals stay intact.

 

What’s The Big Difference Between 2 And 3 Piece Ball Valves (Other Than The Obvious…)?

Two piece ball valves were also designed with maintenance in mind. The big difference between the two is that the body on the 3 piece valve can be taken out without disturbing the two end caps. A two-piece ball valve doesn’t often allow this to happen, and it’s not possible at all with a one piece ball valve.

 

There’s also a price difference. As noted earlier, one piece valves are generally of the throw away variety. Three piece valves tend to initially cost more, but can save money in the long run in terms of time spend maintaining, and ability to change seats and seals vs. replacing the valve in its entirety.

 

Not sure how many pieces you should select for your ball valve application? If you have any interest in 3 piece ball valves, welcome to visit the website of Wellgrow Industries Corp. – the company is one of professional pipe fittings manufacturers in Taiwan. Feel free to send inquiry or contact with Wellgrow.

 

Article Source: Crane Engineering

Buying a Five-Axis: Selecting the Right Machine

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Horizontal or vertical? Trunnion or swivel head? What’s the effective difference between different configurations of five-axis machining centers?

 

Not all 5 axis machining centers are alike. Here’s where the application for which they will be used must be considered. You need to know what cutting speeds you’re going to run, for example. The type of spindle, the arrangement of rotary axes, rapid traverse rates, feed rates and available horsepower are other major considerations. Do you intend to machine primarily aluminum, stainless steel or titanium? How rigid does the machine need to be? What surface-finish quality do you require? What part accuracy are you trying to achieve? These are all questions you’ll need to answer in order to select the right machine for your application.

 

If you’re primarily machining aluminum, you may prefer a spindle capable of higher speed, such as 20,000 rpm, with higher rapid traverse rates, especially if you’re using smaller-diameter tools. Likewise, if you’re machining stainless or alloy steel for complex mold surfaces, you will likely be using small tools and high spindle speeds to achieve exceptionally smooth surface finishes.

 

Be aware that some machines are designed for cutting only aluminum. Others are suitable for steel and tough alloys, which require more rigidity, higher horsepower, lower spindle speeds, slower rotary speeds, higher torque and stronger box ways to make deep cuts with bigger tools. Machining different grades of steel, titanium alloys or even harder materials may require a heftier machine; however, this hefty machine would need to rotate the table excessively fast to achieve adequate surface speeds for cutting aluminum. The result might be disappointing.

 

When specifying out a five axis machining center, obtaining the expert advice of an experienced engineer is recommended.

 

Horizontal or Vertical

Horizontal five-axis machines are normally equipped with an automatic pallet changer (APC) ready to be installed on the shop floor. If you’re machining aerospace components that have deep pockets or waffling designed to reduce finished-part weight, the high volume of chips will naturally drop into the conveyor. In addition, horizontal five-axis machines tend to be heavier and more rigid, which helps when cutting steel and titanium.

 

In contrast, vertical five-axis machines tend to be more agile for processing smaller parts. VMCs tend to enable better operator access and can often take heavier cuts, but clearing chips can be inconvenient. High-pressure, through-the-spindle coolant delivery comes in handy to remedy chip accumulation.

 

Swiveling-Head or Trunnion Style

There are pros and cons to different types of machine designs. If you’re loading heavy parts, the non-tilting table on a swiveling-head machine is often preferred, because this type of table offers greater rigidity for holding big, heavy parts. The swiveling head enables the use of shorter, standard tooling, because all tool rotations occur above the part. Swiveling-head machines tend to be more versatile, lending themselves to using multiple fixtures, vises or tombstones. This somewhat simulates the appeal of an HMC.

 

A trunnion-style machine is often preferred in moldmaking, because both rotary axes are contained in the trunnion table itself and the spindle head is stationary. This configuration is similar to that of the three- or four-axis machines most moldmakers are already used to. The spindle head reaches out over the tilting table, providing better undercut capabilities and some access to the underside of the part. As the spindle head itself does not rotate, trunnion-style machines tend to be more effective in heavy chip removal and can use full X, Y and Z travels to accommodate large parts.

