Wear in Injection Molds: To Float or Not to Float
One of the most difficult and challenging mold design issues is how to reduce or eliminate wear in injection molds. After all, the more wear that occurs, the higher the mold repair costs and/or the shorter the life of the mold. It’s a given that both the mold designer and the mold builder are committed to designing and building molds with the least wear, but it often seems to be an elusive target, especially with mold designs that have various actions taking place during the molding cycle.
The Wear Challenge
Mold designers and builders try to use the typical methods of minimizing wear—such as using differential metals; using low-wear coatings; specifying high metal hardness thus equating high hardness with low wear; designing shutoffs with high angles thus avoiding locking shutoff angles; and, many more concepts that their experience leads them to believe works best in specific applications. However, one design principle that is not well understood by mold designers and mold builders is wear caused by mold components that are under some load or stress during the molding cycle.
Mold designers and builders see the mold as it is built and especially during the mold assembly phase. Every attempt is made by them to assemble the mold components such that all inserts are fitted so the mold can be assembled by hand. In the better mold building shops, the use of hammers, pry bars and clamps is either strictly forbidden or the use is severely limited. Most molds then are assembled by hand with many of the mold components fitted with close tolerances but, by design, are not under a stress. On the bench then, the mold is in a Static condition.
The molder then sees the mold in a Dynamic condition. Components may be moved out of position due to a variety of molding conditions—such as being clamped up under tonnage; cams moving back and forth with the opening and closing of the mold; thermodynamic changes in the mold due to differential heating and cooling; and, stresses caused by injection pressures trying to move mold components out of position. Therefore, to the perceptive molder, a mold is alive or a dynamic device, not a static device during the molding process.
For years there has been a small group of molders and mold builders that recognize that molds are dynamic devices. They have recognized that this dynamic condition often has caused mold components to be forced out of a designed position. As forces are exerted on mold components, they move out of their desired position and may be forced against their mating components such that very high loads or stresses between these components occur. One of the more serious results of these stresses is high rates of mold wear. It is almost inevitable that increasing loads will increase the wear between these mold components.
Mold Alignment Approach
Molders who recognized that excessive wear was being caused by unanticipated stresses on the mold components began to use a variety of designs to address the problem. One of the most common was to utilize increasingly expensive mold alignment features—such as high cost straight line interlocks. The reasoning was that adding complex alignment features would not allow components to move regardless of the forces being exerted in the mold. Thus, instead of attacking the problem of movement, they continued to try to stop movement.
Wear Minimization Solution
The best solution to the problem of movement causing stress was very simple. If component A is forced against component B thus putting both components under stress, remove the stress. Removing the stress can be accomplished by a revolutionary principle and that is to incorporate designs that allow components to move in the mold.
Specifically, if component A moves due to stresses, allow component B to move with component A. If both move together, stress is reduced or eliminated—depending on the design concepts. Result: when stresses are eliminated, mold wear is substantially reduced.
Float Concept
This concept of allowing components to move or float flies in the face of the mold builder teachings. It is a concept that is foreign to their experience and teachings. The industry generally agrees that the one type of mold that has the most potential for wear is unscrewing molds (i.e., molds designed to make a part with an internal thread). Today, molders that have adopted this concept and incorporate this into their designs are building very successful molds and are seeing substantial savings in repair costs.
Molders that are having their molds built with copper alloys to take advantage of increased mold cooling discovered that copper alloys are easily damaged. When copper alloys are formulated to resist wear, thermal conductivity can be significantly reduced. Molders then were forced to choose between fast cycle times due to increased mold cooling or better wear resistance. Molders that are using copper alloys successfully in molds have learned that float mould components may be the most successful mold design concept to minimize wear. Floating mold components therefore allow the molder to have minimal wear and fast cycle times.

Key to Success
The key issues in floating mold components are to determine which components will be floated and how to actually design them to float. Molders that have successfully determined how to achieve this are seeing faster cycle times and lower mold repair costs.
30 holes egg tray mould use for paper pulp machinery
Egg tray moulds features:
1. Our mould is durable and easy for maintenance and replacement.
2. The price of our mold is reasonable comparable to its high quality.
3. We make lineation before drilling holes to ensure all holes distributed evenly. The holes size and spacing of holes of our suction molds are better for high efficiency. We use stainless steel mesh and use pre-forming technology when making them, this make the molds looks better and increase the efficiency, and the products produced are with better looking.
Our pulp molds have been mounted successfully on the international pulp molding machine, such as reciprocating pulp molding machine, rotary pulp molding machine. And we made many molds for pulp molding machines made by some famous company in the world.
In the process of producing plastic chemical barrel moulds, due to the influence of raw materials, molds, equipment and processes, the surface of the plastic chemical barrel moulds will appear to be blooming. At this time, we need to conduct on-site inspections. The plastic chemical barrel mould manufacturers introduce the process as follows:
Whether the material is wet: check whether there is obvious water and moisture phenomenon in the data. You can visually observe that there is no water and moisture phenomenon in the outer package. Open the material bag and touch the data to see if there is moisture. Difficult to dry.
2. Feeding link: Check the feeding link to ensure that the barrel mould and feeding process are clean to prevent foreign materials from mixing in and check the data particles for obvious bees.
3. Checking the drying equipment: Check the drying equipment to see if the heating temperature of the drying equipment is normal (there is a thermometer on the bottom of the barrel mould), whether the air blows in and out smoothly, and you can feel the wind out of the air outlet with your hand.
4. Is there a foaming phenomenon in the shot block? Exit the shot block to see if there is foaming in the block. There should be no foaming in the normal production materials. If there is foaming, there is gas. Continue to dry or lower the material. Tube temperature.
5. Check the nozzle heating ring and barrel mould: Check whether the nozzle heating ring and barrel mould are heated normally. The nozzle can be tested with a strip on it. The strip is normal if it melts. The temperature of the barrel mould can be viewed on the temperature screen, and the deviation from the set value cannot exceed 20 degrees.
6. Injection process: Check the key conditions that affect the silver pattern in the injection process. The loosening position should be as small as possible, the back pressure can be appropriately increased, and the injection speed can be increased and decreased in both directions.
7. Mold problem inspection: The inspection mold has no effects of oil leakage, air leakage, and water leakage.

Why Does Mold Grow on Plastic?
Many people believe that mold cannot grow on plastic or polymer materials. Mold generally can't break down plastic easily.
However, plastic contains many additives, such as plasticizers, cellulose, lubricants, stabilizers, and colorants to help provide desired features, and these additives ARE very easy for trash can mould to break down.
Once mold becomes established by breaking down the easily digested ingredients, the acids they produce as by-products of growth break down the resin into a more useable food source.
To learn more, read up on the ASTM G 21 test method that describes this process in greater detail.
What Does Mold Need to Grow on Plastic?
Mold is a broad term that covers a variety of species. Able to survive in the strangest of places, mold only has a few requirements to survive and thrive in any environment.
In addition to additives already embedded in the plastic itself, as mentioned above, food (dust, dirt, organic materials), moisture, and suitable temperature all provide enhanced conditions for mold growth to take hold.
While plastic might not be the preferred surface for sustaining mold growth, it can easily meet all the prerequisites if exposed to food, humidity, dirt, and dust.
These conditions vary widely between species. In fact, even the International Space Station (ISS) astronauts spend hours every week battling mold growth.
However, their fights have not gone unnoticed. Through their research, we have gained an indispensable look into the harsh environments of mold and its spores. The ISS scientists replicated the X-ray and UV exposure found around the space station and found spores surviving up to 100 gray worth of X-rays.
To put that in perspective, 5 gray is all that is needed to kill a person, while ? gray is enough to induce radiation sickness.
So, is mold the next Terminator T-1000? Well, not for us resourceful humans!

What are the advantages and disadvantages of aluminum tube Tubing?
Aluminium’s benefits make it a modern, efficient and effective material for building and construction .It’s hard to list off all of the advantages that aluminum tube has to offer. The tremendous diversity in aluminum tube alloys has allowed for faster production processes that are more efficient and save money. As the production of aluminum tube has advanced, making it cheaper and more adaptable, it has allowed for breakthroughs that would have seemed impossible just a few years previously.

