月: 2022年12月

What Is a Special Hinge?

Unlike a normal hinge, which typically has a simple single-shaft mechanism, a special hinge is a hinge with multiple shafts and other functions. Doors cannot be opened and closed without hinges, so hinges are always used in door installations. When you want to open or close a door in either direction, instead of either inward or outward, you need to install a free hinge, one of the special hinges, on the door, instead of a normal hinge.

Uses of Special Hinges

Special hinges are particularly useful for doors that require more complex opening and closing mechanisms. Depending on their shape and function, special hinges are installed on doors that can open inward and outward, which is not the normal opening and closing motion. There are also hinges that contain dampers that allow the opening and closing conditions to be adjusted in the middle of the hinge, such as those used for notebook computers. When using ordinary hinges to open and close doors, steps and gaps are created, but some hinges used for TV boards and the like do not create steps or gaps and are used for doors that open downward.

Principles of Special Hinges

Special hinges are designed not only for standard doors but also for specific applications such as furniture lids and large doors in shopping malls. Long hinges are used for furniture lids with a long single side, such as piano keyboard lids, because they can prevent the wings and shaft of the hinge from being damaged under load.

For spring hinges, since a spring is built into the shaft, when a door with a spring hinge is opened, a force is exerted in the direction of closing the door. Therefore, when you let go of your hand, the door will automatically close. Spring hinges are often used on relatively small doors, and some doors can be opened in both directions, either inward or outward.

Glass hinges are used for glass or acrylic doors. They are used for doors in commercial facilities such as shopping centers. There are types that are attached to glass doors and acrylic doors, and types that are installed by drilling holes in the door itself.

In most cases, however, special hinges can be used on doors to increase the degree of freedom of movement for opening and closing doors, and there are hinges that can be used with a variety of materials.

What Is a Plastic Pipe?

A plastic pipe is made from synthetic resin materials and serves as an essential component of various infrastructure systems, including electric wiring and water supply. Their insulating properties make them valuable for protecting electric wires, while their resistance to corrosion and water leakage makes them suitable for water-related applications. Plastic pipes are widely used in both industrial and household settings.

Uses of Plastic Pipes

Plastic pipes have diverse applications:

• Water Supply: Plastic pipes, known for their corrosion resistance, are commonly used for water supply and hot water piping in households. They ensure water quality and reduce the risk of corrosion-related issues.
• Electrical Insulation: Due to excellent electrical insulation properties, plastic pipes are used in areas with high electricity usage, such as near railroads, to ensure safety.
• Emergency Equipment: Plastic pipes are employed for equipment piping in fire hydrants, providing reliability during emergencies like earthquakes and fires.
• Industrial Applications: Plastic pipes are crucial for gas, water, and electric lines, supporting comfortable living and industrial processes.

Principle of Plastic Pipes

Plastic pipes are lightweight and flexible, allowing for easy cutting, joining, and bending during installation. This flexibility minimizes the number of connections and reduces the risk of leaks. Unlike metal pipes that require specialized tools, plastic pipes can be cut with a simple pipe cutter, and joints are easily made by inserting connectors.

Plastic pipes are impact-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and durable. They are less prone to condensation and rust, making them suitable for various environments. With longer lifespans compared to metal pipes, they require less frequent replacement and minimize maintenance efforts. Moreover, there’s no need to break walls or ceilings for maintenance or replacement, simplifying the process.

Two main types of plastic pipes are cross-linked polyethylene and polybutene pipes, both known for their chemical and corrosion resistance.

Types of Plastic Pipes

Several types of plastic pipes are available for various applications:

1. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipe

PVC pipes are made from PVC resin and are highly durable and chemically resistant. They are widely used in construction, plumbing, and electrical wiring due to their easy installation and affordability.

2. PE (Polyethylene) Pipe

PE pipes, constructed from polyethylene resin, exhibit excellent chemical resistance. They are suitable for underground water supply, gas piping, and agricultural water irrigation systems. PE pipes are flexible and withstand ground movement, making them ideal for areas with changing underground conditions.

