Category Archives: Manufacturer

Keep Your Screen Changer In the Flow

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The screen changer plays an essential role in generating quality extrudate. Here’s what you need to know to keep it functioning properly.

 

There are many different designs of screen changers on the market today, from manual slide plates to constant-pressure and continuous backflush or scrapper designs, and each one comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. As a processor, you need to know these in order to make the best choice of screen changer for your particular application.

 

This article will focus more on general process troubleshooting as opposed to machine-specific issues, but it’s important to note that a large percentage of problems that extrusion processors have with their screen changers occur because the screen changer they’re using is not the best design for their application. Each specific extrusion filtration application should be closely examined prior to specifying a screen changer for the project.

 

FILTRATION MESH

Every processor wants the best filtration they can get for the area of filtration they have. Very few, however, utilize a screen-pack configuration fully optimized for their process. Take as an example a situation in which an operator is attempting to extend a production run between screen changes. As the screen becomes occluded, head pressure rises and eventually causes the wire cloth to fail. A simple operator solution is to pile on additional 20-mesh screens for increased strength.

 

A better solution would be to increase the support strength of the base screen, using a heavier-gauge 10-mesh screen layered with a single 20-mesh screen. The 10- and 20- mesh screens will support each other by working at two levels. The end result is the ability to run longer between changes, but without the unnecessarily high pressure drop and resulting increase in shear heat. Any increase in pressure-induced shear is best avoided, since this will generate higher melt temperature at the discharge end of the extruder, creating a higher demand on downstream cooling capacity and potentially reducing output.

 

Most screen-changer suppliers offer process-support services that include pressure-drop calculations. These are simple to perform and factor in material viscosities, breaker-plate open area, and screen open area to arrive at the best screen-pack configuration for the process and operating environment. This service is normally a free and simple means to optimize polymer flow performance.

 

TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Another issue occasionally attributed to screen changers is temperature fluctuation. Best practice is to stay alert to gauges, heaters, and heater circuits. Monitoring these on the screen changer may not be as critical as checking the extruder and feed screw, but it can help spot an issue before it becomes catastrophic.

 

Another tip is to optimize the number of heat zones necessary to balance temperature across the screen changer. More specifically:

 

  • Hydraulic slide-plate screen changers are best served by three zones—a body zone and independent zones for the each end of the slide plate. Many processors wire these machines into a single control zone, resulting in too much or too little heat to the slide plate. This can destabilize the melt profile and cause material burning in the off-line breaker plate.

 

  • Continuous bolt-type screen changers are normally best served by a single control zone, but as these machines increase in size, additional body zones help balance the heat. Bolt-type continuous screen changers heat the bolts by conduction from the body. If heat is unbalanced, the body can shrink onto the bolt and generate high enough clamping forces to prevent movement of the bolt.

 

  • Machine adapters are also normally best served with independent heat control. This, however, will vary with size.

 

PRESSURE FLUCTUATION

Streamlining the polymer flow through the screen changer will also affect process stability. For sensitive materials or those with unique flow characteristics, CFD (computational fluid dynamics) modeling software can be utilized to optimize screen-changer flow passages and minimize material residence time. Along this line, adapter length, steps and transitions, and polymer inventory between the screw tip and screen pack can be critical to establishing best flow while minimizing polymer degradation points and thermal stratification.

 

Vent cycles on continuous screen changers can influence pressure stability. Most bolt-type screen changers can see up to 50% of the available filter area removed from the process for screen change. While this naturally causes a rise in head pressure, the flow rate and die pressure normally remain relatively stable. The issue arises with the reintroduction of the clean screen. Vents machined into the bolts divert a small portion of the polymer melt to prefill and purge air from the incoming screen pocket. The resulting slight drop in die pressure can be minimized by operator finesse or more precisely by PLC control. Constant-pressure screen changers, such as rotary wheel designs, are not normally subject to these issues. One auxiliary that can help tremendously with fluctuating pressure is a gear pump, which can tolerate upstream pressure swings while holding the die pressure stable.

 

LEAKAGE

Leakage is a problem with almost all screen changer designs as they age, but most noticeably with slide-plate models. This type of screen changer relies on manually adjusted or pressure-activated seals and is subject to wear and tear from the movement of the slide plate, degradation of the seal-pressure ring, and damage from dislodged screens. Seal maintenance for these machines can be required as often as weekly to once a year. Maintenance can lead to tear down and reassembly, which can be a time-consuming, expensive process. Even before it reaches this point, the housekeeping required keeping the slide plate clean and preventing polymer from leaking onto wiring and other equipment is significant.

 

One way to minimize leakage on a system like this is to increase the head pressure. Your intuition might tell you lower pressure would be better because it would put less strain on the system. However, because the seals are designed to respond to pressure in the extruder, they are only working at their peak when the pressure is higher. At a lower pressure, the seals will relax slightly. When the extruder is idle or running at drool speed and there is very little pressure being exerted on the seal, it becomes easy for lower viscosity material to leak out. One newer slide-plate seal, an all-steel, segmented pressure-ring design, addresses these problems and caries a lifetime leak-free warranty regardless of temperature and low viscosity, making this seal the first to operate leak-free on high-temperature coating applications.

 

Material leakage on bolt-type or other close-tolerance rotary wheel machines that operate without a mechanical seal can likewise occur over time; but with these designs, leakage is almost always caused by mechanical damage. These precision-machined screen changers are typically designed for a fairly narrow material viscosity range.

 

As such, you should not apply a machine designed with clearances for high pressure and high viscosity to a low-viscosity process without approval or modification from the supplier.