 

If you need more information about 5 axis machining center, please do not miss Vision Wide Tech Co., Ltd. – the company is the professional CNC machine tool manufacturer owning brand “VISION WIDE”, provides wide range products from heavy cutting to high speed, from 3-axis spindle to 5-axis spindle, and from metal cutting to composite material machining centers which have been applied in vehicles manufacture, power generating, aerial components and so on. Widely applied in curve-based polyhedral machining. Learn more details, welcome to visit Vision Wide immediately.

 

Article Source: Modern Machine Shop

The Best Running Socks for a Marathon

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Keeping your feet free from blisters and pain is essential to finishing a marathon and the right socks contribute to your foot health. When choosing the best marathon socks for you, consider the material, cushioning, height and special features of the socks. Most importantly, choose your socks early in your marathon training so you have plenty of time to ensure they won’t cause blisters or hot spots on your feet.

 

Material Choice

Cotton holds on to moisture, leaving it on your feet where it can lead to chafing. Avoid cotton and opt instead for synthetic or wool socks. Synthetic socks are typically made from a combination of acrylic, polyester or spandex. These materials wick the moisture away from your feet, leaving them drier and with less chance to blister. Synthetic materials tend to dry faster than wool socks, while wool socks may provide more insulation in extreme temperatures. Consider synthetic socks if you plan to race on a hot, humid day and wool socks if you plan to race in the winter.

 

Pick Your Padding

Choosing the best cushioning is primarily personal preference and you may have to run in a variety of socks before you find your favorites. However, a few general guidelines may help you narrow your choices. If you already run in a well-cushioned shoe, thin socks with little cushioning may work well. If you tend to like lighter, less cushioned shoes, consider a more padded sock to protect your feet from the repetitive impact they’ll endure over 26 miles. Because the thickness of the sock can affect the temperature of your feet, you may need to adjust your choice based on the predicted conditions of the race, opting for thinner marathon socks if it will be a hot day.

 

Select a Height

Sock height can play a role in skin protection. No-show socks cover only the part of your foot in the shoe and are best if you don’t get blisters on your Achilles and want a minimal sock. Low socks cover your foot and part of your ankle, while quarter socks typically cover your entire ankle. Low and quarter socks can help prevent blisters on the Achilles. Crew socks cover your ankle and part of your calf, while knee-high socks cover your entire calf. Choose crew or knee high marathon socks if you’re running a trail marathon and want to protect your calves from branches or weeds.

 

Special Features

Like any sports equipment, a variety of specialty running socks are available. Some runners choose knee high compression socks in the hopes of preventing calf cramps. Others choose socks with toes, hoping to prevent blisters between the toes. Your best bet when it comes to special features and socks is to try them in training. If they work well on long training runs, they’ll likely serve you well on race day.

 

Best Marathon Socks Manufacturer

If you need more information about marathon socks and compression socks manufacturer, I recommend that you can visit the website of Footland Inc.

 

The company is a reliable socks manufacturer with a fully integrated operation chain from design sketches up to packing and delivery. They also imported Lonati machines from Italy for making various and competitive socks.

 

Footland Inc. is reputable for its strict quality control with a clientele of international brands including Timberland. Learn more details, please do not hesitate to contact with Footland.

 

Article Source: LIVESTRONG.COM

Advantages of CNC Grinding

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Anyone who uses CNC grinding machines is bound to enjoy the numerous advantages associated with the machines. In contrast to traditional grinding, CNC grinding produces very light cuts and fine finishes to your workpieces. The machines also make it possible to use less skilled people and limited supervision to perform your project. When looking for a CNC grinding machine, you will want to buy and use a power tool that will perform your project within the time frames you set. There are many advantages of using a machine that is suitable for grinding your materials.

Machines Work for Longer Without Breaks

Like all other CNC machines, CNC grinding machines can run 24/7, 365 days a year without the need for breaks. The only time that the machines will require to be stopped is during maintenance work. This allows you to carry out your project without any interruptions. In the end, the inconvenience of breakdowns is eliminated.

Produce in Large Quantities

Regardless of the quantity of the material that you want to grind, CNC grinding machines will fit the bill. This is partly because the machines run all year round without interruptions. This will enable you to meet the demand of your customers at all times.

