月: 2022年12月

What Is Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) Machinery?

Electrical discharge machining (EDM) machinery is a tool used for melting and processing workpieces using heat generated by an arc discharge, primarily in metalworking applications.

In electric discharge machining, an electrode in a liquid is discharged between the workpiece and the electrode to melt the workpiece through heat. The melted portion is then cooled and dispersed by the liquid. This method enables the precise shaping of hard materials, even when conventional cutting tools are not suitable for the job.

Uses of Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) Machinery

EDM is employed to process materials that are challenging to work with using traditional methods. It is particularly useful for machining high-hardness materials. Tasks like creating hexagonal holes, keyways, and complex angular machining are not restricted by the limitations of conventional cutting tools.

In screw machining, EDM can be used for post-machining threads in cases where machining was overlooked, and quenching has occurred. It is also suitable for machining small, deep holes that cannot be drilled conventionally. Slanted holes can be easily created, and specimens with microscopic defects (artificial defects) can be produced using EDM. Additionally, EDM is ideal for machining precise, fine gears with high accuracy. Wire EDM, which uses fine wire, can produce clean involute lines and perfectly circular holes at the center.

Principles of Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) Machinery

In electrical discharge machining, the workpiece is immersed in a highly insulating processing fluid, and it undergoes repeated electrical discharges at a rate of 1,000 to 100,000 times per second. During each discharge, while maintaining a gap of several tens of microns between the electrode and the workpiece, the metal reaches temperatures of several thousand degrees Celsius, causing it to melt.

The processing fluid rapidly cools the molten metal, causing it to vaporize and explode, dispersing it away from the processing surface. The principle of electrical discharge machining involves the removal of material from the workpiece surface as small particles are cooled and dispersed in the processing fluid.

Types of Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) Machinery

There are three primary types of EDM machinery in use:

1. Die-Sinking EDM Machinery

Die-sinking EDM machinery shapes the workpiece by employing electrical discharge between the electrode and the workpiece. An electrode, typically made of materials like copper or graphite, is machined into the inverse shape of the desired object. When the electrode is brought close to the workpiece, electrical discharge occurs, resulting in the workpiece taking on the shape of the electrode. This process can be controlled numerically, enabling complex 3-dimensional machining, and it is often used for producing molds used in resin molding.

1. Wire EDM Machinery

Wire EDM machinery utilizes an extremely thin wire, typically with a diameter ranging from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm, as an electrode for electrical discharge machining. Brass wire is commonly used, and the wire is guided by numerical control (NC) to cut the workpiece into the desired shape. Wire EDM is characterized by the absence of electrode machining and minimal material loss during the process. It excels in machining complex shapes but cannot handle materials that cannot be penetrated. This method is often employed for processing press work dies, among other applications.

1. Small-Hole EDM Machinery

Small-hole EDM machinery uses a rod- or pipe-shaped electrode within the processing fluid to melt and remove material while drilling tiny holes. It is capable of drilling holes as small as 0.1 mm in diameter. The electrode and workpiece are processed without direct contact, making it suitable for tasks like creating air vent holes in molds and precision nozzles.

Configuration of Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) Machinery

EDM machinery typically consists of three key components: the main machining unit, the machining control device, and the machining fluid supply unit.

1. Main Body of EDM Machinery

The main machine incorporates the electrode responsible for processing the metal. It is pressed against the workpiece while processing fluid is sprayed from an injection nozzle. An appropriate volume of processing fluid must fill the machining area, and this is achieved by surrounding the area with a processing tank equipped with a liquid-level adjuster.

1. Machining Control Device

The machining control device is an essential component of NC machine tools. By inputting data into the machining program, it can ensure the consistent and highly accurate production of machined products.

1. Machining Fluid Supply Device

Electric discharge machining relies on the flow of electricity through an insulating gas or liquid, with machining fluid acting as the insulator. Water or oil is typically used as the primary ingredient in machining fluids. These fluids play a critical role in electric discharge machining by providing cooling and removing machining debris.

