投稿者: tama0512

What Is Mist Equipment?

Mist equipment is a device that sprays water in a mist-like spray over a wide area, used for cooling and fire extinguishing equipment to prevent outdoor temperatures from rising.

Mist equipment can lower outdoor temperatures by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius. Mist equipment pressurizes water and sprays it into the air, so it becomes a dry mist that does not get wet against the skin and causes no discomfort.

Like the sprinkling effect, the ambient outside temperature is lowered by utilizing the vaporization heat phenomenon, which takes away the heat when water evaporates. When used for cooling, this device is good for the environment because it does not require an outdoor unit like air conditioners, etc., and does not release heat outside.

The shape of the mist nozzle and the mist pump vary, and so do the characteristics of mist equipment. Mist equipment can be used more effectively by selecting the appropriate mist equipment according to the purpose of use.

Uses of Mist Equipments

Mist equipment has the effect of reducing the rise in temperature and can create partially cooler areas outdoors. For this reason, they are used outdoors and in places where large numbers of people are expected to gather, such as large facilities, for the purpose of preventing heat stroke.

It is also used for disinfecting and cleaning livestock farms and waste disposal facilities by spraying disinfectants and chemicals in mist form. Furthermore, it is also used for the purpose of preventing the inhalation of fine dust into the body by incorporating it into the molecules of water, and for maintaining a constant humidity level through its humidifying effect. Mists are also used by the entertainment industry to create dramatic effects.

Principle of Mist Equipment

The cooling effect of mist equipment is based on the principle of heat of vaporization.

Heat of vaporization is the heat that water absorbs from its surroundings in order to evaporate, thus absorbing heat from the surroundings and lowering the temperature.

The system consists of a pump, nozzles, and water supply pipes. The pump applies high pressure to the water taken in from the water supply pipes and pushes it out through the nozzles, which have a small diameter, to generate a fine mist. The fine mist is easily vaporized and produces a dry mist that does not get wet to the touch.

Structure of Mist Equipment

Mist equipment consists of the following seven components:

1. Mist Pump

The mist pump is the heart of mist equipment. Water pressurized by the pump is pushed out through the mist nozzle, which has a very small jet diameter, to generate a fine mist. A higher pressure will produce finer water particles and a greater number of particles.

When a high-pressure pump that pressurizes to nearly 7 MPa is used, the majority of the mist particles are 5 microns or smaller, resulting in a dry mist. By the time the mist falls to the ground or floor, it evaporates in the atmosphere, and the heat of vaporization at that time pulls down the ambient temperature.

2. Mist Nozzle

Mist nozzles are used to mix water pressurized by a mist pump with atmospheric air to atomize it and spray it. Mist nozzles differ in the diameter of the atomizing port. The smaller the atomizing port, the finer the mist particles, the easier they vaporize, and the less water is required to atomize the mist.

3. Water Supply Pipe

It serves as a passageway for water taken from the water source to be sent to the mist pump.

4. Filter

Install a filter in the water supply pipe to prevent foreign matter or calcium from clogging the mist pump.

5. Drain

This is used to drain water that is retained in the water supply pipe after the Mist equipment has stopped operating. It is installed in the water supply pipe in front of the mist pump to prevent water droplets from falling and to prevent the mist nozzle from clogging due to calcium in the water after the pump has stopped operating. There are mechanical drains and electric drains. Electric drains relieve pressure in the piping and drain water more quickly, thus preventing water droplets from falling from the mist nozzles.

6. Mist Fan

Mist fans increase the time mist drifts in the atmosphere and accelerates vaporization. The effect of the mist can be applied to a wider area.

7. Water Source

A water source is required to supply the pump. If a water tank is used, install a pump capable of supplying the required flow rate.

8. Power Supply

Power must be supplied to run the mist pump. A power supply with sufficient electrical capacity for the pump used should be selected.

What Is Polyimide Tape?

Figure 1. Image of polyimide tape

Polyimide tape is an adhesive tape that uses polyimide film as the tape base material.

Polyimide has excellent heat resistance and insulation properties due to its high thermal decomposition temperature. Its main applications are heat-resistant masking of electronic substrates and heat-resistant insulation.

Polyimide is a general term for polymers that are polymerized by imide bonds. The first industrial application of polyimide film was commercialized by DuPont of the United States, which used aromatic polyimide.

Many polyimide tape products use a silicone adhesive, which has the advantage of leaving no adhesive residue after removal.

Uses of Polyimide Tapes

Polyimide tape is mainly used under high temperatures and high voltages due to the ultra-high and ultra-low temperature resistance of the base material, polyimide film. It can be applied in a variety of places, from repairing railroad and aircraft parts that require heat resistance to insulating circuits.

