Who Should Get A LCD Monitor Arm?

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If you work at a computer for long periods of time, an ergonomic setup can help protect your health and well-being. To learn about ideal workstation setups, we referred to the work of ergonomics expert Alan Hedge, director of the Human Factors and Ergonomics teaching and research programs at Cornell University.

 

In Ergonomic Workplace Design for Health, Wellness, and Productivity, Hedge recommends that the top of a screen be about 2 to 3 inches above eye level, because human eyes see more below the horizon line than above. To find the right height, Hedge advises, ”the worker should sit back in their chair in a slight recline, at an angle of around 100°-110°, then they should hold their right arm out horizontally at shoulder level, and their middle finger should almost touch the center of the screen.” Getting your monitor position just right will let you see most of the screen without having to crane your neck. Hedge also recommends placing your keyboard just below your elbow level to ensure good posture and maintaining an elbow angle of 90 degrees or greater to prevent nerve compression.

 

On a laptop, this arrangement isn’t possible, because its screen and keyboard are so close together. If you use a stand-alone monitor to raise your gaze, you’re already helping your posture, but you may need a monitor arm to get the positioning just right.

 

A monitor arm can help prevent back and neck pain by properly positioning your screen. Especially if you alternate between sitting and standing at your desk, share a workstation with people of varying height, or just need easy, on-the-fly adjustments, you should consider a monitor arm like the ones we recommend here.

 

Monitor arms aren’t necessary for every person or every desk setup. If you don’t need to adjust your monitor’s height frequently, you can achieve ideal screen placement with a monitor stand, which is much cheaper and easier to set up, or even with a sturdy book or two. Our monitor picks come with adjustable stands that work for most people in most setups. But those included stands take up more space on your desk, lack the height to serve very tall people, lack the range for a proper sit/stand setup, and don’t move left and right, move forward and back, or rotate. If you need those features, you should get a monitor arm.

 

Modernsolid, founded in 1989, is the manufacturer of LCD monitor arm. Since 1996, Modernsolid sensed that LCD monitor is a growing trend and it would be suitable for various applications in fields ranging from business, office, industry, schools to healthcare market. Since then, Modernsolid has started to design and manufacture all kinds of mounting solutions to accommodate most LCD displays for improving ergonomics. With the insistence on high quality, Modernsolid has grown to be a world-leading supplier in mounting solutions including LCD Monitor Arm, TV Wall Mount Bracket and Hospital Arm, etc. Learn more information, please try to check out its product catalog and feel free to send inquiries to Modernsolid.

 

 

Article Source: https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-monitor-arms/

Methods for Adhesion Bonding of Polyphenylene Sulfide

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Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) is a high-temperature, semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic. Within the industry, PPS is known as THE plastic that performs like metal. Arguably, it’s one of the most challenging polymers to bond to itself or dissimilar materials, such as aluminum and titanium. To be successful at bonding PPS requires an understanding of its chemical and physical properties, thus making resin grade moduli different and critical for each application. This paper presents field proven case study techniques to achieve high-strength adhesion bonding.

 

Properties of PPS

The properties of PPS, similar to other high-temperature performance plastics including PEEK and LCP, depend on its crystallization behavior. PPS is chemically inert with low surface energy and offers the broadest resistance to corrosives of any advanced engineering plastic. It is used in thousands of automotive, aerospace, medical and industrial applications where high-temperature, solvent-proof, electrically-shielded parts are needed. PPS is inherently flame retardant, making it the perfect material for aircraft structures, under-hood power train and fuel system components, water pump impellers and more. While these characteristics are ideal for performance, poor surface wettability is the bonding challenge for manufacturers.

 

Two distinct forms of PPS are sold: “Branched” molecular structure and “Linear”. Among the most recognizable brands are Ticona Fortron® and Chevron Phillips Ryton®. The branched version tends to be more rigid. The linear usually offers better mechanical and flexural strength, as well as higher melts stability. Linear PPS also has fewer ionic impurities1. Glass-filled fibers (30 percent and 40 percent) and glass fiber/mineral mixtures to standard PPS allow for specialized and demanding applications. Electronics manufacturers commonly select 40 percent glass-filled PPS for insulation and connector products. Designers carefully examine the selection of branched or linear, filled or un-filled, relative to field performance properties, joint-tool design and primary processing. Unfortunately, less emphasis normally is given to the impact of these selections upon secondary manufacturing operations, specifically adhesion bonding processes.

 

Primary Processing

Proper processing of PPS is critical in order to achieve the stated properties of this material. PPS products are not hygroscopic, and therefore, do not experience dimensional expansion problems like nylon (polyamides). Yet it is important to use dry resin in molding parts. Moisture, in and of itself, is problematic. High moisture levels can create voids, which could adversely impact part performance, affect adhesion and alter aesthetics. The time between drying and processing should be as short as possible. PPS should be dried in dehumidifying hopper dryers. Hot-air ovens are not recommended, although they may be used if extreme care is taken. The reasons such ovens are not recommended are: a) if the trays are filled too high (more than 1-1.5 in.), the material on the bottom of the tray is not properly dried; b) if several different kinds of materials are being dried in the oven (on different trays) at the same time, pellets can easily fall onto a lower tray, causing contamination of the material on the lower tray2.

