月: 2022年12月

What Is a Linear Actuator?

A linear actuator is a linear actuator that consists of a ball screw or trapezoidal screw, which is the main component, in combination with a worm gear.

Linear actuators are jacks that can be operated in a straight line.

Linipower jacks are simple, compact, and economical.

Uses of Linear Actuators

The uses of Linear actuators are explained here.

A motor can drive the Linear power jack directly connected to the Linear actuator.

The trapezoidal screw type is mainly used for low-frequency and low-speed applications, taking advantage of the sliding contact of the trapezoidal screw. In contrast, the ball screw type is used for ultra-high-speed and high-frequency applications.

Linear actuators are also available with stainless steel screws resistant to rust in accordance with the operating environment. LD-type Linear actuators generate only a small amount of dust for clean rooms.

Principle of Linear Actuators

Next, the principle of Linear actuator is explained.

Linear actuators consist of a threaded part and a high-precision worm gear.

The screw part is a ball screw and a trapezoidal screw, each of which has different characteristics and applications.

The ball screw has high efficiency due to the shape of the screw part so that it can provide a large thrust force even with a small drive power, and it can also operate at high speeds.

They also have excellent durability and can be used for a long time with long service life.

The trapezoidal screw has a sliding contact and, due to the screw’s geometrical characteristics, has excellent alignment and self-locking properties, making it capable of supporting a load.

In addition to the general right-hand thread specification, left-hand thread jacks are available. The screw moves in the same direction of input rotation but in the opposite direction. 

What Is a Rigid Coupling?

A rigid coupling is a mechanical component designed to connect two shafts and transmit rotational motion. Unlike other couplings, it is made entirely of rigid materials like metal, without any rubber, resin, or sliding parts. This design means that rigid couplings do not accommodate misalignment between shafts or absorb vibrations, but they are capable of transmitting large amounts of torque and have no backlash due to the rigid connection.

Another advantage of rigid couplings is their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, as they have fewer components than other coupling types.

Applications of Rigid Couplings

Rigid couplings, being purely rigid, offer high torsional rigidity and a smaller diameter than other couplings, reducing the moment of inertia. This makes them ideal for precise position control with servomotors or stepping motors, where zero backlash is crucial.

They are also a cost-effective solution in situations where misalignment or vibration is not a concern. Common applications include:

1. Coupling of Machine Tool Motors and Spindles

Used in machine tools where high torque and torsional rigidity are necessary to suppress vibration, rigid couplings facilitate alignment and efficient torque transmission.

2. Connection of Long Shafts

When long shafts, originally manufactured as a single piece, need to be cut for machining, assembly, or transport, rigid couplings can reconnect them, maintaining the precision and robustness of the original shaft.

3. Rotary Angle Measuring Devices (Encoder)

Rigid couplings are crucial in devices like encoders where minimizing shaft torsion and backlash is essential for accurate angle measurement.

Principle of Rigid Coupling

Rigid couplings consist of a coupling body, typically made from aluminum alloy, steel, or stainless steel, and a part for fastening to the shaft. Their structure ensures zero backlash in a rotational direction, making them suitable for high-precision control applications.

However, due to the lack of misalignment tolerance, precise alignment of shaft centers is crucial during installation. Misaligned shaft centers or large rotational runouts can lead to assembly difficulties or damage due to vibration or excessive force on the shaft support.

For applications requiring shaft center misalignment accommodation, Oldham, cross-joint, or disk-type couplings are used.

Types of Rigid Couplings

Rigid couplings are classified based on their shaft fixing method:

1. Screw Fixing Method

This method involves securing the shaft with a set screw, sometimes combined with a keyway.

2. Clamping Method (Slit Method)

A slit in the coupling allows a clamping bolt to tighten and press the shaft against the coupling.

3. Split Method

The coupling is split radially into two parts, fixed and fastened to the shaft from both sides for a robust connection.