Additional Information on Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) Machinery

Features of Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) Machinery

The most significant advantage of EDM machinery is its ability to process challenging materials with ease. It excels in precision, capable of machining down to a few microns and handling complex shapes.

EDM is a non-contact machining method, eliminating the potential for accuracy defects caused by workpiece deformation. It can swiftly process even thin plates. While traditional cutting processes often leave burrs, EDM produces no burrs, eliminating the need for additional deburring. Moreover, it can accurately machine inside corners, deep grooves, and holes with widths as small as 0.1 mm. However, EDM’s slow machining speed and the need for numerous consumables, such as electrodes, make it less suitable for mass production.

What Is a Hydraulic Motor?

A hydraulic motor is a mechanical device that converts hydraulic energy into rotational force. It operates by receiving hydraulic energy typically from a hydraulic pump. Designed to be compact and efficient, hydraulic motors can produce significant force despite their small size. Their simple oil-flow mechanism allows for downsizing and a wide range of applications, especially where large forces are required. Due to their mostly metal construction, they are suitable for high-temperature, high-humidity, and dusty environments and can be used in heavy machinery, including underwater applications.

Uses of Hydraulic Motors

Hydraulic motors are used across various sectors:

1. Construction Machinery

They are essential in driving construction machinery like bulldozers and cranes, providing the necessary torque and power for heavy-duty tasks such as excavation and material transportation.

2. Agricultural Machinery

In agriculture, hydraulic motors power tractors, combines, and other machinery, aiding in cultivation and harvesting processes.

3. Aircraft and Ships

Due to their high torque and lightweight properties, Hydraulic Motors are used in aircraft for wing flap and landing gear operations and in ships for rudder control and crane operations.

Principle of Hydraulic Motors

Hydraulic motors work by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into mechanical rotational force. Essential components like pistons, gears, and rotors receive fluid flow and transform it into rotational force. The pressure of the supplied fluid drives these components, which in turn generates the motor’s rotational force. The specific mechanism varies with the type of hydraulic motor but typically involves pistons moving gears or rotors.

Types of Hydraulic Motors

Common types of Hydraulic Motors include:

1. Piston Motor

Piston motors use pistons inside a cylinder, with the fluid pressure causing the pistons to move and generate rotational force. They are known for their high efficiency and torque, making them suitable for large-capacity hydraulic systems.

2. Gear Motor

Gear motors operate through internally arranged gears. The hydraulic pressure turns these gears, creating rotational force. They are known for their compact design and high-speed capabilities.

3. Vane Motor

Vane motors use an internal impeller rotated by liquid pressure. They are valued for their durability and quiet operation.

Other Information on Hydraulic Motors

The rotational speed and output torque of hydraulic motors are key performance parameters. These are calculated based on factors like oil flow rate, volumetric efficiency, and mechanical efficiency. Understanding these parameters helps in selecting the appropriate hydraulic motor and system for specific applications.

What Is a Volumetric Flowmeter?

A volumetric flowmeter is a measuring instrument consisting of a flowmeter with a built-in measuring chamber and a rotor (kinematic unit).

This flowmeter is sometimes referred to as a PD meter (Positive Displacement Meter), a term derived from the clearly defined volume of the built-in measuring chamber.

Volumetric flowmeters measure fluid volume based on the number of repetitions of filling and draining of the metering chamber.

Uses of Volumetric Flowmeters

Volumetric flowmeters are well-suited for accurately measuring totalized flow rates.

They find widespread use in industrial instrumentation and other general applications due to their ability to provide high metering accuracy.

Volumetric flowmeter types include rotary pistons, gear, roots, and vane flowmeters, depending on the shape of the rotor. Among these, the rotary piston type is particularly suitable for measuring fuel oil.

The volumetric flowmeter plays a crucial role in flow measurement for transaction verification, especially since it was authorized by the National Tax Administration Agency for assessing taxable quantities of petroleum products.

While the primary measurement targets are fluids, gear and Roots type flowmeters can also measure gases.