 

RESIN CONTAMINATION, DEGRADATION

The primary purpose of a screen changer is to filter out contaminants from the melt stream; but the fact is, screen changes almost inevitably introduce contaminants, some of which get into the die. These result from imperfect cleaning of the slide plate, bolt, or wheel. For example:

 

  • This can occur on a slide-plate screen changer as the upstream and downstream seals scrape material residue into both sides of the oncoming screen pocket. Upstream contaminants are caught on the screen. Downstream contaminants flush out into the die.

 

  • A continuous or constant-pressure screen changer can experience this as well, but to a much smaller degree. The gap between the bolt or wheel and housing is measured in microns on the downstream side. The rare contaminant that makes it through this clearance to enter the melt flow is only consequential to the most demanding of applications, and for these few occasions, secondary, long-life canister filters will catch anything that comes through.

 

Many processes do not have to run continuously or require 100% quality and can overlook contaminants during screen change. However, if your customer has zero tolerance, you’ll need a different kind of screen changer. There is no way to continue using a slide-plate screen changer without introducing some level of contaminants or material degradation from the offline breaker plate. To solve this, a continuous bolt-type or rotary-wheel screen changer is a better solution.

 

LOCK-UP

Continuous screen changers that use no mechanical seal utilize precisely machined clearances to affect a polymer seal. These same clearances provide lubrication between the bolts or wheel and housing and must be maintained to avoid locking up the machines. Lock-up (jammed bolt or wheel) can be a result of various things, usually preventable with correct operator usage. The leading cause of lock-ups occurs when the bolts or wheel are not cleaned and lubricated regularly.

 

Many processors with a bolt-type or rotary-wheel screen changer have bought these continuous-process machines because they have no mechanical seals and run reliably and leak-free for years on end. While these advanced designs certainly require less upkeep than a slide plate, maintenance during screen change should not be neglected.

 

Over time, excess buildup of polymer can plate onto the bolt or wheel surfaces, reducing required clearances and eventually requiring more hydraulic pressure to shift than is available from the power unit or mechanical drive.

 

This stuck bolt or wheel is easily preventable with regular cleaning. A lock-up requires a shutdown and reheat process that can take up to 8 hr or more. Doing daily maintenance and cleaning of the piston takes 5 to 10 min and can save a considerable amount of downtime. “The biggest issue is getting into the mindset of cleaning the whole bolt,” says Marty Danco of Verity Resins, a recycler and compounder based in Forest City, N.C. “When you lock it up, there’s no way home, it’s locked up for good. Using proper copper gauze, the bolt should be cleaned every day—not just the top, but underneath it and on the sides.”

 

The necessity of regular maintenance also holds for breaker plates. Over time, material will carbonize on them, closing off the holes, which raises head pressure and eventually compromises output. Breaker-plate clogging is also easily preventable. The best solution is to make sure to have a clean spare. Swapping these breaker plates out even once a week is great preventive maintenance to ensure it never reaches the point where the process or the final product is impacted.

 

Most leading screen-changer suppliers are excellent resources to refer your troubleshooting issues to. Doing so, instead of relying solely on your maintenance crew, can often reduce your downtime and repair expenses, eliminate some problems before they occur, and potentially point you to a better process solution than the machine currently in service.

 

If you need more information about plastic extruder screen changer, please do not hesitate to check out the website of Hsin-Long Thread Rolling Machine Co., Ltd. – the company provides kinds of blown film extrusion machines, die head, air ring, bubble cage, etc. Learn further details, please feel free to send inquiry to Hsin Long.

 

Article Source: Plastics Technology

What are Kayak Scupper Plugs: How and Why You Should Use Them

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If you’re planning your next kayaking adventure, you should be prepared for the challenge. That means having appropriate equipment at your side. Kayak scupper plugs fall into this category, as well. If you haven’t used kayak scupper plugs until now, our article will serve as an informative guide on the topic.

 

Introducing Scupper Holes

To start with, sit-on-top kayaks are equipped with scupper holes. You may find them in the foot walls, cockpit, and tank well of your kayak.

 

Essentially, the holes aim at draining away the water from the kayak. Especially when the load becomes heavy. They also have the purpose of supporting the deck, as the kayaker sits on top of it.

 

While this feature can come in handy, it is linked to an evident inconvenience: it might get everything in the kayak wet.

 

The good news is that you may block the scupper holes by using kayak scupper plugs.

 

What Is the Purpose of Scupper Plugs?

For the most part, their primary objective is to maximize your safety and comfort, keeping the water out of your kayak – we know how annoying that can be.

 

Simply put, having a set of reliable scupper plugs will prevent you from sitting in a puddle. Or, in worst case scenario, it will deter the kayak from becoming a bathtub overflowing with water.

 

So, scupper plugs are specifically created to fit in those holes. Perhaps this didn’t occur to you until now. Nevertheless, it might happen, especially in choppy waters.

 

The second purpose of scupper plugs is to increase the rigidity of the hull.

 

Should There Be Any Water in My Kayak?

If you have used scupper plugs, and some water still managed to enter your kayak, you needn’t worry. The fact that there’s a bit of incoming water in your kayak doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll sink.

 

Irrespective of the kayak’s capacity and the scupper plug specifications, some water will inevitably enter your kayak – one way or another. Nevertheless, there’s a crucial distinction between abundant water and a relatively low level of water.

 

The bottom line is that having excessive water in your kayak is quite problematic. Therefore, you should avoid that, as much as you can.

 

At the same time, to get excellent results and keep the water at a distance, you should place the scupper plugs tightly. The harder you plug them in, the more airtight they will be. This way, you minimize the likelihood of sitting in a pool of water.

 

Are Scupper Plugs Necessary or Not?