Flexibility
Aluminium’s combination of properties mean that it can be easily shaped by any of the main industrial metalworking processes, including rolling, extrusion, forging and casting, guaranteeing virtually unlimited design potential.
Light-weight
Aluminium’s light weight makes it cheaper and easier to transport and handle on site.
Strength
The use of aluminium in buildings assists architects meet performance specifications while minimising expenditure on foundations. Alloyed aluminium can be as strong as steel at only a third of the weight.
Durability
Aluminium building products are made from alloys that are weather-proof, corrosion-resistant and immune to the harmful effects of UV rays, ensuring optimal performance over a very long lifetime.
Corrosive Resistance
Aluminium’s natural oxide coating provides an effective protective barrier against elements that wear other metals.
Insular
A layer of insulated aluminium cladding can be four times more effective than uninsulated timber cladding, 100mm of brick, or 200mm of stone masonry.
Recyclability
Aluminium is 100% recyclable and uses only 5% of the energy used to make the original product. Almost all aluminium used in construction is recycled.
First of all, although aluminum tube does have a great strength-to-weight ratio, when we’re just talking strength alone, stainless steel is often stronger. So for structures where weight isn’t an issue, steel might be the way to go. In addition, another drawback is that certain alloys of aluminum tube do not have the same level of corrosion resistance as stainless steel. That’s why, for example, aluminum tube is not as popular a choice for electrical cables as it used to be. When deciding on an alloy, it’s very important to know exactly what the material will be exposed to so that you know that it will be able to withstand the elements for as long as necessary.
Advantages of Aluminum Extrusion:
Aluminum is a very commonly specified material for use in extrusions and shape profiles because it possesses mechanical characteristics that make it ideally suited for the shaping and forming metal from billet sections. The high malleability of aluminum means that the metal can be readily shaped into a variety of sections without expending significant energy on the tooling or forming process, and the melting point of aluminum is also generally on the order of half that of ordinary steel. Both of these facts mean that the aluminum extrusion process has a relatively low energy footprint translating into low tooling and manufacturing costs. Finally, aluminum also possesses a high strength to weight ratio, making it an excellent choice for industrial applications.
Types of Profiles
A wide variety of intricate aluminum extrusion profile types can be created at varying thicknesses. These profiles can feature a wide variety of intricate void spaces, as necessitated by the end use application. A wide range of internal voids are available in order to facilitate a wide variety of automation applications and also satisfy any performance weight requirements. The most common type of aluminum profile is the hollow beam profile which is simply a variation of the square profile. There are also other profile types such as the triangular, single radius, and L-shaped profile.
Aluminum is an amazing metal that has had a great impact on modern industry. Its versatility and adaptability mean that it can be used in numerous applications, more cost effective and with greater durability than many other materials. No matter what your product or job, there’s likely an aluminum alloy that’s right for you.
The downside to this tremendous diversity is that aluminum offers a wide range of options, sometimes making it difficult to know which grade is most suitable. For instance, aluminum bar is frequently bought in a variety of alloys and a number of distinct shapes, including flat, hexagon, round and square. That’s not to mention the many specialty, high-performance aluminum alloys that are becoming more affordable every year.
In a perfect world, a manufacturer could take the time to test and prototype a whole range of different materials to learn which type of aluminum works best for a particular application. This process can be time consuming, and even though aluminum is well known for its ease of use (particularly for prototyping) it may be necessary to act swiftly. That’s why working with a knowledgeable, responsive material supplier is a necessity.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH ALUMINUM BAR?
As the most abundant metal found in the Earth’s crust, aluminum is a bountiful resource that offers a number of key benefits. Primary among them, aluminum exhibits an amazing strength-to-weight ratio that has made it a transformative material in architecture and engineering. It is also extremely durable and can withstand heavy forces. For instance, in automotive applications aluminum can absorb twice the crash energy of steel, allowing for vehicles to be simultaneously lighter and safer.
Another of the most prized properties of aluminum bar is its corrosion resistance. The metal naturally forms a protective oxide coating on its surface that makes it highly resistant to most types of corrosion. Some alloys are even able to endure in marine environments for extended periods of time. Furthermore, aluminum can be treated in a number of ways such as anodizing, painting or lacquering to increase its resistance even further.
Aluminum is also very formable, making it easy to work with and allowing the metal to be adapted to all kinds of applications. Aluminum bar can be bent and shaped in any number of ways. Other benefits include high ductility, thermal/electrical conductivity and reflexivity. Aluminum is also hygienic, making it extremely popular in industries such as food, beverage and medical.
Furthermore, aluminum is easy to recycle, meaning not only is it good for the environment but it is also cheaper to work with because there is much less waste material.
Different aluminum grades have different properties, so it’s important to know which alloy will work best for your particular application before getting started.
Aluminum Coil Classification
1000 Series Aluminum Coil
The 1000 series aluminum coil represents the 1000 series aluminum sheet, which is also called a pure aluminum sheet. Among all the series, the 1000 series belongs to the series with the most aluminum content. The purity can reach more than 99.00%. Because it does not contain other technical elements, the production process is relatively simple and the price is relatively cheap. It is currently the most commonly used series in conventional industries. Most of the products circulating in the market are the 1050 and 1060 series. The 1000 series aluminum plate determines the minimum aluminum content of this series according to the last two Arabic numerals. For example, the last two Arabic numerals of the 1050 series are 50. According to the international brand naming principle, the aluminum content must reach 99.5% or more to be a qualified product.
2000 Series Aluminum Coil
2000 series aluminum coils represent 2A16 (LY16), 2A06 (LY6); 2000 series aluminum plates are characterized by high hardness, of which the copper element content is the highest, about 3-5%. 2000 series aluminum plates are aviation aluminum materials, which are not often used in conventional industries.
3000 Series Aluminum Coil
The representative of 3000 series aluminum coil is mainly 3003, 3003, 3A21. It can also be called an anti-rust aluminum plate. The 3000 series aluminum plate is made of manganese as the main component. And China’s 3000 series aluminum plates are relatively outstanding in the market.

What is covered yarn?
Covered yarns – yarns that consist of at least two yarns. The yarn that is wrapped around gives the looks whereas the core (the fine wire) still provides the functionality (like conductivity).
What is spandex used for?
Spandex is used to make garments where a lot of permanent elasticity is required, e.g. in tights, sportswear, swimwear and corsetry. It is used in garments that are intended to cling to the body, while at the same time remaining comfortable. For this type of garment 15 – 40% spandex is used.
What is air covered yarns?
Air Covered Yarn is a regular intermingled yarn, the covering filament yarn and Spandex are drawn meanwhile from a special jet nozzle where the yarns are air-jetted at regular intervals by high compressed air. The Air-jet Covered Yarn needs sizing for warp knitting and can be used for weft knitting directly.
Where covered yarn is used?
DOUBLE-COVERED YARNS Flat or textured polyamide yarns can be used to create the double covering. Double-covered yarn is used for the high-end and top-quality clothing, lingerie and hosiery markets.
What is T400 yarn?
Lycra T400 fiber is a multi-component yarn in which different polymers are joined together within each filament. Since the crimp is not mechanically induced, Lycra T400 fiber gives greater, more durable stretch and recovery, as well as a softer, smoother hand than textured yarns.
What is nylon spandex fabric?
Nylon Spandex is classified as an elastomeric fiber or merely a fiber or material that can expand over 500% without breaking. Clothes made from Nylon Spandex are more comfortable, even though, they are tight. Nylon Spandex fabric is very much lighter compared to natural rubber that is easier on the skin.
What is nylon spandex?
What is spandex yarn?
Spandex yarn is a man-made elastic fiber developed. It is a manufactured texture material with elastic properties of the sort referred to nonexclusively as “Elastic Yarn”. Spandex yarn is ordinarily used in athletic or dynamic dress. This is known as lycra fetishism. Lycra is regularly one of the textures in tights.
What is air covered spandex yarn?
Air covered yarn is manufactured by creating a physical intermingle of INVIYA? yarn with other synthetic filament like Polyester or Nylon by the help of compressed air applied through a nozzle. INVIYA? is applied during a draw texturizing process of Polyester or Nylon to avoid the extra process of spandex application.
What is covering power in textiles?
Covering power is an expression of the degree to which a yarn imparts cover to a fabric. The waviness of a textured filament yarn. This characteristic may be expressed numerically by the crimp elongation.
How is spandex used in a knitting project?
It is generally used in alternate rows of knit yarn. Finally, the covered yarn can be used in every row – in every thread of the knit – for three dimensional stretch. Covered Spandex is also used. The covering involves wrapping the Spandex in the main yarn in the nylon hosiery, so that the Spandex becomes the yarn core.
Yarn is an extensive continuous length of fibers, which is used in sewing, knitting, textiles, crocheting, embroidery, weaving, and ropemaking. Recycling of cotton is known as recycled yarn, which minimizes unnecessary wastage, and is a more sustainable alternative to disposal. Cotton recycling can be done from textile leftovers and older or earlier used garments. Recycled yarns are used for making carpet, clothes, and furnishing items for car and buildings.
The global recycle yarn market has witnessed significant growth due to upsurge in demand for recycled yarn form home textile, industrial purposes, and apparel. In addition, innovations in production process fuel the growth of the market. However, volatile raw material prices and lack of availability restrain the market growth. Rise in demand for organic-based yarns is expected to provide significant growth potential for the market.
The global recycle yarn market is segmented based on type, application, and geography. On the basis of type, the market is categorized into recycled PET yarn, recycled cotton yarn, and recycled nylon yarn. Carpet, clothing, car, building, and other are the applications of recycle yarn. Geographically, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.
The major players operating in the global market are focusing on key market strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships.
Key Benefits
This report provides a quantitative analysis of the current trends, estimations, and dynamics from 2016 to 2025 to identify the prevailing market opportunities.
Major countries in each region are mapped according to the individual market revenue.
The region-wise and country-wise recycle yarn market conditions are comprehensively analyzed.
This study evaluates the competitive landscape and the value chain analysis to understand the competitive environment across geographies.
This study evaluates the competitive landscape and the value chain analysis to understand the market scenario across geographies.
Air Covered Yarn is a regular intermingled yarn, the covering filament yarn and Spandex are drawn meanwhile from a special jet nozzle where the yarns are air-jetted at regular intervals by high compressed air.
The Air-jet Covered Yarn needs sizing for warp knitting and can be used for weft knitting directly. The production efficiency of Air-Covered Yarn is much higher than Conventional Covered Yarn (also known as SCY – Single Covered Yarn or DCY – Double Covered Yarn) and the price is also much lower, which would reduce much cost for downstream textile company.
Nylon was the first fabric made entirely in a laboratory. A synthetic material derived from petroleum, it first became available around World War II and was used for military products and as a silk replacement for items such as stockings. Now, you’re more likely to find it in activewear, swimwear and other technical performance garments because of its durability and useful stretch properties.
The production of nylon is similar to that of polyester, with similar environmental consequences. Like polyester, nylon is made from a non-renewable resource (oil) in an energy-intensive process. It sheds microplastic fibers that end up in waterways and oceans every time it is washed, and because it is not biodegradable, it will end up sitting in a landfill at the end of its product life cycle.
As an organization, Textile Exchange supports the apparel and textiles sector in switching to preferable materials that have a more positive impact on people and the environment compared to conventional. Recycled nylon is considered a preferred alternative to virgin nylon and bio-based nylons (produced with renewable raw materials) potentially offer a promising alternative.
Recycled nylon is usually made from pre-consumer fabric waste, although it also may come from post-consumer materials such as industrial fishing nets. Several "chain of custody" standards track recycled nylon through the supply chain, including the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and SCS Recycled Content.
Probably the best-known regenerated nylon product is Econyl, the first post-consumer recycled nylon to hit the market from Italian manufacturer Aquafil. Econyl is made of nylon waste from landfills and oceans in a closed-loop process and is infinitely recyclable. According to Aquafil, Econyl avoids about 50 percent of carbon dioxide emissions and uses about 50 percent less energy compared to nylon recycled yarn.
A high-performance yarn electrode material, cotton/graphene/polyaniline, is synthesized by coating primary fiber cores inside cotton yarns with graphene sheets and followed by further growing polyaniline nanowire array layers through in situ polymerization of aniline. The electron transportation is enhanced by the 3D graphene conductive network on cotton fibers, which further bridges the polyaniline nanowires. The polyaniline nanowires with small diameters ensure high electrochemically active surface area. The spaces within the polyaniline nanowire array layers and the hierarchical pores of the entire yarn electrode benefit the fast electrolyte ion diffusion. The unique 3D yarn electrode structure results in an excellent electrochemical performance.