Many of them are thin and translucent, making them suitable for repairing small parts and fine electronic circuits. Since it is removable again, it can also be used in situations where repeated fine adjustments are required. Common uses include masking electronic circuits during soldering operations and insulating and insulating printed circuit boards.

In addition, since many products have high chemical resistance, they are often used for fixing when applying strong acidic chemicals or for protection during partial etching.

Principle of Polyimide Tapes

Figure 2. Imide bonding and polyimide

The majority of polyimide tape consists of a polyimide film coated with a silicone adhesive. Some rubber-based adhesive products and acrylic adhesive products are also available for applications where silicone residue must be prevented.

Polyimide tape is characterized by the properties of the polyimide film and adhesive. Since polyimide has a higher heat resistance temperature than the adhesive, the heat resistance temperature of the product is generally determined by the type of adhesive.

Properties of Polyimide

Polyimide is a general term for high-molecular compounds that are polymerized by imide bonds. Polyimide tape is made of aromatic polyimide, which is a polymer of aromatic compounds polymerized by imide bonds. Because of the extremely strong bonding, polyimide tape has high strength and excellent heat resistance and insulation properties. The thermal decomposition temperature is 500°C or higher.

The specific properties of the molecular structure that give it excellent heat resistance are as follows:

• Aromatics are conjugated to each other via imide bonds.
• The aromatic rings are located in the same plane and the molecular chains are tightly packed together.
• Highly polar imide bonds have strong intermolecular forces.

It also has a low expansion coefficient when heated, so it does not expand much even when used at high temperatures, thereby minimizing dimensional errors.

Other Information on Polyimide Tape

Adhesives for Polyimide Tape

Figure 3. Kapton® Structure and Characteristics

Adhesives used in polyimide tape include silicone adhesive, rubber adhesive, and acrylic adhesive, each with different properties such as adhesive strength and heat resistance. Among polyimide tape, products using the polyimide film Kapton® by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont) of the United States are sometimes called Kapton® Tape.

1. Silicone Adhesive
Silicone adhesives are adhesives consisting of silicone rubber and silicone resin components. Although silicone rubber does not have high adhesive properties, it has excellent cold and heat resistance. As a result, it can be used in a wide range of temperatures, from -60°C to 250°C.

Silicone resin is an adhesive agent component that complements the adhesive properties of silicone rubber. By changing the composition ratio of the silicone rubber component to the silicone resin component, the required adhesive properties can be obtained. Cross-linking agents such as benzoyl peroxide are also used to further improve heat resistance from the original properties.

Adhesion to silicone rubber and fluororesin is also possible, and it has excellent water and chemical resistance. It can also be used in places where it is exposed to strongly acidic aqueous solutions. Another advantage is that air bubbles do not easily form when applying the film because it is easy to release air. It also has excellent removability, so it can be peeled off without leaving adhesive residue.

2. Non-Silicone Adhesives
Polyimide tape with acrylic or rubber-based adhesive is also available, although not in large numbers. Although inferior to silicone-based adhesives in terms of heat resistance, they are used to prevent soldering defects caused by siloxane gas or silicone residue. It is used for masking during reflow soldering of electronic components, temporary fixing, protection of components and lenses, and transportation of components.

What Is an Enamelled Bathtub?

An enameled bathtub is a bathtub manufactured using a material called enamel.

It is used not only for bathtubs but also for tableware and pots, and is characterized by its beauty and durability.

Enamel products themselves are made by baking a glassy substance (mainly silicon dioxide) onto the surface of a metal plate or metal casting at high temperatures. The use of metal makes enamel bathtubs more durable than bathtubs made of other materials. The glassy surface makes for a very beautiful bathtub.

Uses of Enamelled Bathtubs

Enamelled bathtubs are considered to be for high-end homes due to their high cost, but artificial marble bathtubs, which are less expensive than enamelled bathtubs, are also being used. Artificial marble is used as a substitute for marble not only in bathtubs but also in kitchens and washstands. After bathing, the bathtub can be kept clean by simply rinsing the surface off. It is becoming increasingly popular in recent years because of its excellent heat retention properties and resistance to mold growth.

Principle of Enamelled Bathtubs

Enamelled bathtubs and other enamelled products are made through the following processes:

1. Metal Shaping and Processing Engineering

Steel sheets are finished into a specified shape by sheet metal working or press working, etc., and then welded and formed into a product shape. In some cases, the product is cast from a mold instead of being pressed or otherwise processed.

2. Pretreatment Process

Here, oil and other contaminants adhering to the steel plate are removed. In addition, the steel plate is dipped in a nickel solution to change the surface of the steel plate to a state where glaze (silicon dioxide) can easily adhere to the surface. In some cases, steel sheets are dipped in sulfuric acid before being dipped in the nickel solution to roughen the surface and make it easier for the glaze to adhere to the steel sheet.