Scupper plugs definitely come in handy. They do an excellent job at maintaining the kayaks dry, significantly reducing the amount of water in it. We find them to be specifically useful during long boat rides.

 

For instance, if you plan on paddling in calm waters with no waves whatsoever, the scupper plugs might even keep your kayak dry.

 

Conclusion

So, what are kayak scupper plugs?

 

In short, they’re a tool to help you keep water out of your kayak, all in an effort to make your ride more enjoyable.

 

If you need more information about Kayak Scupper Plugs and more Kayak Deck Hardware, please try to visit BroadPlast Industrial Co. – they are the professional manufacturer of kayak accessories. Get more details, welcome to check out the website of BroadPlast immediately.

 

 

Article Source: Riverratguide.com

How to Choose The Correct Caster Wheels for Your Floor?

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Carpet Means HARD Wheels!

Picking the right caster wheel material for your type of floor is very important. Casters with Hard Wheels will slide on a hard floor like ceramic tile or hard wood. When they slide, they can scratch the wood and on tile the wheels can actually be “sanded” down they slide over the grout lines. This leaves bits of black plastic on the floor. Hard wheel casters work well directly on carpet. For short pile carpet, a 2″ or 50mm wheel will work fine. For deeper pile, a larger wheel of 60mm or 75mm is needed. If the pile and padding is very deep, use a floor mat; a Floor Mat is HARD and needs Soft Wheels.

 

Tile and Wood means SOFT Wheels!

Casters with Soft Wheels can get “traction” on a hard surface. Just like the rubber tires on your car, caster wheels will have some sort of soft material applied to a wheel. When a wheel is rolling on a hard floor, it cannot scratch the floor. Hard floors can get damaged even with soft wheels. If the floors are dirty and grit or sand becomes embedded into the tire, it can scratch the floor. If the wood used on the floor is soft, it is possible that the wheel could “dent” the wood. We will not “recommend” any type of caster for a wood floor.

 

We can tell you that the “softest wheel” will work the best. A good rule of thumb is that if you have a wood floor, find out what the Janka Rating is for the floor. If the Janka rating is higher than 1290 (the hardness of solid Red Oak), you should be able to use soft PU caster wheels. If it is softer than that, you must use a soft rubber.

 

Watch the CAPACITY of The Casters!

Casters are rated by how much weight they can hold. That doesn’t mean that they will roll well with that much weight as there are many factors that affect how it rolls.

 

Too much weight on a caster with a small capacity is not safe. Under normal conditions, when you figure capacities, you multiply the capacity of each caster times the number of casters used. This will give you the maximum weight that can be held by this set of casters. This is true for furniture as long as the weight is equally distributed but if it is not, add more casters to the heavy end to try to balance the load.

 

Chairs are another issue with capacity. When you sit in a chair and don’t move, your weight is fairly balanced on the casters. As you try to roll, you shift your weight and now some of the casters are carrying more weight. The worst part is when you lean back or lean forward. It is possible that ALL of your weight is transferred to the front 2 casters instead of 5. The maximum capacity for chairs should never be more than 3/4 of the total capacity of all the casters. Please think safety when putting casters on a chair.

 

If you have any interest in caster wheels, try to visit the professional caster wheel manufacturer, ENJOYING GO Co., Ltd. – the company provides chair casters, furniture casters, compression casters, PU caster, etc. Get more information, welcome to send inquiry or contact them right away.

 

Article Source: http://www.needcasters.com/how-to-choose-casters-for-hard-floors-or-carpet.htm

What are Electronic Deadbolt Locks?

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Having a safe and secure door lock is the first step toward ensuring safety of the residence. For decades, this work was done by the simple key and locks.

 

However, these locks could be easily damaged and instances of break in increased. Looking for the appropriate solution to this problem, spring bolt lock came into use.

 

These locks consist of spring loaded bolt with an angled edge. When the door is completely closed, the spring engages and latch bolt holds the door closed. However, with time the use of deadbolt came into existence.

 

These locks are more convenient to use than the spring bolt locks. A typical deadbolt lock is handled manually and requires turning a cylindrical knob so as to open the door. Such deadbolts can have single cylinder requiring one key or double cylinder requiring two keys.

 

However, the problem with a simple deadbolt lock is that it requires a key. Most of the times, a person may forget the key. Besides, these simple deadbolts were inefficient to be used in massive buildings which require a large number of locks. Hence, an improvement was made in the deadbolts which now operated electronically without needing any manual effort.

 

Such deadbolts are called electronic deadbolt locks. In rest of the article, we would be discussing the various aspects of using an electronic deadbolt locks.

 

Electronic Deadbolt Lock

Electronic locks have become one of the most popular security locks used for doors in both commercial and residential buildings. Unlike simple deadbolt locks, these locks do not require keys for operation.

 

The actions of these locks are more accurate. Moreover, these locks do not allow easy break in into the building. Thus, the locks are widely used in hospitals, corporate offices, defense centers and private buildings. To open a lock, one need to feed a combination of codes which the related electric circuits analyses.

 

These code combinations can be fed either using cards or keypad. In most of the commercial and govt. buildings, cards are widely used.

 

How Does Such Lock Work?

The lock contains an electric circuit. The lock has knob on both sides of the door. The electronic circuit is arranged to read the input code. Once input code is fed, the circuit reads the code and matches it with the stored code. If the two matches, then, electrical operated bolt is activated and consequently the door is unlocked.

 

A battery is used to supply power for the circuit operation. The lock uses the solenoid or electric motor to activate the bolt mechanism.