Principles of Volumetric Flowmeters

The general principle of volumetric flowmeter operation involves the fluid’s energy actuating the rotor, and the flow rate is calculated based on the rotor’s number of revolutions. One notable feature of this method is that it does not require external energy sources, such as electricity.

Here is an explanation of the operating principle of the Roots type, which is a typical measurement method:

In the roots type flowmeter, a pair of cocoon-shaped rotors is housed in a casing.

These rotors incorporate gears (pilot gears) that mesh with each other and are designed to avoid direct contact between the rotors.

Additionally, a small gap is maintained between the rotor and the inner wall of the casing.

As fluid enters the casing, it pushes the rotor, causing it to rotate outward.

Subsequently, two alternating weighing chambers are formed between the rotor and the inner casing wall (referred to as weighing chambers A and B).

As a result, fluid is discharged downstream through either lightweight chamber A or B.

This sequence of movements mimics the continuous process of measuring one cupful at a time with a measuring cup, and the totalized flow rate can be determined by counting the number of rotor rotations.

What Is a Welding Robot?

A welding robot is an industrial robot that can perform welding processes automatically. They are mainly used in factories that manufacture automobiles, airplanes, etc.

Welding robots can save labor and improve productivity. They can repeat the same operation quickly and accurately, increasing work efficiency through short and stable operations. Additionally, they can reduce the risk of occupational accidents, such as burns from welding processes and health hazards due to inhaling toxic gases during welding, as well as errors caused by human factors.

In the welding process, achieving consistent weld appearance and density is challenging when done manually, as the quality of welding processes significantly depends on the skills of individual workers. While welding robots are industrial products and may have minimal play in their operating axes, individual differences between robots are controlled meticulously, ensuring exceptional work reproducibility.

Welding robots can minimize quality variations without relying on operators’ skills, consistently producing uniform products, thus enhancing quality reliability.

Uses of Welding Robots

Welding robots automate and optimize welding processes, reducing the need for human intervention and enhancing efficiency. They can be programmed to execute a series of work procedures and processes, reducing labor costs and preventing a decrease in work efficiency due to a lack of manpower.

Furthermore, in manual welding processes, workers are exposed to high-temperature areas where metal melts, increasing the risk of burns from welding spatter, eye damage from intense light, and health hazards from harmful gases. Welding robots contribute to improving the safety of the work environment.

Principles of Welding Robots

Welding robots have an arm structure resembling a human hand with multiple joints for smooth movement. The most common type is the 6-axis robot, but robots with fewer joints can handle heavier objects with a more limited range of motion, while those with more joints can perform more intricate movements.

Attached to the end of the robot’s arm is a welding torch, and by changing the torch part, various welding processes can be performed. Additionally, by replacing the welding torch with a fixture for holding parts, the robot can function as a transfer/handling robot, enabling automation of tasks beyond welding.

Other Information on Welding Robots

1. Teaching Welding Robots

Teaching involves instructing welding robots on welding operations and procedures, programming them for automatic operation. Robots can only perform tasks defined in the program. Teaching is crucial because the accuracy of welding processes depends on factors beyond the welding robot, such as workpiece alignment during part setup and the surface quality of the welding surface.

Teaching programming typically uses a microcontroller called a PLC (programmable logic controller) or a sequencer. The most common programming language is the “ladder diagram,” which uses an intuitive “ladder-like” graphical representation. There are two primary teaching methods:

Offline Teaching

Offline teaching involves using 3D data on a computer to obtain coordinates for welding process points, simulating them, and transferring the data to the welding robot. Alternatively, welding motion can be programmed directly into the robot. Depending on the accuracy of the product or fixture, strict adherence to 3D data may not always be possible. Combining online teaching, as described in the next section, can improve teaching accuracy.

Online Teaching

In online teaching, a teaching operator uses a remote control to move the welding robot directly, performing a sequence of welding operations. The robot memorizes these actions and reproduces them precisely. However, this teaching method has the drawback that the robot cannot be used for production during the teaching process. It is time-consuming because the operator must set up each welding operation by moving the robot. Consequently, offline teaching has become more common in recent years. Nevertheless, fine adjustments may still be necessary based on the product’s machining accuracy or fixture, so it’s essential to switch teaching methods flexibly as needed.