3. Glazing

Glaze is sprayed and applied to the pretreated steel plate. Glazes are made of glass powder mixed with silica stone, feldspar, metal oxides, borax, soda ash, etc. Many types are available depending on the color and characteristics of the product.

4. Yakiaki Project

After applying the glaze, allow it to dry thoroughly before firing. Firing is performed at 800 to 850 degrees Celsius for 5 to 10 minutes to complete the process. Depending on the product, the glazing and firing processes may be repeated multiple times.

Other Information About Enamelled Bathtubs

1. Life of an Enamelled Bathtub

Enamelled bathtubs have a lifespan of approximately 20 to 30 years. Deterioration is noticeable at this time, but if the enamelled bathtub is kept in hot water for a long time, the glaze on the surface of the bathtub tends to peel off and deteriorate in as early as 15 years or so.

2. Repair of Enamelled Bathtub

A common symptom of enamelled bathtub deterioration is cracking (cracking) or peeling of the glassy surface of the bathtub. In some cases, holes are formed and metal parts inside the bathtub are exposed. Water seeping into the interior can also cause the metal parts to rust.

Glass deterioration cannot be repaired by polishing alone because the original luster and texture of the enamel is lost. Painting for repair will cost 500 to 1500 USD.

If there are holes in the enamelled bathtub, the metal inside is often rusted, in which case replacement of the bathtub itself is recommended. In order to prevent soap scum and other stains from adhering to the bathtub, a clear coating treatment can be applied only in cases where the deterioration symptoms are not too severe. The cost is approximately 150 to 250 USD.

If you are considering DIY to reduce the cost of repair, you need to make a careful decision because of the difficulty of the work. If the metal inside the enamelled bathtub has rusted, not only will it recur if not completely removed, but the paint suitable for painting enamel is special, making it difficult to adhere to the repaired area and prone to peeling off. It is said that enamel painting is prone to construction defects, even by professional painters, so it is advisable to ask a professional who is good at painting from the beginning.

What Is a Belt Heater?

Belt heaters are belt-shaped heaters designed to heat objects by covering the surrounding object.

It can heat objects regardless of their shape, and is used to heat objects that have complex shapes or are difficult to heat over an open flame. Depending on the material of the belt, this heater excels at heating objects in the range of human living temperatures up to around 200°C, and is used in a variety of fields.

Because they heat objects by converting electricity into heat, they can be heated as long as electricity is available. Since they require a few other tools, they are easy-to-use heaters with a low degree of difficulty.

Uses of Belt Heaters

Belt heaters are used in a variety of applications for heat retention and heating. They are used in a very wide range of fields, including medical, health, and physical/chemical equipment. In winter in cold regions, belt heaters are also used to prevent freezing of pipes such as water pipes, making them an important heater for daily life.

Because they heat evenly over a surface when heated, they are also used in applications where localized temperature changes that can cause damage, such as during thawing, are not desirable. When using belt heaters, be very careful when using sharp tools such as cutters nearby to avoid cutting or damaging the belt section.

In particular, when removing a belt heater, the belt portion is often damaged along with the auxiliary jig (string, plastic wrap, etc.) that secures the heater to the object being heated. Also, be sure to check how the belt heater is attached when removing it.

Principle of Belt Heaters

Heaters heat objects by converting electricity into heat, and their performance as heaters is graded according to voltage and electrical capacity. It is also important that the belt, which serves as the heating part, be flexible enough to follow the various shapes of the object to be heated. When using the belt, it should be handled in such a way that it does not undergo extreme shape changes beyond its operating range.

If the circuit of the heater section where electricity flows is ruptured, the area to be heated may be localized, or the heating may stop or even cause a malfunction.

Structure of Belt Heater

Belt heaters consist of two major components: a lead wire that takes the power supply for heating and a belt that is the heating part. The temperature range that can be handled varies depending on the material used for the heating part.

Similar products called cord heaters and tape heaters are also available, but the difference is whether the heating part is in the form of a belt or not; the heating principle and structure are almost the same. It is recommended to select the shape that best suits the purpose of use.

How to Choose a Belt Heater

1. Material

Silicon rubber-like material is often used, but belts made of braided heat-resistant fiber (heat-resistant polymer fiber such as polyamide or polyester) are also used in areas where the heating temperature is high, and materials vary depending on the expected temperature range.

Rigid materials are not suitable for belts, as they must be able to follow the shape of the heated object. Other materials with the necessary resistance, such as electrical insulation, heat resistance, and chemical resistance, should be selected as needed to meet the needs of the application.

