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The roofing industry is full of different names and terms that are hard to understand as a homeowner. This can be confusing and often frustrating.
Especially when different roofing contractors use different terms to mean the same thing. This brings us to a commonly asked question, “Are composition shingles and asphalt shingles the same thing?”
For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners understand the lingo, terminology, and other aspects of the roofing industry. Now we'll be doing the same thing for you.
To start this article off, we'll clarify if composition shingles and asphalt shingles are the same. After that, we'll give you 3 things that every homeowner needs to know about a composition shingle roof.
Are composition shingles and asphalt shingles the same thing?
Yes, composition shingles and asphalt shingles are the same thing. It's simply just another term the roofing industry uses for asphalt shingles.
The term “composition” comes from the fact that asphalt shingles are a composite of man-made materials. These materials consist of fiberglass, tar, and granules put on a fiberglass mat to make a shingle.
Insurance companies also call them composition shingles on claims for roof damage. So, if you see “composition” on your insurance claim, there's no reason to panic.
At the end of the day, you might hear different roofing contractors use one or the other. But the majority of the roofing industry uses asphalt shingles.
Things to know about composition (asphalt) shinglesNow you know that composition shingles and asphalt shingles are the same thing. After learning this, you're ready to learn the 3 main things every homeowner needs to know about composition shingles.
1. The 3 types of composition shingles
There are 3 types of composition (asphalt) shingles: 3-tab, architectural (dimensional or laminate), and luxury (shake look or slate look). All 3 shingles have different looks to fit the style you're looking for and your budget.
3-tab shingles lay flat and get their name from the 3 tabs on each shingle strip.
Architectural (dimensional) shingles have a random pattern and shadow lines to give your roof more dimension. Some even simulate the look of a wood shake roof.
Luxury (shake roof and slate roof) shingles are larger and thicker than the other shingles. Most luxury shingles are designed to look like slate tiles, hence the name slate look.
3-tab shingles used to dominate the roofing industry, but now architectural shingles are the most common type installed on roofs today. Luxury shingles are as heavily marketed as architectural shingles, but they're around double the price.
No matter your budget or the look you want, you'll be able to find an asphalt shingle that fits your needs.
2. The materials and components that make up a composition shingle roof
While choosing which shingle you want is the fun part; your composition roof system is much more than the shingles you see from the street. It's a combination of key roofing components and materials that come together to form a complete roof system.
These other roofing materials and components are just as important as the composition shingles themselves.
The main materials and components that make up a composition roof are:
Roof decking
Roof flashing
Underlayment
Drip edge
Ice and water shield
Shingles
Ridge capping
Roof vents
Pipe boots
Flashing
These materials come together to make a complete roof system that protects you and your family. To learn more about the functions of each roofing component and material, click on the hyperlinks attached to the materials or check out the 9 materials included in your roof replacement.
3. The lifespan of composition shingle roof
A composition roof's lifespan is the number of leak-free years you get out of it. Remember the 3 types of composition shingles we discussed earlier? Well, each comes with a specified lifespan from the manufacturer.
3-tab shingles can last up to 25 years and live the shortest of the three types of composition shingles. On the other hand, both architectural and luxury shingles have a lifespan of around 30 years.
But the luxury style is thicker and has the possibility to go over 30 years and up to 50 under the right conditions. As long as the composition shingles are properly installed and your attic is adequately ventilated, they'll get really close to the lifespans above.
However, other factors impact how long a composition roof ultimately lasts.
How much does a composition (asphalt) shingle roof cost?Now you know 3 things every homeowner needs to know about a composition roof. However, there's still one more crucial thing you need to learn.
This, of course, is how much a composition shingle roof costs. The problem is, the roofing industry avoids talking about pricing or anything else relating to cost.
But here at Bill Ragan Roofing, we do things differently. That's why we wrote another article that gives you the cost of a composition (asphalt) roof and the factors that impact the price of a replacement.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided homeowners in Nashville and surrounding areas with high-quality asphalt roofing services since 1990. Whether you need repairs or a full roof replacement, you can count on our workmanship backed by a lifetime warranty to take care of your roof for decades to come.
To learn what you can expect to pay for a composition roof replacement, check out How Much a New Asphalt Roof Costs: Pricing, Factors & Considerations.
What Are Laminated Shingles?You've just gotten off the phone with another Marietta roofing contractor and he only seemed interested in installing laminated shingles on your roof. He's told you that they are his most popular seller, but does that mean they are the best shingle for your roof? Are laminated shingles really that great, or is it just sales hype?
3-TAB AND LAMINATED SHINGLES – WHAT A MARIETTA ROOFING COMPANY KNOWS ABOUT HOW THEY ARE MADE
The difference between laminated and 3-tab shingles is really quite simple. They are both made from the same basic components, but one just uses more of them.
The laminated shingle is essentially a beefed-up version of a 3-tab shingle, so it makes some sense to discuss the simpler 3-tab shingle, first.
Twenty or so years ago, 3-tab shingles were used almost exclusively to cover residential roofs. Today's 3-tab shingle has not changed much, in terms of basic construction and size.
A 1-ft. tall X 3-ft. wide shingle slab is cut with slots at one end to create three tabs, each about 5-in. tall X 12-in. wide. What results is the well-known and widely used “3-tab shingle.”
The shingles are overlapped and nailed in place during installation. After a roof is finished the tabs are the only visible part of each shingle. Those unfamiliar with roofing often assume each tab is an individual shingle.
Of course, now you know what every professional Marietta roofing contractor knows. Each visible “shingle” is, in fact, one of the tabs in a 3-tab shingle.
As suggested earlier, laminated shingles are actually an enhanced, stronger version of a standard 3-tab shingle. Unlike a 3-tab shingle, a laminated shingle has an extra layer under its lower half. This gives the tabs on a laminated shingle a thickness that is twice as deep as it would be otherwise. But why is this thickness necessary?
The primary goal of a laminated shingle is to provide a more natural and deeper look than that offered by a conventional 3-tab shingle. That is why laminated shingles are sometimes called architectural shingles.
A laminated shingle creates depth by featuring tabs of varying widths that are separated by large, randomly spaced gaps. The large spaces between the cut tabs highlights the thickness of the tabs, creating a wonderful, visually appealing effect of depth.
Some laminated shingles employ different shades, tones and even contrasting colors to create an even more distinctive, yet natural appearance.
3-Tab And Laminated Shingles – A Performance Comparison That Every Marietta Roofing Contractor Understands
The next questions to ask is, how does the extra material used in a laminated shingle translate into performance?
By virtue of their heavier construction, laminated shingles are able to last longer than 3-tab shingles. With more protective asphalt, granules and fiberglass per square foot, laminated shingles can resist sun, heat, impact and water damage more effectively and for a longer time than 3-tab shingles can.
This is reflected, in general, by longer warranty times and higher wind ratings for laminated shingles.
A side-by-side comparison of 3-tab and laminated shingles is presented below. Note that the warranty information provided is generic in nature and provided for reference, only. You should confirm product specific shingle warranty details with your Marietta roofing contractor before you make any purchasing decisions.
How Long Can You Expect Your Asphalt Roof to Last?When investing in a new roof, you're expecting to get as many years out of it as possible. This is especially true for an asphalt roof.
One of the most crucial questions customers ask is how long their asphalt roof will last. While a roofing contractor can say 25 or 30 years, you're probably wondering if it'll actually last that long.
Luckily, we're here to help you understand the lifespan of your asphalt roof.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has been installing asphalt roofs in the Nashville area since 1990. We know what it takes to maximize the life of your roof with our workmanship and attention to detail.
The truth is, you should get pretty close to the manufacturer's lifespan of your roofing materials. But there are a number of factors that ultimately determine how much life you'll get out of your asphalt roof.
By the end of this article, you'll know how long your asphalt roof should last and the factors that affect its lifespan. And to help save time and make your research a little easier, grab the Asphalt Roof Replacement Cheat Sheet at the very end.
How long will your asphalt roof last?
There are three types of asphalt shingles, 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury. But for this article, we're going to use the two most common asphalt shingles, 3-tab and dimensional, as examples.
3-tab shingles generally come with a 25-year manufacturer warranty. Dimensional shingles come with a 30-year manufacturer warranty.
Vented properly and installed correctly, you should get around 80-85% of the life span out of an asphalt roof. That means you can expect to get about 20-22 years out of your 3-tab shingle roof and 25-28 years out of your dimensional shingles.
Whether putting food in the refrigerator, the freezer, or the cupboard, you have plenty of opportunities to prevent foodborne illnesses.
The goal is to keep yourself and others from being sickened by microorganisms such as Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, and C. botulinum, which causes botulism. Keeping foods chilled at proper temperatures is one of the best ways to prevent or slow the growth of these bacteria.
These food storage tips can help you steer clear of foodborne illnesses.
Storage Basics
Refrigerate or freeze perishables right away. Foods that require refrigeration should be put in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home. Stick to the "two-hour rule" for leaving items needing refrigeration out at room temperature. Never allow meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, or produce or other foods that require refrigeration to sit at room temperature for more than two hours—one hour if the air temperature is above 90° F. This also applies to items such as leftovers, "doggie bags," and take-out foods. Also, when putting food away, don't crowd the refrigerator or freezer so tightly that air can't circulate.
Keep your appliances at the proper temperatures. Keep the refrigerator temperature at or below 40° F (4° C). The freezer temperature should be 0° F (-18° C). Check temperatures periodically. Appliance thermometers are the best way of knowing these temperatures and are generally inexpensive.
Check storage directions on labels. Many items other than meats, vegetables, and dairy products need to be kept cold. If you've neglected to properly refrigerate something, it's usually best to throw it out.
Use ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible. Refrigerated ready-to-eat foods such as luncheon meats should be used as soon as possible. The longer they're stored in the refrigerator, the more chance Listeria, a bacterium that causes foodborne illness, can grow, especially if the refrigerator temperature is above 40° F (4° C).
