Lockwashers offer an easy and effective way to protect fasteners from vibration-related loosening. Over time, vibrations can cause nuts and bolts to loosen. Lock washers, however, feature teeth that grip to prevent loosening. As you tighten the bolt or nut, … Read More

Seals play an important role in many machines. Machines often have fluid- or gas passages. As the fluid or gas heats up, it will become pressurized. To prevent leaks, mechanical seals such as O-rings are placed around the mating surfaces … Read More

Casters are often categorized according to the material from which they are made. There are phenolic casters made of a synthetic polymer known as phenolic, stainless steel casters made of stainless steel, cast iron casters made of cast iron, and … Read More

Hinges are available in many different styles. There are butt hinges consisting of two leafs and an interconnected knuckle, loose joint hinges consisting of a fixed pin in one leaf, continuous hinges consisting of long leafs that span the entire … Read More

Bearings play an important role in many machines. Consisting of enclosed rings with balls, they are designed to support rotating shafts. Machines with a rotating shaft will often feature a bearing to reduce friction. Bearings, however, are typically used in … Read More

Not all copper cables are the same. While they all feature copper conductors, they are available in different styles, such as ribbon and flex. What’s the difference between ribbon cables and flex cables exactly? What Are Ribbon Cables? Ribbon cables … Read More

When choosing hinges for a humid or moist environment, you should consider the degree to which it’s protected from corrosion. Most hinges are made of metal. Exposure to moisture can trigger oxidation that degrades or destroys the hinge. Some hinges, … Read More