Technology

There is a rapid growth in wireless sensors together with wearable devices across the world. The demand for extended life-span power sources is also increasing. For that reason, energy harvesting has become an essential element an alternative to various power sources. It also holds great potential when it comes to achieving autonomous powered operations of low-powered electronic devices. Recently, the subject on the applications of piezoelectric energy harvesters attracted the attention of prolific research industries. Because of its strong impact on materials, the piezoelectric effect is currently adopted to convert any form of mechanical energy to electrical energy mainly. As highlighted by Manorshi, the piezoelectric effect is also known for its impactful features including ease of implementation as well as miniaturization.

From the viewpoint of the piezoelectric applications, we are primarily concerned with the abilities of a harvester to generate usable power and energy under variable excitation. Here, we focused our research on various methodologies that led to high power generation coupled with a broad spectrum of operational bandwidth. We discuss various designs, non-linear techniques, and harvesting materials that can impact different industries profoundly. We also evaluate the merits of piezoelectric energy harvesters while giving a systemic performance outlined therein.

Take a look:

The piezoelectric energy harvesting industry holds great potential in achieving long-lasting self-powered operations based on wireless sensor networks and wearable devices. Over the years, the piezoelectric effect has been used in the conversion of mechanical energy to usable electricity. This is appended to the fact that it has a high energy conversion capability. In the last decade, the piezoelectric energy harvester has been used in the development of four primary applications, namely pacemakers, bridge monitoring, building monitoring, as well as shoemaking.

Through piezoelectric energy harvesting, mechanical energy harvesting has been made possible. This implies that it is easier for mechanical energy to be converted to electrical power. With that said, there are different energy sources for energy harvesters. They are such as the human body, flowing water, animals, and industrial machines. On that note, energy harvesters are also a promising source of energy.

Away from the typical chemical batteries often used in various industries, energy harvesters work like power generators. Therefore, they can endlessly generate power from their surroundings.  With energy harvesters, issues appended to batteries, such as a large size span and environmental pollution, are a thing of the past. Coupled with the rapid growth of integrated circuits and high energy storage solutions, the piezoelectric energy harvesting solution is expected to foster the development of self-powered operations not only in the healthcare sector but automotive applications too.

It is important to note that the direct impact of piezoelectric energy harvesting has been felt in multiple industries, as we stated earlier. It is governed by differential equations that stress its effect on the compliance of the electric field. Several energy harvesters work in a lower frequency range of the piezoelectric element. Thus, these elements can be referred to as plate capacitors.

 In Closing

In energy harvesting, the piezoelectric impact easily converts the kinetic energy into electric energy. Thus, piezoelectric generators provide a reliable solution for consumers where it converts wasted energy into usable energy. The harvesters are also ideal when it comes to applications that require a supercapacitor.

Pyrolysis is the procedure of decomposing organic elements chemically under specific conditions. The unique conditions are; absence of oxygen, presence of pressure, and high temperatures of more than 400 degrees Celsius. During the chemical process, the organic elements change their physical state as well as their chemical composition. In connection to that, not that the method of pyrolysis is irreversible, and it is done in a pyrolysis plant. Click here for information on one of the top pyrolysis plants in the industry. 

There are four main types of pyrolytic reactions and below are their explanations and benefits.

1.     Slow Pyrolysis

This type of pyrolytic reaction is categorized by lengthy solids and gas residence times, as well as low temperatures and reduced rate of biomass heating. In this reaction, the heat ranges from 0.1 degrees to 2 degrees per second, with the maximum temperature as 500 degrees Celsius. The amount of time that the gas spends in the reactor is a bit over 5 seconds, while that of the biomass ranges from several minutes to several days. 

2. Flash Pyrolysis

This type of reaction occurs at rapid heating rates on top of some modest temperatures between 400 and 600 degrees Celsius. This reaction produces a smaller quantity of gas as well as tar compared to the latter, and the amount of time the vapor spends in the reactor is less than two seconds. 