Be alert for spoiled food. Anything that looks or smells suspicious should be thrown out. Mold is a sign of spoilage. It can grow even under refrigeration. Mold is not a major health threat, but it can make food unappetizing. The safest practice is to discard food that is moldy.
Be aware that food can make you very sick even when it doesn't look, smell, or taste spoiled. That's because foodborne illnesses are caused by pathogenic bacteria, which are different from the spoilage bacteria that make foods "go bad." Many pathogenic organisms are present in raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, milk, and eggs; unclean water; and on fruits and vegetables. Keeping these foods properly chilled will slow the growth of bacteria.
Following the other recommended food handling practices will further reduce your risk of getting sick — clean your hands, surfaces and produce, separate raw foods from ready-to-eat foods, and cook to safe temperatures.
Marinate food in the refrigerator. Bacteria can multiply rapidly in foods left to marinate at room temperature. Also, never reuse marinating liquid as a sauce unless you bring it to a rapid boil first.
Clean the refrigerator regularly and wipe spills immediately. This helps reduce the growth of Listeria bacteria and prevents drips from thawing meat that can allow bacteria from one food to spread to another. Clean the fridge out frequently.
Keep foods covered. Store refrigerated foods in covered containers or sealed storage bags, and check leftovers daily for spoilage. Store eggs in their carton in the refrigerator itself rather than on the door, where the temperature is warmer.
Check expiration dates. A "use by" date means that the manufacturer recommends using the product by this date for the best flavor or quality. The date is not a food safety date. At some point after the use-by date, a product may change in taste, color, texture, or nutrient content, but, the product may be wholesome and safe long after that date. If you're not sure or if the food looks questionable, throw it out.
The exception to this is infant formula. Infant formula and some baby foods are unique in that they must be used by the use-by date that appears on the package.
Freezer Facts
Food that is properly frozen and cooked is safe. Food that is properly handled and stored in the freezer at 0° F (-18° C) will remain safe. While freezing does not kill most bacteria, it does stop bacteria from growing. Though food will be safe indefinitely at 0° F, quality will decrease the longer the food is in the freezer. Tenderness, flavor, aroma, juiciness, and color can all be affected. Leftovers should be stored in tight containers. With commercially frozen foods, it's important to follow the cooking instructions on the package to assure safety.
Freezing does not reduce nutrients. There is little change in a food's protein value during freezing.
Freezer burn does not mean food is unsafe. Freezer burn is a food-quality issue, not a food safety issue. It appears as grayish-brown leathery spots on frozen food. It can occur when food is not securely wrapped in air-tight packaging, and causes dry spots in foods.
Refrigerator/freezer thermometers should be monitored. Refrigerator/freezer thermometers may be purchased in the housewares section of department, appliance, culinary, and grocery stores. Place one in your refrigerator and one in your freezer, in the front in an easy-to-read location. Check the temperature regularly—at least once a week.
Every year consumers call the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Meat and Poultry Hotline and Michigan State University Extension asking if food items are safe in their home freezers. Understanding the concepts from the USDA can help avoid some of the freezing confusion.
Freezing food and maintaining it at 0° Fahrenheit will keep it safe. The quality could suffer during lengthy freezer storage. Freezing keeps food safe by slowing down the movement of molecules, causing microbes to enter a dormant stage. The freezing process preserves food for extended periods because it prevents the growth of microorganisms that cause both food spoilage and foodborne illness.
Proper packaging materials for freezing food protects the flavor, color, moisture content and nutritive value of foods from the harsh climate inside the freezer. Using inappropriate containers will give your food inadequate protection and reduce the quality of the product.
Exactly which container to choose depends on the type of food to be frozen and your personal preference. Do not freeze fruits and vegetables in containers with a capacity over one-half gallon. Foods in larger containers freeze too slowly which results in an unsatisfactory product. In general, packaging materials must have these characteristics:
Moisture vapor resistant
Durable and leak proof
Do not become brittle and crack at low temperatures
Resistant to oil, grease and water
Protect food from absorption of off-flavors or odors
Easy to seal
Easy to mark
Cartons for cottage cheese, ice cream and milk do not resist moisture vapor sufficiently to be suitable for long-term freezer storage.
Rigid containers and flexible bags or wrapping are two general types of packaging materials that are safe for freezing.
Rigid containers made of plastic or glass are suitable for all packs and are especially good for liquid packs. Straight sides on rigid containers make the frozen food much easier to remove. Rigid containers are often reusable and make storage in the freezer easier because they can be stacked.
Regular glass jars break easily at freezer temperatures. Choose wide mouth, dual-purpose jars made for freezing and canning if you wish to use glass. These jars have been tempered to withstand extreme temperatures and the wide opening allows easy removal of partially thawed food. Covers on rigid containers should fit tightly, if they do not, reinforce the seal with freezer tape. Freezer tape is especially designed to stick at freezing temperatures.
Flexible freezer bags and moisture vapor resistant wrapping materials such as plastic freezer wrap, freezer paper and heavyweight aluminum foil are also suitable for dry packed products with little or no liquid. Bags can also be used for liquid packs. Bags and wraps work well for foods with irregular shapes. Remove as much air as possible before closing for best results.
Ensure that your efforts to freeze foods result in delicious meals at a later date. Remember that the type of container you choose when freezing food can make a difference in the quality of the end product. Your choice of proper freezer packaging materials makes for tastier food.
The Absolute Best Way to Organize Any Freezer (and Keep It That Way, Once and for All)An organized freezer means a few things. It means no more boxes of frozen spinach falling on your sensitive little toes. It means your roommates will know better than to move your favorite $12 pint of ice cream to the door where it will likely melt. It means you'll never waste money buying loaves of bread when you already have plenty on hand. And it means you won't have to spend time wiping down packages, should a package of meat leak before it freezes. The point? An organized freezer is incredibly important for any home cook.
So we all want it; why is it so hard to get it? Maybe it's because freezers come in a lot of different sizes and shapes (and so do groceries, obviously). There's no one-size-fits-all formula for organizing a freezer, but we do have plenty of rules and tips that you can keep in mind. Certain items should go in certain zones of your freezer, and there are plenty of things you can do to add order. Find your freezer type (or types, if you have a bonus freezer in the basement!) below and get to organizing. Our first tip: Have a cooler and/or insulated bags on hand to hold your groceries while you work.
First, the 8 Organizing Rules for Any Kind of Freezer
Let's start with some general tips to keep in mind — no matter which type of freezer you have.Line things up from back to front. Always put stuff new towards the back and pull the older stuff (the stuff that needs to be eaten first) to the front.
Label and date anything homemade. The most important tool for an organized freezer is a Sharpie marker (and masking tape, should you need it). Everything homemade in there needs to be clearly labeled and dated the day it's frozen.
Freeze things in usable portions. It might be tempting to just throw the whole value-pack of chicken pieces straight into the freezer, but you'll regret this shortcut later when you only need a few pieces and the whole thing is one frozen mass.
Freeze things flat. As much as possible, freeze things flat. Put that leftover chili in a freezer bag, seal, and lay the bag flat in the freezer until frozen. Flat things of an even thickness are easier to stack or organize upright in a container.
File things vertically. With your stuff nice and flat, you can file it vertically in an organizer and grab what you need, rather than dealing with stacks.
Take things out of boxes when possible. Anything that comes in a box (waffles, ice pops, and chicken nuggets, for example) can likely be taken out of said box to save room. If you need the cooking instructions, cut them out and tape them to the bag.
Pick the right containers. Air circulating around frozen foods can lead to freezer burn, so your best bet is to find a container as close to the size of what you want to freeze as possible. If you're using plastic bags, make sure you use thicker freezer ones, and press out as much air as possible before freezing. If you're using foil, make sure foods are tightly double-wrapped. Doing these things mean you maximize freezer space and keep air out.
Keep a freezer inventory. This will help you keep your freezer organized moving forward. You'll know what you have on hand and what you've used up. Starting (and maintaining) one is easy.
Plastic vs. glass: Which food storage container makes sense for you?While it can come as a shock to some, plastic and glass storage containers are not wholly interchangeable. Each material provides unique benefits when it comes to organizing the kitchen. If you're unsure which container makes sense for you and your home, it might be time to draw up some conclusions on why these two materials outperform one another in different ways.
Below are our comparisons between glass vs. plastic containers to help you decide which is truly a better option for your kitchen.
Glass is better for the environment
When it comes to durability, longevity, and its ability to be recycled, glass outperforms plastic on environmental impact. If properly cared for, glass can outlast the lifespan of plastic in the kitchen. Where plastic is prone to melting or discoloration, glass remains a durable and long-lasting solution for food storage.
Additionally, glass is one-hundred percent recyclable, and so long as it is properly disposed of, you can recycle glass at a designated facility. Unfortunately, due to the wide variety of plastic products available, many recycling plants only offer recycling to a few types of plastic. Anything non-recyclable is tossed into a landfill, where it remains for many years.
Therefore, glass wins the argument for most environmentally friendly.
Glass provides a healthier alternative
When it comes to health benefits and safety in the kitchen, glass is a better material. But, unfortunately, even BPA-free plastics are prone to releasing toxic chemicals if heated. This makes washing, microwaving, and heating plastic containers a threat to your health. Plastic containers are also prone to warping and melting, creating a challenge when placing them in the dishwasher.
Luckily, glass is heat-tolerant and can be microwaved, heated in the oven, or placed into the dishwasher. Since it is non-porous, glass materials do not absorb or release any toxic chemicals or microscopic particles when used.
If you are looking for a food-safe and family-safe storage solution, glass is the better choice.
Bauxite is a mineral with a dull, earthy luster which is usually white or gray, though sometimes can be found stained by yellow, orange, red, pink, or brown by iron or included iron minerals. It has no cleavage, a low specific gravity, and the Mohs Hardness Scale score is between 1 and 3. Its streak is usually white, but its iron stain can discolor. It has a variable chemical composition but is always rich in aluminum oxides and hydroxides. These are most of the identifying properties for bauxite and are useful for identifying the mineral; however, bauxite is most often processed into another material with properties much different than bauxite.
