投稿者: suzanna

What Is an Autoclave Bag?

An autoclave bag is a specialized container designed for the sterilization of instruments and disposal of waste materials using an autoclave. These bags are made from materials like polypropylene that can withstand the high temperatures and pressures of autoclaving, a process that uses saturated steam to sterilize contents quickly and efficiently.

Uses of Autoclave Bags

Autoclave bags have several critical applications, particularly in settings where sterility and biohazard management are paramount:

• Maintaining Aseptic Conditions: Sterilizing instruments to ensure they remain sterile until use.
• Sterilization: Safely sterilizing infectious or biohazardous waste directly at the disposal site.

Principle of Autoclave Bags

There are two main types of autoclave bags, tailored for different sterilization needs:

• For Instrument Sterilization: These bags often feature a combination of film and paper surfaces, allowing steam to penetrate and sterilize the contents while preventing microbial ingress or egress. They are usually heat-sealable and include a temperature indicator for validation purposes.
• For Infectious Waste: Made from heat-resistant polypropylene, these bags are designed to contain and sterilize infectious waste. They typically come with a mechanism for easy sealing and are autoclaved without being tightly sealed to accommodate pressure changes.

Handling and Precautions

When using autoclave bags, several precautions should be observed:

• Ensure bags are heat resistant up to at least 130°C and suitable for the items being autoclaved.
• Place bags in an autoclave basket or container to prevent damage during the pressurization process.
• Avoid placing sharp objects directly in the bags to prevent tears.
• For waste disposal, do not tightly seal the bags before autoclaving to allow for pressure changes.

By adhering to these guidelines, autoclave bags can be used effectively to maintain a sterile environment and manage biohazardous waste, ensuring safety and compliance in medical, laboratory, and industrial settings.

What Is a Synthesizer?

A synthesizer is a device that uses electronic circuitry to generate sound.

Synthesizers, as they are commonly known, are keyboard-shaped and are used as musical instruments. However, there are also keyboard-less synthesizers and software synthesizers that are used on computers.

These are also used as compositional instruments. Synthesizers are ideal for sound creation because they can artificially create and synthesize a variety of tones.

Uses of Synthesizers

Synthesizers are widely used as musical instruments and as software for composing music. Because the sounds produced by synthesizers are electronic, they are often used in electronic music. Some Synthesizers are also used as transmitter circuits in the field of wireless communications.

Principle of Synthesizers

Synthesizers are devices that use electronic circuits to synthesize sound. Therefore, its internal structure is composed of electronic circuits.

First, the sound picked up by the microphone is filtered to remove the upper and lower frequencies. The frequencies to be removed can be set arbitrarily.

The filtered sound is then subjected to an effect, such as an overtone addition or delay, if necessary. The effect-added sound is amplified by the speaker and output.

Synthesizers are available with analog circuitry or software. In the case of software, the above is processed on a computer board.

Other Information on Synthesizers

1. Frequency Synthesizer

Synthesizers are generally used for music, but frequency synthesizers have a distinctive use. Frequency synthesizers are characterized by their use as oscillators in communication equipment by synthesizing frequencies.

An oscillator is a device that continuously generates oscillations of a certain frequency. It is also used as a filter to remove certain frequencies. Frequency synthesizers can be used for a variety of frequencies and are a widely used technology in the communications field.

Frequency synthesizers can be divided into two main types based on their different principles.

PLL Synthesizer
This is the most common type of frequency synthesizer and uses a phase-locked loop circuit (PLL circuit). The input signal is passed through a phase comparator, low-pass filter, and voltage-controlled oscillator before being output, enabling a single crystal oscillator to generate a highly stable frequency.

DDS Synthesizer
DDS Synthesizers are also called Digital Direct Synthesizers. They are a synthesizer that rewrites an analog signal into digital data and outputs it again as an analog signal. By passing it through an adder and a latch, the set frequency values are accumulated to create digital data. The waveform is directly extracted by D/A conversion.