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Use Homemade Laundry Detergent
My goal of this heading isn’t to give you an exact recipe, but to break down the common ingredients in homemade laundry soaps.
Most homemade laundry ‘detergents’ are made up of water softeners like baking soda, washing soda, and borax and a cleaning agent which is typically a grated bar of soap.
The goal of the water softener is to… you guessed it! Soften the water. You might have heard the terms hard water and soft water which has to do with the level of minerals like calcium and magnesium in the water.
The most common water softeners used in homemade laundry soap borax and washing soda, but they’re marketed as laundry BOOSTERS because they are meant to aid a detergent not replace one.
If you have really hard water, like I do in California, using a homemade laundry soap is even worse because the high levels of calcium and magnesium make it almost impossible for the soap to wash free from the textiles.
While the laundry boosters help some, its not an appropriate replacement for detergent.
DIY laundry ‘detergent’ can RUIN your clothing:
When you’re using homemade laundry soap you can ruin your clothing. I know this from personal experience, but lets take a little bit deeper look into why.
If you use soap on your hands in the kitchen or bathroom sink you’ve probably had to deal with soap build up or soap scum.
That’s happening to your clothes, and worse… your washing machine which we’ll address in the next heading.
Every time you wash your clothing soap build up buries itself inside of the textiles. This build up can create a water repelling effect which might be why your reusable towels aren’t super great at absorbing water, but can also leave an oily residue behind.
When soap accumulates in your clothing it will actually attract and trap dirt in your textiles. It quite literally makes your clothing DIRTY the exact opposite thing you want from a laundry detergent…
How Does Laundry Detergent Affect the Environment?
When we dump a capful of concentrated cleaning detergent into our laundry machine, we don’t really think much of it, especially not in an environmental sense. After all, as far as most of us are concerned, something as common and innocuous as laundry detergent couldn’t possibly be bad for the planet. Some brands even make a point to say so! Unfortunately, like so many man-made chemical inventions, detergent is far from completely harmless.

What are laundry detergents made from?
Detergents are hardly naturally occurring. Most of the most popular commercial brands are manufactured using synthetic chemical compounds. This makes them very different from soap, which is made from natural substances like lye and plant saponins. This makes sense, of course, as soap goes directly on the skin; laundry detergent does not.
Instead, laundry detergent is added to dirty laundry, where it does its job “lifting stains” and “preserving colors” before getting washed out, diluted, and sent down the drain with the wastewater from your washing machine. Unfortunately, the chemicals in these detergents can have a far-reaching environmental impact.
What are the environmental effects of detergents?
Detergents can contain several chemical compounds that have negative environmental effects. Phosphate-containing laundry or dish detergents can react adversely when they finally reach the water table. The nitrogen in these detergents reacts with phosphorus in the water, creating nutrients that stimulate the growth of algae in freshwater. According to Lenntech, a company from the Netherlands, this type of algae uses up the oxygen in the water in a process called eutrophication. Over time, this slowly depletes the oxygen in a body of water, ruining the ecosystem.
Other detergents contain surfactants, or surface-active agents, which are chemicals that reduce the surface tension of oil and water. For the detergent, these surfactants help dirt to “lift off” and stay out of clothing. The problem is, they also happen to be highly toxic to aquatic life. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), surfactants break down the mucus layer that coats fish, protecting them from parasites and bacteria.
They also reduce the surface tension of water, making it easier for waterways to absorb pollutants and pesticides. Heck, they don’t even break down well or dilute. Instead, surfactants only breakdown further into more toxic byproducts.
Hand Sanitizer Use Out and About
Germs are everywhere! They can get onto hands and items we touch during daily activities and make us sick. Cleaning hands at key times with soap and water or hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to those around you.
There are important differences between washing hands with soap and water and using hand sanitizer. Soap and water work to remove all types of germs from hands, while sanitizer acts by killing certain germs on the skin. Although alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs in many situations, they should be used in the right situations. Soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizers at removing certain kinds of germs like norovirus, Cryptosporidium, and Clostridioides difficile, as well as chemicals.
Hand sanitizers also may not remove harmful chemicals, such as pesticides and heavy metals like lead.
Handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs, pesticides, and metals on hands. Knowing when to clean your hands and which method to use will give you the best chance of preventing sickness.
What are the qualities of a good shampoo?
The characteristics of a good shampoo are fairly obvious. A shampoo should clean away the oil and dirt, rinse out easily, and leave your hair shiny, manageable, and flexible.
Research has shown that various chemicals lurking inside shampoo may induce serious health risks, like memory loss, eye and skin irritation, hair follicle damage that can lead to hair loss, and even cancer.
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration classify personal care products, it does not regulate them. Therefore, there are no legal guidelines or boundaries for shampoo manufacturers to follow.
The descriptive “all-natural” has become a buzzword in the beauty world for environmental friendliness. What some shampoo makers leave out, however, is they still use the lathering agents, emulsifiers and synthetic fragrances that contain hundreds of harmful chemicals.
Additives to avoid:
* Propylene glycol, known as the main ingredient in antifreeze, is also found in makeup, toothpaste and in your shampoo. It can cause allergic reactions.
* Sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate are common causes of eye irritation. They can also damage hair follicles. When absorbed into the body from continuous contact, they can bring on asthma attacks.
* Synthetic fragrances contain hundreds of chemicals, some of which have been known to cause headaches, dizziness, rash, hyper pigmentation, coughing and vomiting.
*The National Toxicology Program found that applying diethanolamine to a mouse’s skin induced liver and kidney cancer. DEA is readily absorbed through the skin and can also be toxic to the brain.
The spread of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 has spurred a surge in sales of cleaning and disinfection products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces, along with thorough hand washing—both standard practices for helping slow the spread of viruses and bacteria. But consumers will be disappointed if they go looking for a product that specifically promises to kill SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Although there’s good evidence the novel coronavirus is one of the easiest types of viruses to kill, scientists are still determining its exact nature and how big a role surface transmission plays in its spread. As researchers rush to understand the new pathogen, the US EPA is working to provide the public with information about disinfectants that can help slow its spread. Such claims won’t be allowed in brick-and-mortar stores, though, until more testing can be done.

