月: 2023年2月

What Is Foundry Machinery?

Foundry machinery refers to a company or service that manufactures elements and integrated circuits on contract in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Foundries own semiconductor manufacturing equipment and manufacture products on an OEM basis based on data from products developed and designed by semiconductor manufacturers and fabless manufacturers (manufacturers that do not own their production facilities).

This approach is mutually beneficial because the outsourcing manufacturer or fabless company does not need to own the semiconductor manufacturing equipment, which requires significant investment. Meanwhile, the foundry can concentrate on the maintenance and operation of the equipment.

Advantages of Using Foundry Machinery for Semiconductor Manufacturing

The start-up of a semiconductor manufacturing plant involves substantial costs for the introduction of microfabrication equipment. Additionally, semiconductor manufacturing requires an extremely high level of cleanliness, as even the smallest particle contamination is unacceptable. Furthermore, the chemicals, gases, and pure water used in manufacturing must be of high purity, and piping and other equipment must be free of foreign matter. As a result, the maintenance and operation of semiconductor manufacturing facilities also require significant costs.

Outsourcing manufacturing to foundry machinery allows semiconductor manufacturers to avoid the initial investment and maintenance costs of a factory and produce their products promptly. Foundry machinery, with its advanced manufacturing technology and parallel production for multiple companies, achieves high facility utilization rates. This enables the production of high-quality semiconductors at a lower cost.

Because of these advantages, the semiconductor industry today has a division of labor between fabless companies that plan and design products and foundry machinery that performs contract manufacturing.

Contract Manufacturing to Foundry Machinery

The process of outsourcing manufacturing to foundry machinery varies. In some instances, the specifications are communicated to the foundry, and the design is outsourced, while in other cases, the CAD data is passed to the foundry and the manufacturing is outsourced. Sometimes, foundry machinery is contracted to manufacture silicon wafers, while in other cases, it is contracted to manufacture elements and integrated circuits.

Each manufacturer has different requirements for foundries. In actual contract manufacturing, foundries often consider the best manufacturing method to meet the requirements of the contractor.

What Is an Industrial Oil Filtration System?

An industrial oil filtration system is a device used to regenerate lubricating oil or hydraulic oil used in hydraulic equipment from its deteriorated state. Normally, deteriorated oil used in equipment is discarded and replaced with new oil.

However, this method causes all kinds of problems, including the cost of purchasing new oil, oil disposal costs, and increased environmental impact. Therefore, it is important to recycle and reuse oil to reduce costs and environmental impact.

In addition, since industrial oil filtration systems can filter oil while hydraulic equipment is operating, they can also help prevent hydraulic equipment breakdowns. This is because hydraulic equipment malfunctions are mostly caused by contaminated hydraulic oil. Therefore, the introduction of an industrial oil filtration system will ensure the stable operation of hydraulic equipment.

Uses of Industrial Oil Filtration Systems

Industrial oil filtration systems are mainly used in factories where hydraulic equipment is installed. Hydraulic equipment is used as a power source for steelmaking machinery and machine tools and is therefore an indispensable piece of equipment in the production of products.

In recent years, many factories have operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and the failure of hydraulic equipment is an obstacle to stable operation.

In addition to hydraulic fluids and lubricants used in hydraulic equipment, industrial oil filtration systems are also used in the food and automotive industries. An example of the food industry is the restaurant industry. Food oil is used in fryers for deep frying food, and if old oil is used continuously, the fried food becomes sticky and impurities adhere to the food. Using old oil will result in the deterioration of quality. Therefore, industrial oil filtration systems are used to clean oil to reduce oil costs and stabilize quality.

In the automotive industry, the oil filtration system is used as a “filtration device” for coolant fluid used in automobile machining. 

Industrial oil filtration systems recover chips and sludge generated during cutting operations, thereby extending the life of the coolant fluid and reducing consumption.