Since analog waveforms are extracted by a digital method, it is highly accurate and low cost. In addition, since the frequency and phase can be changed instantly, it is being considered as an alternative to PLL.

2. History of Synthesizers

Synthesizers have existed for more than 100 years and have been repeatedly improved to their current form.

• 1930s
  A simple electronic instrument is born. This is the origin of the Synthesizer.
• 1937s
  Harald Bode of Germany invented the polyphonic synthesizer, which greatly influenced the development of analog synthesizers.
• 1950s
  Computer music was played for the first time in the world, and programs were developed to process digital signals.
• 1956s
  The word synthesizer appeared for the first time in history.
• 1960s
  Analog synthesizers became popular throughout the world.
• 1970s
  With the development of electronics, computer-based digital synthesizers were born.
• 1980s
  Digital instruments became available to the general public, and the MIDI standard was born, allowing different manufacturers to connect to each other.
• 1990s
  Software sound generators became commonly available.

Further evolution continues to this day, with higher performance and lower prices. 

3. Differences Between Synthesizers and Electronic Organs

Synthesizers and electronic organs both have multiple rows of keys. They produce a wide variety of sounds and have some similarities in both appearance and content, but there are also differences. The electronic organ is intended to be played by a single person.

There are approximately 70 keys on the upper and lower keyboard and one or two octaves of pedals. If even these keys are not enough, a machine is used to change the pitch of the notes. In addition, electronic organs are easy to control and can be played with great power by a single person.

Synthesizers, on the other hand, are intended to synthesize various sounds by manipulating parameters. While the output sound of an electronic organ is constant, a synthesizer can create a variety of tones by manipulating waveforms.

What Is a Solenoid Valve?

A solenoid valve is a valve that opens and closes by means of an electromagnetic coil.

Solenoid valves are indispensable devices for everyday life as well as industrial applications.

Uses of Solenoid Valves

Solenoid valves can be used to control the flow of a wide range of fluids, including oil, water, steam, compressed air, and fuel.

1. Machine Oil

Solenoid valves are used to control the flow in hydraulic units. Machines that require strong pressure are often driven by hydraulic pressure, typical examples being automobiles and hydraulic presses. In automobiles, hydraulic pressure has been used for power steering, but in recent years, electric power steering has become the mainstream.

2. Water

Solenoid valves are used to control the flow of drinking water and industrial water. A typical example is water level control in water storage tanks, where solenoid valves are sometimes used in addition to ball taps. Solenoid valves are also used for automatic water sprinkling in agriculture. 

3. Steam

Solenoid valves can distribute steam depending on the product. They are used for flow control in large clothes dryers that use steam. They may also be used to control steam tracing for freeze protection. 

4. Compressed Air

Solenoid valves are primarily used to control pneumatic equipment. Compressed air is used to control pneumatic valves and pneumatic cylinders, which are controlled by solenoid valves. Compressed air may also be used for automatic drainage of compressed air.

5. Fuel

Atomization of gaseous or liquid fuel is controlled by a solenoid valve. Used for city gas (propane gas) flow control for water heaters, etc. Used in gas engines and light oil burners and may also be used to produce steam and electricity.

6. Solenoid Valve Principle

Solenoid bubbles are divided into a solenoid section and a valve section.

The main component of the solenoid section is an electromagnetic coil, which, when voltage is applied, excites the fixed iron core to move the movable iron core. The movable iron core is interlocked with the valve section and converted to the open/close motion of the valve. The valve section is divided into a valve disc and a valve seat, and fluid flow is controlled by the valve disc. The valve plug will move in conjunction with the movable iron core.

Types of Solenoid Valves

There are three types of solenoid valves:

1. 2-Way Solenoid Valve

A solenoid valve with two ports (inlet and outlet) which controls two operations: fluid stop or fluid flow. 

2. 3-Way Solenoid Valve

This solenoid valve has three ports: supply, cylinder, and exhaust. The cylinder port is connected to either the supply or exhaust port. It is used to change the fluid flow or to operate a single-acting cylinder.