3. Polypropylene (PP) Pipes

PP pipes, composed of polypropylene resin, offer high heat and chemical resistance. They find applications in drinking water supply, wastewater treatment, and the chemical industry. PP pipes are lightweight, environmentally friendly, and easy to install.

4. PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) Pipe

PEX pipes, made from cross-linked polyethylene, are highly flexible and suitable for applications requiring flexibility during installation. They excel in hot water systems and demonstrate excellent heat and pressure resistance.

5. Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) Pipe

PVDF pipes, derived from polyvinylidene fluoride resin, offer outstanding chemical resistance, particularly to strong acids and alkalis. They are common in the chemical industry and semiconductor manufacturing, where harsh chemical environments demand reliable piping.

What Is a Stripper Bolt?

A stripper bolt is a specialized bolt primarily used in mold applications. It controls the vertical movement range of the mold stripper plate, hence its name. The bolt is distinguished by a section of the shank that is thicker than the rest, directly below the bolt head, leading to its alternative name, “stepped bolt.”

Applications of Stripper Bolts

1. Mold Parts

Stripper bolts guide the upper and lower parts of the mold stripper plate. They maintain the stripper plate’s position by fitting through holes in the backing plate, ensuring smooth separation of molded products during disassembly. Precise body length is crucial to prevent tilting of the stripper plate, which could hinder mold function.

2. Coil Spring Guide and Stopper

Stripper bolts also serve as guides and stoppers for devices using, stabilizing the spring’s vertical movement.

3. Guide for Vertical Sliding Parts

The bolts’ bodies can act as guides for vertical sliding components, though they should not be subjected to lateral forces or bending loads.

Principle of Stripper Bolts

The outer diameter of the stripper bolt’s body below the head acts as a sliding guide, with the body length limiting vertical movement range. The dimensions are precisely finished to specific tolerances to ensure fit and function. The step feature results in a thread diameter smaller than the bolt’s head diameter, with tightening features designed to match this discrepancy. Materials include carbon steel, chromoly steel, and stainless steel, all hardened for enhanced strength and wear resistance.

Types of Stripper Bolts

1. Male Thread Type

These bolts have an external thread and can be screwed directly into a tapped hole, though they are prone to stress concentration at the threaded base.

2. Female Thread Type

Featuring an internal thread, these bolts are secured with another bolt from behind, reducing stress concentration and offering a more secure fix.

3. Bush Type

This design separates the threaded part and body, reducing stress concentration and allowing for single-sided tightening. The bush requires a thicker body diameter to ensure structural integrity.

4. Head Shape

The heads often feature a hexagonal socket to prevent them from dislodging from the die set, with variations including low-profile heads and large-diameter heads with knurled edges for tool-less tightening.

Other Information about Stripper Bolts

Precautions for Stripper Bolts

It’s important not to confuse stripper bolts with similarly shaped plastic bolts or shoulder bolts, as each serves different purposes and load directions. Stripper bolts are suitable for tensile loads along the bolt axis but not for applications requiring lateral or bending loads, for which shoulder bolts are designed.

What Is a Stamping Punch?

A stamping punch is a tool designed for marking materials like metal or plastic by striking letters or designs into them.

It comprises a metal head (punch) with a fixed letter or design and a handle for applying force to mark the material. Stamping punches enable efficient marking of large quantities of items, ensuring consistent product identification and branding. Precise positioning of the punches is crucial to maintain product quality and appearance.

Applications of Stamping Punches

Stamping punches find various applications:

• Product Identification: In industries, they mark products with production dates, serial numbers, and more for tracking and quality control.
• Art: Stamping punches are used in art to add unique designs to materials like leather or metal.
• Leather Goods: Engraving names, logos, and dates adds a distinct identity to leather products like wallets and bags.
• Ornaments: Metal Stamping punches create personalized accessories by engraving names and anniversaries on items like necklaces and rings.

Principle of Stamping Punches

Stamping punches work by using physical force to imprint letters or symbols into materials. The punch’s metal head, engraved with the desired letter or design, is pressed against the material’s surface. Typically, steel is used for structural parts.