 

Benefits of Deadbolt Locks

The electronic deadbolt locks have a numerous of advantages over the rest of the traditional deadbolt locks. Some of them are enlisted below:

 

  • Unlike simple deadbolt locks, the electronic deadbolt locks come with the patented digital technologies.
  • These locks are equipped with both key and electronic locking mechanism.
  • Multiples code combination can be stored which can allow several layers of security to the building.

 

Limitation of Deadbolt Locks

Despite of having brilliant features, there exist some factors which a cautious user must consider. Here, we enlist some of the limitations faced by the electronic deadbolt locks.

 

  • These locks are operated through solenoid or electric motors, thus, they need a large amount of power for effective functioning. However, the use of batteries has helped to solve this problem up to an extent.
  • If not installed properly, the cylindrical knob can be a hazard instead of providing safety to home.
  • The codes if guessed by someone else (other than the resident) can lead to awkward situation.

 

Features of A Good Deadbolt

There is a large number of electronic deadbolt locks available in the market. Thus, it is primary important for a buyer to judiciously choose the appropriate product for ensuring the home safety. In this regard, we present below some of the features which a good lock should possess. Hope that the buyers shall find it helpful before they go out for purchasing a new product.

 

  • The installation of the electronic deadbolt lock should be simple and inexpensive requiring minimum alteration to the premises.
  • The lock should have the capability of storing more than one combination so that different person can have the entry (with prior knowledge of the resident) without knowing the actual combination used by the resident of the house.
  • The lock should be capable of having the number of digits as combination according to the choice of the residents. That means the lock should not restrict the resident from choosing any combination as per his wish.
  • It is advisable to buy a double cylinder electronic deadbolt lock installed with glass windows.
  • A good electronic deadbolt lock should be battery operated.
  • It should use both card and keypad number for feeding the combination code.

 

Summary

The electronic deadbolt locks have rejuvenated the security issues concerning a residential or industrial building. The locks most popularly used in industrial buildings have enabled to gear up the best security measures.

 

Besides, the locks are being extensively used in buildings having strategic significance. These locks ensure null break in and are most convenient to use. There is no need for key as the locks are electric automated. Moreover, the locks also have the feature of storing more than one security code.

 

This unique feature adds to the security level of the building. However, one has to carefully choose the appropriate security code so that it is not easily guessed by someone else. With the use of such locks, one can surely enjoy the utmost security and safety level.

 

If you have any interest in electric deadbolt, welcome to check out Pongee’s website. The company specializes in kinds of access controllers, time attendances, EM locks, etc. Learn more information please feel free to send inquiry to Pongee.

 

Article Source: ReviewsWorthy

Motorbike Engine Oil – What Oil Should You Be Using

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Motorbike engine oil is added to a motorbike’s engine for several reasons. The first is obvious, motorbike oil acts as a lubricant to ensure your engine operates correctly, with almost no metal to metal contact – everything is coated in a thin film of oil. Motorbike engine oil also has several other important tasks to do. One such task is to circulate throughout the engine to cool engine parts that do not get near a water jacket.

 

Motorcycle piston rings do not perfectly seal, & by-products of combustion such as particles of carbon will slip past into the engine. In a motorcycle’s engine, these carbon particles can cause a lot of damage. Motorbike oil holds these carbon particles in suspension until the oil filter can grab them. Finally, motorcycles engines get internal build ups of tars, waxes, and other gunk. Motorbike engine oil keeps the bike’s engine clean by dissolving and removing these.

 

It is for these reasons that it is important to check your motorbikes oil levels regularly as not only does having a good level of oil improve the performance of the bikes engine it will also keep it healthy thus extending the bikes life expectancy.

 

Choosing The Right Motorbike Engine Oil

Using the right oil is just as important as having oil in the engine as there are so many different types of oils on the market. Oils designed for automotive engines should not be used in motorcycles and you should seek out specialized motorbike oil where possible.

 

There are some special considerations to consider when choosing the right motorbike oil for your bike.

 

  1. Wet Clutches – in a motorbike clutch the oil flows through the clutch and if the motorbike oil used has too much molybdenum, this can cause the clutch to start slipping. For this reason, users should avoid energy conserving motorbike oils as these contain friction modifier additives which cause clutch slipping. 0w-20 and 5w-30 oils should not be used in a motorcycle.

 

  1. Sporadic Use – people who use their motorcycles only sporadically might see that the oil has drained into the sump, leaving no protective film in the engine. This can cause the next start to be particularly hard on the engine. The film strength is very important in the motorbike oil for bikes that are only used sporadically. Synthetic motorbike oil will have much higher film strength than petroleum oil. This will cause the oil to take longer to drain off the engine into the sump.

 

Key Advantages To Using Synthetic Oils:

  • A higher viscosity index than mineral base oils.
  • Better resistance to thinning at high temperatures and thickening at low temperatures.
  • Longer lasting in service without radical changes in viscosity.

 

To help you with choosing the right oil, you can try to send inquiry to Min Jung Hong. The company specializes in kinds of oil and lubricants. You can find motorcycle lubricants, agricultural lubricants, synthetic lubricant, MoS2 Grease, fuel injector cleaner, and so on products on their site. Do not hesitate to contact with Min Jung Hong to get the best oil for your motorbike.

 

Article Source: http://www.finol.ie/news/motor-bike-engine-oil/

How to Choose the Right Jogging Socks

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Jogging Socks?

 

Yes, these are socks made specifically for runners. What makes them different from your typical casual socks is that they are designed to keep your feet dry and comfortable while jogging for prolonged periods of time.

 

When you run, especially if you sweat a lot (who doesn’t), it’s crucial to equip your feet and your shoes with socks that are comfortable, functional, durable, even fashionable (if you are into that).

