月: 2023年1月

What Is a Belt Sling?

A belt sling is a belt device used when lifting loads with a crane or hoist.

The word “sling” means a lifting cable, and there are three main types of materials: wire rope, fiber belt, and chain. Among these, slings using fiber belts are collectively called belt slings.

Compared to chains and wire ropes, the belt sling is lightweight, and the fibers themselves are soft. As such, they are less likely to damage cargo.

They are also compact and easy to carry.

Uses of Belt Slings

The main use of belt slings is to wrap luggage while lifting and unloading.

The maximum weight of each type of belt sling is determined by the width and material of the belt.

Depending on the size of the load, several belt slings may be used to stabilize the load during lifting. However, in this case, it is an ironclad rule to use belts purchased at the same time from the same manufacturer. This is because there are significant differences in the strength of belt slings depending on the manufacturer and storage conditions.

Principle of Belt Slings

Belt slings used to be made of nylon, but nowadays polyester, which is superior to nylon in terms of hardness and low water absorption, is widely used.

Belt slings are classified according to standards, and different grades of belt slings have different maximum load capacities, even if the belt width is the same. For example, a first-grade belt with a belt width of 50mm and a second-grade belt with a belt width of 35mm are defined as having the same maximum working load of one ton.

Belt slings are not suitable for use in high-temperature environments, such as at plating sites or when handling chemicals. In such cases, a chain-type sling should be used.

In addition, the fibers of the belt wear out little by little with daily use, and at a certain point of wear, the belt is no longer strong enough to be used.

Some manufacturers have a red core thread called a limit line woven into the belt to make it easier to check wear visually. Belts with visible limit lines or belts that are so dirty that limit lines or belt damage are difficult to see are dangerous in terms of strength and should not be used.

Also, a license is required to perform slinging operations, and must be performed by a qualified person as stipulated by local safety laws.

What Is a Hoist?

A hoist is a mechanical device used for lifting and moving heavy loads. Typically, it is attached to an H-beam or I-beam in factories or warehouses and operates horizontally to raise or lower loads. Hoists are equipped with two separate motors—one for horizontal movement and another for vertical movement. The load can be raised or lowered by winding or unwinding the wire rope. The load capacity varies depending on the type of hoist, and it cannot lift loads heavier than its specified capacity.

While the primary function of a hoist is to lift and lower loads, it can also move horizontally when attached to a beam. Additionally, if the beam is equipped with a moving mechanism, the hoist can facilitate vertical movement as well.

Uses of Hoists

Hoists are primarily used for lifting and moving heavy objects that are challenging to handle manually. In factories and warehouses, where loads often exceed 100 kg, hoists play a crucial role in transferring objects between carts or transporting them directly.

Chain blocks are another commonly used lifting tool for manual operations. When combined with a trolley, a chain block can move horizontally in a single direction. An electric hoist operates similarly to a chain block but with electrical power.

Features of Hoists

Hoists, along with other material handling equipment, facilitate efficient load transportation. In addition to simple hoists that lift and lower loads, there are hoist-type cranes that can also move horizontally when suspended from a saddle.

While the hoist mechanism handles vertical movement, the crane mechanism enables horizontal movement. This combination simplifies and streamlines the process of moving heavy loads in warehouses and factories, enhancing overall logistics efficiency. Proper qualifications are necessary for operating hoists due to their potential hazards.

Types of Hoists

There are several types of hoists available:

1. Electric Hoist

An electric hoist utilizes an electric motor to raise and lower loads by winding or unwinding a wire rope. This type of hoist is commonly used in industrial settings such as factories and warehouses. Electric hoists can be controlled remotely via a switch.

2. Lever Hoist

A lever hoist consists of a chain, handle, hook, pulley, etc., and is operated by manually moving the lever or handle to lift or lower loads. It is lightweight, compact, and relatively inexpensive, finding applications in various industries.

3. Battery-Powered Portable Hoist

These hoists are powered by batteries and can be operated while moving. They are lightweight, easy to operate, and suitable for loading, unloading, and transporting tasks in civil engineering works and construction sites.

4. Air Hoist

An air hoist operates using compressed air instead of electricity, making it suitable for environments where sparks could cause ignition, such as chemical plants.

How to Choose Hoists

In addition to hoists, other material handling equipment includes chain blocks, winches, and cranes:

1. Chain Block

A chain block lifts loads using a chain and operates based on the principles of pulleys and leverage. Electric chain hoists offer remote-controlled operation for easy lifting and lowering of heavy loads.

2. Winch

While a hoist primarily lifts loads vertically, a winch is designed to pull heavy loads horizontally.