 

To achieve a fully crystalline state, mold temperatures of at least 275 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit are required. When PPS is molded below 275 degrees Fahrenheit, the moldings are amorphous, or semi crystalline, and remain in this state until they are exposed to higher service temperatures (including heat curing of adhesives). If the service temperature exceeds the molding temperature, the parts will become more crystalline, resulting in dimensional and property changes. For example, the Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT), @264 psi (1.8 MPa), of 40 percent glass-filled PPS molded in a non-crystalline state is only 350 degrees Fahrenheit, but increases to >500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Centigrade) in the crystalline state. This is critical for calculating the optimal adhesive cure temperature and time (a function of the number of parts in the oven, total mass) necessary to achieve full chemical crosslinking. Further, mold temperature has a dramatic effect on the surface appearance. Bonding processes should be performed as soon as possible following molding operations, or package parts tightly in non-poly bags.

 

Surface Cleaning

For PPS products, surface cleanliness and plasma pretreatment are critical prerequisites to achieving high-strength bonds. Surfaces must be contamination-free from dirt, grease and oils. Low molecular weight materials (LMWM) such as silicones, mold release and anti-slip agents inhibit bonding. To solvent clean PPS surfaces and remove LMWM materials (in accordance with company policy and state law), acetone or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) are suggested. Weaker solvents such Xylene, Toluene and Alcohol (IPA) can be used to remove superficial dirt, but not hydrocarbon contamination. Avoid using excess solvent because it can create weak boundary layers of un-removed chemicals, leaving a haze build-up inhibiting bonding. Use proper technique at all times, including lint-free cloths and wearing powder-free protective hand gloves. Solvent cleaning is effective for exposed accessible surfaces, but is generally not practical for remote isolated areas such as small diameter holes found in electronic connector applications. Plasma treatment processes have varying degrees of effectiveness to simultaneously clean and pretreat all surfaces.

 

Surface Oxidation Pretreatment

It’s important to understand why pretreatments are needed and the mechanisms for how they improve adhesion bond strength. The underlying reasons why many plastics are difficult to bond are because they are hydrophobic non-polar materials, chemically inert and possess poor surface wettability (i.e., low surface energy). While these performance properties are ideal for designers, they are the nemesis for manufacturers needing to bond these materials. As a general rule, acceptable adhesion is achieved when the surface energy of the plastic substrate is approximately 8-10 dynes/cm greater than the surface tension of the liquid adhesive, coating or ink. In this situation, the liquid is said to “wet out” or adhere to the surface. A method for measuring surface energy, “wetting” is the use of calibrated dyne solutions in accordance with ASTM D2578.

 

The surface energy of untreated PPS is approximately 38 dynes/cm (calculated contact angle with water is 80.3°). The surface tension of compatible epoxy resin adhesives is 45-50 dynes/cm. Therefore, the calculated post-treatment surface energy must be in the range of at least 48-54 dynes/cm. In this situation, the liquid is said to “wet out” or adhere to the surface. Practically, the most robust bonding of PPS is achieved when the surface energy is 60-70 dynes/cm. This higher plasma treatment level has an additional benefit of extending the pretreatment shelf-life, two years or longer. This typically is not the situation with other polymers.

 

Due to its non-polar hydrophobic nature, PPS adhesion bonding applications normally require plasma surface pretreatment immediately following solvent cleaning to increase the surface energy and provide chemical functionality. Common pretreatments for PPS include Electrical Corona Discharge, Atmospheric Blown Ion, Flame Plasma and RF Cold Gas (Low Pressure). These processes are characterized by their ability to generate “gas plasma”, an extremely reactive gas consisting of free electrons, positive ions and other species. Chemical surface functionalization also occurs. In the science of physics, the mechanisms in which these plasmas are generated are different, but their effects on surface wettability are similar. Each method is application-specific and possesses advantages and/or limitations4. Considerations include part geometry, material handling automation and the conductive properties of the substrate. Black colored PPS is commonly selected for a variety of reasons. Since carbon black can have varying degrees of conductivity, careful evaluation of electrical pretreatment methods is important to ensure that electrical arcing during the treatment process does not occur. Arcing can degrade the insulation resistance material properties that are essential for electronic components.

 

Classical Electrical Corona Discharge is obtained using a generator and electrode(s) connected to a high-voltage source, a counter electrode at potential zero and a dielectric used as a barrier. That is, high-frequency, high-voltage discharge (step up transformer) creating a potential difference between two points requiring earth ground 35+kV and 20-25 kHz. Custom electrode configurations allow for treating much different surface geometry – flat, contoured, recessed, isolated, etc. One specialized application example is a corona discharge treating system for electrical connectors in which a combination of pin and ball electrodes concomitantly treats 3D small diameter holes (= 0.0305″) and flat exterior surfaces in multiple planes, US Patent US5051586 (1991). For PPS military connectors, the pretreatment shelf-life is over two years. Ozone is produced in the plasma region as a result of the electrical discharge. Corona discharge has virtually no cleaning capabilities.