3. 4-Way Solenoid Valve

A 4-way solenoid valve is a solenoid valve with 4 or 5 ports. It has one supply port, two cylinders, and one or two exhaust ports. It is used, for example, to control double-acting cylinders. It is divided into a closed center, exhaust center, and pressure center according to the center position.

How to Select a Solenoid Valve

The following is an example of selection criteria for choosing a solenoid valve.

1. Target Fluid and Temperature

Solenoid valves are designed to handle a specific type of fluid. Typical fluids are listed in the “intended use” section, and selection is based on the target fluid. The temperature at which Solenoid Valve can be used is also determined by the product, so it should be selected according to the temperature of the target fluid. 

2. Number of Ports

Select the number of ports for the solenoid valve. For fluid flow control, select 2 or 3 ports. For cylinder operation control, 3 ports or 4 or 5 ports are generally selected. 

3. Operating Pressure and Connection Method

Select the pressure to be used. If a product with lower pressure resistance than the operating pressure is selected, it will burst, which is very dangerous. Therefore, it is best to select a product with higher pressure resistance than the working pressure.

Once the operating pressure is determined, select the connection method and bore size. Generally, flanged or screwed connections are used. For large bore sizes, most products have flange connections, while most products for small bore sizes have screw connections. 

4. Power Supply Voltage

Select the voltage to be used for the power supply. Generally, voltages such as 5 VDC to 24 VDC or 100 VAC to 200 VAC are used and selected according to the control voltage. 100 VAC/200 VAC dual-use products also exist, in which case either one is selected according to the wiring method.

What Are Fluid Sensors?

Fluid Sensors are devices that detect and measure the flow of liquids and gases.

Fluids are broadly classified into liquids and gases. Fluid Sensors are devices that use physical phenomena to detect the flow or presence of these fluids. Fluid Sensors are capable of high-speed measurement and real-time data provision.

They can accurately capture instantaneous changes and fluid behavior, and immediately analyze and display the data.

Applications of Fluid Sensors

Fluid sensors are mainly used in chemical and petroleum plants where liquids are transferred in pipes or stored in tanks.

1. Industrial Process Control

Fluid Sensors play an important role in industrial process control. For example, it is essential to accurately measure and control the flow and pressure of liquids and gases in manufacturing lines and chemical plants.

Fluid Sensors are expected to improve productivity and quality control due to their high measurement accuracy and real-time data provision.

2. Environmental Monitoring

Fluid Sensors also play an important role in environmental monitoring. They can be used to measure water quality, atmospheric gas composition, humidity, etc.

They contribute to environmental protection and resource management by monitoring the quality of groundwater and rivers, detecting hazardous substances in the atmosphere, and controlling soil humidity in agriculture.

3. Medical Diagnosis

Fluid Sensors are also indispensable in medical diagnosis. They measure biological samples such as blood, urine, and breath, and are used for diagnosis and monitoring. They are incorporated into blood pressure monitors, exhaled gas analyzers, body fluid analyzers, and other devices to provide accurate data to improve the accuracy of medical care and support effective treatment.

4. Automotive

Applications in the automotive industry include the measurement of engine coolant and brake fluid levels and flow rates, as well as airbag gas supply. Fluid Sensors are also used to control fuel injection and exhaust systems, contributing to improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.

Principle of Fluid Sensors

There are various types of general flow sensors, but typical principles include thermal, vibration, and pressure sensors.

1. Thermal Sensors

Fluid Sensors use the thermal conductivity of the fluid to measure the flow rate. There is a heating element and a measuring element inside the sensor, which detects how much heat emitted from the heating element is transferred by the Fluid Sensors. The faster the fluid flows, the more heat is transferred, which is detected by the Fluid Sensors and used to calculate the flow rate.