1. Qualifications for Teaching Welding Robots

Teaching welding robots requires special training, as mandated by Article 59 of the Occupational Safety and Health Law. Violations can result in penalties for both the operator and the company. Operators can qualify for the job with just two days of specialized training and must acquire the skills and knowledge to perform teaching immediately.

Teaching involves programming and simulation using 3D data, as well as knowledge of welding operations. In many cases, optimizing the welding process order and adjusting the welding robot’s posture can significantly enhance welding process efficiency. The skill of the operator conducting the teaching is crucial, so training from an experienced person within or outside the company is essential.

1. Control of Welding Robots by Sensors

For large parts, processing and assembly errors in preceding processes often lead to misalignment in the welding area. In recent years, sensor technology has gained attention for its ability to automatically compensate for welding robot misalignment by attaching sensors to the robot. Sensing technologies include wire touch sensors and laser displacement sensors for pre-sensing before welding and arc sensors and visual sensors for real-time sensing during welding.

Sensing technology continues to advance, allowing welding robots to automatically compensate for misalignment. This eliminates the need for detailed manual teaching corrections, ensuring more stable product quality.

What Is a High-Pressure Compressor?

A high-pressure compressor is a device that takes in air, compresses it, and stores it in a built-in air tank. The compressed air is then released through piping or an air hose and can be used as a power source for air tools.

A regular air compressor is a similar device, but there is a significant difference in the pressure of the compressed air it can produce compared to a high-pressure compressor. While most ordinary air compressors have a maximum pressure of about 1.4 MPa in the tank, most high-pressure compressors have a maximum pressure of about 4.5 MPa.

Uses of High-Pressure Compressors

Air tools that use compressed air as a power source are divided into two types: normal-pressure and high-pressure. The device used to produce the compressed air required to use the air tool for high pressure is a high-pressure compressor.

High-pressure compressors are often used in construction. These include nailers, screwdrivers, and tackers. Other examples include air impact drivers and air dusters.

Principles of High-Pressure Compressors

Like atmospheric pressure compressors, high-pressure compressors use a cylinder and piston to create compressed air through compression, discharge, and suction. However, to achieve higher pressures than atmospheric compressors, high-pressure compressors are usually designed to compress air once through the “compress,” “discharge,” and “suction” processes and then compress it again through the same process. A compressor that compresses air to maximum pressure in a single process is called a single-stage compressor. In contrast, a compressor that compresses air once and then compresses it again to reach the maximum pressure is called a two-stage compressor.

Two-stage compressors are the most common type of high-pressure compressor because compressing a gas raises its temperature while expanding it lowers its temperature. Most compressors have a compression ratio of about 20:1, but when the air compressed by the piston and cylinder is sent to the air tank, the air pressure drops because the volume is more significant than in the cylinder. Even when the compressor runs at full capacity, the pressure in the tank only rises to about 1.4 Mpa.

Therefore, the air is compressed once (first stage) and then compressed again (second stage) to achieve a high in-tank pressure of 4.5 MPa.

In addition to achieving higher pressure, this two-stage system also has the advantage of higher work efficiency because it can produce higher-pressure compressed air in a shorter time compared to achieving the same pressure with a single-stage procedure.

What Is an Anti-Static Glove?

An anti-static glove is designed to prevent the buildup and discharge of static electricity. In various manufacturing processes, static electricity can lead to serious accidents like explosions and fires, as well as damage to electronic components. Anti-static gloves are made from materials like copper-coated synthetic fibers, carbon fibers, and conductive resins to dissipate static charges effectively.

Uses of Anti-Static Gloves

Anti-static gloves are crucial in environments prone to static electricity, such as in the manufacturing of electronic components and powder products. Approximately 20% of static-related accidents are caused by static electricity from workers and their clothing. Thus, these gloves are part of a broader range of static-preventive measures, including conductive floors, mats, shoes, and clothing. They are particularly effective in reducing the risk of static generation through hand contact with products.