 

Atmospheric Plasma or Electrical Blown Ion Plasma (also termed Focused Corona Plasma) utilizes a single narrow nozzle electrode, powered by an electrical generator and step-up transformer, and high pressurized air in which intense focused plasma is generated within the treatment head and streams outward. This pretreatment process can clean dirt, debris and some hydrocarbons from the substrate, but not most silicones and slip agents. New research indicates that fine etching of the surface can create new topographies for increased mechanical bonding. Ozone is not a byproduct, but nitrogen oxides (NOx) are produced which may have deceivingly similar odor.

 

Flame Plasma Treatment uses the highly reactive species present in the combustion of air and hydrocarbon gas (to create the plasma). While flame treatment is exothermic, heat does not create the chemical functionality and improved surface wetting. Flaming will clean dirt, debris and some hydrocarbons from the substrate. Flaming will not remove silicones, mold releases and slip agents. Flame treatment can impart higher wetting, oxidation and shelf-life than electrical pretreatments due to its relative shallower depth of treatment from the surface, 5-10nm. Ozone is not produced. When procuring flame treatment burners, compare ribbon versus drilled port and the benefits of zero balanced regulators.

 

Cold Gas Plasma, also termed “Low Pressure Cold Gas Plasma”, is conducted in an enclosed evacuated chamber, in comparison to atmospheric (air) surface pretreatment methods. Industrial-grade 100-percent Oxygen gas (O2) commonly is used. Gas is released into the chamber under a partial vacuum and subjected to an RF electrical field. It is the response of the highly reactive species generated with the polymers placed in the plasma field, on inner conductive electrode aluminum shelves or cages, breaking molecular bonds that results in cleaning and chemical/physical modifications (including an increase in surface roughness, which improves mechanical bonding). A significant benefit of cold gas plasma processes is the removal of hydrocarbons, thereby eliminating solvent cleaning. Atmospheric pretreatments do not remove/clean all poly-aromatic hydrocarbons, so solvent cleaning (prior to pretreatment) may be necessary.

 

Adhesives and Curing

Optimal joint design is critical in any adhesive bonding app­lication. Bonded joints can be subject to tensile, compressive, shear, peel or cleavage forces, often in combination. For many PPS applications, two-component, heat-curable structural epoxy adhesives are ideal. Uniform, thin bond line thickness (0.002 to 0.007″) is preferred for optimal shear and tensile strength properties. Also, the air cavity concentration is less. Whenever possible, particularly for unsupported joints, the substrates should be clamped while the adhesive cures/cools.

 

For glass-filled PPS applications, the Heat Deflection Temperature in the crystalline state is >500 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, the oven cure temperature safely can range between 300 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to note this is the temperature of the parts reached during curing, which may be different from the oven set point. Avoid stacking of parts. Parts should remain at temperature until completely cured, assuring full crosslinking of the adhesive. Insufficient cure (temperature/time) is one of the most common problems that results in adhesion failure. By definition, “adhesion failure” occurs at the interface between the adhesive and the adherend (substrate). Visually, there is residual adhesive remaining at any location on only one surface and not the second substrate adherend.

 

In addition to solvent cleaning and plasma pretreatment, a textured surface, as molded, will increase mechanical interlocking adhesion. Texture can be accomplished within the mold tool or manually using a Scotch-Brite pad. For example, NTMA mold cavity Finish “40-Diamond buffed 1200 Grit” likely will improve bond strength vs. Finish “10-Fine Diamond 8000 Grit” (0-3 micron range). Even slightly textured surfaces are beneficial. For connector products and other recessed-hole applications, etched core pins in the mold are highly effective.

 

In summary, to achieve high strength adhesion bonding of PPS (30-40 percent glass-filled fibers) and heat-curable epoxy adhesives, I recommend the following:

 

  • Ensure the PPS resin is properly dried before molding and processed at 275 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Conduct bonding processes as soon as possible following molding
  • Solvent-clean part surfaces
  • Use plasma pretreatment to increase surface wetting and chemical functionalization
  • Apply a uniform thin adhesive bond line
  • Oven cure at 300 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

 

Additional benefits are gained if product surfaces are textured. Consider, plasma oxidized surfaces can deleteriously effect downstream assembly processes, such as poor heat sealing/welding, when overtreatment occurs. Plasma treated surfaces age at different rates and to varying extent relative to the surrounding environmental factors, including temperature and humidity.

 

To achieve robust adhesive bonding of PPS products requires a total solutions system approach involving design, material properties and primary and secondary operations. Plasma oxidation solves many adhesion problems, but the selection of the best method is dependent upon many factors, including equipment manufacturers. Pretreatments – chemical, mechanical or plasma – can be combined to enhance the bonding results and minimize process variability.

 

If you need more information about polyphenylene sulfide, I recommend that you can visit Prochase Enterprise Co., Ltd. – the company as professional plastic raw material manufacturer can provide customers liquid crystal polymer, Polyamide 46, thermoplastic elastomer, etc. Feel free to contact with Prochase for more details.