2. Vibration Type Sensor

Fluid Sensors can measure flow rate by detecting vibrations caused by fluid flow. The sensor has an oscillator, which vibrates due to pressure changes caused by Fluid Sensors. The sensor detects the characteristics of the vibration and measures it as flow rate for accurate flow measurement.

3. Pressure Sensor

Pressure sensors detect changes in pressure in Fluid Sensors. The weight of the fluid in the tank is detected as pressure.

There are two types of pressure sensors: the pressure-type that measures the pressure itself (absolute pressure) and the differential pressure-type that measures the difference from atmospheric pressure or a certain pressure (differential pressure). Although they are easy to use, they cannot respond to changes in the specific gravity of a liquid.

Characteristics of Fluid Sensors

Fluid Sensors have several features that make them useful in a variety of applications:

1. High Sensitivity and Accuracy

Fluid Sensors have high sensitivity to detect minute changes and minute amounts of fluid. Furthermore, they have high measurement accuracy and repeatability, and can provide accurate data. This ensures reliable results even when measuring minute amounts of sample or minute flows.

2. Durability and Stability

Fluid Sensors are also characterized by their durability and stability. Special materials and coatings make them resistant to corrosion and wear. They also minimize the effects of environmental fluctuations and provide stable measurement results. This enables stable operation over a long period of time.

3. Wide Measurement Range

Fluid Sensors are capable of a wide range of measurements. They can measure various parameters such as flow rate, pressure, and temperature. There are also multifunctional sensors that measure multiple parameters with a single device. Such a wide measuring range is suitable for measurements according to different requirements.

What Is Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software?

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software is used to analyze the flow of air, water, and other fluids through simulation.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software is used in the design stage because it is less costly and time-consuming than experiments. In addition, it is generally difficult and costly to read the flow motion of fluids such as liquids and gases through experiments.

Therefore, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software is useful for fluid motion in high-temperature, high-pressure environments where measuring instruments cannot be used, and in environments where large-scale experiments cannot be conducted, such as tsunamis and rivers.

Uses of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software is used in research and development of various products, on production lines, and for weather forecasting. (There is a wide range of applications, such as analyzing the state of flow and pressure inside an automobile’s engine, reducing the resistance to which the automobile is subjected, and developing cooling mechanisms for CPUs and other devices.

• Analysis of the force exerted by air on a car while it is running
• Analysis of airflow in a room when air conditioning is used
• Analysis of airflow to improve the efficiency of cooling mechanisms for machines that generate heat
• Analysis of wind direction and air pressure for weather forecasting
• Analysis of rotation of screw blades, etc.

Principle of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software

Figure 1. Principle of fluid analysis (mechanics)

Computational Fluid Dynamics Software analyzes fluid flow by numerically computing the following two basic equations

1. Continuity Equation (Conservation of Mass)

This is the rule that a fluid does not spring out of nothing or suddenly disappear in an empty space. It means that water does not suddenly spring out of nothing.

2. Conservation Law of Momentum (Navier-Stokes Equations)

This is the law that the intensity of an object’s motion does not change unless some external force is applied. It is actually derived from Newton’s equation of motion.

In addition, when analyzing temperature and other parameters, the equation is solved to include the conservation of energy.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software

Figure 2. Structure of fluid analysis

Commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software often includes the model creation part, the simulation execution part, and the post-processing part as a set. In addition, there are also software that

1. Preprocessing and Model Creation

Model creation is the process of creating the geometry for fluid analysis. In most cases, file formats such as STEP, IGES, and Parasolid created in 3D CAD can be used. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software also provides the ability to set boundary conditions such as where the fluid flows into the structure and where the temperature is constant.

To perform the calculations, the geometry of the model is represented by a grid called a mesh. Creating a clean mesh is an important factor in increasing the speed and accuracy of the analysis. Modeling software is equipped with a function that allows the user to easily select the size of the mesh and automatically generate a high-quality mesh.

2. Simulation Execution Part

This section refers to the part commonly referred to as the solver. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software in the narrow sense refers only to this part. The solver is equipped with functions for solving continuity equations, momentum conservation equations, energy conservation equations, and so on.