Interesting Bauxite Facts:
Bauxite is the principal ore of aluminum and crushing it is the first step in producing aluminum, and then purifying it using the Bayer Process.
Bauxite is washed in a hot solution of sodium hydroxide using the Bayer Process, which filters the aluminum from the bauxite.
Aluminum is usually produced where electricity costs are very low.
Bauxite is used as an abrasive. Sintered bauxite is often used as a sand-blasting abrasive produced by crushing bauxite to a powder, and then fusing it using a very high temperature into spherical beads.
The bauxite spherical beads are very hard and durable. They are sorted by size for use in sandblasting equipment and other sandblasting applications. Their spherical shape reduces wear on the delivery equipment.
Sintered bauxite can also be used as an oil field proppant, which ultimately allow for the flow of oil or natural gas out of rocks and into a well. A process known as hydraulic fracturing.
Bauxite resources are adequate throughout the world at current rates, but other materials could be used instead of bauxite include clay minerals, alunite, anorthosite, power plant ash, and oil shale, but at an increased cost.
Silicon carbide could also be used in place of the abrasives made from bauxite, and synthetic mullite may be used in place of bauxite-based refractories.
Small amounts of bauxite can be found in Arkansas, Alabama, and Georgia. Overall, though, there is very little mining of the mineral in the U.S., with 99% of it being imported from other countries.
Around the world, Australia, China, Brazil, India, Guinea, Jamaica, Russia, Kazakhstan, Suriname, and Greece are the top ten leading bauxite producing countries.
The top producers of bauxite have enough reserves for many years of continued production, with some having reserves lasting 100 years.
What is Bauxite?Bauxite is primarily a metallic mineral though it is also used as an industrial mineral. It is the only ore used for large scale aluminium production. Although aluminium is the most abundant metallic element in the earth’s crust constituting about 8%, it usually occurs in clays, soil and rocks that cannot be utilized for its extraction.
Bauxite ore is soft and red clay, rich in alumina, and its name originates from Les Baux de Provence, It was a French geologist Pierre Berthier who first discovered bauxite near a village southern France in 1821. Later, a French chemist named Henri Sainte-Claire Deville officially termed the substance as “bauxite” in 1861. In any case, Bauxite is a form of sedimentary rock and is the principal source of the popular metal aluminium.
It is usually obtained from the topsoil in various tropical and subtropical regions. The ore is acquired through mining operations and currently, it is concentrated in most developed countries. More than 160 million metric tons of bauxite are mined each year.
Bauxite Formula
From mineralogy point of view, the bauxite formula and chemical composition are tabulated below.
OxideFormulaChemical composition (%wt)MineralogyAluminaAl2O335 to 65Gibbsite, boehmite and diasporeSilicaSiO30.5 to 10Quartz, chalcedony, kaoliniteFerric oxideFe2O32 to 30Geothite, hematite and sideriteTitaniaTiO20.5 to 8Rutile and anataseCalciaCaO0 to 5.5Calcite, magnesite and dolomiteIn terms of physical properties, Bauxite formula has a different composition. What it means is that bauxite contains a mixture of oxides like aluminium hydroxides, hydrous aluminium oxides, and minerals like gibbsite, boehmite and diaspore including some clay minerals. It also contains, insoluble materials namely magnetite, quartz, siderite, hematite and goethite. It is usually, yellow, white, beige, grey, reddish-brown, pink and brown.
Mullite - An IntroductionMullite is the mineralogical name for the only chemically stable intermediate phase in the SiO2–Al2O3 system. The mineral rarely occurs in its natural form and can be found on the Isle of Mull off the western coast of Scotland.
Composition
Mullite is generally represented as 3Al2O3⋅2SiO2 (i.e. 60 mol% Al2O3). But in reality, it is a solid solution that has the equilibrium composition limits of 60–63 mol% Al2O3, below 1600 °C.
Synthetic Mullite
Different starting materials and preparation techniques are used to produce synthetic mullite ceramics. For instance, a mixture of sols, a mixture of solids, or a mixture of salt and sol can be used as the starting materials. Likewise, there is a range of preparation procedures, such as hydrothermal treatment of mixtures of sols, reaction sintering of mechanically combined powders, and chemical vapor deposition.
The properties of mullite are governed by the starting materials used and the preparation technique. Reaction-sintered mullite prepared from mechanically blended powders typically exhibit low fracture toughness (1–2 MPa m-1/2) and low strength (<200 MPa) because of the occurrence of amorphous grain boundary phases. On the other hand, gelation routes yield thoroughly mixed sub-micrometer particles that can be hot-pressed or sintered to make single-phase materials with excellent mechanical properties.
Mechanical properties can be further optimized by creating composites. The addition of Zr2O and SiC yields a fracture toughness of 7 MPa m-1/2 at room temperature.
Mullite in Porcelain
Mullite is also one of the vital ingredients used for making porcelain. Clays with less than 60% Al2O3 turn into mullite. The amount of mullite yielded is directly associated with the calcining temperature and the amount of Al2O3.
Good electrical resistivity
Optimal high-temperature strength
Superior thermal stability
Good thermal shock resistance
Resistance to abrasion
Resistance to oxidation and attack, in furnace atmospheres
Resistance to a range of chemical attacks; it exhibits outstanding stability in acid metal slags, and is insoluble in a majority of the acids.
These two rock groups are easily identified by their color and texture. Unweathered specimens of both have distinctive red, orange, yellow, or brown colors.
Ironstone is very hard, and if you scrape a powder with a knife blade, it will effervesce weakly with dilute hydrochloric acid. Ironstones are usually composed of iron-carbonate minerals such as siderite and iron oxides such as goethite, hematite, and limonite, but the exact mineral composition is not required for classification. Most shales contain some ironstone as nodules or void fillings, and this class is restricted to rocks that have more than 50 percent ironstone.
Flint clays are highly variable in color, have a distinctive milky luster, and a conchoidal fracture. Flint clay is a variety of clay-rich rock in which the clay mineral is predominantly kaolinite.
Ironstones and flint clays have additional fabrics according to one of the following categories:
0X4 Massive: Homogeneous material with no obvious lines or marks
0X5 Mosaic: Divided into fragments; each piece maintains it original position relative to adjacent pieces
0X1 Brecciated: Divided into fragments; pieces have rotated relative to adjacent pieces
0X6 Nodular: Rounded or irregular masses floating in a matrix of different material
0X7 Oolitic (Pisolitic): Numerous, small rounded grains set in a matrix of different material
Kaolin is a type of clay found in nature. It can also be made in a laboratory. People use it to make medicine.
Kaolin is used for mild-to-moderate diarrhea, severe diarrhea (dysentery), and cholera.
In combination products, kaolin is used to treat diarrhea and to relieve soreness and swelling inside the mouth caused by radiation treatments. Some of these combination products are used for treating ulcers and swelling (inflammation) in the large intestine (chronic ulcerative colitis).
Some people apply kaolin directly to the skin in a wet dressing (poultice) or as a dusting powder. It is used to dry or soften the skin.
Kaolin is also used in laboratory tests that help to diagnose disease.
In manufacturing, kaolin is used in tablet preparation and to filter materials and remove color.
Kaolin is also a food additive.
How does it work?
Kaolin acts as a protective coating for the mouth to decrease pain associated with radiation-induced damage.
When it is applied to the skin, kaolin acts as a drying agent.
The Impact Of Fragranced Products
For many people, home wouldn't be the same without scents from candles, room sprays, plug-ins, incense sticks, and oils, filling the air. However, in addition to adding scent, they may also be adding health risks from:
Paraffin wax
Lead-core wicks
Synthetic fragrance
While people with asthma, allergy, or chemical sensitivity are more likely to be impacted by scented candles, exposure to the chemicals they contain isn’t a great for anyone.
Toxins In Scented Candles
Most candles are made of paraffin wax (a petroleum waste product that is chemically bleached), which creates highly toxic benzene and toluene (both are known carcinogens) when burned. In fact, the petro-soot released from paraffin candles are the same as those found in diesel fuel fumes and can be as dangerous at second-hand smoke. In 2001, the EPA concluded that burning paraffin candles emit harmful toxins and increase health risks with multiple exposures.
Candle wicks can also be a source of toxins in scented candles. In the US, candle wicks are supposed to be made of cotton or paper, but lead-core wicks can still be found, especially in products manufactured in China or Taiwan. A candle with a lead-core wick releases five times the amount of lead considered hazardous for children and exceeds EPA pollution standards for outdoor air. You don’t even need to light the candle to be exposed to chemicals, simple evaporation from an uncovered candle can release pollutants into the air and touching a candle can cause absorption of chemicals through the skin.
Don’t want to give up the warm glow of candlelight? Make healthier choices and avoid the toxins in scented candles by opting for candles that are:
Unscented
Made from all-natural products like beeswax or soy
Have paper or 100% cotton wicks
In addition, if you are burning candles to cover up an unpleasant odor, you may be masking a real problem, such as mold or mildew, that can impact your health. If there is a scent in your home that you find unpleasant, track down the source of the odor so you can remedy the problem and not just cover it up!
For more useful tips on improving the health of your home, get your free, personalized Hayward Score report today.
What Are the Benefits of Crystal-Infused Candles?Crystal-infused candles help you relax, while filling the space with peace and love. But crystal candles do so much more than that.
Also known as intentional or gem candles, crystal-infused candles have been used for thousands of years. Being infused with the energies of various crystals, these candles have different benefits depending on the stones they contain.
Benefits of Crystal-Infused Candles
Bring love and romance into your private life
Reduce stress and anxiety
Promote spiritual and emotional healing
Bring calmness into your life
Help you with sleep problems
Help you feel more grounded and focused
Elevate the energy of the space around you
Protect you from negative energy
Bring clarity of mind and deep peace
At the Village Rock Shop, we offer a wide collection of crystal-infused candles, each with its unique benefit.