4. Friction Method

Using a wedge (taper), nuts are tightened on both ends to secure the shaft. The nuts have opposite thread directions to prevent loosening from shaft rotation. The coupling’s mounting direction depends on the shaft rotation direction.

What Is a Raman Spectrometer?

A Raman spectrometer is a device that can analyze chemical structures and evaluate physical properties by measuring the light scattered when a substance is irradiated with light.

Scattered light contains light of various wavelengths, with a light of the same wavelength as the incident light being called Rayleigh scattered light and light of a different wavelength being called Raman scattered light. The Raman spectrometer analyzes and evaluates by detecting the Raman scattered light.

The Raman spectrometer consists of a laser light source, a diffraction grating, and a sensitive detector for detecting weak Raman scattered light. It can measure the structure of almost any material, regardless of whether it is a gas, liquid, or solid, without any preprocessing.

In addition, Raman spectrometers are used in many fields because they can identify molecules in a non-contact and non-destructive manner.

Uses of Raman Spectrometers

Raman spectrometers are used in a great many fields, including batteries, displays, food science, and the medical and pharmaceutical fields, as instruments for analyzing chemical and molecular structures, regardless of whether they are organic or inorganic materials.

It can be used to analyze the life, performance, and degradation state of batteries, as well as quantitative analysis of proteins, lipids, and food dyes contained in food products. In pharmaceuticals, Raman spectroscopy can be used to examine crystal structures, which are then used to determine solubility and efficacy.

Principle of Raman Spectrometers

Raman spectrometer is a device to evaluate the structure and physical properties of a substance by detecting Raman scattered light from the substance. It consists of a light source, a spectrometer for extracting Raman scattered light from scattered light, and a detector for detecting Raman scattered light.

1. Light Source

A light source with a single wavelength and high light intensity is used as a light source. This is because the narrower the line width of the light source, the higher the resolution of the analysis, and because the Raman scattering light is a weak signal. In most cases, solid-state lasers are used.

2. Spectroscope

A monochromator emitting light at a single wavelength or a polychromator emitting light at a fixed wavelength is used. Spectroscopy is performed using a diffraction grating contained in the spectrometer. The diffraction grating is a glass substrate engraved with microscopic grooves at equal intervals, and is an element that uses the diffraction phenomenon of light to perform spectroscopy.

3. Detector

Since Raman scattered light is very weak, a highly sensitive detector is used. It is desirable to detect many spectrally separated wavelengths simultaneously. Therefore, a linear image sensor is used.

Other Information on Raman Spectrometers

1. Comparison With Infrared Spectrometer

Infrared spectrometers are often compared to Raman spectrometers. Both instruments are capable of analyzing chemical structures and evaluating physical properties based on the vibrational spectra of molecules. However, there are differences in the spectra that can be measured.

The Raman spectrometer analyzes scattered light, while the infrared spectrometer analyzes based on the optical absorption of a substance, so the spectra that can be measured by both are different. Other comparative features are shown below.

Features of Raman Spectrometer

• Sample size can be as small as 1μm
• Capable of measuring samples in glass containers
• Measurement in aqueous solution is possible.
• No pre-treatment such as dilution is required
• Expensive equipment
• Sample may be damaged by measurement

Features of Infrared Spectrometer

• Sample size can be as small as 10 μm
• Cannot measure in glass containers
• Measurement in aqueous solution is limited
• Sample identification is easy
• Inexpensive equipment
• Sample is not easily damaged by measurement

2. Raman Scattering Light to Be Detected

Raman spectrometer analyzes and evaluates materials by shining light on them and detecting the scattered light. There are two types of scattered light: elastic scattering and inelastic scattering.

Elastic scattering produces scattered light with the same wavelength as the light before scattering, while inelastic scattering produces scattered light with a wavelength different from that before scattering. The light detected by a Raman spectrometer is Raman scattered light produced by inelastic scattering. The Raman scattering light is generated based on the vibrational and rotational levels of the material.