Principles of Anti-Static Gloves

Static electricity can be a significant hazard, particularly in industries dealing with flammable liquids, solvents, and powders. For example, in the petroleum refining and chemical industries, even small static discharges can ignite flammable substances. Similarly, in environments where fine powders are handled, the risk of ignition increases with smaller particle sizes, as these can be ignited with the minimal energy from static discharges.

Anti-static gloves mitigate these risks by maintaining the human body’s charged potential below 100 V, preventing static buildup. Additionally, conductive gloves can ground metal tools through the worker, providing an extra layer of safety.

What Is a Light Meter?

An exposure meter is a device used in photography to measure the intensity of light on a subject or in the environment and to calculate the optimal exposure value.

The measurement made with this machine is called light metering. Light meters are installed in most cameras today to determine the best exposure for a given photo.

Stand-alone products continue to be produced and sold, and the advantage of using an exposure meter is that it can measure light with high accuracy, regardless of the reflectance (brightness, color, etc.) of the subject.

Uses of Light Meters

Light meters are used either built into the camera or as stand-alone instruments to calculate the exposure value of a picture to ensure that the picture is taken with the correct exposure.

Light meters are useful not only for professional photographers but also for amateur photographers. For example, when taking landscape or portrait photographs, light meters are used to adjust the brightness of the subject and the background.

Light meters are also useful when the subject has strong contrasts. For example, when the subject is exposed directly to sunlight or when dark and bright areas are in the picture at the same time. Using a light meter allows the photographer to adjust the exposure so as not to cause white-outs or blackouts.

Furthermore, a light meter is also useful when using a flash. When using a flash, it is important to use the light meter to adjust the brightness of the flash. If the brightness of the flash is too strong, the subject will be blown out, so the appropriate brightness must be set.

Principle of the Light Meters

The principles of exposure meters are classified into two types according to the light metering method.

1. Reflected-Light Type

The reflected-light type, which detects the light reflected from the subject and determines the optimum exposure, is the type built into many cameras. With a reflected-light type exposure meter, all subjects are considered to be 18% reflective gray, and the exposure value is determined by calculating the intensity of the light reflected from the subject.

While this has the advantage of metering from the shooting position, it has the disadvantage of not being able to determine the exposure properly for extremely reflective or low reflective subjects such as white or black that are far from the 18% reflectance gray as the standard.

In addition, the camera’s built-in light meter allows the photographer to set the range over which metering is performed.

• Spot Metering
  Measures the amount of light from a specific part of the subject and determines the exposure based on that part.
• Center Metering
  Measures the amount of light from the entire subject and determines the exposure based on the average value.

• Multi-Pattern Metering
  Light from the entire subject is measured, and exposure is determined based on that information in multiple areas.

2. Incident Light Metering

The incident light method, often used in stand-alone cameras, determines exposure based on the light itself that enters the exposure meter. Since exposure is determined based on absolute light intensity rather than reflected light, it is not affected by the color of the subject and has the advantage of allowing the photographer to take pictures exactly as seen by the eye.

However, because it requires metering at the location of the subject, in principle it cannot be built into the camera.

How to Select a Light Meter

When choosing a light meter, it is important to consider the following points:

1. Subject to Be Photographed

If it is difficult to measure light close to the subject, such as in landscapes, choose a reflected-light exposure meter. If it is possible to measure light close to the subject, as in portrait or product photography, an incident-light type exposure meter is the best choice.

If both cases are possible, an exposure meter that can measure both reflected and incident light is recommended.

2. Display Type

Light meters that display digitally are often equipped with a wide range of functions. However, because of the abundance of functions, knowledge of time and photography is required to master the use of this type of meter.

Analog-type light meters, which display the result of a measurement at the position indicated by the needle, have simple functions, so even beginners can quickly master their use.