 

The Importance of Jogging Socks

 

Oh, let me assume you. Socks are not a second-thought accessory. In fact, picking the right jogging socks is just as important as choosing the right shoes. Not only can the proper socks improve your running performance, but can also help keep your feet healthy and happy.

 

An ill-fitting pair of socks can result in toenail problems, bursitis, blisters, infections, and other serious foot issues that may compromise your running. And you don’t want any of that.

 

Whether you are going for a short jog around the block, or are conquering long, treacherous trails, the right pair can set the stage for a comfortable, pain-free workout experience.

 

In short, jogging sucks without the right socks.

 

And here is the good news. Buying jogging socks is not rocket science.

 

That’s why today, dear reader, I’m spilling the beans on proper sock selection. In this post, you’ll find a list of handy tips and practical guidelines to help you make the right sock choice.

 

Use the following tips to help you choose jogging socks that will help your feet dry and comfortable so you can ensure consistent running success.

 

So, are you excited? Then here we go.

 

The Many Flavors

 

Athletic socks come in a variety of fabric types, sizes, thicknesses, and cushioning features. These are the main things to consider when selecting the right jogging socks.

 

Consider the following elements when choosing your jogging socks.

 

  1. Say No to Cotton

The most important factor to consider when cherry-picking socks for running is, hands down, the material.

 

As a rule of thumb, steer clear of cotton the entire time.

 

Why? Cotton is spongy and absorbent. Once your feet get wet (whether due to sweat or after stepping in a puddle), they’ll stay wet, and the moisture won’t get “wicked away.”

 

And here is the real bad news. Running in damp socks sets the ideal breeding ground for bacteria (nasty smells), and blisters (nagging injuries). And you don’t want either.

 

Not only that, running in the winter with cotton socks will make you feel damp and cold. And that makes for a miserable run.

 

Sure, cotton is cheaper than technical moisture-wicking synthetic materials, but the proper technical running attire is well worth the extra buck.

 

Functional Materials for the Socks

Our feet are a work of wonder. They contain about 250,000 sweat glands. Put simply, our feet sweat a lot. That’s why you need running socks made with technical materials, lightweight and equipped with excellent sweat wicking properties.

 

High-performance socks are specifically designed for runners—they pull moisture away from the skin, and won’t let it turn into an abrasive material that will rub against your feet—all of this helps keep your feet relatively comfortable and dry.

 

Ideal running socks are made from synthetic materials such as acrylic, CoolMax, and polyester. Look for these in the ingredient list whenever you are purchasing new socks. Some high-performance socks are also designed with a mesh venting system.

 

Also, consider looking for fabrics with anti-odor properties to keep your feet clean and smelling fresh.

 

Got Any Blisters?

 

If you’re prone to blisters, consider doing any of the following to limit friction between your feet and the inside of the shoes:

 

  • Opt for anti-blister socks that have a double layer system; or
  • Wear a second layer sock for extra blister protection; or
  • Go for thicker socks.

 

  1. The Right Size

When running, it’s essential to have athletic socks that fit properly. Pair that’s too large or too small can bunch up and sag, and won’t provide you with the right cushioning that is required.

 

It also should not irritate your skin, nor leave a substantial imprint, particularly in the calves or ankles.

 

So, as a rule of thumb, avoid socks that bunch up and slip your shoes. Anytime you have something rubbing against your skin, especially if your skin is damp, you run a high risk of getting painful blisters. And you don’t want that.

 

Your socks must be a perfect fit, especially under the arch of the foot and around the heel. They shouldn’t slide around.

 

To make sure you have the right size, make sure that the heel portion of the socks perfectly lands on your heel without stretching.

 

Also, your jogging socks should be worn fairly tight to the skin, but not so tight that they overstretch or restrict the movement of your toes.

 

  1. The Many Lengths

In general, socks usually come in four different lengths. Which length you go for depends on the weather, training intensity, and your own personal preferences.

 

Here the main types:

 

  • Knee length—usually compression socks that sit just below the knee to cover the entire calf
  • Crew length—these come up to the calf.
  • Anklet—these sit right above the ankle, as the name implies.
  • Socklet—these sit just above the shoe line.

 

  1. Thickness of Fabric

Just like thickness and size, jogging socks are also designed with different levels of padding. Different athletic sock materials and styles will provide different levels of cushioning.

 

Which type of sock you choose depends, as always, on your personal preference. No suit fits all.

 

Thick Vs Thin

Thick socks typically have extra padding in the heel and toes, which offers superior underfoot comfort, more cushioning, and blister protection, but might be a hurdle when trying to fit into a new pair.

 

In general, thicker socks are most appropriate for cooler seasons.

 

On the other hand, the thinner socks are lighter and tend to have a better road feel, but might result in excessive friction when running, especially if you’re prone to blisters.

 

Generally, thin socks are ideal for hotter seasons.

 

What’s the Best Choice?

Whether you choose a well-padded sock, or something more minimal, in the end, it all boils down to your personal preference.

 

For instance, super thin socks might not feel comfortable for some individuals, whereas a super thick pair might affect the fit and comfort of the shoes.

 

But all in all, choose socks that have at least a degree of padding at all points of contact around the foot. Proper socks should offer a degree of cushioning at impact zones. These are typically most used and abused parts of your feet.

 

Try it with the shoes

Keep in mind that the thickness of your sock affects the fit of your shoes, requiring you to go up at least a half shoe size to accommodate for the additional cushioning.

 

So, when you are trying out a new pair of shoes, make sure to do so with the socks you are going to be running in.

 

  1. Compression Socks

According to the current theory, compression socks may speed up recovery and improve performance.

 

Of course, there is still much debate about this, but it’s something I think you should give it a try and see for you. I believe that it works.

