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Chirag

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Chirag

Chirag is a Lean Manufacturing Engineer who has been in the tech industry his entire career. He is the founder of Lookmanufacturing and he is passionate about the development trend of the industry. That is why he created this Industry and design blog.

Industry

Five Common Metals Used in Forging Techniques

by Chirag September 10, 2021
written by Chirag

The forging process applies compressive forces to metals to make them change their shape. However, their metallurgical properties are enhanced and retained, making them better than non-forged metals. Some of the forces used are hammering, pressing, and rolling. They are cost-effective, time-saving, and produce products that are highly ductile and have high resistance. Manufacturers use a variety of metals during the process, with different properties, sizes, and shapes. Companies such as Hot Forging China are known for their quality aluminum forge and other products, which it supplies widely to other countries at an affordable price. We look at ideal forging metals below.

Ideal Metals Used in Forging

Different forms of parts require different metals. The kind of metal to be used is influenced by its characteristics and the metal application or purpose. The metals include;

1. Aluminum metal

Aluminum is among the lightest metal in the world. It is ideal for making light components. Aluminum forgings are resistant to corrosion, are tough, and their strength to weight ratio is high. This means that despite being lightweight, they are strong and sturdy and can be used in various applications like aerospace to make aircraft.

2. Titanium metal

Titanium is occasionally forged; however, it’s the most difficult to take through the process. It is lighter than most metals and alloys. The machine operator must closely monitor the temperature to ensure the metal acquires its mechanical properties; otherwise, wrong temperature levels can ruin the end product. After going through the forging process, titanium possesses high strength levels and corrosion resistance.

3. Carbon steel

Carbon steel is one of the cheapest forged metals to produce. Manufacturers use it to make parts for applications that use low operating temperatures and require low strength levels. The material content of this metal is not always 100 percent pure. Sometimes it is mixed with alloys like titanium, cobalt, nickel, chromium, and tungsten. The carbon content usually determines the hardness of the object. If you want less hard or flexible items, lower the carbon content. You can increase the carbon to create a more hard and sturdy thing.

4. Stainless steel

It is an alloy of iron metal and has a small percentage of chromium, about 10.5 percent. Stainless steel is versatile and is used in several applications for different purposes. The resultant forges are durable and corrosion-resistant. They have high formability, recyclability and can withstand high temperatures.

5. Alloy steel

Alloy steel is incorporated in steel parts to introduce or enhance the desired properties. The use of alloys increases the overall metal strength and toughness and makes it resistant to wear and tear from surrounding elements. In addition, the forged steel becomes resistant to corrosion and maintains a high level of strength in high temperatures. Examples of alloys include manganese, nickel, chromium, and molybdenum. The choice of the alloy is influenced mainly by the object you want to produce.

Final Word

All forged metals are fit for use in varying applications. The main difference is the kind of material you choose for your final product and its use. Each of the metals above provides maximum benefits during the forging process for the formation of parts.

September 10, 2021 0 comment
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Industry

What Influences the Performance of a Magnet?

by Chirag August 10, 2021
written by Chirag

The performance of magnets such as Neodymium varies across due to the effects caused by various factors. These magnets are widely used for multiple applications, are strong, and have good magnetic properties. More information is available about the Neodymium magnets, and you can click here to read. Generally, all magnets possess a pull rating which is calculated in kilograms. Since there are no perfect conditions for them to work in, their performance is affected differently. We expound on factors affecting magnet performance below.

Factors Affecting the Performance of a Magnet

The factors that affect the performance of any magnet include;

1. Material

Magnets attract metals of different materials hence the effect on their performance. The material they attract determines its magnetism conduction or pull strength. The pull strength is tested using mild steel, which acts as the contact material. Other metals like cast iron or alloys of steel and not used as their power to conduct magnetism is low compared to that of mild steel. They prevent the magnet from reaching its maximum capability. Some metals reduce the pull while others increase it hence the performance effect.

2. The thickness of the steel

A steel surface affects the performance and pull of a magnet. The thickness of the steel must match the magnet’s requirement for it to perform at its maximum and take in all the magnetism. If the contact steel isn’t thick enough, say 1mm, when the required thickness is 10mm, the magnet will not attract as needed and will deliver a fraction of its potential capability.

To test and ensure the steel thickness is okay, attach another piece of steel onto the previous one. If the extra steel piece remains attached to the first one when you move the magnet, the steel cannot fully absorb the magnet’s power. If it falls off, it indicates the steel thickness is correct, and full magnetism absorption is taking place.