Principle of Industrial Oil Filtration Systems

The general filtration method is based on a mechanism in which oil is passed through a porous filter material to remove solid particles. Other than this method, some mechanisms use magnets or centrifugal force to remove oxidation products from the oil. This topic describes the most widely incorporated porous filter.

There are three types of porous filters: Surface Type, Edge Type, and Depth Type, depending on oil flow and solid particle supplementation.

1. Surface Type

The surface type employs a simple filtration method, in which filtration is performed only on the surface of the filter. Therefore, the pressure loss due to the filter is small, but the absorption capacity of solid grains is also small. The filter is mainly made of wire mesh for coarser fineness. For fine filtration, paper is impregnated with coalescing resin and heat-formed.

2. Edge Type

In the edge type, a gap is created along the radial direction from the periphery of the filter material, and oil is filtered as it passes through the gap. This method is employed when the fluid pressure is high. Also, the filter material can be used repeatedly.

3. Porous Filter

In the porous filter, care must be taken to prevent solid particles from clogging only the outer surface of the filter media. Filters are made of thin felt, compressed cotton, cellulose fiber, flannel, molded asbestos, or sintered metal powder.

What Is Heat-Reflecting Paint?

 

Heat-reflecting paint increases the solar reflectance of a building’s exterior walls, roof, and asphalt surfaces. When applied, this type of paint reflects sunlight at a high rate, thereby reducing temperature increases and preventing equipment deterioration.

Using heat-reflecting paint on a house enhances energy efficiency and can lead to savings on utility costs. Studies have shown that applying this paint to a roof can reduce indoor temperatures by about 1.8°C.

Distinct from heat-reflecting paint is “heat-insulating paint.” While heat-reflecting paint improves solar reflectance, insulating paint reduces thermal conductivity, making it effective against both heat and cold.

Uses of Heat-Reflecting Paints

Also known as high solar reflectance paint, heat-reflecting paint is utilized to reduce indoor air temperature by reflecting the sun’s heat. Its main applications include roofing, exterior walls, waterproof surfaces, and several other areas.

1. For Roofs / Exterior Walls

Roof and exterior wall-specific heat-reflecting paints are typically made from resins like urethane. Applying these paints to roofs and exterior walls helps to keep indoor temperatures cooler and also extends the lifespan of these surfaces.

2. For Waterproof Surfaces

Heat-reflecting paint is also used on flat roofs and balconies, where many of these paints also offer waterproofing properties.

3. Other Applications

Beyond roofs and walls, heat-reflecting paints are used in various settings, such as corridors and parking lots, to mitigate temperature rises. They are particularly beneficial in areas with intense summer sunlight. Roof types that benefit from these paints include straight-tiled roofs, metal roofs, vaulted structures, and high-rise buildings, which are more vulnerable to solar heat gain. In the agricultural sector, they are utilized in temperature-sensitive areas like warehouses for storing crops and grains and material storage spaces.

What Is Plastic Foam?

Plastic foam refers to molded synthetic resins containing air bubbles, resulting in porous materials with numerous independent and continuous pores, akin to the structure of charcoal and pumice stone.

The primary synthetic resin materials used for plastic foam production include polyurethane, polystyrene, and polyolefin, collectively known as the “three major foamed plastics.” Foamed plastics derived from polystyrene are commonly referred to as styrene foam.

Industrial methods for forming air bubbles in plastic foam include direct gas mixing into the synthetic resin material and the use of foaming agents such as sodium bicarbonate, which are mixed into the resin material beforehand and activated by heat to induce foaming and bubble formation.

Uses of Plastic Foam

Plastic foam finds versatile applications due to its excellent cushioning, heat insulation, and buoyancy properties, making it suitable for various products and components across different industries.

1. Transportation and Packaging Materials for Agricultural and Marine Products

Plastic foam serves as transportation and packaging material for agricultural and marine products, offering exceptional shock absorption, heat insulation, and lightweight characteristics. Polystyrene foam sheets (PSP) and polystyrene bead foam (EPS) are commonly used in packaging containers for fresh produce and seafood due to their thermal insulation properties.