 

Article Source: http://www.plasticsdecorating.com/stories/110813/adhesion-bonding-polyphenylene-sulfide.shtml#.WvzUqqSFOvE

12 Surprising Uses for Safety Pins

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Sick of losing socks? Afraid you’re going to mess up that birthday cake? Want to keep pickpockets at bay? The humble safety pin is the answer to your troubles! Click through for some fantastic ways to use safety pins that go beyond the basics. Have a great use of your own? Share it in the comments.

 

Great Ways to Use Safety Pins:

 

  • Keep Your Bag Safe From Thieves:

Safety pin your zippers onto the fabric on bags and backpacks — it’s just one more hassle for pickpockets to go through to get to your belongings. Trust me, every extra second is important!

 

  • Keep Your File Cabinet Nice and Tidy:

Is there one huge, bulging hanging file in your file cabinet? Save space with a safety pin.

 

  • Keep Pairs of Socks and Gloves Together:

Genius, isn’t it? Never lose another sock again!

 

  • Keep Those Curtains Shut:

Sick of that tiny space between your curtains? Keep them shut with your trusty pal, the safety pin, and keep living like a vampire!

 

  • Clean Your Garlic Press:

I have a wonderful garlic press that’s sadly lost its comb. Luckily, all is not lost — a safety pin works just as well (if not better!) for getting out the entire gunk.

 

  • Clean Your Salt Shaker:

Stop all that salt buildup in the shaker by cleaning it with a safety pin.

 

  • Keep Those Covers on the Couch:

If your armchair covers just don’t like to stay in their place, fasten them down with a safety pin.

 

  • Decorate a Cake:

Don’t just eyeball those words and other designs on a cake! Use a safety pin to plan out your design — the icing will cover the safety pin lines completely.

 

  • Fix a Drawstring:

One of the most frustrating problems ever, solved!

 

  • Use in Place of a Clothes Pin:

Run out of clothespins? Safety pins will work in a pinch.

 

  • Make a Key Chain:

For a quirky key chain, place your keys on a large safety pin.

 

  • Stop Static Cling:

Sick of your skirt sticking to your tights? Fasten a small safety pin to the skirt lining or your slip. The metal in the safety pin will conduct electricity and divert the static!

 

If you have any interest in safety pins, I recommend that you can visit the website of Shuen Fuh Enterprise Co., Ltd. – the company provides colorful safety pins for customers. Their factory is equipped with the state-of-the-art equipment to develop and manufacture high quality safety pin products in assorted sizes, styles, and shapes for your applications. Feel free to contact with Shuen Fuh for more details.

 

 

Article Source: https://www.care2.com/greenliving/15-surprising-uses-for-safety-pins.html

PP Hollow Sheet Extrusion Line Manufacturer – Leader Extrusion Machinery

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Leader Extrusion Machinery Company is the professional extruder machine manufacturer in the industry.

 

Leader Extrusion Machinery has more than 20 years’ experience designing and manufacturing plastic extrusion machinery. They are specializing in manufacturing of PP, PS, PVC, PC sheet extrusion lines and PP, PC PET hollow profile sheet extrusion lines.

 

To assure high quality and high precision products Leader Extrusion Machinery Company is equipped with sophisticated high tech production machinery and equipment. Furthermore, with the improvement of technology, plastic extrusion film and sheets have become everyday products. With lightweight, waterproof, durable and environmental features applications are unlimited!

 

Below, I will present you Leader Extrusion Machinery’s PP hollow sheet extrusion line.

 

Plastic Hollow Profile Sheet Extruder

PP Hollow Profile Sheet Extrusion Production Line

pp hollow sheet extrusion line

 

PP Hollow Sheet Extrusion Line is lightweight, impact and oil resistant, and waterproof. Applications include packaging containers, display panels, daily use items, stationery, and protective packaging for building materials. PP can be formed into any shape and type of product such as turnover boxes, component boxes and plastic partitions. This is excellent material widely used for protecting electronic parts.

 

If you want to get more specification about this PP hollow sheet extrusion line, please do not hesitate to check out the website of Leader Extrusion Machinery. You also can find a variety of extruder machines on their product catalog.

 

 

Leader Extrusion Machinery Ind. Co., Ltd.

No.235, Sec.1, Gangbu Rd., Wuqi Dist., Taichung City 43546, Taiwan.

Tel: 886-4-2638-0888

Fax: 886-4-2638-0333

E-mail: leadertw.ex@leadertw.com

Athletic Compression Socks: Does It Really Work?

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You have probably seen people at races or running around the streets that have those athletic compression socks or sleeves on. Maybe you have thought to yourself, “Do those really work?” or “I wonder if those would help my shin splints or calf cramps?”

 

During this time of year, with the start of cross country season and with fall marathons and half marathons creeping up on us, I get a lot of questions about compression. Most commonly, people want to know how it works and if it’s appropriate for their condition. Today, I will explain the concept behind compression, how it can benefit you, and which conditions it’s appropriate for.

