Also known as abrasive blasting, sandblasting is a surface finishing process that involves the use of a powered machine — typically an air compressor as well as a sandblasting machine — to spray abrasive particles under high pressure against a … Read More

Consisting of a disc-shaped piece of metal — typically carbon steel or stainless steel — washers are used to distribute the load of a bolt. Before placing a bolt through an object, it’s first placed through a washer. The washer … Read More

Also known as spray deposition, spray forming is a manufacturing process that involves coating a workpiece with semi-solid particles of metal. It’s designed to create a protective coating over the surface of the workpiece, thereby protecting it from rust, corrosion … Read More

Have you heard of locking wire? It’s used extensively in the aerospace and manufacturing industries to secure fasteners in place. Not all fasteners require locking wire. If a fastener is exposed to constant and/or forceful vibrations, however, this otherwise simple … Read More

As shown in the image to the left, steel bars are long and relatively thin rods of steel. Also known as a reinforcing bar or simply “rebar,” they are frequently used in the construction industry to reinforce concrete structures. When … Read More

Raw metal often has unattractive qualities and characteristics that make it unsuitable for manufacturing applications. As a result, metalworking companies may alter raw metal to improve its physical properties — a process known as peening. Whether it’s steel, aluminum, copper … Read More

Characterized by the presence of external threading, screws are one of the world’s most versatile and commonly used fasteners. They are designed to secure objects by removing materials while simultaneously creating helical grooves. Fine adjustment screws serve this same purpose, … Read More