3. Crane

Unlike hoists, cranes can lift and lower loads vertically as well as move them horizontally, offering greater versatility in material handling operations.

What Is a Single Board Computer?

A single-board computer is a compact system that consolidates the essential components of a computer—CPU, RAM, storage, and input/output interfaces—onto a single printed circuit board.

Integrated circuits (ICs) and various electronic components are directly mounted on the board, ensuring high reliability and compactness. They find applications across a diverse range of fields, including industrial embedded systems, control devices, household appliances, robotics, and automotive technology.

They come in various shapes and sizes tailored to specific use cases, ranging from palm-sized units to large rack-mountable systems. Single-board computers offer a wide spectrum of processing capabilities.

From low-power microcontrollers to high-performance industrial computers equipped with multi-core CPUs, there exists an optimal choice for every application.

Uses of Single Board Computers

Due to their compact size and versatility, single-board computers find application in a myriad of products and systems. Here are some prominent uses:

1. Embedded Systems

Single-board computers serve as the backbone of embedded systems, which are specialized systems designed for specific tasks. Their small size and self-contained nature make them ideal for tasks such as automotive engine management systems, factory production line controls, and medical equipment operations.

2. IoT Devices

In the realm of the Internet of Things (IoT), single-board computers play a crucial role. Many IoT devices, including smart home devices and industrial sensor networks, leverage single-board computers at their core.

These devices can seamlessly interface with the cloud, aggregating and processing large volumes of data generated by physical devices.

3. Robotics

Single-board computers are integral to robotics, powering various types of drones, autonomous robots, and industrial robotic arms.

These robots rely on processing sensor inputs and executing appropriate actions, tasks facilitated by the advanced computational capabilities of single-board computers. This enhances the autonomy and efficiency of the robots.

These examples represent just a fraction of the applications of single-board computers. Their compactness, self-contained nature, and scalability serve as catalysts for innovation across all industries.

Principle of Single Board Computers

As the name suggests, single-board computers consolidate the core elements of a computer onto a single substrate. Here’s an overview of their core principles and operation:

1. Integrated Components

Single-board computers integrate all essential computer components onto a single board, including the central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), storage (e.g., flash memory), and input/output ports. These components are highly optimized and work synergistically to provide full-fledged computer functionality.

This integration enables single-board computers to deliver the same functionality as traditional desktop or laptop computers but in a more compact and energy-efficient form factor.

2. Low Power and High Performance

Single-board computers must strike a balance between low power consumption and high performance. To achieve this balance, they utilize energy-efficient processors, low-power RAM modules, and sophisticated power management systems. These components and systems minimize power consumption and heat dissipation while delivering robust computing performance.

3. Flexible Input/Output Options

Despite their compact size, single-board computers offer a plethora of input/output options, including USB ports, HDMI connections, wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pins. These connectivity options enable single-board computers to interface with a wide array of peripherals, catering to diverse application requirements.

These fundamental principles and features render single-board computers as versatile and adaptable computing platforms. Their scalability and self-contained design empower a broad spectrum of applications, spanning from IoT devices to embedded systems to robotics.

Features of Single Board Computers

The primary feature of single-board computers is their affordability and versatility. By consolidating circuits onto a single substrate with only essential functions, single-board computers eliminate waste and keep costs low.

Moreover, the performance of CPUs and memory in single-board computers has been steadily improving in recent years, enabling them to handle more complex computational tasks than ever before.

Other Information on Single Board Computers

Edge Computing

Edge computing involves distributed information processing, where data from sensors attached to production equipment, for instance, undergoes processing and cleansing at the sensor side before transmitting only the relevant information to higher-level systems, rather than collecting all data in a centralized system like a cloud.

In a landscape dominated by IoT and abundant data, centralized data processing may eventually prove inadequate. Distributed processing methods, such as those employing single-board computers, are gaining traction as a means to address this challenge and achieve efficient data processing.

What Is Phosphor Bronze?

Phosphor bronze is an alloy made by deoxidizing copper oxide (CuO) through the addition of phosphorus (P) to bronze, an alloy primarily composed of copper (Cu) with added tin.

By removing copper oxide, which acts as rust, phosphor bronze enhances properties such as hardness, strength, elasticity, and wear resistance while retaining the advantageous qualities of bronze.

Its applications span various industries, notably in electronic device components, machine parts, and automotive control equipment, and it is particularly valued as a spring material.

Uses of Phosphor Bronze

Phosphor bronze finds diverse applications due to its unique properties:

1. Bearings

Used in mechanical parts and bearings for their abrasion and corrosion resistance, prolonging the lifespan of machinery.