 

I don’t know exactly how effective compression socks really are when it comes to performance and recovery, but I do enjoy putting them on both during and after my runs—especially long runs.

 

Compression socks are designed with gradual compression, which improves blood flow to the muscles. This is believed to lessen muscle fatigue and speed up recovery following a workout.

 

Some high-tech running socks are designed to mildly compress your muscles to enhance blood circulation, reducing fatigue, and speed up recovery time—all of which can help you run farther for longer and with less fatigue, and soreness.

 

Also, according to theory, compression socks may reduce your chances of injury and ward off muscle soreness and swelling.

 

Just make sure they fit right. Compression socks shouldn’t feel too tight. After all, their primary purpose is to aid blood circulation to the muscles rather than hindering it.

 

To ensure that you have the right fit, get a tape measure, measure around the broadest part of your ankle (this measurement is often called the circumference), then measure the widest part of your calves.

 

Next, while sitting on a chair with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle, size up your calf length by measuring the distance from one finger below the bend in your knees to the ground.

 

Last up, match your results against the size guide and recommendations on the individual socks’ pages.

 

Also, you might need to experiment with several brands and styles before settling on one that feels the most comfortable for you.

 

To Conclude

But in the end, it’s really a question of personal preference. That’s why you need to experiment with different socks lengths and sizes to find the type of socks that works the best for you in different seasons and conditions.

 

My best advice is to get a variety of socks. By doing so, you’ll be better prepared for any circumstance or weather conditions that come your way.

 

If you need more information about jogging socks or other athletic socks, try to check out the website of Footland Inc. – the company specializes in kinds of socks including waterproof socks, mountaineering socks, seamless running socks, and much more socks.

 

Article Source: Runners Blueprint

Common Types of Pneumatic Valves

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Pneumatic valves are one of an array of components responsible for controlling the pressure, rate, and amount of air as it moves through a pneumatic system. Pneumatic systems, which depend on the force of compressed air to transmit power, can be found in countless industrial applications, from pneumatic pressure power tools to diesel engines. Based on other components within a given application and the type of pneumatic system used, one of several types of pneumatic valves may be found at the heart of the device. Functional directional control valves, those that control the direction of air flow or inhibit flow all together, are a large class of pneumatic valves that houses multiple variants.

 

Functional Directional Control Valves

 

Many functional directional pneumatic control valves are classified based on the number of entry and exit ports they possess, the number of flow paths they create, and the mechanism by which ports are opened and closed.

 

Two-Way Directional Valve

 

A two-way directional valve passes air in two directions, through two ports which can be open or closed. If the valve ports are closed no air can flow through the valve. If the ports are open, air may move from the first port through the valve and through the second port or in the opposite direction.

 

Three-Way Directional Valve

 

A three-way directional valve has three ports, each of which serves a different purpose. The first port is used to connect the valve to an actuator or another device. The second port is connected to an air-flow. The third port is used as an exhaust exit. When the first and second ports are open and the third is closed, air moves through the valve to the device. When the first and third ports are open and the second port is closed, the actuator can vent exhaust.  Three-way valves are often connected to actuators in cylinders, or used in pairs and connected to double-acting cylinders.

 

Four-Way Directional Valves

 

A four-way directional valve has four distinct ports, two of which connect to actuators, one that connects to a pressurized air-flow, and one that serves as an exhaust pathway. They are among the most common types of valves found in pneumatic systems because the four distinct paths allow the valve to effectively reverse the motion of a motor or basic cylinder. An additional port is sometimes added to a four-way valve, making it a five-ported four-way valve. A four-way valve with an additional port is often used to provide dual pressure, meaning the valve can apply one of two kinds of pressure and alternate between the two depending on what the application requires. Alternatively, the valve can use the other port as a secondary exhaust port.

 

Spring Offset

 

This type of pneumatic valve classification refers to the manner in which air-flow direction is switched. For example, in a two-way directional valve, the valve is either open (air-flow is enabled) or closed (air-flow is prevented). In order for each port to assume an open or close position, an actuator moves a valve spool into position. To release the valve spool and return the pneumatic valve to its previous position, a spring releases the spool. A two-way directional valve that functions in this manner is also called a spring offset valve.

 

Resting State: Open v. Closed

 

In two-way directional spring offset valves, there are two positions they can assume when the connected actuator isn’t active: open or closed. In devices where an open resting position is standard, air moves freely through the valve. In a closed resting state, the air-flow is blocked. In three-way valves, one port is always open. In such cases, a closed resting state usually results in blocking the air-flow port, so pressure isn’t moving unless the device is turned on.

 

If you need more information about directional control valves and more pneumatic valves, welcome to check out the website of Ashun Fluid Power Co., Ltd. – the company specializes in kinds of valves and cylinders. You can find modular valves, directional control valves, pressure control valves, flow control valves, lift hydraulic cylinder and more products here. Get further details please feel free to send inquiry to Ashun.

 

Article Source: https://www.thomasnet.com/articles/pumps-valves-accessories/pneumatic-valves

How To Choose An Electric Strike Lock

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The electric strike lock may not be a colorful component in a locking system, but it is one of the most important. This type of lock is not only cost-effective, but also a better alternative than electrified lock mechanisms in some circumstances.

 

Reasons for An Electric Strike Lock

Electric strikes are devices installed on doors to allow entry via an access system or remote release system.

 

Unlike a magnetic lock, a strike does not secure a door; that’s the responsibility of the door handle or lockset. The electric strike allows access to a secured door with a key card, pass, etc., without the need for a key to the lockset.