Nowadays, solvers are equipped with functions to solve more complex models and are able to perform calculations at higher speeds in response to improvements in computer performance.

3. Post-processing Part

Visualization of the analysis results in 3D models and other forms allows for a more intuitive understanding of the analysis results. The analysis function has different features depending on the product.

From the calculation results, contour plots showing pressure and temperature distributions in different colors, vector plots showing flow with arrows, and stream plots with lines can be created.

Types of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software

Figure 3. Types of fluid analysis

The first way to represent fluids is to discretize space. The finite element method and the finite volume method are well-known discretization methods. On the other hand, there is also the particle method, which represents the fluid as a collection of particles.

As there are various CAE-specific methods, techniques, and functions, it is necessary to set up the most appropriate method and conditions for each simulation, depending on the phenomenon to be simulated. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software is designed to be simple and easy to use, but there are also multi-functional software that is used by professionals in thermal fluid analysis.

Although they vary from company to company, the following points often make a difference as a rough guide.

• Number of turbulence models
• Multiphase flow analysis capability
• Non-Newtonian fluid analysis capability
• Coupled analysis capability (e.g., structural analysis)
• Ability to handle compressible fluids　

In addition, there are differences in licensing schemes. Select the most appropriate software by clarifying the purpose of use and required functions.

What Is a Caulking Machine?

A caulking machine is a tool dedicated to performing a fixing method called “caulking” to join two different parts.

Caulking, also known as “pigeonholing,” is a method of fixing two overlapping parts by drilling a common through-hole, inserting a rivet made of soft metal, and then deforming the rivet. This deformation causes the end of the rivet to expand within the hole, securing the parts together. A caulking machine, often referred to as a riveter, uses rivets to fasten parts together.

While caulking can be used to fasten parts so that they do not move, it can also allow parts to rotate around each other with the rivet as the central axis. Unlike screw fastening, once applied, caulking cannot be removed.

Uses of Caulking Machines

Caulking has been used historically, such as to fasten armor during the Warring States period, and continues to be used in a wide variety of applications today. It is utilized in products like school bags, jeans, trains, bridge steel frames, clothing, electronic components, housing equipment, and moving parts of scissors and wheels, including plastic parts.

For these applications, caulking machines are employed in production plants and construction sites.

Principle of Caulking Machines

Caulking machines facilitate the process of crushing the end of a rivet to secure it within a through-hole, employing various methods based on specific requirements.

1. Blind Riveting

Blind riveting is applicable when access is only available from one side. This method involves pulling out a mandrel through the rivet body and deforming the rivet end for fastening. While blind rivets are less strong due to their thin shafts, they are widely used in DIY projects. Riveting machines for blind rivets pull and trim the mandrel shaft, with hand-type tools being most common for general use.

2. Press Caulking

Press caulking deforms and secures rivets by applying pressure along the rivet shaft, providing a thicker, stronger connection but is not ideal for link mechanisms. This method generates significant noise and vibration.

3. Spin Caulking

Spin caulking secures rivets by rotating and deforming the rivet’s end under pressure, suitable for parts requiring mobility or high dimensional accuracy due to the less forceful deformation compared to press caulking.

Additionally, for plastic rivets, machines that perform heat and ultrasonic welding are available.

• Heat Fusing Machine (Heat Welding Machine)
  Suitable for caulking plastic parts.
• Ultrasonic Welding Caulking Machine
  Ideal for caulking plastic parts through frictional heat.

Types of Caulking Machines

Caulking machines vary by drive type, including hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric servo types, each suited to different scales and precision levels of work.

1. Hydraulic Type

The hydraulic type is standard, offering a wide range of equipment options but requiring regular maintenance due to its complexity.

2. Pneumatic Type

The pneumatic type is smaller and suited for smaller tasks compared to the hydraulic type.

3. Electric Servo Type

With precise control via PC, the electric servo type is ideal for extremely small, precision parts, offering high precision and minimal vibration noise.