3. Temperature

Any magnet used in conditions above its maximum operating temperature range tends to lose its performance completely. The maximum operating temperature varies between magnets. For example, for Neodymium magnets its 80 degrees centigrade, while for Ferrite is 180 degrees centigrade.

If you subject the magnet to very high heat severally, the performance reduces. Magnets have magnetic domains that are aligned; hence they possess magnetic properties. When the domains are misaligned, like in the case of constant heating, they lose their magnetism and can not function as expected. Alternatively, low temperatures are ideal for magnetic performance. When exposed to such, their performance increases.

4. Corrosion

Corrosion mostly takes place in the presence of water. Since most magnets are used outdoors, they are prone to this, causing their performance to decline. The magnet’s plate is damaged, resulting in rust; hence the magnet loses its magnetic power. However, some magnets are designed to withstand such conditions such as Samarium Cobalt.

Conclusion

When buying a magnet, you expect it to have and maintain its original properties during its use; however, sometimes, that’s not the case. The factors above will help you understand what affects it and prevent such exposure to these elements. Take note of them to keep your magnet in its maximum magnetic capability.

August 10, 2021 0 comment
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CNC

Difference Between CNC Turning & Milling

by Chirag August 2, 2021
written by Chirag

Turning is one of the oldest manufacturing process, the traces of which dates all the way back to ancient Egyptian civilization. The purpose of turning is to create intricate and detailed parts, pieces, or components of any machinery. Thanks to lathe machines, the turning process has come a long way from manual turning to program-run CNC turning.

Using a turning lathe, the latest technology, and skilled machinists- CNC manufacturing service providers can now create custom-designed parts and components (also called workpieces) to the exact requirement of the client.

Another very popular CNC manufacturing process is CNC milling, and people often think of milling and turning as the same thing, but that’s not true. CNC turning and CNC milling are computer-run machining processes, but they serve two different purposes.

CNC Turning Vs CNC Milling

Both the CNC Milling and CNC turning process basically have the same purpose of making intricate and accurate parts and components that are very difficult to create by hand. And, both CNC Milling and CNC Turning do use computer codes written in G-Code language, but there is a very obvious difference in the workings of these two processes.

With CNC Milling, it is the cutters that move around the workpiece on different axes to morph the final product, whereas in turning, the cutters are rigid and parallel to the moving workpiece. Another difference is that CNC Milling is mostly to provide the final touches to the workpiece, for example, adding intricate cuts, holes, etc. Whereas the major use of CNC Turning is for making cylindrical parts from scratch.

CNC Turning Process

Whether you choose CNC Milling or CNC Turning to manufacture your parts, there is a certain process that you need to follow before your CNC manufacturers can start the manufacturing process. The following FOUR steps will put you on the right track to start your CNC manufacturing process.

  • Making a blueprint of your component in CAD(Computer-Aided Design).
  • Converting the CAD blueprint into G-Code.
  • Setting up the lathe.
  • Starting the manufacturing process.

Types Of CNC Turning Process

Just like every other CNC manufacturing process, turning also has a lot of other types to prepare different types of parts. Because the turning process has wide applications, there are lots of types of turning. Here are some of the most common CNC turning processes.

  • Straight Turning or Roughing: The most common form of turning that cuts any extra material from a workpiece to develop a cylindrical piece with a uniform diameter.
  • Taper Turning: Taper turning also is for creating cylindrical shapes but with the difference in diameter. Taper turning is when the cylinders need to have a decreasing diameter. 
  • Spherical Generation: To prepare the perfect sphere, manufacturers use the Spherical Generation turning process.

These THREE turning processes are the most common in the industry; however, these do not provide the finishing touch to the workpiece. For the finishing touches, the turning lathes provide FOUR more processes depending on your parts and the type of finish you need.

So, even though all these processes are different from each other, using only one will not give you the desired results. To get the best out of CNC Turning, you will have to go through TWO or THREE steps. 

August 2, 2021 0 comment
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Industry

Things You Should Know About Plastic Granulators

by Chirag July 30, 2021
written by Chirag

Most customers identify plastic granulators as a recycling model for waste management, especially plastics. There are different types of granulators depending on the application or intended use. In addition, their sizes vary to accommodate different sizes of materials. When planning to invest in such equipment, picking the right one may seem like an easy process but ends up challenging you, and you wonder exactly what you want. Click here for the best plastic granulators and good customer service from the best company. In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about plastic granulators.

What You Need to Know About Plastic Granulators

What is the Purpose of a Plastic Granulator?

Some people might have heard about these machines but can’t tell what they do or how they work. The main objective is to convert any material, in this case, plastic, from its current condition to granulates that facilitate the reusing of the materials. The granulates produced are high-quality due to various reasons.