Stamping is achieved by manually or mechanically placing the head over the object and applying the necessary force for imprinting. While metal hammers are common, wooden mallets may be used for certain applications. For some leather products, a machine with a laser is used for engraving.

The depth and shape of the mark depend on the punch design and material hardness. Harder materials require more force, and large punches may be used in press machines for surface marking.

How to Select a Stamping Punch

Consider these factors when choosing a stamping punch:

• Size: Select the appropriate size based on the material and the desired engraving size. Larger punches are suitable for bold designs, while smaller ones handle fine details.
• Type of Lettering: Stamping punches come in various fonts and designs. Choose the type and font that best suits your purpose, ensuring clear and legible letters.
• Intended Use: For decorative applications, focus on design and decorative elements, while product identification requires clear and precise fonts for easy reading.
• Material: The choice should align with the material to be engraved. Hard metals demand strong punches like steel, while softer materials need punches capable of fine detailing.

What Is a Piezoelectric Actuators?

A piezoelectric actuator is a type of actuator that converts input energy, or energy output by a computer, into physical motion to form a machine or electrical circuit.

Piezoelectric actuators utilize a piezoelectric element called a piezo to convert electrical energy into physical mechanical energy.

Since piezoelectric actuators utilize the deformation of piezoelectric ceramics, they do not generate electromagnetic noise, have extremely high precision, and have a fast response time compared to other actuators.

Since they do not require a coil to drive the actuator, they can be made compact, and their low power consumption makes them ideal for use in precision equipment such as digital cameras and mobile terminals, where miniaturization is a requirement.

Piezoelectric Actuator Applications

Piezoelectric actuators are used in a wide range of applications, from industrial products to familiar electrical appliances and precision instruments, taking advantage of their compact size, high response speed, and low power consumption.

The fields in which piezoelectric actuators are used are diverse and include the medical, precision instrument, and industrial fields.

Specific products include precision equipment such as single-lens reflex cameras, storage media such as hard disk drives, and inkjet printers, as well as medical equipment and industrial products.

Principles of Piezoelectric Actuators

Piezoelectric material is a substance with a raw piezoelectric effect and reverses voltage effect. Piezoelectric actuators utilize the reverse piezoelectric effect, a characteristic of piezoelectric material, in which force or strain is generated by applying an electric field to the crystal.

The piezoelectric ceramics used in piezoelectric actuators are designed to obtain high displacement from a small drive voltage due to this inverse piezoelectric effect, and by reducing the thickness of the ceramics, the voltage of the piezoelectric actuator can be reduced.

What Is Fluoropolymer Tubing?

Fluoropolymer tubing, commonly made from materials like Teflon (a well-known trade name), is renowned for its heat resistance, chemical resistance, non-adhesiveness, and electrical insulation properties. This type of tubing is sterilizable via autoclave, making it highly versatile and suitable for applications in the medical, chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. It comes in various sizes and is often customizable for specific needs. Fluoropolymer tubing can also be multi-layered, combining with other materials for enhanced functionality.

Applications of Fluoropolymer Tubing

Fluoropolymer tubing’s chemical stability and other properties make it valuable in several contexts:

• In food manufacturing and chemical plants, it’s used for conveying various substances, including corrosive waste liquids and steam.
• Its low adhesion property benefits paint transfer lines, while its electrical insulation makes it suitable for cooling in electrical equipment.
• It’s also prevalent in medical applications and analytical equipment due to its minimal substance release and absence of plasticizers.

Principle of Fluoropolymer Tubing

Fluoropolymers like Teflon are high molecular weight polymers with strong C-F bonds. Their stability against chemicals, high temperatures, and ozone makes them ideal for demanding environments. This tubing is often used in severe temperature conditions or for chemical transport, taking advantage of its resistance to chemical degradation and its electrical insulation properties. Common industrial fluoropolymers include:

• PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
• PFA (tetrafluoroethylene perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer)
• FEP (Tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene copolymer)
• ETFE (Tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer)
• PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride)
• PCTFE (Polychlorotrifluoroethylene)

Types of Fluoropolymer Tubing

1. PTFE Tubing

PTFE tubing, made from Polytetrafluoroethylene, stands out for its extreme heat resistance (-200°C to +260°C) and chemical resistance. Its non-adhesive nature ensures smooth fluid flow, making it ideal for chemical, food, and medical applications.