2. Shape

Depending on the size and shape of the object to be heated, belt heaters of various shapes, from thin to thick, and from short to long, are deployed in the market. In addition, in order to cover small-diameter objects to be heated, the belt must be thin in thickness to cover them well.

Select the shape of the belt heater by carefully checking what kind of shape you want to use, its length, and its ability to follow the object.　When installing a new belt heater, it is important to select and design the best combination of heater length, voltage/capacity, and lead wire length for the intended use.

In some cases, it may be possible to hire a specialist to custom-build a belt heater to your specifications. We recommend the systematic introduction of belt heaters of various materials and shapes to make heating as efficient as possible.

What Is Plasma Processing Equipment?

Plasma processing equipment is used to perform pretreatment, called plasma treatment, for surface treatment of metals, synthetic resins, ceramics, plastics, and all other materials used in industrial fields.

In plasma treatment, gases such as oxygen are plasmaized by electrical power, and atoms and molecules with unpaired electrons called radicals are imparted to the surface of resins and other materials. The purpose of imparting radicals is to activate the surface of the product to be treated and to increase the hydrophilic properties of adhesion and wettability.

Surface treatments for which plasma treatment is used as a pretreatment mainly include modification such as cleaning and activation, adhesion and bonding, and painting and coating. Plasma processing equipment can simplify conventional processes, improve work efficiency, and reduce costs.

Uses of Plasma Processing Equipment

Plasma processing equipment is now widely used not only in electronics technology but also in all areas of manufacturing, from the automotive and aviation industries to packaging and everyday items. An example of their use in the electronic device industry is the anti-scratch coating of electronic components in circuits. Scratch-resistant coatings can improve the durability of substrates and make cleaning processes more efficient.

Examples in the automotive industry include bonding automotive circuit boards to epoxy resin and cleaning surface oil from metal parts for engines. In packaging and everyday products, it is used for foil stamping on plastics, surface printing, and painting. Other uses include cleaning and coating of medical equipment, etc., taking advantage of the sterilizing effect during processing.

Principle of Plasma Processing Equipment

Plasma is a state in which atoms and molecules in a gas are ionized and split into positively charged positive ions and negatively charged electrons. It is called the fourth state following the individual, liquid, and gas states. The purpose of plasma processing equipment is to ionize oxygen molecules in the air by discharging them in the air, causing the oxygen atoms to be excited and generating plasma containing oxygen ions and free electrons.

The electrons, ions, and radicals of the generated plasma come into contact with the product to be treated, such as the substrate of an electronic component, and the ions and electrons in the plasma react with the molecules of the substrate material to produce hydrophilic functional groups. The formation of hydrophilic functional groups on the surface improves adhesion and wettability.

Types of Plasma Processors

There are two main types of plasma processing machines: atmospheric plasma processing machines that process at atmospheric pressure and vacuum plasma processing machines that process in a vacuum. Atmospheric pressure plasma processing equipment generates plasma at atmospheric pressure by flowing a gas, such as nitrogen or rare gas, through a pair of electrodes and applying high frequency and high voltage.

On the other hand, vacuum plasma processors place a base material in a sealed chamber and irradiate plasma evenly onto the surface of the material. They are mainly used in the manufacture of semiconductors and other electronic components, and in medical applications.

Other Information on Plasma Processing Equipment

1. Features of Plasma Processing

Plasma treatment has two main characteristics. The first is that there are multiple gases that can be plasmaized. In addition to oxygen and nitrogen, helium and other gases can be used for plasma treatment. The chemical properties of the plasma can be changed by combining gases, so the properties of the base material and the functionality to be given can be selected.

The second feature is that there is little damage to the base material. Since the plasma is in a gaseous state, it has little effect on the interior of the material and can act only on the extreme surface.

2. Effects of Plasma Treatment

There are three major effects of plasma treatment.

Hydrophilization
Hydrophilization improves wettability. It refers to the state in which the material becomes more compatible with water and less likely to form water beads. In other words, the opposite of hydrophilic is water repellent.

Improved Adhesion
Plasma treatment improves adhesion between resins and between resins and metals. Plasma treatment forms hydrophilic functional groups on the surface, which will result in a high affinity with adhesives.

Cleaning
Plasma treatment can remove organic contaminants from metal and glass surfaces. This is accomplished by plasma-generated oxygen radicals reacting with the carbon atoms of organic contaminants on the surface of the treated item and releasing them as carbon dioxide, resulting in the cleaning of the surface.

What Is Plasma CVD System?

Plasma CVD equipment is a type of equipment that performs a type of chemical vapor deposition method.