Forgive Tin Candle: contains Soy Wax, Juniper Berry, Bergamot, Frankincense, Myrhh, Thyme and Rhodonite crystals.
Healing Tin Candle: contains Soy Wax, Ylang Ylang, Chamomile, Lavender and Bergamot Essential Oils, Clear Quartz, Lapis Lazuli, Lepidolite, Citrine and Amethyst crystals.
Let Go Handmade Travel Candle: contains Soy Wax, Eucalyptus Oil, Lavender Oil and Plant, Rosemary Oil and Plant, Selenite crystals.
Energy Clearing Tin Travel Candle: contains: Soy Wax, infused with Dragon's Blood, Sage, Palo Santo, Juniper, Rosemary and Cedar, Black Tourmaline, Obsidian, Hematite, Tiger's Eye Crystals.
Here at Assembly we love to DIY candles. There are so many options for personalization when making your own. Of course there's the scent to think about, but you can also get creative with the container!
If you're interested in making your own one-of-a-kind candles, join us for a future Soy Candle Making Workshop in the studio where we share all our insider tips and tricks. We also have a Soy Candle Making Kit to make your own at home!
Once you have your candle making equipment and supplies, one of the big decisions is the container for the candle. Curious about what’s safe and what’s not? We thought we’d help you out with some do’s and don’ts when it comes to picking one out! Because while that coconut shell looks like it would make a great tropical candle, it could in reality cause more flames than vacation vibes.
Stating the obvious, your container needs to be heat-safe. Most glassware, ceramics, and tin will work, but there’s a few things to consider:Glassware
When picking glassware, keep in mind it needs to withstand heat, hold wax well, and is not likely to crack. A crack while your candle is lit could be disastrous! Some glassware can be too thin. Canning jars are a great option. Not only are they cute, but they also meet the guidelines of withstanding heat and holding wax well. Besides picking an acceptable glass, there are a few best practice precautions you can take to make sure your glass doesn’t crack.
Firstly, always pick the right size wick for your candle. Overwicking your candle can lead to too much heat on your glassware, potentially causing cracks. If you’re unsure of what size wick to use, check out this “Wick Guide” that generates the perfect wick for your candle based on the diameter of your container and the type of wax you're using. Secondly, make sure your wick is centered. An uncentered wick could cause an excess of heat on one point of the glass, potentially causing cracks.
Ceramics
You also want to make sure your container is not porous (able to absorb liquid). Ceramics are great to use for candle containers, but they need to be properly treated so that they are no longer porous. Porous, unglazed materials, such as clay flower pots, can actually act as a wick, making your flame grow to the rim of your container, and you could wind up with a much bigger flame than intended. So stick to something that doesn’t soak in liquids such as ceramic bowls and mugs.
Make A DIY White Concrete Candle Holder As A GiftHere’s another sweet idea for a handmade Christmas gift- a white concrete candle holder for tealight candles.
Concrete decor has unlimited options in what types of handmade products you can make.
And this particular candle is especially versatile for use in home decoration because it can be made into an “anytime of year” candle instead.
Rather than decoupaging it with Christmas mesh, you could use any decorative mesh for a unique look.
You can also replace the tealight candle and just switch the color from red to any other color.
I bet you’re wondering —is concrete safe for candles? Yes, concrete is safe for candles. But it’s important to note that high heat can cause cracking with certain types of concrete cement.
However, a candle generally doesn't produce enough heat to cause cracking.
How do you seal concrete candles? You seal concrete candles the same way you seal concrete by using an acrylic based sealer.
Some sealers do a better job of sealing than others. I have found this concrete sealer to do a very good job of preventing oil from candle wax from staining the concrete.
Get started early this year and make this unique Christmas gift that people will never believe was handmade.
Did You Know You Can Make A Candle Last Longer?Anyone who follows my Instagram feed won't be surprised to hear that I realized I’d become a bit of a candle connoisseur. Many of my close friends refer to me as the Candle Making Guru. What is it about candles that I love the most? Candles are equivalent to perfume as the last touch to make a personalized, complete, and welcoming space.
But, it's not just the scent that intrigues me. It's the size, shape, style, and ambiance only a candle can create that captivates me. Votives, tea lights, wax melts, tapers, you name it – we have some type of candle in every room of our home.
With so much a candle has going for it, many of us never give candle burn time much thought. But, if you want to make a candle last longer, there are a few things you should consider before purchasing or making a candle. Let's start with the average burn time for six candle types, where I've included a printable candle burn time chart for 14 candle sizes. Then look to five essential tips to make a candle last longer, including how to make a candle burn evenly.
Round dropper bottles
Square dropper bottles
Oval Dropper Bottle
Opal glass has been around a long time, it was first manufactured by glass blowing houses in 16th century Venice! Opal glass is made by adding opacifiers to the melt. The particles in the opacifiers scatter light via the Tyndal Scattering Mechanism. The way light is scattered and the secondary colors produced depend on the size of the particles in the opacifiers added to the melt. Modern opal glass typically has the appearance of opaque white glass, but has also been manufactured historically in pink, blue, yellow, brown and black. When the thinner parts of the glass, like around the neck finish are viewed in the light they can appear slightly blue or sometimes orange, like in the photo shown above. This is the effect of the Tyndal Scattering Mechanism.
Opal glass gets it's white color from the addition of bone ash, tin dioxide, or antimony compounds, which are also sometimes added to ceramic glazes to produce a milky white color. Opal glass is also sometimes also referred to as Milk glass, although Milk Glass is a relatively new term.
Opal glass has been used throughout the ages for everything from lamps to marquees to clock faces to tableware and more recently, personal care containers. With O.Berk's comprehensive supplier network, this beautiful heirloom form of glassmaking can become part of your brand's identity!
Key Benefits of Glass Bottles to Package Food and Beverage ItemsMJS Packaging has long been considered an industry leader in glass, and has sold and stocked glass bottles since being founded.
Since ancient times, glass has proved to be a great packaging option for the beverage industry, and it remains true today. Glass bottles provide excellent uses for the food and beverage industry by maintaining the quality of their contents and protecting the product from external factors.
Flavor Brilliance and Freshness: When it comes to packaging food and beverages, there’s no need to worry about products losing flavor in a glass bottle. Glass is an impermeable material that keeps air and other liquids out, which means that glass bottles never affect the product’s flavor or freshness. Additionally, external temperatures, such as heat, do not affect the material or shape of the glass, unlike plastics that could melt and affect the product quality. Because of this, food and beverage products remain extremely fresh when packaged in glass. Glass bottles also help the packaging’s internal temperature stay the same, so products don’t spoil.
Product Safety: Glass is one of the safest materials you can use for your consumable products. It’s non-toxic and doesn’t require any other material lining. Recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA, and being the only widely-used food packaging material to do such, proves why glass is a great choice for food and beverage manufacturers.
Display Appeal: Glass has been, and will always be, considered premium quality. A glass bottle’s shelf life extends for years and its color never fades. MJS Packaging’s glass bottles are transparent and can show off your product. Utilizing various glass colors can also incorporate your brand’s colors and/or overall identity.
Sustainable: MJS Packaging supplies glass bottles that are made from 100% natural sustainable raw materials, which are infinitely recyclable. Using glass helps reduce additional waste, which is an ideal benefit of all product packaging since recycling is becoming an even bigger topic and action for many consumers.
As illustrated, there are plenty of reasons to consider glass for your food and beverage products. Let MJS Packaging be your choice for glass bottles for your food and beverage packaging needs.
It's Time for Glass Again — Can We End Beverage Industry's Use of Plastic?When was the last time you were able to purchase a soft drink in a reusable glass bottle? When was the last time you even saw a soft drink in a glass packaging? Today, single-use plastic packaging is still omnipresent, despite our increasing environmental awareness. According to a World Wide Fund for Nature study, an average person consumes 1,769 tiny plastic particles and fibers every week just from drinking water. That accumulates to around a half-pound of plastic every year!
And we aren't the only ones feeling the impact of plastic. We might be the last link experiencing the results in the huge chain that makes up our environment. Unfortunately, the beverage industry plays a significant role in plastic pollution of the Earth. Let's have a closer look at how plastic impacts our environment and whether we could turn the bleak trend around by going back to glass bottles.
In the 1960s, plastic waste was observed in the oceans for the first time, which ended the reputation of plastic materials as entirely positive and great to use. Even though plastic helped our industrial advancement, especially in the years after World War II, we did not have enough foresight to predict its environmental impact.
And it is dire, mostly because that plastic, made from synthetic materials not found in nature, can take forever to decompose on its own. Most plastic bottles take at least 450 years to biodegrade, and only if they weren’t made with Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET).
Today, plastic pollution is a huge problem — it has contaminated our oceans most of all. Toxins from plastic find their way into plankton, which is the base food of most marine ocean species. It travels through the entire food chain, ending up on our own tables.
But our air and land are also polluted. When plastic is burned to dispose of it, toxins are released into the air. While it waits for its turn to be disposed of in landfills, we end up needing more and more space for storing garbage.
Tips to Help You Pack and Ship Makeup and Cosmetics1. Wrap it!
Pack makeup in dunnage, bubble wrap, a shipping box, or other leak-proof packaging material to protect it from any shock damage while it's being shipped. For more fragile items like pressed powders or eyeshadows, make sure to wrap it at least four times — the more padding the better!
2. Stick with high-quality warehousing
A high-quality, well-organized warehouse will ensure your products are stored in a safe and secure place. Many tech-enabled third-party logistics (3PL) companies offer multiple warehousing locations so you can store your inventory closest to your customers, also known as distributed inventory. That way, an order can reach its destination faster, which lowers the chance of any damage during shipping.
3. Opt for insurance
From loose pigments to small pieces like eyeshadow palette applicators, makeup is highly prone to shipping damage. Even if you prepare the order properly before shipping, anything can happen while it's being shipped via truck, rail, or air — especially if it has a long way to go before it reaches its destination. Most of the time it is out of your control, so opting in for shipping insurance to protect your shipments is worth the extra cost.