What Is Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sheeting?

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheeting is made from polyethylene terephthalate, a type of polyester. It is produced through a chemical reaction known as polycondensation of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, primarily derived from petroleum.

This material is often chosen for food and beverage containers due to its clear, glass-like appearance and low UV (ultraviolet light) transmittance. These properties help prevent the deterioration and alteration of contents due to light exposure.

Uses of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sheeting

One of the most common uses for PET sheeting is in PET bottles. Other applications include food containers, beverage cups, and clear holders. A-PET (amide-PET), which does not contain stabilizers or plasticizers, is particularly favored for these purposes because of its safety, high transparency, high impact strength, and the fact that it does not emit toxic gases when burned.

Besides, PET sheeting is known for its durability, heat and chemical resistance, flexibility, and formability, making it suitable for industrial parts and covers due to its ability to be molded into complex shapes.

Principle of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sheeting Production

The production process of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheeting typically involves polymer synthesis, molding, cooling, and stretching to form a sheet. Initially, terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol are reacted to produce the PET polymer, which boasts high heat and weather resistance, as well as excellent transparency and strength.

During the molding phase, the polymer is melted and then formed into sheets using either injection molding machines or extrusion molding techniques. This is followed by a quenching process to control molecular alignment and crystallinity, which in turn determines the physical properties and strength of the sheet.

The stretching phase involves heating the cooled sheet while applying tensile force and stretching it in one direction. This process enhances the sheet’s strength and transparency. The manufacturing process is crucial to product quality and characteristics, highlighting the importance of appropriate quality control and manufacturing technology. Additionally, environmental considerations and recycling efforts are significant in the production of PET sheeting.

Types of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sheeting

There are various types of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheeting, each serving different applications.

1. Transparent Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sheeting

This sheeting type is highly transparent, resembling clear glass, yet is lightweight and durable. It’s widely used in beverage and food packaging, display applications, and visual display materials.

2. Dyed Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sheeting

These sheets are suitable for printing and laminating, offering a range of color variations to meet different requirements for color and transparency. This versatility allows for customization to align with product designs and brand images, finding use in packaging, signboards, POP advertising, and more.

3. Heat-Resistant Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sheeting

Heat-resistant PET sheeting can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for uses that require heat resistance, such as oven trays, heat insulators for electronic devices, and automotive engine compartment parts. It maintains its shape and performance under high temperatures, providing stable functionality.

4. Electrically Insulating Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sheeting

This sheeting has excellent electrical insulation properties, making it ideal for use as insulating material in electrical equipment and electronic components, including electronic circuit boards, solar panels, and electrically insulating sheets, ensuring reliable insulation and safety.

5. Weather-Resistant Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Sheeting

Weather-resistant PET sheeting is designed to withstand outdoor conditions, offering long-term durability against ultraviolet rays, moisture, and climate change by inhibiting deterioration and discoloration.

What Is a Rotary Position/Angle Sensor?

Rotary Position/Angle Sensors are sensors for detecting angular information from the position of an object.

In recent times, there has been a growing need for high-precision position detection due to precision processing, semiconductor manufacturing, automobiles, and robotics. Furthermore, the need to measure precise angles for position detection is also increasing.

Rotary Position/Angle Sensors are generally available in magnetic, optical, inductive, potentiometer, and other types of angle detection methods. It is important to select the most appropriate method according to the application of use.

Recently, gyro sensors, which detect inertial forces such as angular velocity and acceleration in addition to angular position, have been attracting attention in support of automatic driving. The trend is toward the use of gyro-sensors in addition to conventional Rotary Position/Angle Sensors.

Applications of Rotary Position/Angle Sensors

Rotary Position/Angle Sensors are used in precision processing, semiconductor manufacturing, automobiles, and robotics.

1. Automotive

By detecting the crank angle and cam angle with Rotary Position/Angle Sensors, the optimal timing and duration of fuel injection can be calculated. Other applications include electric power steering and electronically controlled suspension.