2. Automotive Components

Plastic foam is utilized in automotive components to enhance safety by providing shock absorption and reducing overall vehicle weight. Urethane foam and polypropylene resin (PP) are commonly used in automotive seat cushions, mattresses, and bumpers due to their softness, resilience, impact resistance, and cost-effectiveness.

3. Heat Insulator for Building Materials

Plastic foam serves as a building material for its excellent thermal insulation properties. Types such as beaded polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam, rigid polyurethane foam, and phenolic foam are used in construction for their heat insulation effectiveness. These foams are also known for their moldability and flame retardancy.

Features of Plastic Foam

Pros

• Lightweight compared to solids of equivalent volume
• Excellent cushioning, thermal insulation, and buoyancy properties
• Can enhance the functionality of non-foamed molded products

Cons

• Inferior strength and heat resistance compared to solid materials
• The large volume makes transportation in bulk challenging
• Contributes to environmental pollution as plastic waste

How to Select Plastic Foam

The properties of plastic foam vary based on the synthetic resin type and bubble structure. Select foam type based on application requirements, considering factors such as heat resistance and bubble structure (independent or continuous).

How to Use Plastic Foam

Pre-molded plastic foam products can be directly utilized, while foam sheets can be shaped using molding machines. Ongoing research explores composite materials involving plastic foam and other substances to enhance strength.

Other Information on Plastic Foam

Foam Molding Methods for Foamed Plastics

1. Melt and Foam Molding Method
This technique involves mixing a blowing agent with molten resin to induce foaming. It is commonly used for thermoplastic resins like polystyrene and polyolefins.

2. Solid-Phase Foam Molding Method
Solid-phase foam molding produces foam from solid resin particles, used in products like EPS and EPP for fish boxes and automotive parts.

3. Injection Molding
Injection molding involves injecting liquid resin into a mold and foaming during curing, employed for polyurethane and phenolic foam production.

What Is Gravel?

Gravel refers to small round stone aggregates commonly used in gardens and landscaping for decorative purposes.

It is often employed alongside garden stones, tiles, and bricks to enhance garden aesthetics. The sound produced when walking on gravel also serves as a security measure, deterring suspicious individuals from entering the property.

The size of individual stones is categorized according to traditional Japanese dimensions, such as 7 rin (2-3 mm), 3 bun (7-9 mm), and 5 sun (12-17 mm), with sizes smaller than 7 rin classified as “gravel.”

In recent years, the variety of gravel options has expanded beyond traditional white and black cobble gravel to include colorful decorative gravel suitable for Western-style gardens, catering to diverse garden tastes.

Uses of Gravel

Gravel finds application in various settings, including front-door approaches and garden landscaping.

Specific uses include:

• Paving in Japanese gardens and shrines
• Ground cover in Japanese homes
• Material for resin pavements
• In parks, promenades, and condominium exteriors
• Surrounding plantings and tombstones
• Interior materials in restaurants and commercial establishments
• Weed control
• Bottom sand in ornamental fish tanks

Characteristics of Gravel

Pros

1. Stylish Garden Creation
Gravel allows for the creation of stylish gardens with ease. Available in a wide range of colors and sizes, it can be used to design various garden styles, including Japanese, Western, and Asian themes. Moreover, garden layouts can be altered without the need for transplanting plants.

2. Enhanced Security
The sound produced by walking on gravel acts as a deterrent to potential intruders, making it challenging for them to approach the property unnoticed.

3. Weed Prevention
Gravel obstructs sunlight, preventing weed growth and maintaining a clean garden appearance.

Cons

1. Difficult to Clean and Remove Snow
Clearing fallen debris and snow from gravel can be labor-intensive. Snow removal may require relaying the gravel after mixing it with snow.