Plasma CVD stands for plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The raw material gas is turned into a low-temperature plasma state (glow discharge ionized into cations and electrons) to generate active ions and radicals that cause chemical reactions on the substrate to deposit and form a thin film.

Uses of Plasma CVD Systems

Plasma CVD technology is used for reinforcing films for cutting tools (titanium nitride, carbon nitride, DLC (diamond-like carbon)), semiconductor insulating and protective films, wiring and electrode materials (silicon nitride, silicon oxide, copper, aluminum, tungsten, polycrystalline silicon, compound semiconductors, etc.). These materials are used as insulators, protective films, wiring and electrode materials (silicon nitride, copper, aluminum, tungsten, polycrystalline silicon, compound semiconductors, etc.). Its use in high-performance power devices to control and supply energy, which is key to economic and industrial development, is also expanding rapidly.

The supply gas for plasma CVD systems is usually a carrier gas such as hydrogen, nitrogen, argon, or ammonia mixed with a raw material gas such as SiH4 (silane) or WF6 (tungsten hexafluoride).

1. Oxides

Silicon dioxide (SiO2) is an oxide of silicon. It has excellent electrical insulation and thermal stability and is used in semiconductor device interlayer insulating films.

As semiconductors become thinner, they are more prone to leakage currents, where current leaks out from unplanned locations; the presence of SiO2 helps prevent leakage currents.

2. Nitride

Silicon nitride (Si3N4) is a nitride of silicon. It has excellent strength and thermal conductivity and is used as a substrate material for power devices that generate a lot of heat.

Nitrogen and ammonia are used together with SiH4 to form nitrides, so they also play the role in raw material gases. Semiconductors in general perform functions related to arithmetic and memory, such as memory. Power devices, on the other hand, are for things like diodes.

3. Carbide

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a carbide of silicon, a member of the compound semiconductor family along with GaN (gallium nitride, or GaN), AlGaN, etc. Like Si3N4, it is used in power devices in place of Si IGBTs because of its superior strength and thermal conductivity.

Compared to silicon compounds, power loss is lower, leading to smaller devices.

4. Metals and Metal Compounds

The gate of a transistor is formed from a gate oxide film (formed by thermal oxidation) and a gate electrode (mostly polycrystalline silicon). Tungsten plugs used for the gate electrode and source-drain contacts are formed by plasma CVD. (See Figure 3)

Principle of a Plasma CVD System

Figure 1. Basic configuration of a plasma CVD system

The raw material gas is selected from a pressure reduction range of 10-4 to 100 Pa, depending on the desired conditions. The power supply frequency most commonly used for plasma excitation is 13.56 MHz (RF: Radio Frequency), and the discharge type is a capacitively coupled type using parallel plate electrodes. 

One of the parallel plates may be used as a shower head to supply process gas, or a heater may be inserted in one of the plates to control the temperature. There are many controllable parameters, such as power supply frequency, electrode structure other than the parallel plate type, raw gas composition, discharge volume, and temperature. Therefore, it is possible to deposit various types of thin films with various functionalities, ranging from inorganic to organic materials.

Other Information on Plasma CVD Systems

1. Semiconductor Device Structure and Manufacturing Process

Figure 2. Basic structure of semiconductor devices (memory)

Plasma CDV systems are widely used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices. For example, in the case of memory devices, complex multilayer wiring is formed on top of the MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor) formed on the substrate (wafer). layers are formed on top of the MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor) formed on the substrate (wafer) and separated by an interlayer insulating film.

Plasma CVD systems are mainly used to form MOSFET gate electrodes, wiring layers, and interlayer insulators, which require fine patterning after deposition. Basically, printing technology is used for patterning, and the following steps are repeated. 

Figure 3. Basic deposition process for semiconductor devices

1. On top of the base pattern, a new pattern material (polycrystalline silicon, Al, C, W, SiO2, Si3N4, etc.) is uniformly deposited by CVD.
2. A photoresist film (positive or negative) is formed on top of the first film.Positive films are less soluble in solvents due to excitation light, while negative films are more soluble.
3. The resist is dissolved, forming a pattern of the remaining resist on top of the deposited film.
4. Etching (stripping process) is applied from the top of the pattern to remove the film.
5. Remove the resist.
6. A pattern is formed on the film.

By repeating the above process, semiconductor devices can be formed.

2. Thermal CVD and Optical CVD

Depending on the energy given, it can be classified into plasma CVD, thermal CVD, and optical CVD.

• Thermal CVD
  This is a method of film deposition in which the components are thermally decomposed and chemically reacted by treating the feed gas at high temperatures. (This method cannot be used for substrates that are sensitive to heat, such as plastics.
• Optical CVD
  Methods that use laser light or ultraviolet light energy to activate family decomposition and chemical reactions.

