Blogs
Windshield Manufacturing
Windshield Manufacturing Automotive Windshield Manufacturing Tolerances Description In order to maintain proper profile and thickness within a glass furnace the extrusion plate spacing must be maintained at a predetermined gap. Unfortunately, due to process changes and temperature swings this gap can fluctuate significantly in short periods of time. This variation causes the glass thickness to change (check out our glass thickness measurement devices to accurately measure thickness), producing uneven temperature gradients and creating potentially weak glass panels. To control this critical parameter the manufacturing process requires automated active feedback control [...]
Powdered Metal Level
Powdered Metal Level Industrial Powdered Metal Level Level Description Many precision and no-precision metal parts are made from powdered metal. The metal may be placed in a feed ram or delivered on a web/ belt. Some processes require monitoring of the powdered metal height and it may have to be kept level across the web. For small applications a single spot laser (Microtrak 4) or several lasers may be adequate to monitor the process (powdered metal height ) and call for more metal as the ram or belt supply gets too [...]
Ice Detection
Ice Detection Industrial Ice Detection Presence/Absence Description Introduction:  Ships take in water from outside the hull to cool the engines and other auxiliary equipment. The water usually comes in through a sea chest. “The sea chest provides an intake reservoir from which piping systems draw raw water. Most sea chests are protected by removable gratings (trash screen), and contain baffle plates to dampen the effects of vessel speed or sea state. The intake size of sea chests varies from less than 10 cm² to several square meters“(Wikipedia). Problem: Frazil are [...]
Fill Height Of Construction Blocks
Fill Height Of Construction Blocks Industrial Fill Height Of Construction Blocks Dimensions Description Introduction: When you construct a concrete block wall, the dimensions of the concrete block help ensure the structural integrity of the structure. Since the block is formed in a mold, the width and length are consistent; the height of the block is the variable. The amount of concrete dispensed in the mold, the pressure applied after filling the mold, and even sweeping the block after it is filled can all affect the overall height. The Problem: Many concrete [...]
Water In Oil
Industrial Water In Oil Level Description
Ultrasonic Horn Vibration
Ultrasonic Horn Vibration Research & Development Ultrasonic Horn Vibration Amplitude Description An "ultrasonic horn" is the device which concentrates this energy and applies it to a process. They come in many different sizes and configurations depending on the task for which they are designed. As the tip of the horn (or contraction area) is brought in contact with a part at a certain pressure, frictional heat is generated causing the material to plasticize locally, creating an insoluble connection between two parts within a very short period of time. As the [...]
Tolerances of Armature Gaps
Tolerances of Armature Gaps Power Generation Tolerances Of Armature Gaps Tolerances Description Introduction In large motors and generators, the air gap needed to separate the revolving rotor from the stator should be as small as possible as this reduces the magnetizing power requirement. The gap also needs to be large enough to prevent contact between the two, despite manufacturing tolerances on their dimensions or movement resulting from mechanical deflection or looseness in supporting bearings. The gap should also be uniform; a non-uniform gap causes increased noise and vibration. Since large [...]
Exploration Of The Elastic Region For Aluminum Alloys
Exploration Of The Elastic Region For Aluminum Alloys Research & Development Exploration Of The Elastic Region For Aluminum Alloys Bending, Tensile and Compression Description One of the most important properties of metals is their elastic characteristics, defined as the allowable deformation in a given direction from which the metal can return to its original configuration, once the load is removed. Deforming a common aluminum alloy within the elastic region will illustrate this. Relevant formulas and charts will show how to use these metals safely in a variety of industrial applications. [...]
Blade Tip Clearance
Blade Tip Clearance Power Generation Blade Tip Clearance Tolerances Description Introduction Large turbines are periodically torn down, inspected, and rebuilt. Turbine blade clearance to the case is one of the most critical measurements. Too close and the blades could expand and the turbine could be destroyed, too far away and efficiency is lost and power is sacrificed. This makes it vital to know the actual blade tip clearance. The inquiry A large multinational company approached MTI Instruments to provide a capacitive sensing system that could inspect blade tip clearance through [...]
Vibration / Balancing
Power Generation Vibration / Balancing Amplitude Description