4. Add package fillers
Adding extra dunnage can help keep your product in place, especially if it's a fairly small makeup item. Kraft paper is a cheap, eco-friendly option and can help protect your package from movement. You can also consider packing peanuts. For makeup products that come in liquid form or loose pigments, and you're hearing customers complain about damaged shipments, it may be beneficial to wrap your products in a small plastic bag to avoid it from spilling. This will also add extra protection from humidity or moisture.
5. Know the ingredients of your product
Understanding what ingredients are in your product will help you decipher if it will ship safely and comply with carrier regulations. By knowing what your makeup products are made of, you'll avoid the possibility of your products melting in a hot warehouse or finding out it's not allowed to ship to certain locations, especially internationally (e.g., makeup with CBD or alcohol-based products).
6. Understand different carrier rules
Major shipping carriers including USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL have their own set of rules when it comes to shipping makeup, especially any that may contain flammable liquids. Be sure to read through your shipping carrier's rules and guidelines beforehand to ensure your products ship on time without any issues.
We use energy constantly – when we're awake, when we're asleep, no matter what we're doing. We tend to take for granted how easy it is for us to obtain the energy required to power devices, appliances, tools, machines, vehicles, and all the things we use throughout the day and night. But how is energy stored so that it's available when we need it?
Let's delve into this topic to understand the basics of this magical concept better.
What Is Energy & How Is It Stored?
If we revisit our memory of high school physics, we may recall that energy is the ability to do work. Energy is the ability of any force to do work. There are many forms of energy, but they can all be categorized into one of two major groups: kinetic energy or potential energy.
Forms of energy
To understand the difference between the two, science teachers often use the example of a rock. A rock that is rolling down a hill has kinetic energy that it could impart to something if it crashed into it. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion.
A rock positioned at the edge of a steep hill has the potential to roll, so we consider that potential energy conserved in the rock.
Electric energy or electricity falls into the category of kinetic energy. Why? Because all electrical energy is in motion. Electrical energy, however, can be converted into other forms of energy we can store. Let's find out how this works!
energy storage dam
While not a rock, water behind a dam is stored potential gravitational energy.
Can You Store Electrical Energy?
No. While you cannot store electricity itself, it can be converted to other forms of energy that are capable of being stored. Then later you can convert that energy back to electricity for use by the consumer.
We can store electrical energy in several ways, including a flywheel (mechanical energy), elevated water or weight (gravitational energy), compressed air (potential energy), capacitors (electrical charge), or, the most common, batteries (chemical energy).
What Is A Battery?
A battery is a storage device that stores chemical energy for later conversion to electrical energy. Every battery contains one or more electrochemical cells. Within those cells, chemical reactions take place, creating a flow of electrons in a circuit. This flow of electrons provides the electric current required to do the work!
Better Understanding Of Batteries – Li-Ion Vs. Li-PoWhen we buy gizmos, we try to make sure that they have a good, long-lasting battery. Although, we only look at battery capacities. The formula seems simple – the larger the capacity, the better the battery life, right? But have you ever tried to find out what do terms like Li-ion and Li-Po mean? These abbreviations denote the types of batteries your device packs, and this plays a vital role in keeping your device juiced up. Let’s take a deeper look at these battery types and how they affect our phones and laptops in our daily life.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are used in most of our modern-day smartphones. These batteries are made of three different parts, an anode (a negative terminal) made of lithium metal, a cathode (positive terminal) made up of graphite and a separating electrolyte layer between them to prevent short-circuiting. Whenever we charge our batteries, through a chemical reaction, ions from the negative terminal travels towards the positive terminal where energy is stored. As the battery discharges, ions travel back again to the anode.
Ever wondered how our phones stop themselves from overcharging? Well, these batteries are also equipped with a small electronic controller to do just that. Some brands have made developments in reshaping these batteries into layers to gain even more capacity.
A Lithium-polymer (Li-Po) is quite an old technology that you can find in your old, bar phones or laptops. These batteries have a similar structure like Li-ion batteries, but is made of a gel-like (Silicon-Graphene) material which is quite light in weight. Due to its light and flexible characteristics, these batteries are used in laptops and most of the high-capacity powerbanks.
What Are Cylindrical Lithium Batteries?Cylindrical lithium batteries, as the name suggests, feature electrodes that are encased in a cylindrical cell that is wound very tightly within a specially designed metal casing. This unique makeup helps to minimize the chances that the electrode material inside will break up, even under the heaviest of use conditions.Issues like mechanical vibrations, thermal cycling from charging and discharging, and the mechanical expansion of current conductors are all things that can affect a battery's lifespan. Therefore, the design of these cylindrical units is intended to help mitigate risk from these and other factors as much as possible.
On the inside of a cylindrical battery, a series of cells are combined and operate in parallel to one another. This is done to help increase both the voltage and the overall capacity of the battery pack.
For these reasons, cylindrical batteries are usually the kind that are found in the aforementioned medical device systems. Smaller, more specially designed cylindrical cells are also commonly found in portable devices like laptop computers. Notably, Tesla also made headlines recently by selecting cylindrical lithium batteries to power its fleet of popular electric cars.
How lithium-ion batteries works?A lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery that is charged and discharged by lithium ions moving between the negative (anode) and positive (cathode) electrodes. (Generally, batteries that can be charged and discharged repeatedly are called secondary batteries, whereas disposable batteries are called primary batteries.)Because lithium-ion batteries are suitable for storing high-capacity power, they are used in a wide range of applications, including consumer electronics such as smartphones and PCs, industrial robots, production equipment and automobiles.
Lithium-ion batteries are divided into various kinds according to size, form, the material used for the positive and negative electrodes, and so on.Toshiba's SCiB™ industrial lithium-ion battery uses lithium titanium oxide on the negative electrode, and provides a long life, rapid charging, high input/output power performance, excellent low-temperature operation, and a wide effective SOC range.
Trimmer or ShaverThe real question is how do you want to present yourself to the world.
Men have begun to take a serious interest in grooming their hair in all types of ways! A drastic change in attitude towards facial hair grooming, bald look, and beard styling has created a boom in the electric shaving industry. There are more devices than ever and it can be confusing to know exactly what you need for the look you want. Men take pride in creating their own unique look and you will need the correct tool to make that look a reality.
There are many hair removal devices available. The most widely used are electric shavers and trimmers, but a lot of men don’t know the difference. Choosing which of these two shaving devices can be confusing so we thought we would write up a quick guide to decide if you need a “trimmer” or a “shaver”.
Trimmer: For Perfecting your Unique Look
To maintain a specific facial hair look, it requires regular and precise trimming. Trimmers are for men who want to get their beard and mustache looking just right and are willing to spend the time to achieve it. They are the best choice if you plan on keeping facial hair in line but not getting rid of it entirely. Trimmers provide the versatility to adjust hair length via the comb attachments provided.
Electric Shaver: For a Quick, Close, Painless Shave
The electric shaver focuses on keeping your skin as smooth as possible while also leaving your face free of nicks and cuts. It is meant to replace a razor blade. A razor blade gives a very close shave but takes time and precision to avoid mistakes. An electric shaver gives the convenience to quickly shave large areas while still giving a close shave. It is the easiest, and fastest way to get that clean bald look.
True story: A long time ago, as a lowly magazine assistant with the ink still drying on my grad school degree, I dreamed of a promotion beyond my usual duties of grabbing lunch for my bosses and answering reader mail. When the day finally came and I got my own cubicle, a new title on my business card, and a RAISE, I didn't splurge on Louboutins or a Louis Vuitton tote. (Those came later.) Instead, I marched myself over to Williams-Sonoma and got myself a tangerine stand mixer.
More than a decade later, the stand mixer is still one of my best friends in the kitchen, taking pride of place on the counter and outlasting the fancy bags and shoes collecting dust in my closet. If you want a splurge that actually pays off, a stand mixer is your best bet.
If you're mentally picturing a stand mixer, chances are what you're thinking of is the KitchenAid version — like Kleenex and Q-Tips, the brand name has become the industry standard descriptor, likely much to the chagrin of Breville, Cuisinart, et al. As of 2014, KitchenAid was selling more than 2.5 million stand mixers annually, so for all intents and purposes, that's probably the only brand you've encountered. A stand mixer combines heavy duty steel construction and a powerful motor to make it an indispensable tool for both bakers and cooks alike.
Essentially, a stand mixer is an extra pair of big, beefy arms in your kitchen. Use it wherever you could use a helper to do a mixing task while you busy yourself with another part of the recipe at hand. It's more efficient and better at evenly combining ingredients than a human could ever be; it cuts down on your prep time; and it's built to last. (Yes, as a professional cook, I actually own two stand mixers: the everyday 5-quart KitchenAid Artisan, and the big, badass 7-quart Pro Line version with 1.3 horsepower under the hood.)
What's a stand mixer good for?A basic stand mixer comes with three blade attachments: a beater, a whisk and a dough hook. Which one you want to use depends on your desired outcome:
• Use the flat beater for most tasks, including mixing cookie and cake batters and frostings; for shredding pulled pork or chicken; for mixing meatloaf or meatballs if you don't want to touch it with your hands; and for blending both sweet and savory ingredients, such as incorporating butter into warm citrus curd or mashing boiled potatoes with butter and milk for a creamy comfort meal.
• Use the whisk for beating eggs and cream into fluffy peaks, and if you take it even further, for making marshmallow fluff and homemade butter without lifting a finger. (OK, except for the finger you use to flick the power on.)
• Use the dough hook for kneading any kind of dough you can imagine, from stiff baguette dough and whole grain rolls to soft, pliant pizza dough and cinnamon buns.
Like a Vitamix, the price of a stand mixer essentially correlates to the horsepower you're purchasing. You're buying a powerful motor, so there's no reason to relegate it just to mixing and whipping duties. That's where the attachments come in.