What Is a Blast Cabinet?

Blast cabinets are equipment used to polish and clean and remove metal surfaces.

There are two types of blasting: air blasting with compressed air and sandblasting, which enhance workability by adding sand to compressed air and blowing it vigorously. Blasting also requires regulators, filters, and dust collectors, so there are some that are equipped with these features.

Blast cabinets are widely used in areas such as surface preparation of metal products, surface preparation prior to painting, removal of dirt and rust, and dental laboratory work. Blast cabinets are efficient and safe because the operator can do the work inside the equipment. In addition, performing polishing operations inside the cabinet prevents environmental contamination and workplace pollution.

Blast cabinets are made of steel, aluminum, plastic, and other materials and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The appropriate blast cabinet should be selected according to the intended use and workspace.

Uses of Blast Cabinets

Blast cabinets are often used for pretreatment and finishing operations that require precision in bonding and painting, whether metallic or non-metallic. In metal processing, blasting can improve the accuracy of painting and press work by making the surface uneven.

Blasting can also remove dirt and rust from metal surfaces. Furthermore, since blast processing is not affected by the size or shape of the object to be processed, it is suitable for processing fine areas and complex shapes that are difficult to process with machines.

Therefore, they are used in a wide range of fields, including aircraft and automobile parts, plastic products, and electronic components. However, care must be taken in blast processing because the type and particle size of the abrasive material used in the process and the processing pressure may scratch or deform the surface of the object. Safety measures are also taken because the dust and dirt generated by processing may contain harmful substances.

Principle of Blast Cabinets

Processing using a blast cabinet consists of mixing an abrasive with compressed air and spraying it at high speed onto an object to polish its surface. In a blast cabinet, the air is compressed by an air compressor, mixed with an abrasive, and sprayed through a nozzle directly onto the object to be processed.

The abrasive is sprayed evenly onto the object and the surface can be processed more efficiently. The process is not affected by the shape of the object to be processed, making it possible to process even complex shapes.

Furthermore, dust, sand, and other particles generated during processing are vacuumed by a dust collector, so the processing site can be kept clean.

Types of Blast Cabinets

There are two main types of blast cabinets: pressure blast cabinets and suction blast cabinets.

1. Pressure Type Blast Cabinet

Pressure blast cabinets perform processing by mixing the processing material in compressed air and spraying it at high pressure. It has high abrasive power and is effective for large objects and thick parts.

Surface finishing and cleaning can also be performed depending on the type of abrasive. However, due to the high pressure, the noise and vibration are loud and may affect the surrounding environment. Careful attention should be paid to the location and environment where it is used.

2. Suction Type Blast Cabinet

Suction-type blast cabinets perform processing by spraying the material to be processed toward the object to be processed. Because of its lower pressure and less abrasive power than pressure-type blast cabinets, it is suitable for processing delicate parts and thin plates.

Depending on the type of abrasive, it is also possible to remove surface contamination and perform light abrasive processing. In many cases, the machine is equipped with a dust collector to collect the processed materials, which also improves the work environment. However, since it is a suction type, it may be difficult to collect the processing material depending on the work object.

What Is a Floor Hinge?

A floor hinge is a device that can support the load of a swinging door embedded in the floor.

It is installed on the shaft side of the door and is used for heavy doors such as large glass doors at the entrances of commercial facilities and condominiums. There are several types, including those for general doors, tempered glass doors, and fire doors.

It is installed on the floor below the door, and although it is not often noticed, it is an important part of the door opening and closing.

Uses of Floor Hinges

Floor hinges are used to adjust the angle and speed at which doors open and close, and serve the same function as door closers. Floor hinges have a built-in hydraulic damper, and by adjusting the damper, the speed at which the door opens and closes can be adjusted. This ensures safe passage and eliminates slamming and loud closing.

The door can be selected to match the floor finish material and door size, and some are compatible with a variety of materials to attach stone, carpet, tile floors, and other floor finishes used in the surrounding area. There is also the ability to adjust the door opening angle, which can be set to 90°, 120°, 180°, etc., depending on the installation location and application. However, the installation of a door hinge is mandatory.

Floor hinges are durable and can be used for a long period, but there is no possibility of removing dust from the interior or corrosion causing failure. Frequent maintenance is necessary, such as checking for water accumulation. The manufacturer’s recommended period of use is approximately 10 years.

Principle of Floor Hinges

The door is mounted on an axis on one side of the wall, and the open/close operation is performed from the opposite side of the axis, causing the door to open and close. The floor hinge body is attached to the axis of the door, and at the top of the floor hinge there is a component called the pivot, which is supported by the pivot and the top and bottom of the floor hinge, thereby mounting the door and controlling its movement and angle.