2. Not Suitable for Wheeled Devices
Wheels of strollers and bicycles may sink into gravel, hindering mobility. Additionally, women’s heels may become stuck, leading to damage.

Types of Gravel

Various types of gravel exist, each differing in color, shape, and size. Common varieties include:

1. White Cobble Gravel

Made from crushed and processed white limestone, this gravel is versatile and budget-friendly.

2. Nachi-Kuroishi

Produced in Kamikawa-cho, Kumano City, Mie Prefecture, Nachi-Kuroishi is a slate used for Go stones, trial stones, and decorative purposes due to its elegant appearance.

3. Oiso

Characterized by green and gray tones, Oiso is commonly used in Japanese gardens and aquariums due to its subdued coloration.

4. Southern Part

This gravel, with its reddish-brown hues, is popular for both Japanese and Western paving applications.

How to Choose Gravel

Consider the following factors when selecting gravel:

1. Size

The size of the gravel affects its appearance and functionality. For general gardening, medium-sized gravel (20-40 mm) is recommended, while smaller gravel (<20 mm) suits pathways and high-traffic areas.

2. Color

Choose a gravel color that complements the building and landscape. Harmonizing with the surrounding elements creates an aesthetically pleasing garden.

3. Budget

Gravel costs vary based on type, color, and area coverage. Consider the area to be covered and purchase accordingly to avoid wastage or insufficient coverage.

What Is Roofing Tile?

Roofing tiles are the predominant roofing material used in Japanese architecture.

There are over 1,000 different types of roofing tiles, varying in style, use, firing method, color, grade, and region of origin. Clay tiles, in particular, are the most commonly used roofing material.

Clay tiles are crafted by shaping clay into tiles and baking them at high temperatures. When glazed before baking, they are known as ceramic tiles, available in various shades and resistant to discoloration.

Other types include cement tiles, primarily made of cement, and hybrid tiles containing resin fibers and air bubbles in cement. Cement tiles closely resemble ceramic tiles but tend to fade over time.

Uses of Roofing Tile

The primary roofing tile used is clay tile, with slight variations in usage depending on the type.

1. Glazed Tile

Glazed tiles find use in both Japanese and Western-style houses, chosen based on the house’s shape and design. They boast excellent design characteristics and have been favored in Japanese and Western architecture for many years.

2. Ibushi Roof Tile

Ibushi tiles, distinguished by their silver color, have historically adorned castles, shrines, and temples. They remain popular as roofing materials in Japanese architecture.

3. Unglazed Tiles

Unglazed tiles, with their natural pottery texture, are typically found in European port towns. They are favored for Western-style architecture, with Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its picturesque landscape of red roofs made from unglazed tiles.

Types of Roofing Tile

Roofing tile types include ceramic, unglazed, smoked, cement, hon-aware, and copper tile.

1. Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tiles, also known as glazed tiles, feature a surface coated with glaze and baked.

2. Unglazed Tile

Commonly used in Western-style buildings, unglazed tiles showcase the natural texture of baked products.

3. Ibushi-Gawara

Ibushi tiles are silver-colored tiles smoked after firing to create a carbon film on the surface.

4. Cement Tile

Primarily composed of clay, cement tiles are slate roofing tiles that fade more readily than ceramic tiles and require periodic painting.

5. Hon-Gawara

Typically utilized in temples and samurai residences.

6. Copper Shingle Tile

Employed in shrines and temples, these tiles are crafted from copper.

How to Choose Roofing Tile

Roofing materials encompass tile, colonial, metal, and asphalt shingle. A standard tile boasts a life expectancy of 60 years.

Although initial costs are high, these materials prove valuable in the long term. Dry methods, devoid of stucco, have become standard, reducing maintenance compared to the past.

Colonials typically last 30 years but may require more frequent maintenance due to susceptibility to cracking and blistering in high winds. Metal roofing, with a life expectancy of 40 years, has become the most prevalent type due to increased demand for galvalume steel sheets. Engineered for heat insulation, earthquake resistance, durability, and wind resistance.