At the very least, get a second beater blade with a silicone scraper edge. This tool should, in my opinion, come standard with every mixer — it scrapes the bowl as you mix, making it even more effective at creaming butter and sugar together, folding dry ingredients like flour and cocoa powder into your batter, and generally keeping everything well-blended.
If you want to go further, you can get attachments that will roll and cut pasta, grind meat, take the place of a food processor for shredding, slicing, and dicing, spiralize fruits and vegetables and even make ice cream. Each add-on isn't cheap, to be sure, but consider the ease in which you can make piles of pappardelle or stacks of spiralized sweet potatoes.
The Best Stand Mixers for Every Kind of Baker, According to Thousands of ReviewsFor home bakers and professionals alike, a sturdy stand mixer is key. The appliance is adaptable enough to whip up everything from airy layer cakes to stiff bread dough, and it cuts down on the time and effort of mixing by hand. What's more, many stand mixers include accessories to tackle other kitchen projects, like from-scratch pasta, DIY ice cream, and freshly squeezed juice.
But like other powerful kitchen appliances, electric stand mixers are an investment. Quality machines retail for hundreds of dollars, and high-end brands can cost more than $1,000. Plus, there are tons of options to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly basics to feature-rich models with stylish hues and designs. So if you're considering buying a stand mixer of your own, it can be a challenge to find the right fit.
How to Choose the Best Kitchen MixerWhile it's entirely possible to make most of the things you'd want to cook or bake without a mixer, why bother? With a mixer, you can save time on many of your current favorite go-to recipes and probably find yourself trying out all new foods you wouldn't have thought to make before. And unless you're especially vigilante when you stir things by hand, a mixer will almost certainly mean better textures and consistency for many of the things you make.
For anybody who bakes regularly (and many people that don't), kitchen mixers are the kind of item that you only think you can live without until you've had one. Once you get used to owning one, the idea of going back to mixing everything manually seems crazy.
That means there are two main categories of consumers for mixers:
Those that are buying a mixer for the first time and are unsure of what to really look for.
Those looking to replace a beloved mixer that recently stopped working (RIP).
Whichever category you fall into, our buyer's guide to mixers should serve as a useful guide in gaining a clear idea of the kind of options are available on the market and which one right for you.
Types of MixersThe first decision you need to make in order to choose the right mixer is which of the two main types to go with.
Hand Mixers
Hand Mixer
Click Here to View All Hand Mixers
If your main priorities are affordability or finding a mixer that won't take up much space, hand mixers are likely to fit the bill. They have a simpler design than stand mixers, can usually easily fit in a drawer in your kitchen, and can cost less than $20.
You have two choices with hand mixers: electric hand mixers and rotary hand mixers (sometimes called eggbeaters). With rotary models, you use a lever to do the mixing. With electric hand mixers, all you have to do is hold the mixer in place while the movement happens automatically.
On the spectrum of how much easier a mixer can make your life, hand mixers fall firmly in the middle. They're faster and easier than stirring dough by hand, but require more work and time than using a stand mixer.
Benefits:
Hand mixers are more affordable.
These kitchen mixers do not take up any counter space.
Clean up is easy and quick.
You can use any bowl.
Portable.
To Keep in Mind:
Hand mixers involve a little bit of manual work.
Usually not as fast or thorough as stand mixers.
These mixers tend to be somewhat messy.
Stand Mixers
Green Stand Mixer
Click Here to View All Stand Mixers
Usually if you hear someone talk about not being able to live without their mixer, they're talking about stand mixers. Stand mixers make the process of baking or mixing just about anything considerably easier. They're especially useful for any baking that involves thick dough, like bread or pizza dough, or recipes that require trickier mixing duties like making meatballs.
Stand mixers typically come with a large mixing bowl and several different attachments designed for specific types of mixing – you'd use a different attachment for making meringue than you would for making bread, for instance. Because they're stationary, you can start mixing something and leave it while you work on gathering other ingredients. For recipes that call for adding ingredients while you mix, a task that's nearly impossible for one person to accomplish without a mixer, they make it a breeze.
One of the main inconveniences of a stand mixer is the size and weight. If you don't have the space to keep it on the counter, you may begrudge the process of getting a heavy stand mixer in and out of a kitchen cabinet.
Benefits:
Stand mixers are more powerful than a hand mixer.
These units will mix faster and more thoroughly.
Since it's stationary, you can start it mixing and leave to work on other things.
Usually stand mixers come with (or you can buy) different attachments designed to achieve the best results for various types of mixing.
Some stand mixers allow you to make pasta, ravioli, juice, sauce, ice cream or even mill grain.
To Keep in Mind:
This type of mixer costs more than hand mixers.
Takes up a lot of counter space.
Takes up more kitchen storage space.
Sometimes these are a pain to clean.
For the dedicated baker, there's really no reason you should have to choose between the two. Hand mixers are affordable enough that, even if you've decided to invest in a stand mixer, you can easily grab a hand mixer as well. That way, you can turn to the smaller tool for your more minor mixing needs rather than having to pull out and clean the stand mixer for every recipe.
Whether you want to layer up for winter or enjoy a cool summer night, hoodies are a comfy and convenient staple to have in your wardrobe. Warm, cozy, and suitable for almost any outfit, the
Whether you want to layer up for winter or enjoy a cool summer night, hoodies are a comfy and convenient staple to have in your wardrobe. Warm, cozy, and suitable for almost any outfit, the most comfortable hoodies come in a number of different materials and styles.
When searching for a hoodie, deciding what works best for you and your lifestyle will be important. Do you live in a cooler climate and want one that keeps you nice and toasty? Or do you prefer something more lightweight that can be worn all year round? Some of the best materials for hoodies include cotton, polyester, or a blend of the two. Cotton is breathable and soft, while polyester is durable and moisture-wicking. Fleece is a fabric that's extra insulating and can be made from natural cotton or synthetic materials. And having a little spandex in a sweatshirt will add stretch and flexibility.
Next, you'll want to think about what style you feel most comfortable in. Full-zip designs are ideal for those who like to have the option of leaving their hoodie open or closed, while half-zips have a relaxed, stylish look. Pullover hoodies are great for those who want a little bit more warmth and want to layer it under a jacket. Hoodies can also vary in shape from oversized, fitted, to even cropped, like one of my picks below. You'll also want to consider other smaller details, like thumbholes, kangaroo pockets, and drawstrings.
From a micro-fleece hoodie that feels just like a soft throw blanket to a colorful tie-dye option, read on to find the best hoodie for you.
What's great about it:
What's great about it: If you're looking for something that's lightweight and loose-fitting, this oversized fuzzy hoodie is a great option. The sherpa-fleece fabric is made with a blend of polyester and spandex, so it's super soft and stretchy. Although it's lighter than some of the other options here, it still provides warmth and coziness. Designed with a front one-quarter zipper, it comes in more than a dozen colors and styles (just note that some styles don't have a hood). Reviewers recommend going a size down if you don't want it to fit too loosely.
What fans say: "Super soft and I love it! I was pleasantly pleased with this as I’m apprehensive about buying clothing items on amazon. It came vacuumed sealed and is the same inside as it is outside, which I love that it’s not lined with something that’s not as warm! Buy this! No regrets!"
What's great about it:
What's great about it: With a durable construction and a cool, sporty look, this Champion cropped hoodie is a great spin on the classic wardrobe staple. Made with an anti-shrinking reverse weave, this hoodie will keep its shape and won't shrink over time. It's perfect for layering or you can wear it on its own with jeans or leggings. It has a loose fit and is available in both white (pictured above) and dark purple.
What fans say: "I am a 5’2” female that’s weighs about 125 lbs. I ordered a small and it fits perfectly! It’s not too cropped and the sleeves are baggy and comfy, just as product is pictured. This is by far the most comfy cropped sweatshirt I have ever purchased, I recommend adding it to your wardrobe collection!"
Difference Between Trousers and PantsMain Difference -Trousers vs Pants
Both Trousers and Pants refer to the same garment; they both refer to an outer garment covering the body from waist to ankles, with a separate part for each leg. The difference between them lies in usage. The main difference between trousers and pants is that the word trouser is commonly used in the UK whereas the word pants is commonly used in America. It is also important to note that in the UK, pants refer to undergarments. We are going to elaborate this difference between trousers and pants in this article.
What are Trousers
Trousers are an item of clothing worn on the lower part of the body and cover both legs separately (as opposed to cloth stretching across both legs as in skirts and dresses). For centuries, trousers have remained the standard lower-body clothing item for males; but, by the late 20th century, trousers had become a popular clothing item for females as well. Trousers are worn at the hips or waist; they are held up by their own fastenings, suspenders/braces or a belt.
The word trouser is mainly used in British English; in American English, the term pant is used to refer to trousers. In America, trousers may specifically refer to a tailored garment consisting of a waistband, belt loops, and fly front.
What are Pants
In North America, pants is the general term used to refer to trousers. As explained above, trousers, in American English specifically refers to formal, tailored pants. However, in British English, the term pants is never used to refer to trousers. In England and most of the British English speaking countries, Pants refer to undergarments or underwear.
In the US, what is worn under the pants is called underwear, underpants, or panties (panties specifically refer to women’s undergarments.) In the UK, pants are worn under the trousers. So this linguistic blend can result in awkward and embarrassing situations if you are talking with a British or American. If you say ‘nice pants’ to an American, he would in return, thank you for the compliment. But if you say the same for a British, it’d create an awkward situation as you are referring to his undergarments.
Nevertheless, in some countries like Australia, pants and trousers are used synonymously. These two are not the only terms that refer to clothes worn to the lower part of the body in men’s wardrobe. There are other terms like slacks, jeans, khakis, chinos, Corduroys that are different varieties of pants/trousers.