3. Battery Type

Light meters are not used for long periods of time, so the batteries do not need to be changed or recharged frequently. However, if you neglect to check the remaining battery level, the batteries may run out at the shooting site. In such cases, the type of batteries easily available at convenience stores can be used to take care of the situation immediately.

What Is an Atomizer?

An atomizer is a device that releases atomized water.

Ultrasonic waves and heating are used to transform water into atomized water, which is then released into the space. Applications include space humidification, sterilization, deodorization, and stage effects. The ultrasonic type is often used for sterilization and deodorization.

In the past, they were often used for humidification and sterilization, but recently they have also been used for stage productions. The illumination of the fog increases its luminosity, making it effective for stage effects. There are various types of atomizers, from floor-mounted types to desk-mounted types.

Uses of Atomizers

Atomizers are often used to humidify, sanitize, and deodorize spaces. They are also used in stage productions, etc., but the most common uses are as follows:

1. Space Humidification

In winter, the air becomes dry because of the drop in humidity. Dry air causes rough skin, and an increased susceptibility to colds. Humidification is used to prevent dryness and maintain a comfortable space.

2. Sterilization and Deodorization

Bacteria and viruses exist in the air. Bacterial growth leads to the generation of odors, and viral growth leads to the deterioration of health. Spraying a liquid solution corresponding to disinfection and deodorization is effective in spreading throughout the space.

Atomizers are also used in all industrial fields. From cooling heating elements, to preventing static electricity from humidification, to preventing drying at sites where water-based substances are used, atomizers are used for a variety of purposes.

Principle of Atomizers

Atomizers function by atomizing a liquid and then will release it from the device. Atomization can be done by ultrasonic waves or heating, and the atomization mechanism differs depending on the method, but there are two main methods.

1. Ultrasonic

Ultrasonic waves are transmitted through the liquid to produce an atomized object. The surface tension of the liquid is involved in the generation. The frequency of the transducer generally used is 2.4 MHz. By changing this frequency, the particle size of the generated mist can be varied.

2. Heating Type

This method uses the fact that when the temperature of a substance is not high, the molecules remain motionless and fixed, but as the temperature rises, molecular motion becomes more intense. Above the boiling point, molecules move apart and become gas. The vaporized molecules are released into space in atomized form due to the effect of surface tension, which reduces their surface area.

Structure of Atomizers

An atomizer using the ultrasonic method consists of a transducer that vibrates the liquid and an oscillation base that makes the transducer vibrate. Some atomizers have a horn attached to the end of the transducer for efficient atomization.

To maintain the proper relationship between the liquid level and the height of the horn, a set of floats to adjust the liquid level is generally used. A fan to release the mist into the space and a tank to supply the liquid are also often integrated.

Types of Atomizers

The tank is often integrated with the atomizer. Since the size of the atomizer depends on the size of the tank, it tends to be inevitably large enough to atomize a large amount of liquid.

Various types can be selected according to the purpose, such as those that can be pumped from outside the liquid to be atomized and those that can be thrown directly into the liquid tank.

How to Choose an Atomizer

When using an atomizer, check its atomizing capacity depending on your purpose. Larger atomizing capacity is necessary for larger spaces, while larger capacity is not necessary for smaller spaces.

If you will be using the device continuously for a short period, it is not necessary, but if you will be using it for a long period, it is safer to use a device with an intermittent function. For example, an aroma diffuser for home use would be used in a small private room such as a bedroom or study, while a larger atomizing capacity and liquid tank would be needed for aroma atomization in a large store.

Other Information About Atomizers

About Surface Tension

Surface tension is the force at the boundary (interface) between a liquid and a gas that forces the liquid molecules to reduce their surface area as much as possible. In a liquid, intermolecular forces act between molecules to keep the distance between them constant. When molecules move to the gas side, the intermolecular force does not work and they are unstable. In order to resolve the unstable state, the force acts to reduce the surface area as much as possible, and the molecules change into particle form.

What Is a Seismometer?