2. FEP Tubing

FEP tubing, similar to PTFE but more flexible, is resistant to most organic solvents and corrosive chemicals. Its transparency and non-adhesiveness make it suitable for medical devices and semiconductor industries.

3. PFA Tubing

PFA tubing, combining the properties of PTFE and FEP, offers high heat resistance and chemical stability. Used in demanding fields like medical devices, chemical industry, and semiconductor manufacturing, it can operate across a wide temperature range.

Other Information on Fluoropolymer Tubing

1. Hardness and Flexibility

Fluoropolymer tubing is generally hard but can be made flexible for specific applications. The two-layer construction, combining a fluoropolymer inner layer with a soft nylon outer layer, provides both flexibility and durability. The hardness of fluoropolymer tubing contributes to its heat and chemical resistance, while the flexible types are ideal for tight spaces in equipment.

What Is a Metal Base Substrate?

A metal base substrate is a type of printed circuit board that includes a metal base. This feature has become increasingly important for LED lighting, which requires efficient heat dissipation. As a result, the demand for metal base substrates, such as those made from aluminum and copper, has risen. Unlike standard printed circuit boards, metal base substrates effectively dissipate heat, preventing high temperatures that could shorten the lifespan of components.

Heat dissipation technology is crucial in power electronics as well. Silicon carbide (SiC) substrates, gallium nitride (GaN) substrates, and amplifier substrates all benefit from the use of metal base substrates.

Uses of Metal Base Substrates

Metal base substrates serve various purposes, including substrates for LED lighting, protecting electronic components from heat damage, cooling semiconductor devices in power applications, and functioning in high-temperature environments.

Beyond LED applications, metal base substrates help manage the heat generated by semiconductor elements in power applications, preventing heat damage in hybrid IC automotive electronics, high-density mounting packages, solar power generation systems, and household appliances.

Principle of Metal Base Substrates

The typical structure of a metal base substrate includes an insulating layer atop a metal plate (such as aluminum, copper, or stainless steel), covered by a layer of copper foil. Aluminum and copper, known for their superior heat conduction compared to resins and ceramics, are commonly used metals that enable efficient heat dissipation from LEDs and other devices.

The insulation layer’s thickness is a critical factor in heat dissipation efficiency. A thinner layer enhances heat dissipation but may reduce voltage resistance. The filler content within the insulation layer also influences heat dissipation capacity.

Compared to standard non-metallic FR-4 substrates, which have a thermal conductivity of about 0.38 W/m-K, metal base substrates boast thermal conductivities ranging from 1.1 to 2.5 W/m-K, facilitating faster heat transfer and improved dissipation characteristics.

Types of Metal Base Substrates

There are primarily two types of metal base substrates:

1. Aluminum Substrates

Aluminum substrates, favored for their lightweight and effective heat dissipation, are predominantly used in LED lighting. These substrates consist of copper foil, an insulating layer, and an aluminum base.

There are two variants of aluminum substrates: double-sided aluminum base substrates, designed for single-sided mounting, and double-sided aluminum core substrates, which include an insulating layer and copper foil on both sides of the aluminum base.

2. Copper Substrates

Copper substrates, offering approximately 1.7 times the heat dissipation capacity of aluminum, are ideal for high-heat components. These substrates are heavier and more expensive than their aluminum counterparts, but their superior heat dissipation makes them valuable for specific applications.

Other Information on Metal Base Substrates

Advantages of Metal Base Substrate

1. Superior Heat Dissipation
Metal base substrates excel in heat dissipation compared to traditional FR-4 and CEM-3 substrates, thanks to their high thermal conductivity metal bases.