Since these levels are molecular-specific energy levels, the Raman scattered light is a molecule-specific spectrum. Therefore, by detecting the Raman scattered light, the Raman spectrometer can measure the wavelength deviation from the incident light and identify the molecule.

What Is a Motor Pump?

A motor pump is a device that combines a pump with a motor as its driving force. This integrated structure is commonly referred to as a motor pump.

The motor provides power to the pump, which is responsible for moving liquids or gases. Connected to a power source, the motor’s rotation activates the pump. Motor pumps are capable of generating high pressures and flow rates, making them suitable for long-distance fluid transportation and high-pressure applications such as water supply systems and fire pumps.

While motor pumps are prevalent, other types like air-driven pumps and engine pumps are also used.

Applications of Motor Pumps

Motor pumps have a vast array of applications:

1. Tap Water Supply

Commonly used in high-rise buildings to supply tap water to upper floors, motor pumps are effective in pumping water at high pressures. They are also used in irrigation systems for farmlands and greenhouses, drawing water from various sources like wells and rivers.

2. Drainage

Motor pumps are essential for draining spring water in basements and underground parking lots, efficiently moving wastewater to sewage systems. They are also utilized for domestic wastewater disposal in bathrooms and toilets.

3. Industry

In industrial settings, motor pumps are used for liquid fuel delivery and equipment cooling in boiler systems, particularly in power plants and manufacturing facilities. They also circulate lubricating oil in steam turbines to reduce wear from friction and heat.

Principle of Motor Pump

A motor pump comprises a motor and a pump section.

The motor, typically an induction motor known for its durability and ease of maintenance, rotates its shaft using a magnetic field and induced current. The motor shaft is connected to the pump shaft through a coupling, which in turn rotates the impeller of the pump. Centrifugal force pumps the fluid, and a mechanical seal and gland packing at the impeller base prevent leaks, though they require periodic replacement.

Types of Motor Pumps

Motor pumps vary depending on their pumping mechanisms:

1. Volute Pump

This centrifugal pump features an impeller within a volute-shaped casing. Fluid enters through the suction port, is propelled outward by the impeller, and is converted to pressure in the volute chamber.

2. Diaphragm Pump

Diaphragm pumps operate by reciprocating a membrane or diaphragm. With strong self-priming capabilities, they are suitable for high-head and high-viscosity liquids, often used in chemical plants.

3. Propeller Pump

Propeller pumps use a rotating propeller within a cylindrical housing to move fluid. These pumps are efficient at moving large volumes of liquid at low pressures but are not ideal for high-pressure applications.

What Is a Mixing Valve?

A mixing valve is a temperature control valve that adjusts hot water temperature by mixing hot and cold water. These valves are traditionally used in gas and electric water heaters, and more recently in CO2 natural refrigerant heat pump water heaters, known as Eco-Cute, in all-electric houses.

By simply connecting hot and cold water supplies, these valves can easily provide water at a desired temperature. They also perform well under varying water pressure conditions, ensuring consistent hot water temperature.

Mixing Valve Applications

Mixing valves have a wide range of applications:

1. Shower Faucets

Commonly used in shower systems, mixing valves adjust the water temperature by blending hot and cold water, providing a comfortable shower experience.

2. Water Faucets

They are essential in household fixtures, such as bathtubs, washbasin faucets, and washing machine water outlets, for delivering water at a user-friendly temperature.

3. Heating Systems

In heating systems like floor heating and radiators, mixing valves blend hot and cold water to supply water at the required temperature.

4. Food and Painting Industries

In the food industry, these valves accurately mix ingredients for beverages and in the production of seasonings and sauces. In the painting industry, they ensure consistent mixing of colors and compounds.

Mixing Valve Principle

Mixing valves control fluids from multiple inlet ports, often mixing fluids of varying temperatures and pressures.

