Molded rubber is used in a variety of products. You can find grommets, gaskets, hoses, boots and countless other products made of molded rubber. It’s a durable, long-lasting material that’s incredibly versatile. Unless you’re familiar with it, though, you might … Read More

Stainless steel is often classified by its crystalline structure. When inspecting stainless steel under a microscope, you’ll see an array of crystals. There are four primary types of crystalline structures including ferric, martensitic, duplex and austenitic. Of those four types, … Read More

Loose joint hinges have become a popular alternative to traditional hinges. They are still used to connect two objects, and they still allow one or both of the connected objects to rotate. Loose joint hinges, however, feature a unique design … Read More

A turnbuckle is a common rigging device that is used to adjust the tension or length of cables, reduce the level of slack in ropes, and for many other tensioning applications. The tension delivered is controlled by rotating the frame … Read More

In the manufacturing industry, production cycles can often be classified as either short run or long run. Some manufacturing companies focus on short-run production, whereas others focus on long-run production. While they both involve the conversion of raw materials into … Read More

The term “living hinge” can be confusing. Hinges are mechanical devices that allow for a limited angle of rotation. They aren’t living organisms, of course. Rather, hinges are inanimate objects. Depending on the material from which it’s constructed, though, a … Read More

Shaft seals are a common component in machines and industrial equipment. Like all types of seals, they are designed to prevent substances — typically oil or other fluids — from leaking. A shaft seal will create a secure mating surface … Read More