3. Fast Pyrolysis

This process is used in the production of pyrolysis bio-oil gas. In this reaction, the biomass is heated rapidly until it reaches a temperature of 650 degrees-1000 degrees Celsius. The amount of heat applied depends on the amount of bio-oil or gas that is intended to be produced. During this process, char is collected in large amounts. The char, therefore, has to be removed more frequently throughout the process.

4. Microwave Pyrolysis

One of the elements of biomass is that it absorbs microwave radiation effortlessly. Microwave heating can be done as the initial step if pyrolysis is being done at a lower temperature of around 200- 3oo degrees Celsius. The bio-oil that is produced after microwave heating has been found to contain more concentrations of valuable chemicals. It has also been found that microwave bio-oil can be used as an alternative to crude oil. 

Benefits of pyrolysis

• The pyrolysis process is simple
• The process is not costly
• It helps to reduce water pollution
• It helps to transform waste into useful products like liquid and gaseous bio-oil
• It helps to reduce the amount of garbage that is released into landfills
• It is a step in the direction of reducing the country’s dependence on imported energy
• It is instrumental in waste management hence promoting public health
• Pyrolysis plants create several job opportunities for people

Conclusion

The process of pyrolysis dates back to the early 20th century, where pyrolysis was used in the production of charcoal from wood. Since then, the applications of pyrolysis have increased drastically. Currently, the process applied in waste management, production of bio-oil and gas, construction, production of chemicals like methanol, mass spectrometry, carbon-14-dating, and different cooking procedures like baking, grilling, and frying. 

It has been predicted that the industry for stadium and arena lighting will be worth more than six hundred million dollars by the year 2023. But, such growth is attributed to the increased demand for stadium and arena lights due to increased sporting events, and the desire of individuals in the sports industry to give and enhances stadium/arena experience to both the fans and players. The reduction in the cost of energy consumption is also a factor in the growth of this industry. 

Most stadiums employ led stadium lights as an essential aspect of sports view application. In this post, we look at the factors to consider when choosing the best-Led stadium lights. 

1. Methods of mounting

The way with which the lights will be installed depends on the type of stadium as well as the type of lights. For instance, the construction stadiums usually have poles on which the lights can be mounted. It is, however, essential to make sure that the views are compatible with the existing poles. There are other options like pin stadium lights and portable stadium lights. 

2. Parameters of the stadium or arena

The parameters include the length, width, positions of the poles on which the lights will be mounted, and the heights of the poles. All these factors have to be considered when choosing the most suitable led stadium and arena lights.

3. The illuminance and luminous emittance levels

These levels are measured in units called lux. The lux levels differ depending on the type of event that is to be covered in the stadium or arena. National sporting events, international or local events all require different lux levels. 

4. Working Voltage

It is essential to find out the working voltage of the stadium or arena LED lights. The typical voltages are between AC 100V and 277V.  However, higher voltages may be requested depending on the illumination needed. 

5. Maintenance, quality, and reliability

Concerning maintenance, an LED light with a separate electric box would be suitable for easy maintenance. The light also has to be durable; hence, the reliability factor. However, the quality of the LED light significantly affects the durability of the light and maintenance routine. 

6. Consider the impact on the environment

Environmentalists have expressed concerns over the fact that stadium and arena lights are a great source of environmental pollution. However, this does not have to be the case. Always consider the amount of light and illumination produced by the light to keep the impact on the environment less harmful. 

The difference between the stadium and arena lighting

Both stadiums and arenas are locations where sporting events and other spectacular events are hosted. The difference between the two is that an arena is usually used to host indoor events, and a stadium is outdoor. Stadiums are also larger than arenas. This means that concerning lighting there are differences in aspects such as;

• Illumination
• Voltage
• Intensity 

Final Word

When considering the type of light for a stadium and arena, it is essential to understand the amount of power that is required. With knowledge on the required voltage, you can determine the value that you should be going for and the stadium lights cost.

What is HMI? HMI is an abbreviation for the human-machine interface and it is an interface that serves as a mediator between the user and the machine. This term is specifically for manufacturing process systems. The HMI helps to provide a visual representation of how the control system is functioning with data acquisition. The HMI which is the human-machine interface gives off a graphical view of the condition of the system and its operations, it gives important information that lacks some push-button panels or the switch banks. The HMI provides robust monitoring, control and reports the status of whatever it is that you want to monitor amongst other functions. Touch panels, displays of messages and text panels are all available.