2. Musical Instrument Strings

Utilized for guitar strings and other musical instruments, providing desirable vibration properties and corrosion resistance.

3. Electrical Connectors

Valued in electrical components like connectors and terminals for their high conductivity and resistance to corrosion, facilitating signal transmission.

4. Springs

Widely employed in spring manufacturing due to its elasticity and high fatigue strength, especially in applications requiring resilience.

5. Ship Parts

Used for ship components and structures owing to its corrosion resistance in marine environments, such as ship bolts and bottoms.

6. Building Materials

Applied in construction materials due to its resistance to weather conditions, ideal for outdoor screws, bolts, and architectural ornamentation.

Properties of Phosphor Bronze

Phosphor bronze’s properties arise from its composition and crystal structure:

1. Electrical and Thermal Conductivity

Retains high electrical conductivity like copper, making it suitable for electrical connectors and cooling components.

2. Mechanical Properties

Strong and wear-resistant, ideal for bearings and mechanical components, with phosphorus contributing to crystal structure control and improved strength.

3. Spring Properties

Offers elasticity and high fatigue strength, making it suitable for spring applications, with phosphorus-enhancing deformation properties.

4. Corrosion Resistance

Highly resistant to corrosion, particularly in marine environments, beneficial for marine components and outdoor construction materials.

5. Acoustic Properties

Exhibits excellent acoustical properties, making it ideal for guitar strings due to its stable crystal structure and unique response to vibrations.

6. Workability

Easy to forge and machine into complex shapes, contributing to its widespread use across various industries.

Types of Phosphor Bronze

Phosphor bronze is categorized based on tin content and annealing:

1. C51000 (Phosphor Bronze A)

Low-phosphorus bronze with good cold workability, suitable for springs and small parts.

2. C51900 (Phosphor Bronze B)

Medium phosphor bronze with high corrosion resistance, ideal for marine environments, and excellent mechanical properties for bearings and springs.

3. C54400 (Phosphor Bronze C)

Tin-phosphor bronze with improved corrosion and heat resistance, suitable for high-temperature environments and specialized applications.

4. C52100 (Phosphor Bronze D)

High-phosphorus bronze with very high wear resistance, is commonly used for mechanical parts and bearings requiring strength and hardness.

These types of phosphor bronze offer different properties based on phosphorus content and alloying elements, allowing for optimal performance in various applications.

What Is Tin Plate?

Tin Plate is a low carbon steel sheet with tin plating.

It has a beautiful surface and is suitable for welding and soldering, but the tin plated surface is soft, easily scratched and stained. Rust may also occur in high humidity environments.

Uses of Tin Plates

Tin Plate is mainly used for the following applications:

1. Food Canning

Food cans such as tomato cans, corn cans, bean cans, etc. are examples.

2. Food Storage Cans

Tins used to store cookies, coffee beans and flour, tea, etc.

3. Electrical Components

Switches, terminal blocks, and connectors are examples. A terminal block is a device used to connect multiple wires together in an electrical circuit. It usually has a metal base with multiple points of contact (terminals) to which multiple wires can be connected.

4. Toys

Bicycles, tricycles, model trains, miniature cars, etc.

5. Oil Storage Cans

Kerosene cans, gasoline cans, lubricating oil cans, etc.

6. Miscellaneous Goods and Stationery

Pen cases, staplers, etc.

Properties of Tin Plates

1. Rust-Resistant

Tin plating has excellent corrosion resistance and prevents the formation of rust. Tin does not dissolve easily in water, and as long as the tin plating does not peel off, it can prevent oxidation of iron. However, if the tin plating peels off and the iron comes into contact with water, the iron will dissolve into the water and rust the iron because iron has a greater ionization tendency than tin.

Ionization tendency refers to how easily an element loses electrons when it becomes an ion, i.e., its tendency to give up electrons when it forms an ion. The greater the ionization tendency, the more easily the element loses electrons and tends to produce stronger cations.

2. Beautiful Surface

Tin plating allows tin to be plated evenly on the steel sheet surface, resulting in a smooth surface. Tin also reflects light well, resulting in a beautifully shining finish. 

3. Suitable for Welding and Soldering

The tin coating is a mixture of iron and tin, which makes it easy to weld and solder. Since the tin plating layer is a mixture of iron and tin, when welded or soldered, the metals mix and connect with each other to form a strong bonding surface.

Soldering is a method of joining metal parts together using an alloy called solder. Solder is generally composed of metals such as tin (Sn), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), and lead (Pb), which have a low melting point and can be heated to melt to form a metal-to-metal bond.