There are three major components of a floor hinge: the main body part, the cement case that is embedded in the floor side to house the main body, and the floor plate that covers the top part. In order to attach the main unit directly to the shaft of the door, the cement case that houses the main unit is embedded in the floor part.

If this cement case is unstable, the door will not open and close smoothly if it is not properly set up, so it is important to fix it firmly by mortar or welding. The arm portion of the main body to be placed on the main axis of the door is attached to the bottom axis of the door, and a metal plate is placed over the top to prevent the main body from being exposed.

Other Information on Floor Hinges

1. Precautions for Using Floor Hinges

The characteristics differ depending on the material of the floor surface. For stone, a plate called a floor plate is designed to fit neatly even when stone is applied, such as 20 mm or 30 mm, to create a sense of unity, while for carpeted floors, a thickness of 5 mm or 10 mm is secured.

By choosing floor hinges that match the finish, the metal floor plate can be hidden and will not spoil the atmosphere of the place. Conversely, it is important to note that this product is not compatible with thin materials, such as P-tiles and floor tiles. In such cases, the metal part of the floor plate will stand out.

2. Waterproof Floor Hinge

Some locations where floor hinges are installed are subject to water or moisture. Sealing material is used at various locations inside floor hinges to prevent water, moisture, and dust from entering. However, it is not completely waterproof, so overconfidence is not advised.

3. In Case of a Malfunction

Floor hinges are intended to be used for long periods of time, but because they are used frequently and support heavy loads, they can naturally fail. Failures are often caused by dampers, which prevent doors from closing fully, open and close too fast and too slowly, or prevent doors from closing.

If not repaired or replaced as soon as possible, the door or door frame will likely be affected, resulting in deformation or damage to the door or frame.

What Is a Flexible Container Bag?

A flexible container bag is a large-capacity, sturdy bag used to transport a single batch of powder, waste, or agricultural products.

The official name is flexible container bag, but it is sometimes called “flexible container” or “ton bag” for short.

Flexible container bags come in a variety of dimensions, with the most commonly used being 1,100 mm (diameter) x 1,100 mm (height) / 1,000 L capacity / 1,000 kg load capacity. Some are as small as 500 mm (diameter) x 500 mm (height) / 100 L (capacity) / 100 kg (load capacity), making them useful for putting away small equipment and parts.

Uses of Flexible Container Bags

The primary uses of flexible container bags are transportation and storage. They are used in various industries, such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, waste disposal, construction and civil engineering projects, and manufacturing. Specifically, flexible container bags are used when it is difficult to transport the following items individually.

• Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
  Rice, soybeans, potatoes, flour, feed, compost, rice husks, pruning scraps, etc.
• Waste Disposal and Treatment Industry
  Sludge, waste, etc.
• Construction and Civil Engineering Business
  Soil, cement, sandbags, construction waste, etc.
• Manufacturing Industry
  Products, intermediate products, raw materials for chemical resins, sake lees, etc.

As mentioned above, they are used as carrying bags for all kinds of items, as well as for refilling carrying containers. They are also used as storage bags, but mold may occur if food items are stored for long periods of time.

Features of Flexible Container Bags

Advantages

Flexible container bags are not only easy to transport with forklifts, etc., but can also be stacked on pallets or in tiers. Compared to manually carrying paper bags, jute bags, etc., the time and workload required for transport and storage can be greatly reduced, leading to increased efficiency.

Another advantage of flexible container bags is that they are lightweight and easy to handle because they are made of woven synthetic fiber material. They can be folded when not in use, which has the advantage of taking up less space in a warehouse.

Disadvantages

Polypropylene, the material used for flexible container bags, has low weather resistance, and leaving it outdoors for a month or so will cause UV degradation and damage. For use in places exposed to ultraviolet rays, such as rivers and construction sites, or for long-term use, products with a weather resistance of approximately 1 to 5 years that contain UV weathering agents are suitable.

In addition, since flexible container bags cannot be carried by hand, lifting equipment such as a forklift truck is essential.

Types of Flexible Container Bag

Flexible container bags are mostly made of soft polypropylene or polyethylene and weigh only about 2 kg. They have a very simple structure, and the bags are available in round or square shapes.

The following is a list of typical types of discharge ports and their main applications.

• No Outlet
  Soil, compost, waste, etc.
• Exhaust Outlet Small Mouth
  Rice husks, root vegetables, feed, fertilizer, chemical resin materials, etc.
• Exhaust Outlet Fully Open
  Feed, fertilizer, chemical resin raw materials, etc.
• With an Inside Bag
  Sludge, powder, hazardous materials such as asbestos, watery materials, and moisture-sensitive materials

How to Select Flexible Container Bags

Flexible container bags are sold in a variety of capacities, from small types with a capacity of approximately 500 L to large types with a capacity of over 2,000 L. It is easier to work with flexible container bags if you choose the right product for the contents. If food-related materials are to be placed in flexible container bags, it is important to choose products that are food compatible.