2. Robots

Angle sensors are used to detect and control the position of robot arms.

Principle of Rotary Position/Angle Sensor

Rotary Position/Angle Sensors are generally classified into four types: magnetic, optical, inductive, and potentiometer.

1. Magnetic Type

This method detects angles by measuring the voltage generated when a magnetic field is applied perpendicularly to a Hall element while a current is flowing through it. This phenomenon is called the Hall effect.

2. Optical Method

This method detects angles by passing light through a disk with a slit-like grating and measuring the number of detected light pulses. This method is called the transmission type. Another method is the reflection type.

In the reflective type, the angle is measured by the light pulses that bounce from the light emitting element to the disc and are received by the light receiving element.

3. Inductive Type

The inductive type consists of a primary coil, a secondary coil, and a cam-shaped core that rotates between the primary and secondary coils.

4. Potentiometer Type

Potentiometers have terminals, and brushes rotate on a resistive element. By measuring the resistance value between the terminals, the angle of rotation of the brush can be measured.

Other Information on Rotary Position/Angle Sensors

1. Advantages of Magnetic Rotary Position/Angle Sensors

Magnetic Rotary Position/Angle Sensors use the Hall effect to convert changes in the magnetic field into a voltage value, which is output as an analog output signal. Unlike potentiometers, magnetic Rotary Position/Angle Sensors may have two output systems, and the two output values are generally different, except for the neutral position.

Having two outputs increases the detected value and the reliability of the Rotary Position/Angle Sensor. Potentiometric angle centers require two Rotary Position/Angle Sensors to provide 360° angle detection, because the structure of the angle center always has a blind spot.

However, a magnetic Rotary Position/Angle Sensor can detect 360° with only one angle sensor, thus reducing the number of components required. Since the magnetic Rotary Position/Angle Sensor is non-contact, it has fewer failure factors and a longer service life than contact-type sensors such as potentiometer-type angle sensors.

However, if a failure should occur, care should be taken with the distance to the sensing element. If the distance adjustment is not considered when reinstalling the sensor, premature failure of the Rotary Position/Angle Sensor will occur in case of contact, and the angle will not be detected correctly if the distance from the sensing body is too far.

2. Analog Output of Rotary Position/Angle Sensor

The voltage value, which is the analog output of Rotary Position/Angle Sensor, is output by the change in electrical resistance. The output method is often voltage, but it can also be current, and the analog output range differs depending on the Rotary Position/Angle Sensor. For voltage, the range is not only 0 to 5V, but also 0 to 10V, so it is important to check the manufacturer’s specifications carefully.

Rotary Position/Angle Sensors require a power circuit and ground (GND) for analog output. Therefore, the Rotary Position/Angle Sensor has three terminals: the power terminal, the ground terminal (GND), and the analog output terminal. If the analog output is abnormal, the cause may be an abnormal wiring or connection in addition to the failure of the Rotary Position/Angle Sensor itself.

What Is a High-Current Electric Connector?

High-current connectors are components used to easily connect and disconnect electrical circuits and are intended for high-power and high-current applications such as power supplies and motors.

They are mainly used for electrical connections in equipment.

Products with current-carrying capacities of up to 6000 A in the 2φ to 100φ range are standard.

Although bolts and nuts can be used to connect conductors that conduct electricity by screwing them together, the use of connectors greatly improves workability in comparison.

Applications for High Current Electric Connectors

Before the introduction of high-current connectors, the area where they were installed had to be expanded to accommodate the heat generated during current flow and for safety measures against single-circuit currents.

The high-current connector’s multiple contact points reduce contact resistance and temperature rise, making it possible to pass large currents in a small space.

As a specific example, they are used in substations because they can withstand large currents of several thousand A. They are also used in electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, and other applications.

They are also used in electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, large vehicles, and general passenger vehicles.