An internal mechanism, such as a valve plug, controlled by a handle or lever, adjusts the fluid flow. The mixing chamber within the valve blends the fluids from the inlets, outputting a mixed fluid at a specific ratio and temperature. These valves can maintain consistent output pressure even with fluids of different input pressures.

How to Select a Mixing Valve

Consider the following when selecting a mixing valve:

1. Pressure Resistance Performance

Choose a valve based on the maximum pressure it can withstand. High-pressure resistance valves typically cost more and have larger connection ports.

2. Material

Valves are usually made of metal, with options like bronze, stainless steel, and cast iron. Bronze, a copper and tin alloy, is cost-effective and easy to work with. Stainless steel offers high corrosion resistance and durability, while cast iron is cost-effective but less corrosion-resistant.

3. Heat Resistance Temperature

Most mixing valves are designed for hot water use, with a typical heat resistance of about 90°C. Also, consider the settable temperature range, which varies depending on the input fluid’s temperature.

4. Connection Diameter and Method

Choose the appropriate connection diameter and method for your application. Common methods include flange and screw connections, with flange connections typically measured in millimeters and screw connections in inches.

What Is a Polyester Resin?

Polyester resin is a generic term for polymers containing ester groups in the main chain. Polyester resins are obtained by the dehydration-condensation of polybasic acids and polyhydric alcohols. A variety of polyester resins with different raw material monomers are sold. A typical example is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), used for beverage containers.

Unsaturated polyesters with unsaturated bonds in the main chain are also used. For example, fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), a mixture of glass fiber or carbon fiber and resins such as unsaturated polyester, is used as building material, aircraft, and rocket parts.

In addition, biodegradable polyester resins have recently been developed to reduce the burden on the environment, with polylactic acid (PLA) being a typical example. Polylactic acid is a material with low environmental impact because ultraviolet rays and water quickly decompose its main chains, and its waste decomposes in the environment.

Uses of Polyester Resins

Polyester resin is a generic term for polymers that contain ester groups in the main chain. A typical example is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which has excellent heat and cold resistance and is used for beverage containers. Polyester resin is also used as a fiber. In addition to PET, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) are also used as polyester fiber.

There are also unsaturated polyester resins that have unsaturated bonds in their molecules. FRP is in various industries, including aircraft and other transportation components, construction materials, sporting goods, and space-related components such as rockets.

Production Process of Polyester Resins

Polyester resin is obtained through a polymerization reaction in which the carboxylic acid COOH and alcohol OH dehydrate and condense to form ester bonds. There are two methods of manufacturing polyester resins: the ester exchange method using dimethyl terephthalate as raw material and the direct polymerization method using terephthalic acid as raw material. The direct polymerization method is generally used today.

Antimony catalysts were, in the past, catalysts for polymerization. Still, there has been a shift to new catalysts that do not use heavy metals, and titanium and germanium catalysts are currently being used. Various companies are still developing new catalysts, such as titanium and germanium.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a typical polyester. Reactive unsaturated polyester resin is obtained by mixing a polymerizable vinyl monomer with a base polymer obtained by a polymerization reaction of a polybasic acid and polyhydric alcohol through dehydration condensation and radical catalytic polymerization. The properties of the resin vary greatly depending on the chemical structure of the monomer in bisphenol and other monomers.

Stability and Recycling of Polyester Resins

Polyester resins are more stable materials than other resins. For example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has excellent heat and chemical resistance. On the other hand, PET has ester bonds, which cause hydrolysis reactions in alkaline aqueous solutions. In addition, under high temperatures and high humidity, it undergoes hydrolysis reaction with neutral water, so its application to PET recycling is being considered.

Polyester resins with biodegradable properties are also being actively developed, with polylactic acid (PLA) being a typical example. UV light and water accelerate the hydrolysis of the main polylactic acid chain, resulting in a rapid decrease in molecular weight. Therefore, it can be disassembled and remolded after use, decomposing its waste without leaving any environmental residue.

What Is a Polyester Film?