HMI can be used or serve as the central controlling unit to manufacture lines because they are endowed with a non-volatile memory that contains a data recipe, it can give off event logging and can trigger evil or provide video feedback to monitor the status. To have a manufacturing line that is to be integrated with HMI, it has to be connected to the PLC(Programmable Logic Controller) or a Motion Controller. This PLC would take the information that is gotten from the machine sensor and it converts or changes it into a Boolean algebra which would help it communicate better with the HMI.

An HMI’s greatest advantage is that it is super friendly to its users and it can personalize or customize the graphical interface. An HMI can support complicated applications and it has multiple screens and has various routines that run at the same time. HMI’s all have different features such as some can play sounds, some play videos and some have access to control. When selecting an HMI, it should be based on the customer’s application and you should consider the capabilities of the user and also the conditions of the environment such as noise, vision or dust.

The HMI has 3 main roles which include replacing push-button, handling data and supervision of the system.

LEDs, On/Off buttons or switches or any devices that can do the work of a control function have been replaced by the push-button. The reason why these different mechanical devices were removed was that the HMI can give a representation of these devices on its LCD screen while it performs similar functions.

The handling of data can also be used in the application because it requires regulation feedback and monitoring. HMI’s all serve as the handlers of data because it comes equipped with large memory capacity.

Finally, the last HMI type is the system supervisor because it collaborates with the SCADA which is an acronym for( Supervisory control and data acquisition) and MES which is an acronym for (manufacturing execution system) which helps it display information. These systems are centralized systems which monitor and control the activities of the entire site. HMIs are usually linked to SCADA database systems and software programs which help provide trending data which diagnostic and it also helps in the management of information. Learn more from this website https://www.stoneitech.com/ .

Injection molding is the process used in manufacturing items the likes of plastic and toys. The process involves turning those materials into automotive body panels, cell phone cases, water bottles, and other items made of plastic. During the process of manufacturing, the plastic is converted then taken through a process called mold design. Through mold design for injection molding, the liquid plastic is forced into a mold or cures in a complicated process. Other than molten plastic, mold design can also be done on the melted glass. The mold design process determines the quality of the resulting products. This post intends to give you more mold design information. 

The process of mold design

1. The thought processes

This initial step of the process determines the general flow of the entire process. For the mold design process to run successfully, mold manufacturers have to establish a streamlined process that covers all aspects and milestones, starting with the price quotation at the beginning of the process and the desired finished product at the end of mold design.

In the thought process, the inputs and outputs for each step of mold design have to be determined. The expectations of each stage and the final product also have to be clearly defined. The specific technologies and methods to be used in mold design, and the design of the final product also has to be determined during the thought process. 

2. Quotation

This is where aspects like the material’s parameters for shrinkage, tip points, rotation, and other crucial elements are put down. The quote aims to provide the engineers and designers with an idea of how the job will be approached. For effectiveness, the quotation should be done by an experienced practitioner in the field because the quote determines the quality of the final product.

3. Design

The most common design for the mold design process is 3-D. Earlier, 2-D was the trend, but currently, every manufacturer in mold design is looking to employ solid 3-D models. 3-D designs make it easier for manufacturers to achieve the task of standardization and synchronization. It also aids in speeding up the process and the production of quality end products. Working with 3-D also allows the manufacturers to catch production issues as soon as they emerge hence allowing the issues to be resolved before they can affect the entire process negatively. With 3-D changes can also be made to the design promptly. 

4. Making the Mold

Manufacturing here involves the use of several machines and a lot of skills. An injection molding machine comprises three primary units; the hopper, the heater, and the ram. These units work together to ensure the achievement of quality products. The manufacturers have the task of ensuring that these units are working correctly.

Final Word

Through mold design, manufacturers can achieve intricate designs that otherwise would not be possible. The process of mold design is intricate yet economical, and the volume of products that can be achieved through mold design is also incredible. 

