With its unique properties, including longevity and weather resistance, plastic is now an essential material used in the production of countless consumer and commercial goods. Statistics show that global production of plastics has increased from just 100 million metric tons … Read More

Facing is a common machining process that involves the use of a lathe or milling machine to remove material from the end and/or shoulder of a workpiece. After the workpiece is placed on the machine, a cutting tool is pressed … Read More

Piercing, punching and blanking are three common machining processes that are used to manipulate raw metal, such as sheet metal. All three processes require the use of a machine, which in some way deforms or alters the physical properties of … Read More

Also known as a disc spring or cupped spring washer, a Belleville washer is a unique washer-style fastener that’s characterized by a cupped construction. As shown in the image here, Belleville washers don’t lie flat. Rather, they feature a canonical … Read More

Both crimping and soldering are used to create connections for cables. Ethernet cables, for example, typically feature RJ-45 connectors at the ends. To add an RJ-45 connector to an Ethernet cable, you can either crimp or solder it. While both … Read More

Are you still using your incandescent lighting at your home or business? While inexpensive and readily available, incandescent bulbs are gradually being phased out in favor of light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. Even with their newfound popularity, though, some people are … Read More

A hinge is a type of bearing that’s used to join two objects while allowing one or both objects to partially rotate. Kitchen cabinets, for example, often feature a hinge that allows the door to open and close. The hinge … Read More