 

To really understand how athletic compression socks and sleeves work, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how blood flows through the body. The heart pumps oxygen containing blood to our extremities and working muscles though arteries. Once the cells use the oxygen and other nutrients from the blood, the then deoxygenated blood, along with lactic acid and other waste products enter the veins to get taken back to the heart. Once the blood gets back to the heart, it’s oxygenated from the lungs and the process is repeated.

 

Keeping oxygenated blood flowing to muscles is important for performance. The more oxygen the cells have, the better they will function. During exercise, the body produces lactic acid as a waste product. If this lactic acid is not removed from the muscles, it can contribute to soreness and decreased ability to perform. Another factor in decreased performance is muscle fatigue. Muscular vibration during physical activity contributes to fatigue. Think about how much shock and vibration is going through your leg muscles as you pound pavement with 3-5 times your body weight while running. Over time, those little vibrations of the muscles add up and they become fatigued.

 

Now that we know what the blood and muscles are doing while we are running, let’s talk about what athletic compression socks and sleeves do to help the body. Compression socks and sleeves provide graduated compression, meaning the compression is higher (tighter) at the foot and ankle and lower (looser) as it moves up the calf and lower leg. This type of compression helps to fight the effects of gravity and assist the body in venous return (deoxygenated blood flowing back up to the heart).

 

Recent studies show that with an optimal level of consistent compression, the walls of the arteries will dilate and increase the blood flow through them. Arterial blood flow has been shown to increase up to 40% during activity and 30% during recovery. This means more oxygen and nutrients flowing through the body! On the other hand, the walls of the veins will constrict under compression, which helps to increase the velocity of blood flow through them. Increased velocity of blood flow through veins means that deoxygenated blood and lactic acid will get back to the heart quicker, which will help to increase the rate of recovery and decrease muscle soreness! Compression will also help to stabilize the muscle and decrease the amount of muscular vibration, resulting in decreased fatigue. To sum up the benefits of compression: enhanced performance through increased blood flow, quicker recovery and decreased muscle soreness, and less fatigue. All good things!

 

So are compression socks or sleeves good for shin splints, calf cramps / strains, and Achilles tendonitis? The answer is yes, however, they will not cure any condition if the only thing you are doing to help your injury is wear compression. All injuries should be assessed so that the real cause can be addressed. Wearing compression can help to make your injury feel better as you are recovering, help get you through that last long run before your marathon, or possibly prevent a new injury from coming on. Proper rest, massage, stretching / strengthening, footwear, and progression of training should all be considered when dealing with a lower leg injury.

 

What if you’re not injured, can you still benefit from compression? Absolutely! Increased blood flow is going to help improve your performance and decrease the rate of fatigue of your muscles. It will also help you to recover quicker, meaning that you will be ready for your next workout, so you can train harder.

 

Should I wear socks or sleeves? The answer to this question depends on a few things. If your injury involves your arch, ankle, or lower Achilles tendon, you are going to want to wear a sock to cover the injured area. If your injury is up higher, a sleeve should be fine. Another factor to take into consideration is what type of sock you like to wear. If you have a favorite pair of running socks that you can’t run without, you will probably like the sleeve better since you can wear your favorite socks with it.

 

If you are going to be using the compression product for recovery, you should wear the sock. Remember that graduated compression that we talked about and the effects of gravity? You don’t want to have a huge swollen foot and ankle because the blood couldn’t flow past the tightness of the lowest part of an athletic compression sleeve. Wear the sock and the graduated compression will work in your favor of keeping the foot and ankle in good shape.

 

Don’t forget about wearing compression while you travel to and from your race or on a business trip. Sitting in a plane or car for an extended period of time can wreak havoc on the blood flow in our legs. Let compression assist your veins in getting that blood out of your legs and back to your heart!

 

Whether you are trying to ease the symptoms of shin splints or calf pain, or looking to get an edge on the competition through quicker recovery, compression can help!

 

If you want to get more information about athletic compression socks and sleeves, I recommend that you can visit Footland Inc. – the company is a professional socks manufacturer in Taiwan. You can find a variety of high quality socks including hiking socks, skiing socks, marathon socks, waterproof socks, etc.

 

 

Article Source: http://www.fleetfeethartford.com/sports-medicine/sports-medicine-corner/compression

How to Locate Your Gas Shut Off Valve

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How to find and operate shutoff valves for gas and water pipes? Don’t wait until you have a home emergency to try and find your gas or water shutoff valves. This article will help you locate them now. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with the valves can help you avoid a disaster later.

 

Finding The Shut Off Valves

Some things in life are worth learning before it’s too late—like the locations of your water and gas shutoff valves. Now granted, these shut off valves are often hidden in some dark, creepy corner of the house. But if a water pipe springs a leak, knowing where the shutoff valve is could save you thousands in water damage repairs. What’s more, you can’t make those major plumbing repairs or improvements unless you first turn off the water. The same goes for turning off the gas—though with some strict safety precautions, which we’ll talk about later.

 

Home water and gas systems contain two types of shutoff valves: main or master shutoff valves for stopping the flow of gas or water to the entire house, and individual or supply shutoff valves for specific appliances and fixtures. We’ll look at both types and tell you how to identify them (since they often look similar), where they are and how to operate them.