 

Types of Electric Strike Locks

There are two styles of electric strike lock:

 

  • Fail-Safe Locks

Fail-safe locks (also called fail-open) operate as a magnetic lock would. A direct electric current is applied to the strike, causing the door to lock. In a power failure, the door can be pushed or pulled open.

 

  • Fail-Secure Locks

Fail-secure locks (also called non-fail safe or fail-locked) open when an electric current is applied to them. In a power failure, this kind of lock will remain locked, although the mechanical can still be used to open the door from the inside.

 

An electric strike lock is useful on any door where high traffic occurs and requires monitoring or where items need to be secured and safeguarded. It also regulates employee access and helps prevent employee theft.

 

Choosing An Electric Strike Lock

Choosing the right kind of electric strike lock depends on the kind of door you have. The door material, and whether the door is internal or external, double or single, determines which electric strike lock is best. Strikes are available for nearly all door styles and of various material types, like aluminum and timber.

 

Security and Monitoring Requirements

The level of security desired will impact the type of strike that is best for your doors and circumstance.

 

For example, a low-security situation with no defined holding force may only require a low-cost electric strike. However, in a high-security environment, a strike with a maximum holding force of 1,500 pounds or more may be necessary.

 

Most electric strike manufacturers produce strikes with or without a monitoring facility. Door state monitoring should involve the use of a separate reed switch on the door or frame.

 

Type of Lockset

Your electric strike lock must be compatible with the type of lockset on your door. Use the lockset manufacturer’s compatibility chart to determine if your electric strike works with the lockset in question.

 

Latch Bolt Dimensions

Similar to a lockset, your choice of electric strike lock will need to accommodate the type of lock bolt sizes. Make sure that the centerline location of the latch bolt is correctly positioned around the centerline of the lockset to ensure that the lock will work as desired.

 

Power Needs

Most electric strike locks are 24 VDC, although 12 and 24 VAC options are also available. Choosing AC or DC power is critical because each strike application is different. Consider regulated or filtered power sources where practical as these sources will extend life to the strike’s operating capacity.

 

Code Compliance

Fail-secure electric strike locks must be used on fire-rated doors so that the door automatically goes into a locked position when the power is turned off. Because fail-safe locks go into an unlocked state when no power is applied, they do not meet code requirements for fire doors.

 

Consult the professional electric locks company if you are uncertain about what kind of electric strike lock you need for your building or office. Here, I recommend that you can visit Pongee Industries Co., Ltd.

 

Pongee is an experienced automatic identification systems manufacturer in Taiwan. They have different type of high quality electric strike locks to meet various needs of clients. If you need more information about strike locks, welcome to check out their product pages and feel free to send inquiry to Pongee.

 

 

Article Source: KENNYSLOCK.COM

How to Increase the Process Speed of Die Sinking EDM

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Developments in the EDM process and its technology along with improvements in accuracy, automation and micro-mold making technology can pay enormous dividends to the domestic mold making industry.

 

Speed Is Not the Solution

Increasing drive speed is one solution to improving the speed of die sinking EDM. In this way the unproductive times for lifting movements are reduced; however, the gain in speed is limited to small electrodes and very deep cavities. In addition, above a certain speed the electrode wear is considerable and very high axis speeds result in extreme strain on the mechanism, make the machine more expensive and shorten its working life. Therefore, it is wrong to believe that a general increase in the process speed is only to be achieved by rapid lifting movements. The contribution of fast axes to the machining process is just one supplementary aspect to a complex interaction that encompasses the generator, process control, gap width regulation and the mechanism. And die sinking EDM requires intelligent flushing.

 

Potential Lies in the Flushing

You can imagine the EDM process as being a balance between the EDMed and evacuated material in the gap. If this balance is not present, then either you flush the machining area unnecessarily—involving a loss of time and additional instability of the process—or you EDM the same particles several times, which cannot be removed from the gap sufficiently.

 

Die Sinking EDM

Before the material can be evacuated from the gap you must remove it from the workpiece. So how can you achieve more removal? As in the case of all optimization problems, the greatest gain potential lies where the efficiency is smallest. The efficiency of a single discharge with a cathodic poled workpiece is theoretically about 25 percent.1 In addition there are some factors that make the efficiency even worse (e.g., process control problems, non-ideal flushing conditions, small gap width), so that realistically you must reckon with an efficiency of less than 10 percent.

 

Removal and Surface Quality Determine the Time Requirement

In the case of EDM, the objective is always to optimize the removal performance of the machining on one hand, and to achieve the surface quality of the workpiece to be machined on the other hand. The workpiece, when machined, is intended to display a certain final roughness and a certain form precision. In addition, two conditions are called for:

 

  1. As small a thermally influenced area of the workpiece surface as possible
  2. As low an electrode wear as possible.

 

These marginal conditions determine the machining time and costs for workpiece production. In practice, a sequence of technological parameters is used because starting out from the roughing to finishing settings, the pulse energy is gradually reduced until the required technological results are achieved. Once again the law of nature applies: you can quickly achieve results of modest quality, but only slowly results in high quality.

 

Physical Processes Show a Solution

The approach toward an ideal state means moving the characteristic curve in the direction of the arrow. That means faster EDM with the same gap width, roughness and wear. If, up to now, the discharge energy of the EDM pulses was increased, regrettably you also only had greater roughness and a greater gap width so that the gains in speed during roughing were lost again through longer finishing. You will find a way to a solution if you return to the basics of EDM theory—to the physical processes leading to the formation of the spark and metal removal.