More about Precision Machining
Precision machining is what produces a huge number of both large and small objects that we use in daily life. Each intricate piece that makes up an object requires one level or another of a machinist's skills. Likewise, a tool or machine that has been worn down will often require machine tool calibration, welding, or grooving by a precision machinist. From the production of aircraft aluminum alloys to surgical bone drilling devices and custom automotive tools, precision machining reaches into every technology and industry, including oil and gas. In other words, if an object contains parts, it required precision machining.

Quality precision machining requires the ability to follow extremely specific blueprints made by CAD (computer-aided design) or CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) programs like AutoCAD and TurboCAD. The software can help produce the complex, 3-dimensional diagrams or outlines needed in order to manufacture a tool, machine, or object. These blueprints must be adhered to with great detail to ensure that a product retains its integrity. While most precision machining companies work with some form of CAD/CAM programs, they still work often with hand-drawn sketches in the initial phases of a design.
Precision machining is used on a number of materials including steel, bronze, graphite, glass, and plastics to name a few. Depending on the size of the project and the materials to be used, various precision machining tools will be used. Any combination of lathes, milling machines, drill presses, saws and grinders, and even high-speed robotics may be used.The aerospace industry may use high-velocity machining, while a woodwork tool-making industry might use photo-chemical etching and milling processes. The churning out of a run, or a specific quantity of any particular item, can number in the thousands, or be just a few. Precision machining often requires the programming of CNC devices which means they are computer numerically controlled. The CNC device allows for exact dimensions to be followed throughout the run of a product.
Cemented carbides have been widely applied in cutting tools and wear-resistant components due to their ultrahigh hardness and good wear resistance. However, the disadvantages of limited impact toughness and high cost have restricted their further application. Consequently, cemented carbides are usually joining with ductile steels to combine the advantages of both. Among various materials joining technologies, brazing have been an effective method to achieve high quality dissimilar cemented carbide joints. In this paper, the research status of cemented carbide brazing is reviewed. The materials utilized as brazing filler metal in cemented carbide brazing joints are summarized in detail. Researchers have done lots of works utilizing Cu based and Ag based brazing filler metals which are the most commonly used interlayers in brazed joints of cemented carbide and ductile steel. The effects of different filler metal on wettability, microstructure, phase constitution and mechanical properties of brazed cemented carbides joints are analysed. Besides, a series of newly developed brazing filler material such as nickel-based high temperature brazing filler metal, amorphous brazing filler metal and high entropy alloy brazing filler materials are also involved. These newly developed brazing filler metals have shown great potential in fabricating high quality joints. Finally, the current issues of cemented carbide brazing are reviewed and the develop trend is predicted.
Historically, hardened parts were often ground as many cutting tools could not stand up to the rigorous demands of materials with high hardness. Today, many companies are switching from grinding operations to hard turning, as the benefits are numerous.
Hard turning is typically defined as turning of materials harder than 45 Rockwell C (Rc) although, typically hard turning is considered 58 to 68 Rc. As with any machining application the cutting tool must be harder than the material being machined. With this definition, in theory, a carbide insert could machine 60 Rc material, since most carbide is over 85 Rc. However, the reality is carbide inserts would not be able to endure the heat generated in hard turning.
Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN) is the number one choice for hard turning applications. CBN is a man-made very hard material, second in hardness to Polycrystalline Diamond. CBN offers extreme hardness, toughness, chemical and thermal stability.
The sintered CBN blank is cut into desired shapes which are brazed onto cemented carbide blanks in the form of ISO standard geometries; these are final CBN, single or multiple corner inserts.
A common failure mode with CBN in hard turning applications is flaking of the CBN blank. The cause is often the braze. The CBN tip is relatively small so the brazing area is too, then, the braze softens due to heat and causes the CBN to move, causing the flaking. End-users often lose productivity by moving to a softer CBN grade, that runs slower and does not last as long. However, the root cause is often the braze between the CBN and the carbide insert softened and caused the premature flaking. Another common failure mode is the tip comes off while machine. This is an obvious symptom of the braze softening.
This is the reason Tungaloy has introduced its “CBN WavyJoint”. The WavyJoint is a connection surface between the CBN segment and the carbide insert that is an irregular curving surface, alternating in opposite directions, similar to that of waves. This increases the contact surface between the CBN and the carbide insert by 160%. This feature alone decreases the probability of braze softening significantly.
The CBN WavyJoint insert is available in Tungaloy’s new BXA20 grade.
BXA20 is a new substrate, with a lower CBN content, coupled with a new coating that has excellent adhesion strength, making this grade ideal for resisting both crater and flank wear.
The BXA20 coating is a multi-layered titanium aluminum nitride that is 2 times thicker than conventional grades, which enhances flank wear resistance.
The binder in BXA20 has special chemical composition in titanium carbo-nitride base that is well balanced between hardness and toughness. Because of this, BXA20 has very high fracture resistance. This gives BXA20 a wide range of applications from continuous to heavy interrupted cuts.
BXA20 can run at speeds of up to 180 m/min (590 SFM)
WavyJoint is available with an “H” (heavy) edge prep which strengthens the cutting edge, making this ideal for interrupted applications.
This insert is also available with the new HM chip breaker. This breaker enables smooth and reliable chip control, while reducing crater wear on the rake surface. The chip breaker also works to reduce any chatter.
The CBN Wavy inserts are available in CNG*, DNG*, TNG*, VNG* and WNG* geometries.
How precision machining is affecting the future state of medical devices
Precision machining is found in a variety of sectors, including electronics, aircraft, and healthcare. CNC machines are used to make a lot of medical components and devices. The medical equipment industry consists of various medical parts, such as implants for spine reconstruction, knee, and hip replacements, etc.
In an industry where mistakes lead to serious injuries or even death, the machining process of medical parts must be extremely precise. In addition to manufacturing complying with ISO 9001 quality management obligations, medical components and devices must comply with other higher standards.
Medical tools are built with care to ensure that each patient treated is handled with precision. Precision machining is used to manufacture surgical tools, lasers, and even robotics which are now being used in surgeries. CNC Machining provides the know-how, processes, and machinery needed to manufacture these incredibly small parts.
Among all machining techniques, CNC machining has shown to be the best suitable for developing precise medical equipment and instruments. Over time, advancements in CNC processing technology have humanised the manufacture of medical equipment.
CNC Machining in medical device manufacturing
Because of its strong compatibility with the health industry, machinists have begun to tap the potential of CNC medical machining in producing medical precision components. Here are some types of medical equipment that are manufactured using CNC machining:
Surgical tools
CNC machining can produce high-quality surgical tools needed by medical professionals during procedures, such as:

• Cutters.
  
  
• Surgical scissors.
  
  
• Biopsy tubes.
  
  
• Implant holders.
  
  
• Blade handles.
  
  
• Forceps.
  

• Drug delivery systems.
  
  
• Pacemaker components.
  
  
• Miniature screws for implants and devices.
  
  
• Catheters.
  
  
• Stents.
  