High Levels of Accuracy

CNC machines can be programmed to produce fine surfaces and top-quality cuts with precision. The machine will produce great finishes in line with the specifications you provide in the operating software. This reduces the amount of waste as well as the possibility of products that do not meet the needs for which they are produced.

Software to Improve Performance

CNC grinding machines operate on software. When you want to improve the performance of your machines, all you will need to do is update your software. The latest software will also help you to perform many operations in a single setup. This will help in cutting costs and saving time.

Identical Manufacturing

CNC grinding makes it possible to produce identical products in bulk. When customers request your products in large quantities, CNC machines will help you to achieve identical manufacturing. All the components produced through CNC grinding will be an exact match to each other.

Article Source: Sturdy Grinding

Precision CNC Machining of Medical Implants

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Machining parts with complex geometries and fine surface finishes is common in the aerospace and automotive markets, but medical implant manufacturing takes it to a whole other level. A common saying in manufacturing for space applications is, “there is no repair shop in space.” The quality, precision and reliability of each part must be perfect because once it leaves this world, it just has to work since millions of dollars are on the line. Arguably, the same holds true in medical machining. If an orthopaedic implant doesn’t work correctly, the health and well-being of a patient is affected. When the surgery is complete, it just has to work.

 

Global demographic trends indicate that the need for medical implants will grow, and so will competition in the market. According to Seco Tools, approximately five major suppliers claim 85 percent of the orthopaedic component manufacturing market, with more than 200 companies fighting for the remaining 15 percent share.

 

Materials

Just like in any other engineering discipline, material is a critical consideration for medical implants. The two characteristics of material performance are biofunctionality and biocompatibility. Biofunctionality is more of a consideration for things such as plastic materials—the functionality of bone and joint implants is well-served by most metals. With metals, biocompatibility is the main consideration—examining corrosion properties of the metal and interaction of the corrosion reaction and the body’s tissues.

 

According to a recent article co-authored by Jan-Willem van Iperen and Ruud Zanders, engineers at SECO tools, the most common materials for knee and hip implants are cobalt-chrome alloy, such as CoCr28Mo6, and titanium, such as Ti6Al4V. Titanium is less popular but growing. Stainless steel also is used for temporary implants, as it is less corrosion resistant than cobalt-chrome or titanium.

 

Bar stock, forgings or castings are typically the starting point for machining operations, which are followed by grinding and polishing. Machining these materials can be challenging due to the same characteristics that make them functional in the body—their high strength and stiffness.

 

For example, cobalt-chrome is hard, abrasive and highly elastic. This can cause intense tool wear, compounded by the material’s low heat conductivity. Titanium, on the other hand, has the lovely property of work-hardening, as well as poor heat conductivity. During machining, heat builds up at the cutting edge and tool face.

The usual response to these types of materials is to dump plenty of coolant into the cut. However, traditional coolants can contaminate medical implants, requiring expensive and time-consuming cleaning processes. For this reason, Fusion Coolant Systems developed a coolant system using supercritical carbon dioxide. For more information about scCO2 dry-cutting technology, visit Fusion Cooling Systems.

 

Machining Operations

Like other manufactured parts, orthopaedic implants can involve several machines or computer numerical control (CNC) cutting operations, including grinding and even potentially metal 3D printing. On the machining center, operations for a typical knee implant can include roughing, tray base roughing, tray base finishing, chamfer milling, T-slot undercut machining, wall finishing/chamfering and undercut deburring. The goal is to achieve the required surface finish on the machine, reducing the need for time-consuming manual finishing.

 

Five-axis milling and grinding machines provide advantages to working with the complex shapes and contours of orthopaedic implants.

 

Cutting Tools

Seco Tools has introduced a line of cutting tools designed to shorten knee implant cycle times through high-speed machining and other aggressive milling strategies.

 

The Jabro medical range includes nine geometries and 39 tools, most of which are part of the Jabro Tornado high-speed cutting family. Each geometry is designed for particular applications in the machining of tibial tray and femoral knee implant components. Additionally, because these new dedicated tools are targeted for the machining of CoCr (cobalt-chrome) and 3-D printed Ti6Al4V ISO-S12 parts, they can be used for other medical implant components as well, including parts used in hip replacements and bone plates.