 

During the discharge, you can identify three main physical phases in succession:

 

  1. The Build-Up
  2. Discharge
  3. Fade Phases

 

In the first phase the discharge canal is built up. After passing through the working medium, the current flows almost exclusively on the surface area of the discharge canal and the anode is partially evaporated by the electron bombardment. The electrode wear mainly takes place here. Every pulse—whether contributing intensively to removal or not— causes microscopic wear. In the discharge phase, the electrical energy supplied causes melting or evaporation of material mainly on the workpiece. The fade phase begins with the switching off of the power supply. The plasma canal collapses and the partially evaporated, partially liquid material is ejected.

 

When to Interrupt Pulses

During the discharge, a crater forms in the workpiece. Fundamental studies of discharges have shown that the growth of the crater in the workpiece stagnates from a certain time. This is because a balance forms between the energy supplied and the energy lost, as well as energy that is used for the maintenance of the plasma and the heat loss to the workpiece and dielectric. This asymptote of the crater growth can be recorded in real time from the spark voltage and current.

 

However, why is the asymptote of the crater growth so important? Because this is the right moment to interrupt the pulse. It is unnecessary to let a pulse last longer if the target radius of the crater and the required roughness have been achieved. You can begin with the next pulse immediately. The time required by the pulse to reach this state also is not constant, as the speed with which a discharge reaches a certain spark base diameter depends on the macroscopic situation in the gap and the local geometry in the spark discharge area. With this first measure alone, you will optimize the number of discharges per unit of time and increase the removal rate.

 

When to Increase the Current

If you now observe the charge’s fade phase you will see that the removal from the workpiece is caused by the collapse of the plasma canal. The sudden drop in pressure—triggered by switching off the power—causes the evaporation and ejection of superheated material. The plasma canal has a very high temperature and pressure. The gradient of its collapse influences material removal. The more abruptly the energy disappears, the better the crater material will be ejected. In order to enhance this effect, a special trick is employed: before the pulse is interrupted, the current is increased briefly. The idea of increasing the pulse current is not new, the innovation is the definition of the point in time when this increase is to take place. The increase in the pulse current has no consequences for the roughness, wear or gap width, but does increase the removal. In addition, as the removal per pulse is greater, you need fewer pulses for the machining, and therefore the wear sinks.

 

Removal Rate Doubles in Part

This new machining strategy (asymptote detection, current increase and pulse interrupt) is the subject of a patent application for its use in new EDM die sinking systems. The results are in accordance with the theoretical reflections, especially where good flushing is guaranteed (e.g., pre-machined workpieces). For these machining jobs removal rates have doubled.

 

Generator Brings Striking Improvements in Performance

The innovative generator offers an increase in productivity of approximately 30 percent; however, up to 100 percent with pre-milled molds that occur increasingly nowadays through synergies with HSM. This refers to all roughing and finishing using copper and graphite electrodes. The advantages are particularly great with good flushing conditions and pre-milled workpieces. These convincing results explain that it is possible to increase the speed and productivity of die sinking EDM, and the potential for improving this technology is still considerable.

 

If you need more information about die sinking EDM, please try to visit the website of Excetek Technologies Co., Ltd. – the company is the well-known brand for its EDM machines. Get more details about Excetek, welcome to check out their product pages and feel free to send inquiry to them.

 

Article Source: MoldMaking Technology

Five Reasons to Use an Automatic Liquid Filling Machine

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Automation in the packaging process creates many benefits for the packaging company. Here we will analyze individual pieces of packaging equipment and explain some of these benefits.

 

The automatic liquid filling machine moves product from a holding tank to the waiting bottles or other containers without the need for operator interaction during each fill cycle.  In automating the filling process, a company can expect to improve the packaging operation in a number of ways, including, but not limited to, the following.

 

  1. Consistent and Reliable Fills

 

Using automatic filler removes the uncertainty from the filling process. Whether looking for a level fill, a highly accurate volumetric fill or using some other specific criteria, the automatic machine ensures that each cycle is completed in the same manner. Consistency and reliability that simply cannot be had by hand filling bottles or containers is easily achievable with the right machine for each project.

 

  1. Speed

 

Once production demand reaches a certain level, it simply becomes unrealistic to hire manual labor to complete each bottle fill. Probably the most obvious benefit of using automatic packaging machinery is the ability of the machinery to increase speeds. Using power conveyors and multiple fill heads along with the proper filling principle allows production to not only run faster, but run constantly.

 

  1. Versatility

 

Many companies use multiple bottles for a single product. A number of companies also run multiple products. In most cases, single liquid filler can be manufactured to handle all bottles and products packaged by a company. Some machines will use simple adjustments to change from one bottle or product to another, while others might require a little more time on changeover where bottle sizes or product viscosity varies greatly from one to another.

 

  1. Ease of Use

 

Almost all automatic filling machinery will come equipped with a PLC and easy to use operator interface. The interface uses a touchscreen that allows the operator to enter the various times and amounts necessary to complete each cycle. Once the numbers are entered, a recipe screen will allow the same to be retained. Eventually, the operator will simply need to enter the recipe number on the interface, make any physical adjustments (conveyor rails, fill head height, etc.) and then monitor the machine as it goes to work.

 

  1. Growth Potential

 

Automatic packaging machines can and should be manufactured with the future in mind. In other words, the machine should not be manufactured to immediately meet maximum capacity. At LPS, we build our equipment expecting our customers to experience growth! Simple additions to filling machines, such as extra fill heads, allow the equipment to grow with the business.

 

While there are other benefits to automating the filling process from project to project, a packager can always expect to receive those noted above.

 

Get more details about automatic liquid filling machine, welcome to visit SHIN I Machinery Works – the company is always your best cooperation partner for packaging equipment machinery.

 

 

Article Source: https://www.liquidpackagingsolution.com/news/five-reasons-to-use-an-automatic-liquid-filling-machine