Specialty Mixing Equipment for the Plastics Industry
This article presents just a few examples of specialty mixing equipment used in plastics processing. Mixer selection is always formulation-dependent so partner with a reliable mixer supplier offering testing resources to validate a particular mixing strategy. For established processes, a careful re-evaluation of the mixing procedure will often reveal achievable steps for reducing not only cycle time and energy consumption but also waste/rejects, labor cost, cleaning and maintenance.
Polyvinyl alcohol solutions
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH, also referred to as PVA) is a versatile polymer that plays multiple roles in the manufacture of adhesives, sealants, cosmetics, paper, textiles and many other products.
Multi-Shaft Mixers are widely used in the preparation of PVOH solutions. Equipped with two or more independently-driven agitators working in tandem, Multi-Shaft Mixers deliver a robust combination of high shear agitation and laminar bulk flow within a wide viscosity range: from water-like consistency to several hundred thousand centipoise (cP).
The most economical design is the Dual-Shaft Mixer which features an anchor agitator and a high speed disperser. Turning at tip speeds around 5,000 ft/min, the saw-tooth disperser blade creates a vigorous vortex that quickly wets out dry PVOH powders or pellets as they are added into warm or room-temperature water (a defoamer may be pre-blended into the water). The sweeping action of the low-speed anchor agitator enhances the exchange of materials within the vessel, continuously “feeding” the disperser blade with fresh product.
For added versatility and shear capability, a rotor/stator assembly may be supplied in addition to the disperser blade and anchor agitator. This Triple-Shaft Mixer design is particularly ideal for applications where other raw materials are dispersed into the PVOH solution and a very tight particle size distribution is required in the finished product.
Plastisols
Formulated for a wide variety of coating, molding and screen printing applications, plastisols are dispersions of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin in a liquid plasticizer. Fillers, additives and colorants are also typical components of plastisols.
Multi-Shaft Mixers are well-proven equipment in the manufacture of plastisols. But formulations that undergo very high viscosity peaks (above 1 million cP) are better prepared in Planetary Dispersers and Double Planetary Mixers. These machines consist of two or more blades which rotate on their respective axes as they revolve around the mix vessel. Unlike the agitators in a Multi-Shaft Mixer which rotate from a fixed axis, the blades in a planetary-style mixer continually advance into the batch and are thus able to continuously contact fresh product.
Polymers and additives
Polymer additives such as lubricants, UV and heat stabilizers, colorants, preservatives, flame retardants and impact modifiers are commonly supplied as dry powders or pellets which are blended with virgin plastic feedstock prior to compounding. Thorough and accurate mixing is necessary to achieve a consistent finished product.
Innovations in concrete paving with new technology
The start of 2016 has seen major developments in the concrete paving sector - Mike Woof writes So far in 2016 there have been several major developments in the concrete paving equipment market. Many of the key players have introduced new models, broadening their ranges of machines on offer. US firms continue to dominate this niche area of the construction equipment market, with one European company being the only other major international player. At least two Chinese manufacturers have unveiled concrete
So far in 2016 there have been several major developments in the concrete paving equipment market. Many of the key players have introduced new models, broadening their ranges of machines on offer.

US firms continue to dominate this niche area of the construction equipment market, with one European company being the only other major international player.

At least two Chinese manufacturers have unveiled concrete pavers in the last few years. But these have not been proven on the international market and the designs may not suit global requirements, as well as having fewer capabilities and options than western models. The proven players from the US and Europe have all embraced 3D machine control technology for their machines, allowing these units to deliver high efficiency onsite but it is not clear if the Chinese machines are able to use these systems. For some time to come, the US and European firms will continue to lead this market.

GOMACO has a particularly strong presence in the concrete paving market and is looking to retain that position with the unveiling of two new slipformers, the GP3 and the latest version of its GT-3300.

The firm claims that the GP3 features a wide array of high performance capabilities, making it the most intelligent paver on the market. This paver can handle large road and runway jobs and offers a maximum paving width of 9.14m, achieved through the development of a novel dual-telescoping system. The firm has designed the frame widening system so that it is capable of multiple width changes, boosting its adaptability for a wide range of operations.
The description of the equipment and process may not reveal the significant role that the asphalt milling machine plays in road construction, but it is key.
The asphalt milling machine — also known as a cold planer, pavement planer, pavement recycler, or roto-mill — is a construction machine used to remove bituminous pavement or asphalt concrete from roadways. The result is a somewhat rough but even surface that can immediately be opened to traffic.
The milled surface is accomplished by bringing a rotating mandrel or “head” into contact with the pavement at an exact depth or slope. The mandrel has hundreds of hardened spikes or teeth on its surface, which bite and cut away at the roadway’s surface. The surface material that is removed is normally fed by conveyor into a dump truck or semi trailer, but can be left in place or windrowed to be removed or recycled later. A water spray system provides cooling for the mandrel, as well as dust management.
In the 1970’s, Galion Iron Works, based in Galion, Ohio, manufactured the first production road milling machines, which were called Galions. These first units resembled motorgraders in shape and size. The difference was there was a 30-in. wide (76 cm) milling head where the scraper blade would normally be. The cutter drum was set into action by a large hydraulic pump.
Asphalt milling is the process of grinding up asphalt that can then be recycled. The process came about because many streets were getting layered higher and higher as new surfaces were added, thus reducing the curb height and creating roadway drainage problems.
Early milling machines were simply a mining mandrel attached to a mobile undercarriage. They were designed to remove a layer of old concrete or asphalt so that a new layer could be applied to a better quality base than resurfacing over the old road surface.
From the start, the emphasis for milling machines was to place more power to the cutting drum, which is needed to remove more material. Thus, the cutter head itself and the cutting teeth designs became critical. The cutting teeth would dull fairly quickly and needed frequent replacement. The replacement process could cause enough downtime to greatly detract from the initial efficiency of the milling process itself. So manufacturers worked on designs for quicker replacement as well as increased durability of the cutting teeth. Different sized cutting drums were offered so that machines could mill at different widths.
Milling machines feature conveyor systems to collect the material during the milling process, thus reducing the labor of picking the material up from the roadway. Newer machines require two or more people to operate safely and efficiently. The operator stands on the deck of the machine and controls most of the machine’s functions, while a worker on the ground controls the depth of the cut and keeps an eye out for obstructions in the roadway such as manholes and/or water valves.
Today’s machines are bigger and more technologically advanced. They are designed to handle any asphalt aggregates in use today. Depending on the depth of the cut, some of the larger machines can cut close to 15,000 sq. yds. (13,000 sq m) a day, at 75 ft. (22.8 m) per minute.
In addition to faster speed, added precision to the milling process has become important. The innovation of controls and automation has brought greater precision for controlling slope, depth and speed.
There is no question that the technological advancements made in microelectronics have benefited road milling machines. Electronics designed to improve performance, include electronic sensors and a built-in cross slope. A pair of sensors can read a variety of references from 12 to 55 in. (30.5 to 140 cm) directly below the bottom of the sensor. Each sensor can be calibrated and adjusted from the ground level or at the operator’s console.

How to Wear a Polo Shirt With Style
The polo shirt is a true men’s style staple.
Yet despite its ubiquity in the male wardrobe, it’s not a garment that typically comes in for much affection or enthusiasm.
Perhaps this is because of the negative associations with which the polo shirt is laden. It is often thought of in terms of a uniform — either literally, as in the required get-up of a pizza delivery man or elementary school student, or metaphorically, as the go-to garb for corporate drones and preppy fraternity brothers. The polo is further seen as the default of the sartorially lazy — something a guy dons when an event requires a shirt with a collar, and he can’t be bothered to even button up an Oxford.
Yet the polo deserves a little more love than it typically gets. Falling between a t-shirt and a dress shirt, it’s the perfect garment for the many events in life that aren’t at all formal, but aren’t outright casual either. It’s a great shirt for summertime first dates, backyard BBQs, and when you’re not sure exactly where the plans for your day or evening will take you.
Even in terms of casual everyday wear, the cool, breathable polo shirt is just as easy and comfortable as a tee, but looks a notch more put together, so that swapping the former for the latter is a zero-effort way to upgrade your summer style.
And far from being blandly uniform, or only worn by one type of man, polos have been popular with widely varied groups, from Nantucket yachtsmen to West Coast skaters; there are different types of polos for different occasions, and they can be worn and styled in many different ways.
In other words, contrary to popular opinion, the polo shirt is quite versatile and can be sartorially interesting. Truly, the polo shirt is clutch.
Today we’ll take a look at how to elevate it beyond the realm of casual Fridays and suburban dad-dom — how to wear a polo with style.
In its early days, tennis had a touch of aristocratic flare and was played in a get-up known as “tennis whites” — flannel trousers, a dress shirt (with sleeves rolled up), and even a tie. Thick, heavy, hot, and cumbersome, these garments obviously didn’t lend themselves well to playing an active, outdoor sport.
Seven-time Grand Slam winner René Lacoste decided to do something about this issue, creating his own ideal tennis shirt. Made of a comfortable, breathable “jersey petit piqué” cotton, the white short-sleeved shirt eschewed buttons all the way down for a placket of three up top, and included a soft, unstarched collar that was still stiff enough to flip up to protect his neck from the sun. The flexible, lightweight shirt also had a longer tail in the back to keep it tucked into René’s trousers.
Lacoste debuted the shirt at the 1926 U.S. Open — which he won in both comfort and style. The following year, Lacoste, who was nicknamed “the Crocodile,” adhered the now famous reptilian logo to the breast of the shirt. And in 1933, the retired player began to manufacture his garment for the masses.
The “tennis shirt” caught on with other kinds of sportsmen, particularly polo players. These athletes had developed their own “polo shirt” — the Oxford button-down (the buttons on the collar were designed to keep it from flapping in your face as you galloped about the field) — decades prior. But Lacoste’s short-sleeve garment proved even more suitable to the game, and was so widely adopted that even tennis players began to refer to it as a “polo shirt.”
Wear Pajamas To Work Day

After spending a hectic day getting your taxes filed in time for the April 15th deadline, it’s time to enjoy the day after by celebrating Wear Pajamas To Work Day. This holiday is celebrated on April 16th and encourages everyone to go to work while wearing their favorite pair of pajamas. Of course, if a person does that they’re going to want to make sure their boss is okay with the idea. Fortunately, there are plenty of bosses who are okay with this holiday and allow their employees to be a little more relaxed while they’re working.
The History Of Wear Pajamas To Work Day
This holiday has been around for quite a few years and can be traced all the way back to 2004. This is when Pajamagram launched an advertising campaign that encouraged people to wear their pajamas to work. It was intended to be a one-off campaign, but people liked the idea so much they have celebrated it ever since.
Facts About Pajamas
While we were researching this holiday, we came across some interesting facts about pajamas. Although most people give little thought to their pajamas—unless they’re scratchy or need to be washed—pajamas are actually an interesting item of clothing that’s worth a closer examination.

