Latest Posts
Low vs Medium vs High-Carbon Steel
- September 30, 2019
Steel is often categorized according to its carbon content. All steel contains at least some amount of carbon. After all, steel is defined as an alloy of iron and carbon. Without the presence of carbon, it would simply be iron. By adding carbon to it, the metal becomes stronger and harder. This is why many
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What Is Sandblasting?
- September 27, 2019
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 surface. It’s called “sandblasting” because it blasts the surface with particles of sand. As the
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5 Corrosion Resistant Treatments Fasteners
- September 27, 2019
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 works to evenly distribute the load of the bolt to discourage loosening. If a washer
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What Is Spray Forming?
- September 26, 2019
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 and other forms of degradation. Once applied, the semi-solid particles naturally distribute themselves evenly across
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How Locking Wire Is Used to Secure Fasteners
- September 24, 2019
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 component could prove invaluable. Unless you’re familiar with it, though, you might be wondering how
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How Cold Drawing Is Used to Make Steel Bars
- September 21, 2019
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 concrete is poured, steel bars are added. Once the concrete sets and hardens, the steel
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