 

You’ll notice this story contains a lot of “oftens,” “usuallys” and “almost always’s.” That’s because valves vary greatly in location, shape and number, depending on the age of your house, the local codes and which part of the country you live in. This article covers the basics of each system.

 

Gas Shut Off Valves

Houses with natural gas have a main shutoff valve located just before the gas meter. This valve, often called the street-side valve, is normally a rectangular nub. When the long side of the nub or handle is parallel to the incoming gas line, it’s open and the gas is flowing. When it’s turned a quarter turn, perpendicular to the incoming pipe, it’s closed.

 

The street-side main shutoff valve must be opened and closed with a wrench, and, truth be told, gas companies don’t want you operating this valve; they only want their own employees, plumbing and heating contractors and fire department personnel to use it. They’d rather you use the house-side main shutoff valve located after the meter.

 

This house-side valve—usually a ball valve—may be located where the pipe first enters the house or farther down the line, but it will always be located before the first appliance. If iron pipe is transporting the gas, it’s often black; this differentiates it from similar-shaped, gray galvanized water pipe.

 

If your home is newer and you find a flexible copper pipe running from the meter into your utility room, you probably have a higher pressure gas system. In this case, your inside main shutoff valve is probably near your furnace or water heater, just before it enters a flying saucer–shaped doodad called a pressure regulator. There’s also a chance your home—especially if it’s older—doesn’t have a house-side main shutoff valve.

 

Well, don’t just sit there; get up and locate those valves! In addition to the house-side main shutoff valve, individual gas appliances should have a service or appliance shutoff valve that’s immediately accessible, in the same room and within 6 ft. of the appliance. These valves allow you to stop the flow of gas to your dryer, oven, furnace, water heater or gas fireplaces to make repairs or new installations without cutting off gas to your entire home.

 

Most service valves are single-lever ball valves; again, handle parallel to the line means gas is flowing, perpendicular means it’s cut off. On dryers and ranges, this valve is usually hidden behind them and can only be reached by sliding the appliance out from the wall. This service valve will usually be at the end of a fixed pipe and connected to a flexible supply pipe called an appliance connector. Take care not to kink or pinch this flexible pipe.

 

When you repair or replace a gas appliance, use these shutoff valves to stop the flow of gas. (Most pros replace the flexible connector when they replace the appliance.) If you discover you have a faulty supply valve, or your system doesn’t have one, turn off the gas using the house side main shutoff valve.

 

For those with propane or liquefied petroleum gas, there’s a main shutoff valve on the tank itself, and usually a main shutoff valve somewhere before the first appliance. Some valves (both gas and water) manufactured before 1980 contain a lubricant to help the valve seal better and operate more smoothly. In many cases, this lubricant will have hardened or reacted with the gas to make the valve difficult to turn. Applying gentle heat with a hair dryer and working the valve open and shut in stages will usually free it up again. Sometimes you need to use pliers to free the stuck handle.

 

Important! Now that you know where your gas valves are, also know this: it’s not always safe for you to turn these valves off in an emergency. When gas reaches a certain concentration in a room or house, the slightest spark can set off a tremendous explosion. A light switch or telephone—even static electricity from your clothes—can produce such a spark.

 

If you’re working near the main or individual gas valve and clearly know the source of the gas leak and that gas hasn’t been leaking for long, shut off the valve and get out. But if you’re uncertain of the source or how long the gas has been leaking, clear yourself and your family out and call the gas company or fire department from a neighbor’s house (not your own—remember, phones can generate sparks!). Always err on the side of caution.

 

It’s a good idea to get ready for gas emergencies before they happen, because sometimes projects involving gas lines don’t go as planned. When a gas project goes bad, that’s not the time to be searching for the right tool to shut the gas off at the meter. A good strategy is to buy an emergency gas meter wrench shutoff tool and secure it to the meter.

 

Also note: When you shut off main or individual gas valves, you’ll be extinguishing the pilot lights to certain appliances. Many newer appliances have “pilot light–less” electronic ignition systems, but if you have older appliances, you’ll need to relight the pilot lights. Most appliances have clear relighting directions on a label near the pilot light or in the instruction manual.

 

But some pilots are pretty darn hard to reach. If you’re uncomfortable with relighting the pilot light, hire a plumber or call your local gas service company.

 

If you need more information about automatic gas shut off valve, I recommend that you can visit the website of Alpha Brass Controls – the company specializes in kinds of brass gas valves and control thermostats. Contact with ABC for more details.

 

Article Source: The Family Handyman

Best Cooperation Partner for Batch Pre Expander – Tai Shyan Machinery

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If you need EPP or EPS machines, Tai Shyan will be your best choice. Read this article to learn more information.

 

Taiwan EPS Machines Manufacturing Expert

 

Established in 1978, Tai Shyan Machinery Industrial Co., Ltd. specialized in whole machinery equipment and designs for EPS, EPP fully automatic molding machinery and essential accessories for machines.

 

With “Service and Development” as the business philosophy, Tai Shyan attaches importance to pre-sales, sales, and after-sales services, wish to be the trustworthy project partner of customers. As a professional EPS / EPP automation solution provider, Tai Shyan is just there for you.