 

Should You Get into the Medical Machining Market?

If your machine shop already does high-precision or 5-axis machining for aerospace, it could be worthwhile to look into this lucrative, albeit highly competitive, manufacturing market. If your shop is eying the medical implant market, consider the following factors:

  • What is your capability for small-scale or micromachining? Some medical devices require very small components.
  • What is your capability to machine titanium and other challenging materials?
  • Can you efficiently manufacture small-batch or custom one-off complex parts?
  • Can you shop meet FDA certification standards for your machining processes?
  • Can your equipment handle the complex geometries required?

 

For more information on the equipment required for medical machining, check out this article from Mazak about its 5-axis machines’ applicability in this market.

 

By the way, if you have any interest in precision CNC machining, I recommend that you can visit Champion H&C Inc.: www.hc-aluminum.com. The company can provide a variety of CNC machined products for you. Get more details, welcome to check out Champion H&C product pages.

 

 

Article Source: https://www.engineering.com/AdvancedManufacturing/ArticleID/16486/Precision-CNC-Machining-of-Medical-Implants.aspx

Gardening Tools You Cannot Do Without

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A garden is a piece of land or space that can be used to cultivate flowers, herbs or fruits. This piece of land or space could be your backyard, a hydroponic shed or small flower bed at the corner of your property. Gardening is therapeutic, it can help ease stress and provides an opportunity for self enhancement and increase in self-worth through the process of bringing crops to life from just seedlings.

 

When considering the idea of setting up a garden, it is important you take note of the required tools to help make the job easier or if you have already setup your own garden getting to know the right tools for the right purpose will also enhance your gardening experience. I shall be talking you through some of the ideal tools that is required to setup and make your gardening experience a blast.

 

Rake

 

A hand rake is an inevitable tool for every gardener. The rake plays a vital role in loosening the top soil to allow the plant retrieve maximum nutrient from the soil. The rake is also used to clean up the garden of loose dirt and or dried leaves. It is important that you invest in rakes that are metal and hand comfortable handles, this would make the activity of cleaning and raking easy and less stressful.

 

Garden Hose

 

Every home should have at least one garden hose, they serve multiple purposes. They could be used to water a lawn or wash the car. Rubber hoses have more flexibility and are less susceptibility to cuts and abrasions but are usually more expensive. A garden hose connects to a source of water by means of plastic couplings or of brass fittings. Layers make up hoses and their strength increases with each additional layer. When you have thicker hoses, the likelihood of kinking reduces and this ensures for constant flow of water. Usually, the length of a hose determines the weight. Treat your hose properly so it could serve you well. Avoid leaving pressure on it unnecessarily and running hot water through it. During purchase, make sure you ask the right questions before making your purchase. Avoid light hoses and hoses without adequate thickness.

 

Shovels

 

A shovel is an essential tool for gardening. They come in different sizes, shapes and a variety of forms. Shovels are made from metal with some having wooden or plastic handles. A shovel is used for scooping, digging and shoveling of soil or dirt. The shovel is important in any garden setup, it helps you save strength on otherwise difficult task of digging.

 

Garden Fork

 

A garden fork resembles a shovel only that it is pointed spikes like that of a rake. Garden forks are usually required in larger gardens and small farms to move large bales of dirt or grass. They are the most ideal tool for moving hay for livestock feed. The garden fork is usually metal and has wooden handles which makes usage easy. It is important that safety measures are observed at all times to avoid injury when making use of the fork and all gardening tools.

 

Pruning Saws

 

A pruning saw is a gardening saw that has the same serrated blade as a normal saw and it’s used to trim live shrubs and trees. There are different pruning saws for different purposes and type of shrub or trees. We have the arborist saw and the curved hand cut saw to name a few. A pruning saw is an ideal tool to have in your tool shed; it allows you to take care of renegade shrubs and tree branches.

 

Gardening saw comes in different sizes and types. Just like every tool, for a gardening saw to be keep functioning, it needs to be maintained. Ensure to clean it after every use and oil the blades at intervals, sharpen the blades when necessary and use the different gardening saw correctly for their required purpose.