Polyester film, a thin material produced from synthetic polyester resin, is known for its robustness and versatility. This film is crafted through melting and stretching polyester—a polymer derived from petrochemicals like oil and natural gas—into a thin layer. Common forms of polyester include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

Applications

Due to its durability, heat resistance, and transparency, polyester film serves multiple purposes:

• Packaging: Ideal for food and pharmaceutical products, offering protection and shelf appeal.
• Industrial: Used in components like magnetic tapes and film capacitors for its strength and durability.
• Consumer Goods: Applied in items requiring clear visibility and longevity, such as optical films.

Properties

Polyester film excels in:

• Heat Resistance: Withstands temperatures up to 200°C (392°F), making it suitable for both heating and freezing applications.
• Light and Chemical Resistance: Maintains integrity under UV exposure and chemical interactions, ensuring longevity.
• Strength and Transparency: Offers high tensile strength without compromising clarity.

Varieties

Key types of polyester films include:

• PET Film: Versatile and widely used, suitable for packaging, industrial, and daily uses.
• PEN Film: Offers enhanced heat and chemical resistance, ideal for electronic components.
• PBT Film: Known for superior durability and heat resistance, used in industrial parts.

Manufacturing Process

Creating polyester film involves:

1. Resin Synthesis: Combining dicarboxylic acids and dialcohols to form polyester resins.
2. Film Forming: Melting resin pellets, extruding them into a film, and stretching for enhanced properties.

This process results in a material that is integral to various applications, combining durability with flexibility.

What Is a Bowl Feeder?

A bowl feeder is a device that vibrates the workpieces fed into a bowl to align them one by one in a fixed directional posture before feeding them to the following process.

It consists of a bowl (shaped like a bowl) section, an area for aligning workpieces, a hopper section that automatically replenishes the bowl so that there is no shortage of workpieces, and a chute (also called a rail or trough) section that sends the workpieces aligned in the bowl to the machine in the following process.

Bowl feeders can supply workpieces automatically, automating and saving labor on the production line.

Uses of Bowl Feeders

When automating a production process using FA equipment such as robots, bowl feeders supply parts in a particular direction so that the following process can easily pick them up.

Bolts, screws, and washers can be fed into the bowl feeder and supplied to the following process in an assembled state.

Also, easily entangled workpieces, such as springs, can be separated one by one with a separator and fed to the following process.

Bowl feeders can also have multiple functions, such as a foreign matter inspection function.

Principles of Bowl Feeders

Bowl feeders can feed products in various positions, and the feeding speed can be adjusted by the frequency at which the bowl vibrates.

Non-conductive workpieces such as resin come into contact with each other and rub against each other due to vibration, generating static electricity, which can cause them to stick together due to Coulomb force.

The problem is that the vibration causes a lot of noise, but recently there have been low-noise, vibration-free bowl feeders that use motor rotation instead of vibration to align and feed the workpieces.

The bowl feeders’ shapes match the workpiece, and the bowl feeder itself must be changed when it is changed. Therefore, they are suitable for feeding identical workpieces in large quantities over a long time but not for small quantities of many different products.

For small quantities of a wide variety of products, it has been proposed to use a method in which workpieces are arranged appropriately and conveyed on a conveyor. A 3D vision sensor is used to recognize the shape of the workpiece, the clamping position is determined, and the part is clamped.

What Is a Program Timer?

A program timer is a device that turns an electrical appliance ON and OFF at predetermined times.

Typically, a program timer operates such that it turns on at the same time each day and then turns off at a set time thereafter. Some models offer multiple ON/OFF timing combinations.

For instance, Mondays might be controlled by Pattern A’s ON/OFF timings, Tuesdays by Pattern B’s, and so on with Patterns C, D, E, etc. Users can choose which program to activate on each day of the week.

Uses of Program Timers

Program timers are commonly used in lighting systems and home appliances.

1. Basic Uses

A program timer can, for example, turn on a light at the same time every day and turn it off at a preset time, or operate a humidifier from morning until a predetermined bedtime.