Long Sleeve Polo Shirt
Although polo shirts are typically seen in the warmer months, it doesn’t mean they’re exclusive to summer. Long sleeve polo shirts look fantastic when the temperature drops and they can be styled in several ways. For a casual feel, combine it with a pair of chinos, sneakers, and a leather jacket – it’s a timeless combination that looks great on anyone. The polo is an excellent clothing choice for those days where you don’t know what to wear. It’s easy to dress up or down and works in every season.
Short-Sleeve Polo Shirt
Show off your muscles and do it in style with a short sleeve polo shirt. The classic design behind this clothing is timeless and works well when combined with jeans, chinos, or even suit pants. Dress it up by donning a blazer with loafers, or keep it relaxed with sneakers and jeans. You can wear this stylish item in many ways, all you need is a bit of confidence, and you’re set.
Undershirt Or Not? Why and When To Wear OneDespite keeping to long-held traditions, the men’s fashion scene is constantly changing. It can be challenging to navigate these rules. Society doesn’t make it any easier on you because it’s constantly sliding closer and closer to casual wear. Today, truly formal events are far less common, and the definition of business casual varies. Sometimes it means you can wear short sleeves and khakis, which is a deviation from its former interpretation of simply skipping the blazer.
Should I wear an Undershirt?
Undershirts can be even more complicated. No one ever sees them, so it can be difficult to know when to wear them and when to skip them. Do they really affect your wardrobe that much? Should you wear an undershirt? What about with a white dress shirt?
In short, yes (though you don't NEED one)! Undershirts weren’t made to be seen. They were made for your comfort. Wearing one can make your outfit feel much better on you and improve the fit of off the rack clothing. They don’t always go unseen, either. The way you wear it will determine whether you look great, or look like a total slob.
T-Shirt Guide: What Sets Apart the Different Styles of T-Shirts in Artist Shops?Tees on tees on tees! If you’ve been keeping up with the new product additions in Artist Shops, you already know that we’ve added some awesome new tees to the lineup: extra soft, premium, and heavyweight! There are lots of different styles of t-shirts for you to add to your Artist Shop, and – trust us – tees sell! But from the regular vs the premium to the tri-blend vs the extra soft, what makes each of these styles of t-shirts unique and different from each other? Knowing what sets each tee apart can help you know how to market each style to your customers in social posts. Here’s a handy guide through the different styles of t-shirts in Artist Shops (and for more details on each style,
Regular tee: This is your everyday, form-fitting crew-neck tee. Comfy softness, classic look & fit.
Premium tee: High-quality tee that offers a much smoother, silky feel and more structured, mid-weight fit than the regular tee.
Tri-blend: A fan favorite with a vintage look and broken-in, form-fitting, soft feel.
Extra soft tee: Where tri-blends have a broken-in softness, extra soft tees have a super soft & lightweight jersey softness with a more relaxed fit.
Heavyweight tee: A sturdy tee with a boxier fit that provides a more inclusive size range from small to 5XL (in some colors).
All-Over Tee: With this tee, your designs print across the full surface of the tee super vividly. Ideal for patterns.
Antibiotic drugs are commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat infectious diseases that are caused by bacteria and certain other microorganisms. There are many different classes of antibiotics available for use in animals, including penicillins, cephalosporins, cephamycins, aminoglycosides, quinolones, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and macrolides. Some are effective against a wide range of organisms, while others are more closely targeted (for example, they may be effective against some bacteria but less effective against other bacteria). Thus, antibiotics are often referred to as broad-spectrum or narrow-spectrum drugs, respectively.
Successful antibiotic treatment is based on 4 principles: 1) identifying the disease-causing agent and selecting the appropriate drug for treatment; 2) attaining effective concentrations of the drug at the site of infection for a sufficient period of time; 3) choosing a dose rate, frequency, and method of administering the dose that maximizes the likelihood of a cure, prevents relapse, and minimizes the risk of developing resistance while causing no harm to the animal; and 4) using specific and appropriate supportive treatment to improve the animal’s ability to overcome the infection and associated disease conditions.
The emergence of bacteria that are resistant to currently available antibiotics within the animal or human population is of great concern. When resistance occurs, previously successful drugs can no longer be considered effective treatment, and new drugs must be developed. Resistance may develop in several different ways. However, when used properly (that is, the right antibiotic is used and it is given as prescribed for the appropriate amount of time), antibiotics are less likely to contribute to the selection of antibiotic-resistant organisms.
When given a prescription from your veterinarian for your pet, make sure that it is given exactly as instructed and that the entire prescription is given. Not following dosage schedules or not giving all of the prescription can cause a relapse, a reinfection, or development of antibiotic-resistant organisms.
Anthelmintic drugsAnthelmintics are drugs that are used to treat infections with parasitic worms. This includes both flat worms, e.g., flukes and tapeworms and round worms, i.e., nematodes. They are of huge importance for human tropical medicine and for veterinary medicine. The World Health Organization estimates that a staggering 2 billion people harbour parasitic worm infections. Parasitic worms also infect livestock and crops, affecting food production with a resultant economic impact. Also of importance is the infection of domestic pets. Indeed, the companion animal market is a major economic consideration for animal health companies undertaking drug discovery programmes. Despite the prevalence of parasitic worms, anthelmintic drug discovery is the poor relation of the pharmaceutical industry. The simple reason is that the nations which suffer most from these tropical diseases have little money to invest in drug discovery or therapy. It comes as no surprise therefore that the drugs available for human treatment were first developed as veterinary medicines. There is thus a pitifully small repertoire of chemotherapeutic agents available for treatment (see Table 1). In some respects, this situation has been exacerbated by the remarkable success of ivermectin over the last twenty years (Geary, 2005), which has decreased motivation for anthelmintic drug discovery programmes (Geary, Sangster and Thompson, 1999). This prompts concern, as anthelmintic resistance has been widely reported in livestock and it may also only be a matter of time before this phenomenon occurs in parasites of humans.
Broad spectrum anthelmintics are effective against parasitic flat worms and nematodes. However, the majority of drugs are more limited in their action, e.g., praziquantel, a drug used in the treatment of schistosomiasis and thought to act by disrupting calcium homeostasis (Greenberg, 2005), has no activity against nematodes (see Table 1). For the purpose of this review we will focus on drugs used in human and veterinary medicine to treat parasitic nematode infection.
How to Prepare for a Career in Veterinary MedicineGet Started in High School
For a career in veterinary medicine, a high school student should develop a strong background in biology, chemistry, and physics. Courses in English, social science, and speech are also necessary since interpersonal and professional communications skills are important assets in veterinary medicine. Like most professions, veterinary medicine is very much a "people business." The most successful veterinarians are competent doctors as well as good communicators.
Practical experience with animals is very important. Students should spend time volunteering for or working with veterinarians to develop an understanding of the profession. Non-veterinary animal experience may also be beneficial to students interested in veterinary medicine.
Pre-Veterinary College Coursework
No specific undergraduate program is preferred at Oregon State University, but students must complete a set of pre-veterinary requirements in chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, biology, genetics, physiology, and additional biological sciences. Courses in English, public speaking and humanities/social sciences are also required.
Many students choose an animal science or biological science major because these bachelor's degree programs generally include most of the pre-veterinary requirements. Also, some of these programs allow students accepted into the DVM program after their junior year to apply credits earned in their first year of veterinary study toward completing a bachelor's degree.
Students interested in veterinary medicine, should consult with a pre-veterinary medicine adviser when planning their undergraduate program. Oregon State University students may choose to contact one of the OSU pre-veterinary medicine advisers.
Difference Between Mixture and SolutionIn chemistry, student tend to mix up or be confused about concepts like mixture and solution. These are basic concepts and there should be no excuse in mixing up the concepts. Besides students should master such concepts and it will help them avoid negative marking during exams. Thus, it is important to know the difference between mixture and solution.
To help you understand the concepts, a mixture is a combination of usually two substances. Here, the substances are not combined chemically and their properties also remain the same. However, when we talk about a solution it is totally different. different. Solution is a type of mixture where substances are dissolved. Here you have to know about solute which is a substance that dissolves and solvent which dissolves the solutes to form a solution.
Before diving into the differences, it is important to understand and remember that a solution is a type of mixture but a mixture may or may not be a solution. Now that we know a little about these two concepts, let’s look at some of the key differences between mixture and solution.
MixtureSolutionIn a mixture, substances are generally just mixed and are not completely dissolved.In a solution, substances are dissolved completely and they cannot be filtered out.Mixture comprises two or three compounds that aren’t fused chemically. They have no physical interactions.A solution contains two substances that are chemically mixed to form a new compound.The chemical properties of each substances are retained without change.Chemical properties usually changes.The amount of substances in a mixture can vary and amounts don’t have a fixed ratio.A solution usually has a fixed ratio or amount of substances.Mixtures can be classified primarily into two groups, namely homogeneous mixtures and heterogeneous mixtures.A solution is a type of a homogeneous mixture.These are some of the differences between mixture and solution. To know more about the mixtures and solutions and other chemistry topics you can keep visiting BYJU’s or download our app for interesting content and learning experience.
Liquid refrigerant injectionLiquid refrigerant injection technique can be a very effective method for controlling subcooling and the compressor discharge temperature of a refrigeration system at high ambient temperatures. In this study, the effects of liquid refrigerant injection on the performance of a refrigeration system with an accumulator heat exchanger were investigated by varying the liquid injection rate at the conditions of constant expansion valve opening in the evaporator and constant total flow rate. During the tests, the ambient temperature was maintained at 43 °C. With the increase of the liquid injection rate, the subcooling at the inner heat exchanger outlet increased and the superheat at the accumulator outlet decreased. However, unacceptable results such as the increase of the compressor discharge pressure and decrease of the system performance were also observed depending on the control method applied. To obtain high system performance and reliability, optimum control methods for liquid injection in the accumulator heat exchanger are suggested. The liquid injection technique for the refrigeration system with an accumulator heat exchanger was found to be an effective method for controlling adequate subcooling and the compressor discharge temperature of the refrigeration system at high ambient temperatures.