2. Enhanced Dimensional Stability
With a lower coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) than conventional substrates, metal substrates offer improved stability under temperature variations.

3. Reduced Strain Transmission
The excellent heat dissipation of metal base substrates leads to lower temperature rises and, consequently, minimized distortion in signal transmission.

Metal base substrates are utilized in various applications, including power converters, lighting, photovoltaics, backlighting, automotive LED systems, and household appliances, due to their unique benefits.

What Is a Ball Lock Pin?

A ball lock pin is a specialized fastener with a handle and a spherical projection (ball) at one end. This type of pin serves as a quick-release mechanism, facilitating the easy and rapid fastening and removal of parts in machines and equipment. Its design allows for quick disassembly and reassembly without the need for additional tools, enhancing maintenance and repair efficiency. When securely engaged, ball lock pins ensure robust retention and secure fastening of components. Their durability makes them suitable for long-term use across various applications. Compatibility with the equipment size is crucial to ensure proper securing and prevent dislodgement.

Ball Lock Pin Applications

Ball lock pins are utilized across numerous industries:

1. Machine Maintenance

Ball lock pins expedite maintenance processes in factory machinery by allowing quick part removal without the need for unscrewing bolts, significantly saving time and labor.

2. Inspection Equipment

In testing and inspection setups, ball lock pins hold test objects securely in place in fixtures, allowing frequent and easy replacement of test parts while ensuring accurate results.

3. Machining

In metalworking and woodworking, ball lock pins are essential for firmly securing objects during machining processes, ensuring precision and minimizing misalignment.

Structure of Ball Lock Pins

Constructed typically from stainless steel or steel, a ball lock pin comprises a ball, pin body, and a button or handle.

1. Ball

The ball, either spherical or near-spherical, is designed to fit securely into mounting points. Its diameter and shape depend on the intended load and use.

2. Pin Body

The pin body, a cylindrical component, holds and controls the ball’s movement. It ensures the ball’s secure fit in the mounting hole and facilitates its release and locking.

3. Button or Handle

The button or handle operates the pin, controlling the release and securing of the ball. The button is pushed to release, while the handle often requires a turn to lock the ball in place when attached.

How to Select a Ball Lock Pin

Consider the following when choosing a ball lock pin:

1. Material

Select a material like stainless steel or alloy steel based on environmental conditions and load requirements. Stainless steel is preferable for corrosion resistance and high-strength applications.

2. Handle Type

Choose a handle type (knob, lever, or button) that offers ease of operation for the user.

3. Shaft Diameter and Length

Match the shaft diameter and length with the equipment and application requirements. The diameter affects strength and load capacity, while the length determines secure fitting in the equipment.

What Is a Jig Saw?

A jig saw is a tool that cuts materials by moving a thin blade.

Since it is electrically operated, it can cut materials more easily than a saw. In addition to cutting in straight lines, it is also possible to cut in curved lines by changing the blade.

The blade used depends on the material to be cut out. Depending on the blade, a wide range of materials can be cut, from wood to plastic. Although the main purpose of the jig saw is to cut out materials, it can also be used for hollowing out materials by moving the jig saw from the hole cut out by the drill.

Uses of Jig Saws

Jig saws are widely used in DIY projects. When assembling furniture by yourself, you need to cut out the material you have purchased into the expected shape. While straight cuts can be made with a saw, curved cuts are difficult. Also, saws require direct hand movement, which is physically demanding.

With a jig saw, it is possible to cut out various shapes easily. However, there are some disadvantages, such as noisy operation and flying chips, so it is important to consider the operating environment.

Principle of Jig Saws

Jig saws cut objects because of the movement of the blade. The blade moves up and down in fine increments to cut materials. The shape of the blade varies depending on the material to be cut.

1. For Wood

This is the most commonly used jig saw. Like saws, it features a large blade. There are two types of jigsaws for wood: one for high-speed cutting and the other for finishing. The blade of the high-speed cutting type is larger than that of the normal type so that it can cut faster. For finishing, the blades are finer in order to finish the cut surface cleanly.