Asphalt shingles also last around 30 years but are more prone to wind-related peeling. However, they offer lower upfront costs and maintenance expenses.

Structure of Roofing Tile

Roof tiles are available in J, F, and S shapes.

1. J-Shape

“J” stands for “Japanese” in “J-shape”, the most common type of unglazed tile (ceramic tile). The curvature facilitates ventilation, creating an air layer that impedes external temperature penetration. This shape suits Japan’s high humidity and fluctuating temperatures.

2. F-Shape

The F-shape boasts a sleek design with no irregularities, predominantly utilized in modern Western-style houses.

3. S-Shape

Characterized by large waves and beautiful shading, the S shape offers excellent heat insulation and ventilation properties akin to the J shape.

What Is a Sound-Absorbing Material?

A sound-absorbing material is designed to absorb sound, thereby reducing sound reflection. Unlike sound-insulating materials that reflect sound to prevent its transmission, sound-absorbing materials are typically porous, allowing air and sound to penetrate easily.

These materials come in various forms to suit different uses and shapes. Plate-shaped materials are referred to as sound-absorbing plates, thicker versions are known as laminated sound-absorbing plates, triangular ones as sound-absorbing wedges, and block-shaped varieties as sound-absorbing blocks.

Glass wool, rock wool, porous urethane, and polyester fiber are common sound-absorbing materials. In construction, glass wool and rock wool, which are noncombustible, are often used. These materials are inherently sound absorbing, but fiber-based materials may scatter easily. Therefore, a breathable fabric is sometimes attached to their surface, serving as a protective layer that also adds design elements.

Uses of Sound Absorbing Materials

Sound-absorbing materials are utilized in the interior walls and ceilings of music studios, halls, movie theaters, factories, offices, and acoustic measurement rooms. They serve two primary purposes: noise control by reducing echoes and sound field adjustment.

1. Noise Control

Without sound absorption treatment, walls and ceilings reflect sound, amplifying noise through reverberation. For instance, the operating sound of a pump in a room with a concrete ceiling echoes off the hard surface, creating excessive noise. Applying sound-absorbing materials can suppress these reverberations.

2. Sound Field Adjustment

This involves modifying how sound is perceived in a space. Since sound exists across a broad frequency range, its propagation varies with frequency. In a concert hall, sound-absorbing materials may be applied to areas where low-frequency sounds are muffled, ensuring clarity. In recording studios, creating a ‘dead space’ with sound-absorbing materials allows for the recording of dry sound sources.

Principle and Performance of Sound Absorption

Sound absorption involves converting sound energy into heat and other forms of energy. The efficacy of sound-absorbing materials is measured by their sound absorption coefficient. A higher coefficient indicates better performance. This coefficient is primarily determined through the vertical incidence method or the reverberation room method. It’s important to compare the coefficients obtained by the same measurement method, as data from the vertical incidence and reverberation room methods can differ.

What Is Laminated Plywood?

Laminated plywood is a material created by gluing together layers of plywood boards either vertically or horizontally to form a larger cross-sectional area. A common example is width-mending glued laminated wood, where boards are laid horizontally and bonded to create wall panels. Additionally, laminated wood is utilized for constructing columns by stacking and gluing boards to form squared timbers.

This method of aligning and joining wood fibers in the longitudinal direction enhances the wood’s strength and minimizes distortion, making it 1.5 to 2 times stronger than solid wood. A significant advantage of laminated wood is its ability to be manufactured in large or long cross-sections, which is not feasible with solid wood. It can also be bent into desired shapes using steam.

Uses of Laminated Plywood

Laminated plywood is categorized into two types: for construction and structural use. Construction-grade laminated plywood often utilizes hardwoods like ash and oak, as well as softwoods like pine. Structural lumber, on the other hand, is typically made from softwoods such as pine and rice pine.