Both recirculating and plain linear bearings as well as track-roller wheel-based linear bearings can use a wide variety of shaft materials, depending on the application or environmental requirements. Shafts for recirculating linear bearings are typically made of bearing-grade carbon steel or stainless steel. Likewise, plain linear bearing systems can use carbon steel, stainless steel, or aluminum shafts. And for very harsh environments or special conditions, shafts can be plated or coated to withstand caustic or abrasive contaminants.
When choosing which type of shaft to use in a linear bearing application, the two most important factors that contribute to bearing wear and life are the shaft’s surface finish and hardness.
Surface finish
Surface finish generally refers to the “roughness” of a surface, which is a measure of how much the surface topography varies from an ideal plane. Recirculating ball bearings operate best when paired with ground or polished shafts with a low roughness value. This is because a better surface finish actually increases the contact area between the shaft and the recirculating balls. A “rough” shaft surface, with a significant number of peaks and valleys, provides less contact area for the balls to ride on, whereas a smoother shaft surface provides more contact area for the load-carrying balls. Typical surface finish recommendations for shafts used with recirculating ball bearings are 6 to 10 microinch Ra.
For plain linear bearings, however, a smoother shaft surface can actually lead to decreased life, due to the self-lubricating nature of most plain bearings. Plain bearings rely on features of shaft roughness — specifically, the “peaks” on the surface of the shaft — to transfer small amounts of the bearing material to the shaft. These dislodged bits of material fill in the valleys on the shaft surface and provide lubrication as the bearing travels back and forth. Without this lubrication, friction between the shaft and bearing will be higher, and the bearing’s PV rating will be reduced.
This is also true for plain bearings made of bronze, which must be lubricated externally. A slight roughness of the shaft surface helps the shaft retain lubricant and prevent metal-to-metal contact. But as with recirculating bearing shafts, a surface that is too rough can also cause extensive wear on the bearing and lead to premature failure. The suggested range of surface roughness values depends on the bearing material, but as an example, composite bearing manufacturers generally recommend a shaft surface roughness of 8 to 16 microinch Ra.
Shaft hardness
Equally important to shaft surface finish is the shaft hardness. Sufficient shaft hardness is critical for recirculating linear bearings because point loading created by the balls can cause permanent deformation of the shaft. Because heavier loads place more stress on the surface of the shaft, they require higher hardness values than lighter loads. In fact, a shaft hardness factor (often denoted fH) is included in load and life calculations for recirculating ball bearings.
The typical hardness recommendation for round shafts used with recirculating ball bearings is HRC 60, which corresponds to a shaft hardness factor, fH, of 1.0 (i.e. no increase in required load capacity or reduction in life). Hardness ratings below HRC 60 can significantly reduce the life of the bearing assembly. Note that stainless steel generally has a hardness value in the range of HRC 54, meaning assemblies that use stainless steel shafts will have a lower life expectancy, even if all other operating parameters are the same.
Although shaft hardness is not as critical for plain linear bearings as it is for recirculating types, it does play a role in plain bearing wear. Because plain bearings don’t typically include seals or wipers, contaminants can become trapped between the bearing and shaft and, if the bearing material is soft, the contaminants can become embedded in the bearing. Likewise, if the shaft hardness is not sufficient, contaminants can also become embedded in the shaft. For example, Dupont demonstrates that bearings made of its Delrin® acetal resin experience less wear and better life when used with harder shafts. And for plain bearings made of bronze, the shaft material must be harder than the bearing material.
Can We Chrome Plate Stainless Steel?The short answer is yes. Most common grades of Stainless Steel can be reliably Chrome Plated, this may however not be the most appropriate process depending on your application.
For A Bright, Shiny Finish
For decorative applications, it may be simpler to instead Electro-polish the item instead. During the elctro-polishing process the component is fitted with two electrodes which are connected to a power supply, this is then immersed into an electrolytic solution. This process removes surface impurities and promotes oxidation of the metal surface. This is a fantastic way to achieve a bright and shiny finish for your stainless steel components.
For Protection
Many commercial products such as car bumpers are chrome plated to increase their abrasion and scratch resistance. The process itself is often called nickel-chrome. This is because first a layer of nickel is added and then on top a thinner layer of chrome. Much of a products shine actually comes from the nickel ‘undercoat’. Nickel Plating may be one alternative if you are looking to give your component added protection. Nickel would certainly act as a protective barrier and is somewhat corrosive resistance, and quite often used to give products a shiny finish, but over time it will tarnish on its own and this is why Chrome is often used in conjunction to provide a hard and durable layer.
What about Hard Chrome?
‘Hard Chrome’ differs from Bright Chrome in that it is an industrial process which is able to provide a thick, protective barrier for your parts. This will be able to provide a much higher level of wear and corrosive protection for your parts. Hard Chrome is certainly an option for Stainless Steel parts, but may not be suitable should your component/product need to meet REACH standards.
So What Process?
It very much depends on your application. Stainless Steel can be Chrome Plated, but if you are looking purely at making it brighter and more decorative then it may be better to simply polish it. Get in touch with Silchrome Plating together and we can help guide you as to the best plating or coating process. Silchrome are ISO 9001 and 14001 certified and based in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
ID HoningThe honing process is used to produce smooth surface finishes inside bores, or to hold precise tolerances on bore diameters. Honing produces the required surface finish or finished diameter by utilizing an abrasive stone, which turns while being moved in and out of the workpiece. Cutting fluids are used to provide smooth cutting action and to remove the cut material from the bore.
MicroGroup has the capability of honing inside diameters of tubing and machined bore sizes from Ø.064″ to Ø1.00″ using its Sunnen honing machine.
The process involves introducing a mandrel (tool) into an ID or bore to remove debris and/or to change an ID finish. A lubricant may be used. The material is abrasively removed by the shearing action of the grains contained in the honing tool. This allows inaccuracies of previous operations to be corrected. Roundness is generated by the tool rotation seeking the centerline of the I.D. or machined bore. Finishes of 8µin and better can be achieved depending on the material and size. The reciprocating motion of the tool generates straightness. Multiple grits and stages must be used in sizing if the rough diameter is not within certain limits of the finished requirements.
MicroGroup also uses a process called “flexible-honing” or “ball-honing”. This process uses a resilient and flexible honing tool with a soft abrasive cutting action. Flexible-Hone tools are made with a heavy-duty twisted wire shaft that holds flexible nylon strands coated with abrasive globules or balls attached to the end of the nylon strands. These globules or balls conform to the shape of the surface to be honed to create a smooth, consistent finish in a cylinder bore or tube I.D. Flexible-Honing is also an excellent choice for cleaning the inside diameters of tubing.
Four Types of Hydraulic Cylinders are Used in Many ApplicationsIt’s important to know which hydraulic cylinder is going to work best for your application. Each type of cylinder uses a different design and mechanisms to function. It’s also important to use cylinders that are designed by engineers and fluid power specialists. In this post, we will look at some of the different types of cylinders Best Metal Products has to offer.
Single acting cylinders
Single acting hydraulic cylinders are ideal for use in applications that have weight, gravity, or another assisting force which will move the cylinder in a single direction. Single acting hydraulic cylinders use hydraulic pressure to extend or retract the rod in one direction. Single acting cylinders often cost less than double acting cylinders and work well in a vast range of mobile and industrial applications.
Double acting cylinders
Double acting hydraulic cylinders are more common than single acting cylinders because they work in more applications at almost any angle. In applications where there is assistance through gravity or weight, hydraulic pressure is still often used to cushion the stoppage, control acceleration, and meter the rate of travel.
Piggyback cylinders
Piggyback hydraulic cylinders use two cylinders in opposite directions that are yoked or welded together. This means that there is twice the stroke while taking up half the space. Piggyback cylinders are idea in applications that have limited space but require a long stroke.
Telescopic cylinders
Telescopic hydraulic cylinders are made available in single acting and double acting types. Like piggyback cylinders they allow for a long stroke while taking up much less space when collapsed.
At Best Metal Products, we believe that every single hydraulic cylinder that we produce meets stringent quality standards, performs or exceeds its rating standard, and functions with a long service life with the utmost reliability, predictability, and safety. If you are an OEM and have been looking for an experienced, trusted hydraulic cylinder manufacturer, do not hesitate to contact us today!
What does it mean to "throw a rod"?A friend of mine told me that he had ruined his car engine while driving very fast on a country road. He claims he "blew a rod" and the motor was worthless after that. In more technical terms, could you please tell me what happens when one "blows a rod?"
Harv
RAY: To set the record straight, in the field of auto mechanics, one doesn't "blow a rod," one "throws a rod." Now that that's clear, here's what happens.
TOM: When gasoline explodes in a cylinder, the violent force of that explosion pushes the piston down. The motion of that piston is what makes the crankshaft turn--and ultimately what makes the car move. The metal part that connects the piston to the crankshaft is called a "connecting rod."
RAY: When you "throw a rod," it means that one of these rods has literally broken off. When that happens, one of two things occurs. If the rod breaks while the piston is on its way up, the piston keeps going up until it jams itself permanently into the cylinder head. If the rod breaks while the piston is coming down, the broken rod can pierce a hole right through the engine block (like a compound bone fracture breaking through the skin). Either way, the engine is instantly ruined, and you'll have to "blow a wad" to get the car back on the road.
RAY: There are two theories about why connecting rods break. The first is divine revenge. This theory states that people who rev the heck out of their cars get what they deserve. We call that the "divining rod theory." Mechanical Atheists, on the other hand, argue that thrown rods have more to do with the age of the car and the accompanying low oil pressure. Since there is a divine element involved, we play it safe by subscribing to both theories.
TOM: So if your friend wants his next car to last, he should cover all of the bases. First, he should live a good clean life. That'll cover the "divining rod theory" and all of its corollaries. Second, he should change the oil frequently, and make sure the level is always adequate. That should take care of the Atheists. And finally, he should slow down on country roads so he can enjoy the scenery. That'll satisfy the Audubon Society and the local constabulary.