 

Below, I will present you one of excellent Tai Shyan EPS machines – that’s a batch pre expander.

 

Batch Pre-Expander Machine I-II

TS500-1600

Batch Pre Expander

 

Features of Batch Pre Expander

  • The batch pre expander applies PLC and touch screen, automatic feeding, electronic weighting, temperature control, material level control to realize automatic production.

 

  • Electronic weighing system and material level control system assure the density of the foamed material, which make the granule uniformity and keep the density tolerance within ±2.5%.

 

  • With advanced proportional control valve, pressure reducing valve and totally closed foaming barrel can ensure the stability of temperature and pressure in cylinder.

 

  • The machine is equipped with fluidized drying bed; it can dry, crush and filter the foamed materials automatically.

 

  • Most components used in the machine are world famous brand with its reliable performance stable quality, long service life and low maintenance cost.

 

  • The computer has memory function, which can record all information such as brands, specifications, expanding foam techniques and parameters of EPS material manufacturers. When customers want to use the materials that had been used before just press the touch computer screen to quickly to back to the original technique.

 

If you want to get further details about specifications of this batch pre expander or other EPS machines, please do not hesitate to check out Tai Shyan Machinery product catalog and send inquiry to let them know your requirements.

 

 

Tai Shyan Machinery Industrial Co., Ltd.

No.398, Dawu St., North Dist., Tainan City 704, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

TEL: 886-6-2526325

Hot Line: 886-910280292

E-mail: taishyan@ms22.hinet.net

A Complete Buying Guide To Caster Wheel Replacement

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One of the first things you will notice is that there are a surprising number of variations to choose from when you start shopping for caster wheel replacement. From dozens of different materials to the range of different diameters to all the added features and options you can choose from, it gets overwhelming.

 

To help you sift through the thousands of options, we’ve put together a quick guide specifically for buying chair caster wheel replacements. First, you’ll get a short guide to understanding what kind of factors you will need to consider while shopping.

 

Tips For Choosing The Right Caster Replacement Wheels

Getting the right caster wheel replacements comes down to 5 core factors: material, mount style, load capacity, wheel diameter, and extra options. Let’s take a look at each of those in more detail:

 

  1. Type of Material: there are dozens of different materials that a caster wheel can be made of. For most chairs, however, you are really only going to find either rubber or metal. There are, of course, exceptions. But, in general, your safest best is to look for replacement plastic caster wheels.

 

  1. Type of Mount: there are 3 main mount styles—plate, weld, and stem. If getting a stem caster wheels replacement, you’ll need to make sure the stem is the same as your current ones (i.e. – threaded, expandable, or grip ring). For plate mounts, the dimensions of the plates should match and the pattern for the bolt holes should be the same.

 

  1. Load Capacity: fortunately, this is a less important factor if you’re getting wheels for chairs. Since the total load the wheels will have to carry is almost certainly going to be less than 500 pounds, just about any wheel will do. Load capacity is affected by the material and the diameter of the wheel.

 

  1. Wheel Diameter: wheel diameters can range from 3 inches to 10 inches. The larger the diameter, the more easily it will roll. However, too large wheels may not fit on your chair legs or, if they do, it may look really weird.

 

  1. Additional Options: you don’t need too many additional options on your caster wheels for chairs. It’s generally nice to have a swivel style wheel so that you can move easily in any direction. If you don’t want your chair to move around, you may choose to get wheels with a locking mechanism. Or if you want to avoid crushing toes, you can get wheels with foot guards.

 

In the case of office chairs, the easiest way to make sure you choose correctly for each of these 5 factors is to simply remove one of the existing caster wheels and bring it with you when you go shopping. In many cases, there is a model or product number somewhere on the wheel.

 

If you can find that, you can shop online suing this number. In this case, you can try to buy the exact same wheels that you currently have. If they are no longer in production, you can at least find information on the specifications (i.e.- material, mount style, capacity, diameter, etc.) and then note those down so you can find new wheels that meet the same specifications.

 

Get more information about caster wheel replacement, I recommend you to visit the website of ENJOYING GO Co., Ltd. – this company is the well-known caster wheel manufacturer in the industry. They can provide you a variety of caster wheels including compression casters, furniture casters, braking casters, locking casters, custom casters, and so on PU casters. Please do not hesitate to check out ENJOY site for more enjoy chair caster wheels.

 

 

Article Source: http://casterwheelguide.com/replacement-caster-wheels/

The Advantage of Using CNC Surface Grinder in Auto Parts Processing

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Auto parts (auto spare parts) constitute the overall car of each unit and in the   service of automobile products. Auto part usually requires high precision and high reliability. Manufacturing of auto bearing parts with CNC surface grinder could gain the following advantages:

 

  1. High Precision: two parallel plane, through the disc, the swing arm type feeding NC vertical double end face grinding machine grinding, the precision of the products can reach 0.002 ~ 0.003 mm.

 

  1. High stiffness is the difference between two sides of the plane can control within 0.006 mm dimension consistency control ability.