Principle of High Current Connectors

Electricity flows even when metal conductors are in contact with each other. However, electrical resistance increases at the contact point, causing energy loss due to heat generation, and heat generation itself can be a problem. Furthermore, the reliability of signal transmission becomes low.

To solve this problem, a certain contact pressure is required between conductors. There are various methods for generating contact pressure, and each manufacturer has its method for increasing contact area and pressure while reducing contact resistance.

In high-current connectors, the multi-surface contact method is used compared to the conventional point contact method.

By utilizing the spring characteristics of beryllium copper, contact is always maintained on multiple surfaces, the contact pressure is stabilized over a long period, and contact resistance is minimized, enabling a larger current to flow safely and with less loss than before.

What Is Barrel Finishing Machine?

Barrel finishing machine is a general term for machines that polishes objects through friction by moving abrasives in a barrel container.

The polishing technique used in barrel finishing machine is an essential part of manufacturing, as it is the final step in the manufacturing process to finish the surface. By removing burrs and rounding off corners, barrel finishing machine can handle surface finishing in a batch process.

By combining abrasives and polishing aids called compounds, a single machine can perform a wide range of polishing processes such as mirror finishing, deburring, radiusing, and descaling.

Barrel machines provide a uniform finish with little variation, and there are almost no difference in quality between operators. Moreover, since multiple products can be polished at once, barrel finishing machines are widely used for a wide range of products.

Uses of Barrel Finishing Machine

Barrel machines are used to polish and finish the surface of machined, pressed, sintered, die-cast, and heat-treated products. They can polish not only metals but also plastic and glass products.

They also perform finishing, matting, and degreasing of the surface before plating or painting.

As a result, they are used for a wide range of products, but are not suited for large or fragile products.

Specifically, barrel machines are used to polish parts for TVs, automobiles, digital cameras, and cellular phones, as well as wrenches and aluminum wheels.

Features of Barrel Finishing Machine

Barrel machines are characterized by their ability to simultaneously polish a large number of objects at one time. Compared to buffing, which is a similar polishing method, they is characterized by their ability to polish and deburr metals at a lower cost. Another feature of barrel finishing is that the quality after polishing can be more uniform than with manual polishing.

One of the disadvantages of barrel finishing is that it requires a large barrel tank that can hold the entire object. If a large barrel tank is not available, other methods such as buff polishing must be used.

In the case of barrel polishing, mixing by equipment makes it possible to achieve a consistent finish regardless of the person in charge of the operation. Also, since multiple products can be fed into a barrel container, a large quantity can be polished at once.

Types of Barrel Finishing Machine

Barrel machines polish an object by friction when the object, abrasive, and compound are placed in the barrel together and moved. Barrel finishing machines are similar to washing machines in that they can polish metals in a batch.

There are three main types of barrel finishing machine:

1. Rotary Polisher

Rotating the barrel causes the contents to rub against each other at the sliding layer, resulting in polishing. Although it requires extra processing time and labor, a rotary polisher is characterized by its ability to produce a stable finish.

Barrels used are mainly hexagonal or octagonal in shape, but there are also tiltable barrels for easy ejection. Rotating the inside of the barrel allows for slow polishing, resulting in a soft surface finish.

2. Vibratory Grinder

Box and circle type barrels are available, and polishing is performed by vibrating the barrel. The advantages are ease of operation and ease of automation. Suitable for mass production and for large or long products because it can feed a large number of products, however are otherwise expensive to manage.

3. Centrifugal Grinder

Multiple barrels rotate in a combination of spinning and revolving to polish. The centrifugal grinder is suitable for polishing small objects, it has the highest polishing power, and requires the shortest processing time. It is easy to automate but expensive, however its disadvantage is that the condition of the workpiece cannot be checked during processing.

Abrasives and abrasive stones include vitrified materials, alumina materials, plastic materials, soft materials, steel materials, and dry materials, and there are as many as 1,500 different patterns depending on the finishing application. Compounds can be liquid or solid, and their roles are varied, including as degreasers, rough finishers, bright finishers, rust inhibitors, and lubricants.