1. What is a High-Quality Granulate?

You can define this granulate based on three elements: size, cleanliness, or proper sanitation and uniformity.

a. Size

The size of the granulate on the screen brings about balance between the throughput you intend to have and the end product that is the final size of the granulate. The ultimate granulate size is usually compatible with the size of the original material.

b. Proper Sanitation

A high-quality granulate is clean, with no fines or traces of dust. The absence of these elements shows that part of the material was lost during the air conveying process or filtration. Their removal is essential to keep the granulate clean and prevent any adverse effects on the subsequent machines like the moulding and extruder machines.

Also, the choice of material determines whether the granulate will have fines or not. Brittle or weak materials tend to break easily, contributing to fine formation.

c. Uniformity

It’s important to note that plastic granulators cannot be fed materials randomly. The material size must be right. Likewise, keeping the size of the granulate constant allows for a more consistent density and the feeding method.

The uniformity promotes proper mixing and blending of the granulates and the virgin pellets, making the level of melting within the barrel consistent.

2. What are the Tips for Selecting a Plastic Granulator?

There are two main tips to consider that is;

a. Identify Your Application/Purpose

Your application will guide you on the kind of granulator to get. In addition, factor in the size and materials that you will have in the process. The machine sizes vary; hence it is necessary to define the size you want clearly. However, there are chances you can get one that fits all materials, which would be very beneficial to you.

b. Check Out the Machine Parts

Ensure you confirm every part you wish to have is there. Among the essential components is the rotor, which can be opened or staggered. Consider the horsepower, shape and size of the chamber and the number of knives. All these parts contribute to the proper working of the granulator; thus, you can leave them out.

Conclusion

Granulators are detailed equipment with several parts that work together to facilitate the recycling of materials. They appear different based on the involved application, but their main aim is to produce granulates for reprocessing. Consider the tips given for proper selection to get a valuable machine that works for your needs and is worth the money spent.

July 30, 2021 0 comment
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Industry

4 Types of Materials Used in PCB Production

by Chirag July 26, 2021
written by Chirag

Printed Circuit Boards have grown in popularity over recent years. They support electrical and electronic devices in daily home use or other applications like Medicine where the medical PCB is used. Manufacturers produce various forms of PCBs based on factors like materials, design, and how they are used. As for the material, it’s essential to know and understand how each one behaves, their advantages and limitations, and the type of PCB they can be used on. We discuss the materials used in PCB manufacturing below.

Materials Used in PCB Manufacturing

PCBs can either be rigid or flexible, depending on the choice of material. Every PCB has an insulating layer that is a poor conductor of electricity and is known as a dielectric material or substrate. Some examples include glass epoxy laminates, plastics, porcelain, and few metal oxides. The substrate is used alongside conductive metals like copper to allow current flow. Other materials include;

1. FR4

It is the most common type of material used in PCB. It is an epoxy laminate sheet reinforced with glass and has good tensile strength. Since it’s a composite material, its purpose is to offer mechanical support for all components on the board. Most people prefer it due to its ability to resist water, meaning it doesn’t get damaged if the electronic device gets in the water.

FR4 comes in three forms, i.e., standard, halogen-free, and high glass transition temperature. The standard kind is the most widely used and is the cheapest. The halogen-free and the type with a high glass transitional temperature work well with the lead reflow technology.

2. FR 1 and 2

These materials are suitable for use in the single-layer PCB and are made from phenol and paper elements. They have the same qualities, but the difference comes in the different temperature ranges during the glass transition. The transition glass temperature for FR1 is higher than that of FR2. Like FR4, the materials come in the same forms, i.e., the standard and halogen-free but have a new kind that is non-hydrophobic.

3. Polyimide

It is used to produce flexible PCBs and is made from Rogers, Kepton, and Dupont components, which are the reasons behind its excellent electrical properties. Its good at resisting chemicals, and its range of temperature is more comprehensive compared to other materials.

4. Prepeg

The material name means pre-impregnated, and it is not as popular as other material names used in PCB manufacturing. It refers to fiberglass materials filled or impregnated with resin. The dried resin is melted, allowing it to flow and immerse in the fiberglass. Prepeg is naturally sticky, and its adhesive layer provides good tensile and mechanical strength. This material’s resin content creates many versions, such as standard, medium, and high resin. The three types are also determined by structuring the layers, their thickness, and electric resistance.

Bottom Line

As listed above, several materials are available, and picking the right one, especially during the design process, is vital. Some of their qualities are similar while others are different, thus contributing to their use in various applications.

July 26, 2021 0 comment
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