• • It’s believed that pajamas go back to the Ottoman Empire and were first invented in India.
    
  • Pajamas could’ve also originated during that time in Turkey or Iran.
    
  • In Southern Asia, pajamas are often called “Night Suits.” This is also their name in parts of Africa.
    
  • The largest footed PJ party in the world was held on March 11, 2012, in Texas. 309 adults attended.
    
  • During the 1920s, some people would wear their pajamas to the beach.
    
  • Prior to the 1950s, flapjacks on pajamas were common to make it easier for the user to use the bathroom.
    

• Pajamas originally began as only loose pants tied at the waist.
  
  
• During the 17th century, pajamas were introduced to England as lounging attire. They quickly fell out of fashion.
  
  
• At the beginning of the 20th century, pajamas were reintroduced as women’s sleepwear.
  

What Are the Best Uses for Palm Stones?
You can use palm stones for many purposes, including relaxation, energy boost, protection, and meditation. Holding a palm stone in your hand creates a strong connection between the stone's energy and your energy field or aura. Due to their oval or round shape, you can easily carry them in your purse or pocket to have them with you throughout your day. There are many ways to use palm stones; we've rounded up a list with the most common and effective ones. You can choose to integrate into your life the ones that fit your lifestyle. We also recommend a few palm stones for each category to make it easy to find the best stones for your needs.
Simple and Effective Ways to Use Your Palm Stones
1. Relaxation - these round-shaped stones are excellent natural tools for relaxation. Just holding an oval stone with calming vibe can bring you moments of stillness and tranquility. We recommend the following palm stones for relaxation:
Amethyst palm stone
Selenite palm stone
Montana Agate palm stone

2. Protection - certain stones have a protective vibe and can protect you from negative influences. By carrying palm stones with powerful protective energy or keeping them nearby makes it possible to be protected by negative energies, including harmful EMFs. We recommend the following palm stones for protection:
Black Tourmaline palm stone
Red Tourmaline palm stone
Black Opal palm stone

3. Yoga, Prayer and Meditation - one of the best ways to enjoy a palm stone's vibe is to use it during your daily spiritual practice. There are various stones with high vibrations that can help us enter deep states of meditation. Palm stones can be also efficient during your yoga session or for prayers, as the energy of the crystals will facilitate the resonance with positive universal energies. We recommend the following palm stones for yoga, prayer, and meditation:
Lazulite palm stone
Blue Aragonite palm stone
Silver Sheen Obsidian

4. Healing - energy healers, crystal therapists, Reiki masters often use palm stones during their healing sessions. You can also experience the healing benefits of palm stones by placing them on your body, on the area you want to heal. Another simple way is to make healing crystal patches.
The best palm stones for healing sessions:
Polychrome Jasper palm stone
Serpentine palm stone
Amazonite palm stone

5. Regeneration - when you get too embroiled in your daily activities, symptoms like tension in the neck and shoulders, anxiety, fatigue, and sleeping problems are signs of needing to relax and recharge your batteries. Schedule 10-15 minutes of relaxation during your daily programs to recharge and give yourself a quick energy boost. Using palm stones will make your relaxation more efficient.
Palm stones for relaxation:
Fossilized Palm Root palm stone
Honey Calcite palm stone
Nuummite palm stones

6. Quality Sleep - undisturbed quality sleep is essential for your health and overall well-being. A simple way to improve your sleep quality is to fall asleep holding a palm stone, as the calming energy of the stone will induce a state of relaxation. You can also place palm stones under your pillow.
Here are some best palm stones that help with sleep issues:
Chevron Amethyst palm stone
Kambaba Jasper palm stone
Clear Quartz palm stone

7. Forgiveness, Love, and Self-Love - palm stones with a gentle, soft, soothing energy can help you achieve emotional balance and transform our negative emotions into compassion, self-love, or forgiveness. Tap into the following palm stones’ energies by keeping them nearby:
Rose Quartz palm stone
Mangano Calcite palm stone
Sea Green Calcite palm stone

8. Work and Study - whenever you deal with a fog of mental exhaustion, it’s a sign that you need a refreshing break. Using palm stones will help you get back faster into a state of excellent focus and concentration. A few minutes of connection with these stones will help you return to work recharged and regenerated. Here are some of our recommended palm stones for mental focus and concentration:
Sunstone palm stone
Green Fluorite palm stone
Blue Apatite palm stone

9. Home decor - you can also display your favorite palm stones in your home or workspace to create a safe and energetically pure ambiance. These stones with a beautiful oval shape make excellent home decor elements. The following colorful palm stones will fascinate with their beautiful appearance no matter where you display them:
Coral palm stones
Chrysophrase palm stones
Labradorite palm stones
The Many Benefits of Using Candle Holders
Candles are a great way to add warmth to your home or to set up a romantic mood at an event. Lighting a candle also creates a peaceful and soothing atmosphere that helps relax and calm your mind, body, and soul. In the past, candles were used as the primary light source but in modern times they are commonly used either as decorative accessories or for their positive and calmative features.
Whether you plan to use candles to enhance and illuminate your space or to give a positive vibe to your living room, using candle holders is essential. As the name suggests, votive candle holders are used to hold the candles for various reasons. Candles can be quite dangerous and create a mess if placed without a base and are left unattended. There are many significant uses of glass candle holders that cannot be ignored. We have gathered some key points to help you understand the importance of using pillar candle holders. Read on to learn more about the benefits of using a candle holder stand to properly place the candle on your table instead of just placing a random plate under it.
1). Candle Holders Give Support to Your Candles
Candles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. Some have a small or thin base like taper candles while others have a broad bottom such as pillar candles. Glass candle holders provide support to the candles to help them stand upright and give an exclusive visual appeal. Fixing your candles in an appropriate candle holder gives them the needed support to keep them in place. For instance, taper candle holders can be used to help dinner candles stand tall to give your dining room table an elegant and sophisticated look. Similarly, votive candle holders are small cups to hold and support a votive candle that might otherwise collapse on its own. Although tea light candles are encased in a small container it is still important to use tealight candle holders to support them properly as they are small in size.
2). Safe and Secure Base for Your Candles
The need for candle holders was discovered a long time ago when people realized that candles can tip over and cause fires. The primary function of candle holders is to provide a secure and safe base for candles to avoid any mishaps. Placing a lighted candle without a sturdy base is like waiting for a disaster to happen. Even a slight push can cause the candle to fall over and the table cloth or curtains might catch fire. To prevent any unpleasant events, it is important to use glass candle holders beneath your open flames for extra safety and precaution. Tall candle holders keep your candles stable and you don’t need to worry about kids or clumsy guests accidentally nudging your candles and wreaking havoc on the dinner table. Our Wooden candle holders and metal candle holders are sturdy enough to safely place your candles anywhere to enhance your home décor. Make sure to place your candle holders on a flat and even surface to ensure everyone’s safety.
3). Candle Holders Prevent Hot Wax Spills
Another important benefit of candle holders is that they prevent hot wax from spilling all over the place and creating an unpleasant mess. Hot wax can cause skin burns and also spoil your tables and other furnishings. Metal candle holders can be used to accumulate all the dripping wax from a burning candle without allowing it to spill over. For instance, when you light up votive candles placed in votive candle holders, the wax from the candle will be collected in the votive candle holder and there will be no mess at the table, making clean up after the party much easier and efficient.
What Are Crystal Points?
If you’ve ever marveled at crystals, you’ve likely encountered varieties with sharply defined points. How do crystals get their points? A crystal point is a sharply-defined pinnacle on either one side, or both sides, of the crystal. All sizes of crystals can have crystal points — from the smallest to the largest.
Crystal points are technically referred to as “terminations” in the stone. Terminations occur as a result of mining, polishing or nature’s influence. Is there a purpose for crystal points and are they natural? The points on a crystal encapsulate the harnessed energy required to transmit healing into our environment and space. Crystal points essentially reveal which direction the crystal energy flows from. In addition, the points on a crystal foster our ability to focus and gain mental clarity. Simply put, crystal points direct energy inward or outward and enhance the healing properties of a crystal.
Are Crystal Points Natural?
It’s no secret that crystals with points are attractive and holistic, but are crystal points natural? The answer isn’t so clear cut. In fact, the points on a crystal can occur naturally, or from polishing.
Natural Crystals
In some cases, a sharp-pointed crystal appears after the mining process. Ultimately, when the crystal is mined, it can be exposed to chips and dings from the excavation process. When the crystal comes from the earth, it may have one point, or be misshapen. As a result, the crystal leans to one side, rather than gradually mounting into a single point. An off-center termination in a crystal results in a blocked flow of energy from the stone. To remedy this problem, the crystal is shaped into a pointed termination with six sides, which is called a Generator. However, not all misshapen crystals are polished into a Generator.
Angel Aura Quartz Properties
As you might imagine from its name, Angel Aura Quartz is a stone whose appearance can’t help but to stir up feelings of ethereal realms and otherworldly wisdom.
Despite having a sheer, shiny and clear outer appearance, it would seem as though every color imaginable dances inside of this stone, and it has led to many associations of magic and the divine over the years.
This is a stone whose feeling and imagery inspires peace and a clear mind. It can be pretty hypnotic to look at, and has been prized over the centuries for its appearance as much as its mysticism.
Of course, modern science has helped us to understand how Angel Aura Quartz is able to form with such delicate yet overpowering colors within, yet even that scientific understanding has done nothing to take away the mysticism and intrigue of this wondrous stone.
Faith healers and those of a spiritualistic mindset have always been drawn to this stone, but even collectors and those seeking personal growth can likewise find plenty of benefits to owning their own piece of Angel Aura Quartz.
There’s something radiant and beyond the norm about these stones, and the way in which they are formed in the natural world means that no two Angel Aura Quartz pieces could ever be identical.
It’s a Clear Quartz bonded with Silver and Platinum, or sometimes with gold and a variety of other trace metals.
It is formed in a high-pressure vacuum chamber, and the precious metals give the Angel Aura Quartz its new and dazzling color.
Angel Aura Quartz usually exhibits a silvery, rainbow, and light blue radiance that resembles the delicate wings of an angel! This crystal is also often called Pearl Aura, Opal Aura, and Rainbow Aura.