When it comes to handling and caring for your press brakes, you need to be a lot more proactive. There are both the mechanical and electrical systems, tooling and hydraulic circuits to put into consideration as well. Here are easy ways for you to take care of your press brakes.

Make Copies of Your Manual

This is the simplest step and it is also the first to take when it comes to caring for your press brakes. It is important to have a hard copy that can be visible to operators when necessary. A good place to keep a hard copy is near the electric panel. Also, have soft copies available in case of an emergency. You always want to have soft and hard copies of your manual in a safe storage area.

Lubricate As Recommended

There is a diagram that should appear in your manual. This manual shows the appropriate lubrication for different parts and also provides a recommended schedule to follow. Let’s say you work a total of 3 shifts, lubrications would be done 3 times sooner as it is based on an 8-hour workday. Timetables and starts for filters, hydraulic oils, etc are provided on the manual as well.

Check Hydraulic Circuit

It is very important to have clean oil as well as a filled reservoir. To ensure proper maintenance of your press brake, checking the oil daily is recommended. It is the same for oils used in hydraulic clamping. Ensure the tank cover seals and the air breathers are in perfect condition. Have an oil supplier check the quality and the viscosity of your oil after every 2000 hr of operation. Other things you should look into includes;

• Clean the tanks and suction filters thoroughly.
• Clean and replace filters when necessary.
• Check the air filter at the oil tank cover.
• Examine all mechanical equipment.
• Examine the pumps and the pressure relief valves for signs of maximum pressure.

Examine Important Components

Check the piston bolts, guides, and chain sprockets at least twice a year. You can do this by checking all bolts for tightness and check conditions if any seem loose. Replace stretched ones. Calibrate all stops and back gauges. Follow the manufacturer specifications to retain adequate clearance between ram gibs.

It is also important to maintain your machines electrical components by checking them annually. This includes the terminal boxes, motor terminal strips, relate, printed circuit boards, cables, and switches, etc.

Keep It Clean

A properly wiped down and clean press brake has more chances of lasting longer. Always remember that dust and rusts are the enemies of this machine. You should have a rust protectant on your machine. Ensure the back gauge us clean, ensure cooling fans and vent filters are clean as well. The hydraulic pump motor should be kept clean from dust and dirt. Safety lasers should be cleaned daily with none abrasive cloth to avoid scratches or build-ups.

With these steps, you are sure to maintain the productivity of your press brake and help it last a lot longer.

The creation of models or sampling process for evaluation and testing of any item design is vital before the mass production of products.  However, it’s a fact that creating a prototype can be quite expensive.  A simple way of lowering the cost is through the use of CNC machining services. Below are the main advantages of using CNC machining orders for your sampling process instead of models.

• CNC Machining Services Is Material Friendly

Sometimes the production and manufacturing of products are interrupted because of a lack of raw materials. What’s more common is a machine can only use one type of material; hence a company trying to produce products made of different materials is forced to invest in various devices to use in the production process.  However, the CNC machine easily accommodates the use of plastic and metal in the creation of prototypes hence drastically reducing the CNC prototyping cost

• CNC Machining Services Assures Fast Turnaround

Time management is a factor that is critical in manufacturing industries as it affects the number of products produced.  However, in most traditional manufacturing plants, downtime is usually caused by a change in work shifts by employees or numerous breaks necessary for rest. But, you have the assurance of fast turnaround operation when contracting CNC machining services in China. With minimization of human involvement, there is a reduction in rest breaks needed, and the only downtime is for maintenance and upgrades hence guaranteed round the clock operation.

• CNC Machining Services Offers Controlled Precision

CAD technology is put in use to create a 3D model to ensure high accuracy in the manufacturing of a product. The 3D model allows designers to evaluate the function and look of the finished product accurately. When printing the prototype, the machine follows the software input generating a sample accordingly. As it factors every part beforehand, you are assured of precision with CNC machining as it uses controlled movements to provide accurate models.