 

Hand Trowels

 

A garden trowel is a small hand tool that is used for weeding and cultivation. They usually have wooden, plastic or metal handles coated with rubber. Garden trowels that do not have the metal handles are prone to breaking or bending. It hand trowel is very useful for most gardens, I am yet to see a garden tool shed that doesn’t have a hand trowel. It’s one of the mist basic gardening tools.

 

Like all gardening tool, it is important to have a proper maintenance routine. Your hand trowel should be kept clean, sanitized and wiped dry after every use. Infected trowels are harmful to your garden as they can spread disease from one plant to another. The best way to store this trowels is by hanging them up. Most garden trowels are built with a hole at the end of the handle which can be used to hang them.

 

Pruning Shears

 

Pruning shears are sometimes called hand prunes. They are used for cutting and trimming of any unwanted branches and weeds. They can also be used to shape out your plants to allow for effective growth, pruning a tree at intervals helps to improve its overall growth potential by weeding off old and unwanted parts. Pruning shears are small and handy just as they are quite inexpensive. After every use, rinse your pruning shears with water, dry them and cover them with their protective cover before placing them back in your toolbox.

 

Like the hand Trowels, hand prunes are very important garden tool for every toolbox. It expected that every garden should have a pruning tool. Hand prunes come in various sizes and shapes for performing different types of pruning. Sometimes the differentiating attribute is the material used in forging it and the manufacturer. Invest only in quality prunes forged from stainless steel to ensure it last longer for the purpose.

 

Garden Pots and Planter

 

There’s a large variety of pots and planters on the market. If you are looking to buy some, you should definitely get what suits your needs and purpose in terms of functionality, color and style. The kind of pot or planter you use depends on your needs, climate and the kind of plant you intend growing on the pot. Planters are made from different materials to serve different purposes. Some common choices include Concrete, clay, metal plastic or wood. Planters and pots are great ways to bring nature indoors, on your balcony or even onto your patio.

 

The list of gardening tools is not exhaustive but I have chosen to educate you on this few, it is my hope that you have learnt a few things. I wish you a happy gardening.

 

If you need more information about gardening saw series, I recommend that you can visit the website of K&W Tools Co., Ltd.

 

The company provides a variety of gardening saws including pruning saws, bow saws, foldable saws, tree pole pruner, etc. Learn more details please do not hesitate to send inquiry to K&W.

 

 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9788505

What are Symptoms of Bad Valve Seals?

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Valves regulate the amount of fuel and air mixture allowed in the cylinders for combustion. While the valves have guides or sleeves to keep combustion gases from passing through them, the seals on the top of the valves keep oil in the valve cover from being sucked down into the engine. Seals, typically made of high-strength rubber, fit over the top of the valve stem inside a small collar. When valve seals begin to wear or fail they produce some obvious and unique symptoms.

 

Cold Engine

One of the most noticeable signs of worn or cracked valve stem seals will be just after a cold engine start. If the vehicle has been sitting for any length of time or even overnight, the top of the head inside the valve cover will be coated with residual oil that was pumped up earlier during running operation. The rubber valve seal has also cooled during nonoperation, which causes it to contract and leave a small gap. When the engine first starts up, residual oil gets sucked down through the bad seal and into the combustion chamber. A large cloud of blue-white smoke will be seen exiting the tailpipe just after start-up.

 

Idle and Stop and Go Driving

Bad valve seals will show themselves during prolonged idling at stop signs or stop lights in congested city conditions. When the vehicle sits at idle for prolonged periods, high levels of vacuum at the intake manifold result because the throttle valve remains closed. The high vacuum attracts oil in the heads to congregate around the valve stems. Upon acceleration, the oil gets sucked past the eroding seal and down through the valve guide, where it burns in the exhaust. Huge clouds of blue-white smoke exit the tailpipe after each acceleration from a stop. The burning smoke will disappear during cruising or highway speed.

 

Off-Throttle Braking

Evidence of valve seals being compromised will show up during off-throttle braking, especially when descending a steep downgrade where the accelerator pedal remains static. With the creation of high intake manifold vacuum, coupled with the downward slant of the engine, oil collects toward the front of the valve cover over the head. Upon pushing the accelerator after a long coast, burned oil will exit the tailpipe in copious amounts. The engine will continue to burn the oil longer in this case, but it will still be a temporary condition until finally the smoking stops under normal cruise.