Application of industrial endoscope in Aeroengine bore detection
As a more convenient way of travel, civil aviation has been widely accepted and has become one of the most important means of transportation for modern people's business and travel. At the same time, aviation safety has always attracted people's attention. As the "heart" of the aircraft, aero engines are closely related to aviation safety. Nowadays, there are various non-destructive testing tools for testing and repairing it. The use of industrial endoscope for hole detection is one of the routine tasks. It does not need to disassemble and destroy the engine structure, and can perform efficient testing. Accident prevention plays an important role.

The working environment of civil aviation engines is very harsh, under high temperature and high pressure for a long time, the internal temperature is as high as 2000 ℃, so if the potential safety hazards are not eliminated in time, it may cause serious consequences. It is necessary to use videoscopes for regular non-destructive testing. So what aspects of the industrial videoscope can be used for inspection? Mainly in the following aspects:
1. Compressor inspection.
2. Detection of combustion chamber components.
3. Turbine blade inspection.

Check the compressor and turbine internal blades for flaws, cracks, incompleteness, etc., and check the internal damage of the combustion chamber. If necessary, it is necessary to accurately measure the size of the defect to formulate corresponding countermeasures.
Hole inspection through the endoscope can quickly and timely find the internal structural damage of the engine, continue to track and evaluate the expansion of the damage, avoid greater damage, effectively reduce the maintenance cost of the engine, and fully save the maintenance downtime. Of course, at the same time, engine hole inspection is also a complex task, and its accuracy is closely related to the operational level, work experience, theoretical knowledge and other qualities of the inspectors. Therefore, in general, hole inspection needs more experience. , Skilled inspection personnel perform operations to avoid missed inspections and false inspections; at the same time, professionals are also required to perform more accurate image analysis to avoid false inspections and misjudgments of the inspection results, thereby incurring unnecessary additional costs.
Visual Inspection Using Borescopes
In recent years, many facilities have obtained borescopes for processing personnel to use during visual inspection of endoscopes. Borescopes are tiny flexible endoscopes that can be used to look inside the small areas of medical instruments, and they are particularly well suited to inspect the interiors of ports and lumens. The utility of borescopes in visual inspection was initially established during an investigation of surgical site infections linked to contaminated instruments used in knee and shoulder surgery. When investigators used a borescope to look inside arthroscopic shavers, they found retained debris, including bone fragments and brush bristles.27 In a foundational study by Azizi et al.,28 visible residue or debris was detected inside 95% of 350 lumened surgical instruments.
Ofstead Studies Involving Borescope Examinations
After learning about the potential value of borescopes for identifying retained soil and debris, our team designed a study where the ports and channels of 20 colonoscopes and gastroscopes were carefully inspected three times during a seven-month period.7 Our goals were to determine whether damage and debris accumulated over time and whether more rigorous processing could completely eliminate contamination. This was the first time a medical borescope was used to prospectively monitor endoscope cleanliness and damage over time, so we had to develop our own protocol and reference materials.
First, we familiarized ourselves with the normal appearance of endoscope ports and lumens (Figure 1). During the baseline assessment, we inspected the inside of ports and channels and took photographs at specified points inside each endoscope. That way, we could compare the appearance of each component at baseline with how it looked at follow-up assessments. We were also able to compare each colonoscope or gastroscope with others in the fleet, which helped determine whether what we saw were normal features of the channels or ports or irregularities that required assessment by an endoscope maintenance technician.
A wireless electronic endoscope that transmits signals by Wi-Fi is developed for use in single-hole endoscopic surgery and future application to natural orifice surgery. The innovative electronic endoscope developed in this study has a disposable design, completely preventing patents from taking risks of cross infection. The main components of the endoscope are a disposable component of the front tip and the hand-held part of the rear tip. The front tip consists of a lens, metallic tube, and electronic joint whereas the rear tip consists of a power switch, image converter, wireless transceiver chip, and antenna.
Why it's done
An upper endoscopy is used to diagnose and, sometimes, treat conditions that affect the upper part of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach and beginning of the small intestine (duodenum).
Your doctor may recommend an endoscopy procedure to:
Investigate symptoms. An endoscopy may help your doctor determine what's causing digestive signs and symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Diagnose. Your doctor may use an endoscopy to collect tissue samples (biopsy) to test for diseases and conditions, such as anemia, bleeding, inflammation, diarrhea or cancers of the digestive system.
Treat. Your doctor can pass special tools through the endoscope to treat problems in your digestive system, such as burning a bleeding vessel to stop bleeding, widening a narrow esophagus, clipping off a polyp or removing a foreign object.
An endoscopy is sometimes combined with other procedures, such as an ultrasound. An ultrasound probe may be attached to the endoscope to create specialized images of the wall of your esophagus or stomach. An endoscopic ultrasound may also help your doctor create images of hard-to-reach organs, such as your pancreas. Newer endoscopes use high-definition video to provide clearer images.
Many endoscopes allow your doctor to use technology called narrow band imaging, which uses special light to help better detect precancerous conditions, such as Barrett's esophagus.
Risks
An endoscopy is a very safe procedure. Rare complications include:
Bleeding. Your risk of bleeding complications after an endoscopy is increased if the procedure involves removing a piece of tissue for testing (biopsy) or treating a digestive system problem. In rare cases, such bleeding may require a blood transfusion.
Infection. Most endoscopies consist of an examination and biopsy, and risk of infection is low. The risk of infection increases when additional procedures are performed as part of your endoscopy. Most infections are minor and can be treated with antibiotics. Your doctor may give you preventive antibiotics before your procedure if you are at higher risk of infection.
Tearing of the gastrointestinal tract. A tear in your esophagus or another part of your upper digestive tract may require hospitalization, and sometimes surgery to repair it. The risk of this complication is very low — it occurs in an estimated 1 of every 2,500 to 11,000 diagnostic upper endoscopies. The risk increases if additional procedures, such as dilation to widen your esophagus, are performed.
You can reduce your risk of complications by carefully following your doctor's instructions for preparing for an endoscopy, such as fasting and stopping certain medications.
Signs and symptoms that could indicate a complication
Signs and symptoms to watch for after your endoscopy include:
Fever
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Bloody, black or very dark colored stool
Difficulty swallowing
Severe or persistent abdominal pain
Vomiting, especially if your vomit is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
Call your doctor immediately or go to an emergency room if you experience any of these signs or symptoms.
How you prepare
Your doctor will give you specific instructions to prepare for your endoscopy. In some cases your doctor may ask that you:
Fast before the endoscopy. You will need to stop drinking and eating four to eight hours before your endoscopy to ensure your stomach is empty for the procedure.
Stop taking certain medications. You will need to stop taking certain blood-thinning medications in the days before your endoscopy. Blood thinners may increase your risk of bleeding if certain procedures are performed during the endoscopy. If you have chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure, your doctor will give you specific instructions regarding your medications.
We observed recordings of pictures obtained from patients with diseases of the larynx by using a new type of rhino-larynx electronic endoscope, PENTAXVNL-1530 connected to a video processor, PENTAX EPM-3300 (Asahi Optical Co., Ltd.). The electronic endoscope differs from the fiberoptic endoscope in that it contains a small light-sensitive charge coupled device (CCD) chip that is attached to the tip of the endoscope. This electronic endoscope has the smallest CCD camera of 5.1 mm in diameter, in the tip portion, and can be passed through the nasal passage into the laryngeal cavity. The dynamic image provided by this system is superior to that obtained by a flexible laryngofiberscope in resolution of the detail.The system with this electronic endoscope was introduced and some clinical cases were presented.