Solder is generally an alloy of tin (Sn) and lead (Pb). However, lead-free solder is now widely used due to environmental and health concerns. Lead-free solder is an alloy made mainly from metals such as tin (Sn), silver (Ag), and copper (Cu) and does not contain lead. 

4. Corrosion Resistance

Tin Plate is a low-carbon steel sheet with a tin-plated surface treatment. The tin-plated film is a mixture of iron and tin, and the strength of the tin-plated layer is enhanced by the mixture of iron and tin.

The tin plating layer makes the surface of tin plate more resistant than iron to chemicals such as moisture, oxygen, acidity, and alkalinity. In particular, it prevents oxidation and corrosion caused by chemicals present in the air, such as moisture and oxygen, and prevents surface rusting. Tin plate is also resistant to corrosive chemicals such as acidic and alkaline chemicals, making it a highly durable material.

5. Functions as a Solid Lubricant

Tin Plate’s tin-plated layer makes the surface slippery and smooth, improving the workability of steel sheets. It is especially suitable for mass production such as press work.

Other Information on Tin Plate

1. Resistance to Chemical Substances

The layer of tin plate is more resistant to chemicals such as moisture, oxygen, acidity, and alkalinity than iron, making it a durable material. However, contact with some chemicals can cause discoloration or deterioration of tin plate’s surface.

For example, it should be noted that the tin plating layer of tin plate may not withstand strong acids such as hydrochloric acid and nitric acid. Exposure to hydrochloric or nitric acid can corrode the tinned layer, causing holes or peeling on the surface.

It should also be noted that exposure to alkaline substances may cause the surface tinned layer to discolor or swell. For example, strongly alkaline substances such as sodium hydroxide or ammonia water may adversely affect the tin plating layer on tin plate. 

2. Rust Formation

Although tin plating has excellent corrosion resistance and is effective in preventing the formation of rust, rust may occur if the tin plating layer is used in a high humidity environment or if the tin plating layer is removed and the iron comes into contact with water.

Moisture tends to adhere to the surface in high-humidity environments, and when moisture adheres to the surface, gaps are created in the tin-plated layer on the surface, which may expose the iron. Exposure of iron promotes the formation of rust and rusting.

It is also important to note that even if the tin-plated layer peels off, the iron may come into contact with water, causing rust to form. The tin plating layer can peel off when the tin plating is exposed to impact or abrasion, or when the surface is damaged during the tinning process. If the tin-plated layer peels off, a gap is created on the surface, exposing the iron, which may oxidize and cause rust when exposed to water.

What Is Nickel Chromium Molybdenum Steel?

Nickel Chromium Molybdenum Steel is an alloy steel that includes carbon steel with added nickel, chromium, and molybdenum. This combination is designed to increase the steel’s strength at high temperatures and enhance its hardenability and tempering properties. Commonly used as skin-hardening steel, it benefits from surface hardening treatments such as heat treatment, carburizing, and nitriding.

Applications of Nickel Chromium Molybdenum Steel

This steel is known for its exceptional mechanical properties among alloy steels and is often used in applications requiring high strength, such as aircraft parts. Despite its high strength, it is challenging to weld and process. Among its seven grades, nickel chromium molybdenum steel is the most mechanically superior, though it is also more expensive due to the inclusion of nickel.

Types of Nickel Chromium Molybdenum Steel

Examples of this steel include:

• SNCM439 and SNCM447: Known for their high toughness and suitability for large parts.
• SNCM447: Offers the highest strength and hardness among these steels, making it ideal for small and medium-sized shafts, precision gears, and collet chucks.
• SNCM415 and SNCM420: Mainly used for carburizing, suitable for large parts like spindles and spline shafts.
• SNCM616: Suitable for both carburized and tough steels, featuring high toughness and minimal dimensional changes during heat treatment. It’s used for strong gears, shafts, and casting molds but is challenging to machine.

What Is Nickel Chromium Steel?

Nickel Chromium Steel is an alloy steel that contains 1.0% to 3.5% nickel and 0.2% to 1.0% chromium added to carbon steel. The addition of nickel enhances toughness, while chromium improves hardenability. This steel is commonly used after quenching and tempering, offering improved strength, toughness, hardenability, and resistance to temper softening compared to carbon steel.

Applications of Nickel Chromium Steel

Historically used in heavy and military industries due to its excellent mechanical properties, nickel chromium steel was often employed in military vehicle armor plates and ship drive shafts. However, with the advent of carburizing technology and the development of nickel-chromium-molybdenum steel and chromium-molybdenum steel, its use has declined in favor of less expensive alternatives.