 

Oil Consumption

Bad valve seals will cause excessive oil consumption. In an otherwise normal engine with good compression, rings and valve guides, bad seals will cause a loss of oil that can be detected on the oil dipstick. By keeping an accurate record of oil level on the dipstick, a noticeable oil reduction due to the oil being burned along with the fuel will be discovered. Bad seals will be confirmed if no oil leaks can be found on the engine to account for the loss.

 

Excessive Smoke

If the valve seals have deteriorated enough, the blue-white exhaust smoke will last longer after start-up and acceleration. Yet the smoke will eventually disappear after long engine operation or during periods of hot weather. Bad valve seals nearly always show an intermittent problem of oil burning, whereas worn piston rings and valve guides will smoke during all times of engine operation and never disappear.

 

Get more information about valve seals, please do not miss the website of AOK Valve Stem Seals Ltd... The company can provide a variety of valve seals, o rings, and bonded seals for you. Try to check out their product pages and feel free to send inquiry to AOK for more details.

 

 

Article Source: It Still Runs

EDM 101: What is EDM and Where to Find CNC Drilling EDM Machines Manufacturer?

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What is EDM?

 

EDM stands for electrical discharge machining, the applications best suited for this metal removal process are those characterized by extremely exacting tolerances and situations that would be extremely difficult or impossible to handle with any other method of machining.

 

Growth of EDM

 

EDM has rapidly earned its place alongside milling and grinding equipment as a proactive, mainstream technology. EDM is best known for its ability to machine complex shapes in very hard metals. The most common use of EDM is machining dies, tools and molds made of hardened steel, tungsten carbide, high-speed steel and other workpiece materials that are difficult to machine by “traditional” methods.

 

The process has also solved a number of problems related to the machining of “exotic” materials such as Hastelloy, Nitralloy, Waspaloy and Nimonic, which are used on a large scale in the aeronautical and aerospace industries.

 

With the reduction in electrode wear and increased sophistication of EDM controls in rams, new EDM processes use simple-shaped electrodes to 3D mill complex shapes. EDM also is being used for polishing small, intricate surfaces.

 

Since EDM does not involve workpiece/tool forces like a mill or grinder, it is possible to EDM shapes that would break conventional cutting tools or be broken by them.

 

Different Types of EDM

 

  1. RAM EDM

RAM EDM, also known as plunge EDM or standard EDM, is the oldest form of EDM machining. It generally consists of an electrode usually made out of graphite that is plunged into a workpiece in order to create a blind-shaped cavity. It can also be used to generate through holes and geometry but these are not the primary uses of the process.

 

  1. Drill EDM

Drill EDM uses rotating concentric electrodes to drill through a workpiece and basically performs the same functions as a drill press, except that the material hardness is not a factor and the accuracy of the finished hole is far superior than what any drill press can produce. It is best used to drill start holes for the wire EDM in already hardened material as well as accurate very small holes for industries like aerospace and medical equipment.

 

  1. Wire EDM

Wire EDM uses a traveling wire electrode (usually .010” diameter or smaller) that goes through the workpiece. The wire, in this case, is controlled by computer following the assigned geometry for the part to be produced.

 

EDM for Tooling Applications

 

When a part requires special / unique conventional cutting tools, electrodes are easy to machine, unlike carbide. Equally important, the wire used by a wire EDM is available as a standard, off-the-shelf component. EDM is a low cost tooling option when you need short run stamping (less than 5,000 pieces) and low volume broaching. With EDM, there’s no need to make a die set. That’s why EDM is used to make sewing machine components and prototypes. Instead of using expensive broaches, EDM is a very attractive form of low-cost tooling. This is a reason companies use EDM to produce splines and gear teeth along with all their metal stamping & mold making needs.

 

Where to Find The Reliable EDM Machines Manufacturer?

 

About this question, I recommend that you can try to visit the website of OCEAN Technologies Co., Ltd.. This company is specializing in kinds of high quality EDM machines. If you need more information about CNC drilling EDM machines, please do not hesitate to check out OCEAN product pages and feel free to send inquiry to them.

 

Article Source: Mercatech, Inc.