• CNC Machining Services Is Scalable

Though the CNC machining services are mostly used in the creation of product testing samples, it can also be put to use for mass production of process. Ideally, once the primary sample is tested and gets an all-clear for production, the sample machine can be used to replicate orders. An engineer inputs new CNC machining orders in the software program allowing manufacturing of scalable volumes of up to 100,000 products efficiently.

• CNC Machining Services Requires Minor Human Involvement

Human involvement is necessary for the creation of new products. The association is especially required for the designing, engineering and testing process to ensure that the product created is usable.  However, it is also a fact that many mistakes made during production are due to human involvement. Through the CNC service, you can cut down on human errors and only including employee interaction when necessary.

Conclusion

When it comes to the creation of prototypes, two main ways in use are the CNC prototyping and the rapid prototyping processes. Unfortunately, materials through the rapid prototyping process can be quite expensive and hence reserved for specific models. Nonetheless, as seen above, you can get quick, high-quality, detailed samples to use through the CNC machining services, saving you time and money.

A 3D printer is a reliable gadget that many individuals in the business fraternity can use in their printing needs. Being an emerging business professional with a focus on producing quality products for your consumers, you need to maintain the quality of your machine to keep your clients engaged. As shared by Creality company,  here are the top strategies to use in maintaining your 3D printer. 

• Lubrication Is An Important Element To Consider  

As with a car engine, your 3D printer requires some form of lubrication. To be successful in this, you need to select the correct type of lubricant. Of course, you shall not be using motor oil in this case. Perhaps you can work with a professional service provider who can supply you with a reliable oil to use in lubricating your 3D printer.

• Update Your Printer’s Firmware

Your printer’s firmware is one of the essential elements to consider checking when it comes to maintenance. Therefore, you continuously need to have it updated professionally before anything else. Perhaps you can achieve this by ensuring that it is updated in a good time. Note, this should be before using it.

• Be Keen On The Filament Cleaning Nozzle

Perhaps there’s nothing as irritating as having a clogged nozzle in a 3D printer. Not only will this slow everything you’re handling in terms of printing but also contribute to the production of low-quality products. Picture this, when printing, you are successfully producing high-quality products until you get to a certain point where the quality of products is substandard.

• Get The Right Filament For That Job

Your 3D printer will serve you well if you use the right filament for the job. When cleaning the rims and other parts that need your full attention, you should focus on utilizing a high-quality filament. Before loading your material into the printer, you should unwind the spool then check the internal areas for kinks. That way, you’ll be in a position to remove dirt from the rims.

• Clean The Extruder Of Your Printer

One of the leading ways of becoming an excellent 3D printing professional is overcoming the challenges you run into from time to time. Not only will you handle the messy parts of the machine, including the filament and stubborn prints, but also clean the dirty extruder. For that reason, you need to check the state of your extruder and incorporate a viable cleaning method that will suffice.

• Gain Access To A 3D Printing Tool Kit

Since you’re a professional printer, your 3D printing device should always be in excellent condition. To achieve that, you need to have the right printing tool kit. Such can only be achieved if you work with a professional service provider to ensure that you own a cleaning kit. The package should contain a lubricant and a cleaning cloth therein.

Take-Home

A 3D printing machine is supposed to assist you in getting high-quality products significantly. The manufacturing process makes three dimensional solid objects from one digital file. Therefore, the creation of 3D objects is often acquired using these additive processes.

Injection molding is known for producing scrap as well as traditionally low scrap elements. This is usually relative to machining, which can easily cut away a significant percentage of the initial plastic block as well as a sheet. With that said, for different professionals in the manufacturing sector, it’s essential to understand the cycles involved in the manufacture of products using the method of plastic molding. Here are the primary cycles of an injection mould.

• Clamping Is The First Process

Clamping is the initial step of the plastic molding process. Before injecting mold into the material, the elements must be closed. Thereafter, they are then sealed using a clamping unit. At this point, you may now append the injection to your mould. The raw material will then be injected as the unit used in clamping is pushed into the halves.