 

  1. High Efficiency: disc, the swing arm type feeding CNC grinding machine, compared to its efficiency on the basis of the same precision grinding machine is more than 10 times.

 

  1. For many applications, grinding is the preferred process strictly because of the finish it provides. These machines handle the tight tolerances of tenths or millionths without a struggle. Extremely stable machines, they’re made for dealing with super tight tolerances.

 

  1. Temperature changes in and around a machine can create steady fluctuations in component sizes. Although these variations may seem minute, when tolerances are in tenths and millionths, they can spell the difference between a good part and scrap.

 

  1. Easy to Operate: vertical double end face grinding machine, CNC control convenient operation convenient operation compared with horizontal double end face grinding machine fixture design more reasonable, more scientific and more flexible.

 

  1. For successful hard turning, the key components for a machine are that it is rigid, thermally stable, the more can be integrated into the process and the more efficient the operation.

 

  1. Along with vibration stress release, these outstanding structural features assure high strength, maximum damping capability, and longer service life.

 

Just as streamline, CNC surface grinding machine is another very important   revolution in auto parts manufacturing. With these machines, manufactures can   produce both normal and special auto parts in large amount. That shorts the whole design and manufacturing processing of an auto part and also lowers the cost.

 

If you need more information about CNC surface grinders, I recommend a company to you – that’s Tong Yi Machinery Inc.

 

From manual shaping grinding machine, semi-automatic grinding machine, the full-automatic grinding machine of three axes, NC level grinding machine, NC level rotary grinding machine, any product was all researched and developed and designed high-accuracy towards pluralism and humanization, believe that can offer more perfect quality service for every customer. Get more details, please feel free to contact with Tong Yi Machinery.

 

Article Source: Quora

How A Manual Chain Hoist Works?

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From What Parts A Manual Chain Hoist Consists

Manual chain hoist is a pretty simple device considering the large amount of weight such a tool can lift. Chain hoists are made from durable, high grade steel to ensure safety and reliability when lifting couple of tons heavy loads. Manual chain hoist can be separated in three different part categories: lifting chains, lifting mechanism and hooks.

 

Chain hoist has got two chain loops – hand chain and lifting chain. Hand chain sits on a wheel located in the lifting mechanism; it needs to be pulled by hand in order to lift a load. The wheel inside the lifting mechanism has got special pockets that allow the hand chain to move the wheel. Lifting chain also loops the lifting mechanism and lifts or lowers a load. At the end of the chain there is a grab hook, where you can attach lifting chains or slings, a load leveler or load itself. There is also a hook on the top of the chain hoists housing. This hook is used to attach the hoist to a ceiling mount, trolley system or other construction that can withstand the weight a hoist will lift. Most chain hoists have swivel hooks, meaning that they can be turned 360 degrees around to allow for easier mounting. The lifting mechanism consists of a cog, axle, drive shaft, gears and sprockets. There is also a chain stopper or brake on most chain hoists that prevents load from lowering under a load.

 

How A Manual Chain Hoist Works

The physics behind a chain hoist are very simple and have been used for lifting heavy objects for a long time. Chain hoist uses a mechanical advantage to transform small force over a long distance to large force over a short distance; this is possible by using multiple larger and smaller gears in the chain hoist mechanism.

 

To lift a load, chain hoist operator needs to pull down the hand chain; this turns the cog and axle which goes through the lifting mechanism. Inside the lifting mechanism are multiple gears which increase the mechanical work applied when pulling the hand chain for dozen times using gear ratio, allowing to easily lift loads with multiple ton capacity.

 

So when the hand chain is pulled, the cog which is rotated by the hand chain turns the drive shaft and gears which turn the load chain sprocket, this also rotates the load chain that is looped over the load chain sprocket and lifts a load. Larger gears move slower than smaller gears, but create more force; this is why chain hoist lifts load very slowly when compared to a hydraulic hoist. At the end of the lifting chain is a grab hook, which allows easily attaching and detaching a load. Also, most chain hoist lifting mechanisms have a ratchet or braking system that prevents the load from slipping back, but allows lowering a load by pulling the other side of the hand chain.

 

Manual Chain Hoist In Comparison With Other Hoist Types for Engine Lift

Chain hoists have different uses, for example in construction sites, shops, warehouses, also in car service stations and other application, where precise lifting is required.

 

The Disadvantages Of Manual Chain Hoists For Engine Lifting Are:

 

  • They are slower than other type of hoists;
  • They have special requirements for installation areas, which limit places these hoists can be used, in opposite hydraulic hoists just need a solid and level ground.

 

However, There Are Also Some Advantages For Using Manual Chain Hoists For Engine Lifting:

 

  • They don’t need electricity, oil or other additional resources to work;
  • They are cheaper than electric or hydraulic hoists;
  • They are simple to use and easy to repair and maintain.

 

If you need more information about manual chain hoists, try to visit Cheng Day Machinery Works Co., Ltd. – the company specializes in producing wire rope hoist, electric chain hoist, crane components, chain hoist trolley, etc. Get more details please send inquiry or contact with Cheng Day Machinery.

 

 

Article Source: http://www.knockoutengine.com/how-a-manual-chain-hoist-works/