2. Advanced Uses

Beyond basic operations, recent models include additional features. For instance, a light sensor might turn a device on when it’s bright and off when it’s dark, ideal for applications requiring operation only during daytime.

Models vary from waterproof outdoor types to those displaying the electricity usage of connected devices. Prices range from about 1,000 yen for basic models to over 10,000 yen for advanced models.

Principle of Program Timers

Program timers typically have an AC outlet for 100 VAC input and another for connecting the controlled electrical appliance. They work by conducting power between these outlets at the set ON time.

Simple timers operate daily at specific times with basic logic circuits. More advanced timers, with multiple programs, operation buttons, and an LCD, often incorporate a microcomputer.

Program Timer Configuration

A Program timer consists of four main components: power supply, input, timekeeping, and output.

1. Input Section

The input section receives signals from input devices and forwards them to the timekeeping section.

2. Timekeeping Section

This section measures time and signals the output section when the user-defined time elapses.

3. Output Section

Upon receiving a signal from the timekeeping section, the output section activates the connected device.

The program timer uses these components to generate an output signal at a predetermined time after receiving an input signal.

How to Select a Program Timer

1. Allowable Power

Program timers have varying power limits. Ensure the power required by the connected device is within the timer’s capacity.

2. Operation Pattern

When selecting a program timer, consider the required operation pattern and number of settings. Options include countdown functions for time-based ON/OFF control or specific time settings.

The number of operations refers to the number of programmable patterns or times; some timers allow setting multiple operations, while others are limited to one.

3. Error Margin

The accuracy of program timers varies. Some sync with servers for minimal error, while others may have a daily error margin of about 10 minutes.

4. Water Resistance

For outdoor use, water resistance is crucial. Most general products lack waterproofing, so selecting a model with rainproof features is essential.

What Is a Pleated Filter?

Pleated filters are filters that are formed in a pleated shape to increase the surface area per volume and improve filtration performance. Filters have different characteristics depending on their structure, and it is necessary to select the structure that best suits the purpose and application.

Pleated filters are preferred for applications requiring low pressure drop and reliable capture of particles above a certain size. While surface filtration types like pleated filters are generally suitable for microfiltration due to their small particle size and high removal rate, the increased surface area relative to the flow path results in a large pressure drop. Pleating is used to enhance the surface area per volume, helping to mitigate this issue.

Uses of Pleated Filters

Pleated filters are suitable for use in microfiltration and a variety of other filtration applications, making them versatile in a wide range of industries. Examples include:

• Filtration of various compounds and chemicals, such as petrochemicals, paints, and inks
• Removal of impurities in water, including primary filtration in pure water production and filtration of cooling water, cleaning water, etc.
• Removal of metal fragments in water used for cutting and polishing machinery
• Filtration in water supply and drainage facilities, swimming pools, hot tubs, etc.
• Filtration of natural water sources like well water and ground water

Microfiltration, ideal for smaller-scale filtration equipment, may clog when capturing larger particles.

Principles of Pleated Filters

Pleated filters optimize surface area per volume through their pleated design, thereby enhancing filtration performance. It’s important to choose a filter based on structural characteristics and specific application needs.

Cartridge filters are categorized into three main types: depth (Debs) filter type, surface filter type, and adsorption/exchange filter type. Pleated filters fall under the surface filtration category and are commonly used in industrial cartridge filters.

However, an increased surface area relative to the flow path can cause significant pressure loss. Pleating is employed to counterbalance this pressure loss.

Thus, they are especially useful where low pressure drop is desired and for capturing particles larger than a specific size.

Materials like polypropylene are commonly used, but options like PE ether sulfone, PTFE, PVDF, nylon, and glass fiber with excellent chemical resistance, diatomaceous earth for beverages, and stainless steel for corrosive fluids are also available. Some filters combine materials of varying fiber diameters for gradient filtration accuracy.