Why is Micro Switch called a micro switch

Probably because the first producer was the American company called Micro Switch. And as these products were very popular, the name micro switch became a generic trademark for all producers.
The company Micro Switch was acquired by Honeywell in 1950. And Honeywell registered the trademark Micro Switch. Other manufacturers used the name Snap-Action Switch or Basic Switch.

But the question still remains why the founder of the company, Mr. Schulte, decided to name his company Micro Switch?
Because they switched micro-amps? Probably not since in 1937 the micro-amps did not even exist. Because of their miniature dimensions?
Probably yes, at that time they could be considered tiny.
And what exactly is that micro switch?
It is an electric switch (patented in 1932) that is actuated by very little physical force. Switching happens at specific positions of the actuator (not like other switches). Relatively small movement at the actuator button produces a relatively large movement at the electrical contacts, which occurs at high speed (regardless of the speed of actuation). Typical durability is from 1 to 10 millions of cycles. This durability is a natural consequence of the design.
Micro switches are not operated by person; it is always some moving part of the equipment. Common applications are detection (e.g. jammed paper in photocopier, the presence of material or product). Other application can be a limit switch (for control of machine tools) or door switch (e.g. fridge).
And which one do we love the most?
We like the Marquardt micro switches. the most. Why? Because it is that Marquardt that produces electronic keys for Mercedes, Volkswagen and other premium cars and that Marquardt that produces switches for blue Bosch electric tools. That’s why.
Marquardt has a nice range of micro switches. Three basic sizes - miniature (Series 1005 and 1080, width about 28mm), subminiature (Series 1050, width about 20mm) and ultra subminiature (Series 1055, width 13mm).
Then we choose the right terminals and the right type of actuator:
Terminals:
- Straight PCB pins
- Angled PCB pins
- Soldering eyelets
- Quick connect (Faston)
- Cables
Actuator:
- Pin plunger
- Straight lever
- Roller lever
- Simulated roller
- Spring lever
What is important when using micro switches?
First of all, load size and type. Some types of load have much higher inrush current. E.g. relay has 5 times higher inrush current than nominal, motor 10 times, incandescent lamp 15 times and solenoid even 20 times. On the other hand, for switching small loads, do not use a micro switch for high currents. We recommend using micro switch with gold plated contacts.
For harsh environment (dust and moisture), please use micro switches with higher IP rating (up to IP67).
We recommend applying a contact protective circuit to extend contact durability, prevent noise, and suppress the generation of carbide or nitric acid due to arc. The use of a contact protective circuit may delay the response time of the load. Examples of such circuits:
-RC Circuit - in systems with power supply of 24-48V, it is effective to connect the RC circuit in parallel to the load. When the power supply voltage is 100-200V, then in parallel to the contacts (in this case when AC is switched, the load impedance must be lower than the R and C impedance)
-Varistor - the use is very similar to RC circuit, even with those conditions when in parallel to load or contacts. Varistor ensures that no high-voltage is imposed on the contacts.
-Diode - energy stored in the coil is changed into current by the diode connected in parallel to the load. Then the current flowing to the coil is consumed and Joule heat is generated by the resistance of the inductive load. The diode must withstand a peak inverse voltage 10 times higher than the circuit voltage and a forward current as high as or higher than the load current.
-Diode and Zener diode - this method will be effective if the reset time delay caused by the diode method is too long. Zener voltage for a Zener diode must be about 1.2 times higher than the power source.
Ensure that the operating body will work smoothly. The shape of it should be round or oblique - to prevent shocks to the actuator. And of course, operate the actuator of a hinge roller lever or simulated hinge lever type from the right (correct) direction.
Ensure that the stroke to the actuator is set not to exceed the total travel position. If not, the operating body may damage the actuator or the switch itself, and the stress applied to the moving spring inside the switch will increase and then, the durability of the switch may be deteriorated.
And some more details - not to tighten the screws too much - not to deform the body of a switch. Or when soldering, adjust the amount of solder so that the flux does not enter the switch, it can cause contact failure.
What are Limit Switches?
Limit switches are used to automatically detect or sense the presence of an object or to monitor and indicate whether the movement limits of that object have been exceeded. The original use for limit switches, as implied by their name, was to define the limit or endpoint over which an object could travel before being stopped. It was at this point that the switch was engaged to control the limit of travel.
How does a limit switch work?
A standard limit switch used in industrial applications is an electromechanical device that consists of a mechanical actuator linked to a series of electrical contacts. When an object (sometimes called the target) comes in physical contact with the actuator, the actuator plunger’s movement results in the electrical contacts within the switch to either close (for a normally open circuit) or open (for a normally closed circuit) their electrical connection. Limit switches use the mechanical movement of the actuator plunger to control or change the electrical switch's state. Similar devices, such as inductive or capacitive proximity sensors, or photoelectric sensors, can accomplish the same result without requiring contact with the object. Hence, limit switches are contact sensors in contrast to these other types of proximity sensing devices. Most limit switches are mechanical in their operation and contain heavy-duty contacts capable of switching higher currents than those of alternative proximity sensors.
Components of a limit switch
Limit switches consist of an actuator with operating head, the switch body mechanism, and a series of electrical terminals that are used to connect the switch to the electrical circuit that it is controlling. The operating head is the part of the limit switch that comes in contact with the target. The actuator contains is connected to the operating head, whose linear, perpendicular, or rotary motion is then translated by the actuator to close or open the switch. The switch body contains the switch contact mechanism whose state is controlled by the actuator. The electrical terminals are connected to the switch contacts and enable wires to be joined to the switch through terminal screws.
Industrial machinery that undergoes automatic operations usually requires control switches that activate according to the movements involved in a machine’s performance. For repeat usage, the accuracy of the electrical switches needs to be reliable and their response rate should be prompt. Due to the mechanical specifications and performance parameters of different machines, factors such as size, operational force, mounting method, and stroke rate are important characteristics in the installation and maintenance of limit switches. In addition, a limit switch’s electrical rating should be matched to the mechanical system loads that it will be controlling in order to avoid instrument failure.
Many of our footswitches are suitable for industrial use, we have been supplying to this sector for many years.

With over 70 years’ experience in developing, manufacturing and distributing industrial foot switches we have the experience and knowledge to produce footswitches which offer all the characteristics suited for industrial use.

Characteristics of our Industrial Footswitches
Our wide range of industrial foot switch models incorporates some of the desired features for products in this sector including;
Long life
Mechanical Stability
Ergonomic designs
As well as stock products for fast delivery, many of our industrial footswitches also have the folliowing features:
Customisable features – these include: customised cables, connectors, electronics, labels, colours, logos and bases.
Single or multi pedal – many of our switches have a multi pedal version
Optional guards – these offer additional user and switch protection and are spacious for use with safety shoes.
Two Types of Timer Switches
Manual Setting Timer Switch: This type is more common in my country (Malaysia). You can find two types, either analog or digital. This type of timer switch gives you the option to set “on-off” periods as many times as you want within the 24-hour period. You can use this type of timer switch to control not only lights but also other gadgets like water heaters and air-conditioners. I have two such timer switches installed in my home. One controls the light at the covered car porch (open-air garage with a roof). The other controls the sitting area (lounge) of my home. If you look at the photo of my timer switch, it is set “on” at 18.5 (6:30 p.m.) and “off” at 24 (12 midnight).
Factory-Preset Timer Switch: The other version is set such that when you switch it on, you can choose the time period for the “off” command. This timer switch can offer up to as many as six choices for the “on” duration. You can choose from 1 minute, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 60 minutes for the gadget to automatically switch off. I would say this is useful for those who are forgetful, or families with children, who more often than not, forget to switch off each time they leave the room. But then again, they may even forget or too lazy to push the “duration” button after switching on! Worse still, they may even press the wrong duration” button, either ending in total darkness or wasting electricity! So far, I have not seen this second version in my country.