In addition, regardless of the contents, if degassing or moisture proofing is required, it is important to choose flexible container bags with functional features such as aluminum inner bags or laminated inner bags.

How to Use Flexible Container Bags

Flexible container bags are constructed with a suspension belt or rope on the outside, which allows them to be easily lifted and transported with a forklift, crane hook, or bar. The method of discharging the contents differs depending on the shape and type.

There are types that discharge from the bottom by untying the string at the outlet, fully open types with an inverted belt, and others. If the flexible container bag is filled with powder or granular materials, it is convenient to use a “suction-extraction type device” together with the bag, which allows removal from the top.

What Is a Fluoropolymer Paint?

Fluoropolymer paints are paints with fluoropolymer as the main ingredient.

Fluoropolymers have extremely high weatherability, chemical resistance, and abrasion resistance, and exhibit very good characteristics as a coating material. For this reason, they are widely used for surface protection of buildings and automobiles, which require high quality.

Applied to metal and concrete surfaces, it protects the surfaces and prevents deterioration caused by chemical substances and climatic changes, as well as stains caused by pollutants. Another feature of this product is its low adhesiveness, which makes it stain-resistant and easy to clean.

Although expensive, once painted, it maintains its beauty for 15 to 20 years. Although the initial investment is larger, the number of maintenance cycles can be reduced. As a result, it may be economically advantageous with lower running costs.

Uses of Fluoropolymer Paints

Fluoropolymer paints are used in a variety of applications due to their high durability and chemical resistance. Typical uses of fluoropolymer coatings are in high-value buildings such as skyscrapers.

The exterior walls and roofs of buildings are constantly affected by the natural environment, such as sunlight and wind and rain, so weather resistance is required. High-rise buildings, for example, are difficult to maintain and require weather resistance, so fluoropolymer coatings are used.

Fluoropolymer coatings may also be used on automobiles and ships. Exterior parts of automobiles and ships deteriorate due to salt damage and ultraviolet rays, so weather resistance is necessary. In addition, it is stain-resistant and chemical-resistant, making it easy to clean.

In addition, its adhesive properties are also used in food processing lines. Food does not adhere to the equipment, and clean and safe conditions can be maintained.

Principle of Fluoropolymer Paints

Fluoropolymer paints are paints with fluoropolymer as the main ingredient, and their properties are due to the extremely strong bonding power of fluoropolymer resins. Fluoropolymers have carbon-to-carbon bonds as the main chain, and fluorine atoms are bonded to the carbon. This bond between carbon and fluorine atoms is extremely strong and stable, making it less susceptible to ultraviolet rays and temperature changes.

Fluoropolymers have extremely high heat resistance and chemical stability, and are used in a wide variety of applications. Fluoropolymer paints can be used to impart these properties to surfaces. Fluoropolymer paints will adhere to surfaces in two main ways.

One is to apply a solution containing very fine particles of fluoropolymer to the surface. When the solution dries, the fluoropolymer particles will adhere to the surface and form a fluoropolymer coating film.

The other method is to charge the fluoropolymer electrically and apply it to the surface. In this case, the particles are adsorbed to the surface by the force of static electricity and form a fluoropolymer coating film.

Types of Fluoropolymer Paints

Fluoropolymer paints come in many types depending on their structure. The following is an example of one type of fluoropolymer paints.

1. PTFE-Based Paint

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is used in this coating. It is characterized by its extremely low viscosity. Because of its excellent lubricity, it is used as a coating for frying pans and other cooking utensils.

It is also often used for lining the inside of pipes, taking advantage of its extremely low adhesiveness.

2. ETFE-Based Paint

Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) is the main component of this paint. It has extremely high heat resistance and weather resistance. It is also characterized by its high light transmittance.

It is mainly used for building exteriors, roofs, and green house sheets.

3. PVDF-Based Paint

This coating is based on polyvinyl difluoride (PVDF). It has high chemical resistance and abrasion resistance, and is excellent for surface protection of concrete and metal. In addition, it can prevent the adhesion of dirt and mold, thus maintaining the aesthetic appearance of surfaces for a long period.

4. FEP-Based Paint

This paint is mainly composed of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP). It is characterized by its extremely low viscosity.

It is mainly used for the inner surface coating of pipes and valves, etc. By applying FEP coating to the inner surface, fluid flow can be smoothed, and corrosion and dirt adhesion can be prevented.