• The Process Of Injection

 As its scientific name suggests, in this phase, plastic pallets will be inserted into an injection moulding machine using a hopper. The elements, which are raw materials, are then moved towards the injection unit of the device. As such, the heat found in the barrel will begin to break down the pallets. Also, the massive volume of the material will be injected into the device in this stage.

• Cooling Takes Place

 In this phase, plastic pallets have already been inserted into the device. Therefore, cooling is facilitated using a process that involves the plastic being added to the machine. Thereafter, the mould is exposed to a low temperature that will facilitate cooling. When the plastic is being exposed to cold temperatures to enhance cooling, then it begins to harden. Of course, some of the parts of the raw material will shrink significantly.

• A Look At The Ejection Process

The ejection process entails removing the material from the machine. In this phase, you’ll use an ejection system. As such, the mould will open before a large part of it is forced out of the machine. Bu using this force, some of the parts of the materials will shrink, thereby sticking to the mould. Thereafter, the mould may be shut once more. The process is repetitive.

• Disintegrating Mold Design Mold

Design refers to the quality of the product that has been created after passing the raw material through the whole phase of mold injection and ejection. As such, the mold needs to withstand the pressure that has been used in pressing the materials. In the long run, the polymer needs to flow smoothly as well.

Take-Home

Plastic molding is a complicated process. You need to understand the cycles involved in ensuring that you achieve excellent results. Besides, you also need to be highly trained to run the machine appropriately. That way, you can have high-quality products. With the phases cited above, you will be in a position to grasp all details involved in the process.

Unquestionably, Terry cloth fabric laminated with TPU membrane is applicable in various areas for product manufacturing. Arguably, the wide range of application is due to the high durability of the laminated fabric, its water-resistant nature, and it is easy to wash. Besides, apart from Terry fabric laminated cloth having cotton backing, which makes it more comfortable on the skin, its material is more pliable and soft.  Therefore, if you want to know various Thermal PUL fabric uses, consider reading through this article.

• In making placemats

Proper sanitation is essential for a healthy life. Subsequently, it is vital to keep the dining tables and kitchen services clean. Use of Terry thermal polyurethane laminate fabric placemats to wipe up spills and drips is one of the best ways of ensuring the surfaces are clean. Besides, the placemats in question also protect the table from the heat by placing it under the plate or cup.

• Snack bags

Similarly, snacks and other food products should be packed on clean and safe bags as a way of reducing illness risk hazards. Consequently, Terry transparent, polyurethane fabric bags are washable, reusable, and keeps sandwiches and snacks secure. As a result, you are guaranteed of the bag’s cleanliness, thus making it fit to use for carrying foodstuffs. Also, it is economical as it can be used severally due to its high durability.

• Beach bag

Certainly, individuals would like to take with them some of their valuables, such as mobile phones, to the beach. However, the risk is high because such devices can be easily destroyed by water. Consequently, using TPUL Terry cloth, some manufacturers came up with waterproof fabric spotlight beach bags that would make it easier for you to carry your valuables to the beach, and they are safe from water.

• Making baby bibs

Indisputably, baby bibs play a vital role in protecting the kids from dirtying themselves while eating. The PUL Terry cloth fabric is one of the best for making the baby bibs due to its softness and the lamination. Consequently, the kid will be more comfortable with it, and it is friendlier since it can be used even when the kid is drinking either milk or water without wetting their clothes.

• Zipper purse

In the recent past, clear PUL fabric has become one of the primary materials used for making zipper purse. The PUL fabric being water-resistance is the main feature that makes it more suitable for making the purse. In most cases, items carried in a zipper purse are water sensitive, thus the need for waterproof material.

• Seat cushions

Unquestionably, seat cushions need to be soft and comfortable. Besides, the material used need to be pliable so that it can be easily formed into different shapes and designs. Also, water-resistant material is an added advantage since it will be easy to dry it up in case of accidental liquid spillage on it. A laminated PUL fabric contains all the named features, thus making it more suitable for the use in question.

In conclusion

Conclusively, a laminated Terry cloth contains a lot of essential elements. Consequently, it is ideal for various situations, thus being applicable in several fields. This article looks at some common PUL fabric uses has most manufacturers have focused on producing.