A seismometer, a type of seismograph, is an instrument that converts the movements caused by earthquakes into electrical signals. It measures, calculates, displays, and transmits seismic intensity as numerical information. These devices are essential for objective observation and quantification of seismic activity.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) uses a seismic intensity scale from 0 to 7 to measure and publicize earthquake intensities. Seismometers must pass regular inspections to ensure the accuracy of observations.

Modern seismometers can calculate seismic intensity in real-time, with some models providing measurements every minute or even faster, at 1/100th of a second.

Uses of Seismometers

Seismometers are used for detecting earthquakes and providing crucial information for evacuation advisories. They help in:

• Shutting down equipment based on seismic intensity to prevent further damage
• Broadcasting bulletins during earthquakes
• Estimating damage to buildings and populations based on seismic intensity distribution
• Initiating disaster countermeasures based on the scale of damage

In addition, seismometers are increasingly used in factories and large commercial facilities for rapid evacuation and disaster prevention.

Principles of Seismometers

Seismometers consist of a measurement section, typically an accelerometer, and a calculation section. The accelerometer converts shaking into electrical signals, which are then calculated into seismic intensity by the device’s processing part, following algorithms specified by the JMA.

These instruments can display various earthquake data and store this information in built-in memory or other storage media for later analysis.

Seismometer Apps

Smartphone and tablet apps have been developed to utilize built-in acceleration sensors for measuring seismic activity. Some apps can even transmit preliminary tremor data to the cloud for early earthquake warnings.

Environmental Standards for Installation of Seismometers

Installation of seismometers follows strict environmental standards to ensure accurate data collection. This includes considerations for location, such as avoiding cliffs or uneven terrain, and specific requirements for the seismometer stand, like material and construction, to ensure stability during strong earthquakes.

What Is an Electropolishing Chemical?

An electropolishing chemical is a specialized liquid used in the electropolishing process, which involves ionizing and polishing metal surfaces to achieve an extremely smooth finish. When an object is immersed in an electropolishing chemical and electricity is applied, the surface of the object dissolves, smoothing out surface irregularities and enabling micron-level polishing. This technique is commonly used for deburring machinery, enhancing the surface performance of medical devices, and improving semiconductor products.

Uses of Electropolishing Chemicals

Electropolishing chemicals are primarily used for items requiring a high level of surface finish, such as stainless steel products. For example, in stainless steel, electropolishing removes iron from the surface, increasing the chromium ratio and forming a passive film that prevents rust and enhances durability. This process is also effective in preventing surface contamination, as it removes fine irregularities where dirt and viruses can adhere, making it ideal for stainless steel products in medical equipment, food equipment,  vacuum chambers, and semiconductor equipment. Additionally, electropolishing is used for deburring, removing weld marks, and modifying surface shapes, such as sharpening cutting edges of surgical instruments.

Principle of Electropolishing Chemicals

Electropolishing chemicals work by facilitating the ionization of metal surfaces when immersed in the chemical and subjected to an electric current. The process results in the formation of a mucous layer on the metal surface, which varies in thickness based on the surface contours, leading to differential ionization rates and resulting in a smoother surface. Common materials suitable for electropolishing include stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum, with the chemical composition typically including sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and alkaline solutions.

Other Information on Electropolishing Chemicals

1. Effects of Electropolishing

Electropolishing enhances surface durability, prevents contamination, and provides a lustrous finish. The final appearance of the surface varies based on the metal and chemical combination, requiring preliminary testing with a small sample piece. Additionally, electropolishing can improve corrosion resistance, unlike physical polishing, which may remove protective surface films. The liquid nature of electropolishing chemicals allows them to reach intricate structures and small details, although care must be taken to remove any remaining solution from fine gaps post-polishing.

2. Disposal of Electropolishing Chemical

Disposal of electropolishing chemicals requires careful consideration due to the presence of various chemicals. Discharge standards set by environmental laws and local regulations must be adhered to, particularly concerning toxic substances like hexavalent chromium. Facilities with waste treatment mechanisms should treat the effluent appropriately, while others may outsource to wastewater treatment companies. Planning for the disposal of waste liquid is essential for smooth operation and environmental compliance.