Its applications span across various areas, including staircases, counters, structural framing components like columns and beams, and flooring. It is also a popular choice for furniture, such as tables and chairs. For large structures like beams and girders in big buildings, gyms, and halls, strong structural materials made of laminated plywood are preferred.

What Is Laminated Glass?

Laminated glass is created by bonding two or more sheets of glass with a thin layer of synthetic resin, known as an “interlayer film.” This process involves heat compression to form a unified structure.

The interlayer film, typically made of Polyvinyl butyral (PVB), adheres strongly to both glass and metal. PVB’s high transparency ensures that it does not diminish the glass’s clarity. Moreover, in case of impact causing glass breakage, the interlayer film securely holds the glass shards, preventing them from scattering.

Uses of Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is renowned for its excellent impact resistance. In the event of breakage, it effectively prevents or minimizes the dispersion and fall of fragments. It is particularly suitable for windows in automobiles, railcars, and aircraft, which are subject to strong wind pressure and potential impacts from flying objects. Additionally, laminated glass is widely used in building and residential windows and doors as a security and disaster prevention measure.

Enhancing laminated glass with special sound-insulating interlayer films can provide soundproofing properties. The use of colored or patterned films can also enhance aesthetic appeal. Such creative adaptations expand the versatility of laminated glass in various applications.

What Is Flooring?

Flooring refers to materials primarily used to cover floors in living spaces and offices.

Common types of flooring materials include solid wood and wood composite materials, along with vinyl, cork, and tile.

Uses of Flooring

Flooring materials find application as floor coverings in various buildings, including residential, commercial, office, school, and medical facilities.

Solid wood flooring is particularly suited for traditional interior designs, while composite flooring materials are commonly used in residential buildings due to their wood-like appearance and easy maintenance.

Characteristics of Flooring

Pros

1. A Wide Variety of Designs
Flooring offers a diverse selection of designs, allowing for customization to match room interiors. Solid wood flooring, being a natural material, adds warmth and relaxation to spaces.

In recent years, wooden flooring materials have gained preference over traditional Japanese tatami mats due to lifestyle westernization.

2. Excellent Durability
Flooring materials, including tatami, are highly durable and resist wear and tear. It’s essential to choose flooring types based on specialized durability for specific uses and environments.

3. Easy Maintenance
Flooring maintenance typically involves simple tasks like wiping with water or vacuuming, ensuring easy upkeep.

4. Excellent Soundproofing
Flooring absorbs footsteps and noises, improving room acoustics and reducing sound transmission to floors above and below.

Cons

1. Costly
Flooring materials tend to be more expensive due to the high-quality materials used. However, their durability and design make them cost-effective in the long run.

2. Vulnerable to Water and Moisture
Solid and composite wood flooring are particularly sensitive to water and moisture, leading to swelling if exposed. Careful handling of water is necessary in rooms with wood flooring.

3. Susceptible to Damage
Despite durability, flooring can be damaged by improper use, such as dropping hard objects or moving furniture carelessly.

Types of Flooring

1. Solid Wood Flooring Materials

Available in Japanese cedar, cypress, pine, oak, and other imported woods, each type varies in hardness, color, and grain patterns. Consider the room interior and intended use when selecting.

2. Composite Wood Flooring Materials

Consists of laminated sheets with wood patterns on multi-layered plywood, resembling wood flooring. Popular in homes due to similar appearance and easy maintenance.

How to Choose Flooring

1. Material

Understand the characteristics of different materials like solid wood and composites to choose according to needs.

2. Design

Select designs that harmonize with room interiors and furniture for aesthetic appeal.

3. Soundproofing

Opt for flooring effective in sound absorption, such as cushion or carpet flooring, where soundproofing is essential.

4. Durability

Choose durable options like hardwood or laminate flooring for long-term use, especially in high-traffic areas.

5. Cost

Consider cost-effectiveness within budget constraints while selecting flooring.

6. Installation Method

Choose between floating and adhesive installation methods, with floating being recommended for self-installation due to ease.