2. For Metal

Compared to wood, this type of jig saw has many finer blades. Metal is harder than wood, so it is easier to apply force to the blade. By using many fine blades, the force is dispersed and the burden on the blade is reduced. 

3. For Plastic

Plastic is less sensitive to heat than wood or metal. Therefore, plastic is a material that tends to melt due to friction during cutting, resulting in burrs. To prevent burrs from occurring, the blade is characterized by its gently curved, wave-like shape.

How to Select a Jig Saw

There are many types of jig saw. Therefore, care should be taken when selecting a jigsaw to avoid purchasing an unintended product. When selecting a jig saw, consider the following points:

1. Support Functions

A product with numerous strokes and a wide width is recommended for fast and accurate cutting. There are also products with supports that enable straight cutting. Since support functions vary depending on the model and manufacturer, check which functions are provided before purchasing. 

2. Orbital Function

The orbital function is a function that allows the blade to move back and forth as well as up and down. The more it moves back and forth, the faster it can cut. 

3. Blade Replacement System

We recommend the one-touch type model for easy blade replacement, as it also improves work efficiency. Other than the one-touch type, products such as screw-fastening type are also available.

Other Information on Jigsaws

How to Use a Jig Saw

Jig saw blades are electrically operated, making it easy to cut wood, plastic, and other materials. On the other hand, it is a very dangerous tool that can cause personal injury if not used correctly.

The basic instructions for using a jig saw are as follows:

1. Fasten the jig saw to the workbench with a clamp or similar device to prevent the material from moving due to the vibration of the jig saw.
2. Draw a guideline at the point to be cut.
3. Turn on the jig saw and run it dry.
4. After confirming that the blade is working properly, insert the blade into the material at the point on the guideline.
5. While looking at the cutting surface from directly above, advance the blade along the guideline.

It is important to read the above instructions and the product manual carefully before using. Also, make sure that the base of the jig saw body is in close contact with the material when cutting. Pressing the jig saw against the material while cutting will reduce the flapping of the material.

What Is a Crossed Roller Bearing?

There are two types of crossed rollers: crossed roller guides and crossed roller ways, which guide linear motion, and crossed roller bearings and crossed roller rings, which are a type of rolling bearing.

Both products use multiple rollers (mainly cylindrical parts made of steel). Adjacent rollers have a relative angle of 90 degrees to each other and are arranged in an alternating array.

The rollers are arranged in a straight line for those that guide linear motion.

A rolling bearing supports the rotational motion, so the rollers are arranged in a circle.

Uses of Crossed Roller Bearings

Guides for linear motion are mainly used in the drive units of precision machines and industrial robots. As the name suggests, they are used to guide linear motion, especially in fields where high rigidity is required.

Rolling bearings (cross rollers) are mainly used in industrial robots and construction machinery. Compared to other bearing types, they provide higher rigidity for the space required and are used in areas where particularly high rigidity is required.

Linear motion guides and rolling bearings are used in very different ways. Which one is used depends on whether the motion to be supported is linear or rotational.

Principle of Crossed Roller Bearings

In a linear motion guide, two pillars with V-shaped rolling surfaces at a 90-degree angle are arranged to align the rolling surfaces, and the rollers are placed in the space (square gap) between the two aligned V-shaped pillars. The rollers are arranged in a square-shaped clearance.

This arrangement makes it possible to have a smaller size and higher rigidity than similar products with built-in balls.

As a motion-guiding component, the columns with rolling surfaces have mounting holes for relatively easy installation. The mounting holes can be selected by checking the catalogs of various manufacturers.

Rolling bearings have rollers arranged alternately between the inner and outer rings, which have concave V-shaped transfer surfaces and guides for linear motion.

This arrangement makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the central axis of the shaft and housing against the force to tilt the shaft and housing compared to other bearings.

Thus, for example, they are sometimes used to support loads in areas close to the foundation of industrial articulated robots, such as a person’s arms and fingers.

Some rolling bearings come standard with various mounting holes for easy mounting. Selection can be made by checking the catalogs of multiple manufacturers.