Types of Nickel Chromium Steel

Nickel chromium steels include various alloys used in different applications:

• Inconel: A super heat-resistant alloy known for its high-temperature properties, including heat, corrosion, and oxidation resistance. It’s challenging to cut due to its strength and is used in electric resistors, rocket engines, aircraft, and nuclear reactor parts.
• Hastelloy: A nickel alloy with added chromium and molybdenum, enhancing corrosion and heat resistance. Hastelloy is highly durable in oxidizing environments and is utilized in pollution control and flue-gas desulfurization equipment.
• Cr-Ni Stainless Steels: These stainless steels contain higher amounts of nickel and chromium, offering different properties compared to other nickel chromium steels.

What Is Chromium Molybdenum Steel?

Chromium Molybdenum Steel, an alloy steel, is made by adding chromium (about 1%) and molybdenum (0.15-0.3%) to carbon steel. This composition enhances the steel’s strength at high temperatures, making it a type of heat-resistant steel. The addition of molybdenum helps in reducing temper brittleness.

Applications of Chromium Molybdenum Steel

Known for its hardness, toughness, wear resistance, welding ease, and high-temperature resistance, chromium molybdenum steel is used in various machine structural components. It finds applications in automotive and aircraft parts, tools, and bicycle frames. The alloy’s resistance to embrittlement and rust, along with its surface luster and impact absorption properties, make it suitable for these uses.

Types of Chromium Molybdenum Steel

There are several types of chromium molybdenum steel, including:

• Alloy steels for machine structural use (11 types)
• Structural steels with guaranteed hardenability (8 types)
• Alloy steel pipes for machine structural use (6 types)
• Alloy steels for cold heading – Part 1 wire rod (17 types)

Specific grades like SCM435 and SCM440 are known for their high toughness, stable hardenability, and cost-effectiveness compared to nickel-chromium steels. SCM415 and SCM420 are notable for carburizing applications, offering high toughness and wear resistance.

Other specialized types include nickel chromium molybdenum steel (high toughness), aluminum chromium molybdenum steel (suitable for nitriding treatment), and high-carbon chromium-bearing steel (enhanced wear resistance).

What Is Chromium Steel?

Chromium Steel is an alloy steel that includes carbon steel with added chromium, typically ranging from 0.8 to 3%. The addition of chromium forms hard double carbides, significantly increasing wear resistance. Low-carbon chromium steel, with a carbon content between 0.13% and 0.23%, is known for its surface hardenability due to double carbide formation.

However, chromium steel can exhibit temper brittleness, which is mitigated by avoiding prolonged heating or slow cooling around 475°C (475°F).

Uses of Chromium Steel

Chromium steel with up to 2% chromium content is commonly used in machine structural applications, including tools, gears, and bearings. It’s favored for high-grade cutting tools, automotive parts, and ball bearings due to its hardness and hardenability. Additionally, its rust resistance and magnetic properties make it suitable for rust-sensitive applications like sinks. Unlike many stainless steels, chromium steel does not contain nickel.

Types of Chromium Steel

Stainless steel, defined as steel with a chromium content of 10.5% or more, is a type of chromium steel known for its corrosion resistance. There are various types of stainless steel, including those with high chromium or high chromium and nickel content, offering different properties like heat resistance, workability, and resistance to pitting corrosion and stress corrosion cracking.

What Is Manganese Steel?

Manganese Steel for machine structural use is produced by adding approximately 1% manganese to carbon steel containing 0.3-0.5% carbon. This combination results in steel that varies in tensile strength and wear resistance based on its manganese content.

Heat treatment of manganese steel involves rapid cooling from high temperatures (water toughening treatment) to prevent carbide precipitation and maintain high toughness.

Uses of Manganese Steel

Manganese improves the tension and toughness of mechanical properties, making it suitable for components like connecting rods, front axles, rear axle shafts, ball joints in transmission mechanisms, high-tensile bolts, and U-bolts.

Types of Manganese Steel

There are four main types of manganese steel:

• SMn420: The lowest carbon content among manganese steels, with carbon ranging from 0.17% to 0.23%. Known for its wear durability.
• SMn433: Has a carbon content of 0.30% to 0.36% and is recognized for its impact resistance. It is treated with water-cooled quenching and air-cooled tempering.
• SMn438: Features a carbon content of 0.35 to 0.41% and is treated with oil quenching and rapid quenching for toughness.
• SMn443: The toughest steel in the range with a carbon content of 0.40 to 0.46%. It has high hardness and undergoes the same treatment as SMn438.