カテゴリー
category_usa

Aluminum Honeycomb

What Is an Aluminum Honeycomb?

Aluminum honeycomb is a unique building material characterized by its internal honeycomb structure. This structure consists of hollow hexagonal columns arranged tightly together, resembling a beehive. The typical configuration of an aluminum honeycomb panel involves an aluminum honeycomb core sandwiched between two aluminum face plates, bonded with a special adhesive.

Thanks to its honeycomb design, aluminum honeycomb boasts several advantages, including high rigidity, lightweight, and excellent flatness without distortion.

Uses of Aluminum Honeycomb

Aluminum honeycomb is employed in various applications where reducing weight without compromising rigidity and strength is crucial. In architecture, it’s used for roofs, eaves, walls, and seawalls. It finds applications in containers, transport pallets, surface plates, robot covers, and equipment cases in the industrial and transportation sectors

Due to its vibration and shock absorption properties, aluminum honeycombs are also used in flooring, bulkheads, and doors. They are integral to vehicles, aircraft, and rocket and satellite fuselages.

カテゴリー
category_usa

Scratch Testing Service

What Is a Scratch Testing Service?

Scratch Testing ServicesScratch testing service involves using a diamond indenter to create controlled scratches on a sample’s surface. The sample is moved at a constant speed while the load is gradually increased. This method allows for the analysis of peel load, frictional force, scratch depth, and acoustic effects during thin film fracture by examining the scratch marks.

Such services enable easy quantification of material properties that were previously difficult to evaluate, significantly improving material evaluation and quality assurance.

Examples of Conventional Evaluation Methods for Thin Films and Coatings

Problems:

  • Test results are dependent on the operator’s condition and tools, making them unreliable.
  • Lack of quantitative evaluation capabilities.

Scratch testing services address these issues, enhance quality assurance, and expedite product development through comprehensive analysis, including scratch depth, frictional force, and acoustic effect.

Features of Scratch Testing Services

Comparison of scratches by panoramic image: The service allows for quantitative comparisons based on the load at which the scratch is applied, defined as the critical load.

Applications of scratch testing services include:

  • Adhesion evaluation of coatings.
  • Quantitative evaluation as an alternative to pencil hardness/wool tests.
  • Film adhesion evaluation instead of cycas tests.
  • Surface scratch resistance evaluation.

Different types of scratch testing services, like nano scratch testing machines and micro combination testing machines, cater to various materials and load applications. The choice of service depends on the material, film thickness, and measurement objectives of different coatings.

These services can range from evaluating the adhesion of Nm-level resin coatings to base materials, and scratch resistance, to assessing the adhesion of hard coatings such as DLC coatings and conducting destructive testing of thick resin materials.

カテゴリー
category_usa

Waterproofing Tape

What Is Waterproofing Tape?

Waterproofing tape is an adhesive tape known for its strong waterproof and airtight properties, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. In construction, it is utilized for fixing moisture permeability sheets, insulating materials, and for secondary waterproofing in window sash frame installation. Its applications extend to repairing and reinforcing exterior walls and tents, curing wiring, and in medical settings for protecting wounds during showers and bedsores.

Available in various types, waterproofing tapes range from specialized airtight to all-purpose options. Commonly found in black, recent versions include white to blend seamlessly into applications.

Some tapes are designed for easy hand-tearing, others can be removed cleanly after use, and some are suitable for layering.

Uses of Waterproofing Tapes

Selection criteria include:

  1. Whether it is single-sided or double-sided adhesive.
  2. The level of heat resistance required.
  3. The necessary size and material.

Different types and their applications include:

  • Single-sided Waterproofing Tape: Used for repairing water pipes and exterior walls, this tape has adhesive on one side only.
  • Double-sided Adhesive Waterproofing Tape: With adhesive on both sides, it is ideal for laminating two materials together.
  • Heat-resistant Aluminum Waterproofing Tape: Durable and strong, often made of aluminum, this tape is heat-resistant.
  • Resilient Waterproofing Tape: Made of foam or rubber, it is used to seal gaps in doors, providing elasticity.
  • Waterproofing Tape for Simple Repairs and Reinforcement: Suitable for simple repairs due to its lower strength, it is used on tent seams and rainwear to prevent water leakage. Some varieties can be ironed on for application.
カテゴリー
category_usa

Fungicide

What Is a Fungicide?

Fungicides are pesticides that kill or inhibit the growth of fungi. There are various types, including non-chlorinated phenolic fungicides used on lumber and wood materials. These are effective against a range of molds, non-flammable, colorless, non-toxic, and have low odor and irritation.

General-purpose fungicides with excellent emulsion stability are water-soluble, non-flammable, colorless, and non-toxic. They feature low odor and irritation and are effective against discoloring fungi. Such fungicides are used in lumber products like pine, cedar, and beech, offering excellent efficacy with no risk of coloration and low toxicity.

Fungicides come in two main types: a water-based emulsion mixed with paint for house and factory applications, and a spray type used in park sandboxes, housing complex underground pits, and house edges.

Uses of Fungicides

Fungicides for lumber prevent fungi contamination in processed wood. Wood primer fungicides are applied to outdoor and indoor wood surfaces before painting, with an emphasis on low formaldehyde emissions.

Fungicide primers for concrete and mortar serve as a base coat for new or repainted interior/exterior walls to inhibit fungal growth, also prioritizing low formaldehyde emission. Additionally, water-based fungicides/water-repellent materials are applied to wood and concrete surfaces.

Chlorine bleach is used on various wood species for mold prevention and wood preservation. Silicone-based building sealants with added fungicides are used for treating building crevices due to their ease of use and excellent weather and water resistance.

Fungicides are also used in fuel oil, particularly when mold growth leads to sludge formation in fuel or diesel oil tanks.

カテゴリー
category_usa

Landscaping Material

What Is Landscaping Material?

Landscaping material encompasses all materials used in landscaping, including stone, bamboo, lumber, fertilizers, and other greening materials, tools, and maintenance supplies.

Stone materials in landscaping range from slabs, cobblestones, gravel, ground covers, shade stones, bricks, blocks, tiles, and roof tiles, to artificial stones and concrete products.

Bamboo is used for garden decoration, hedge components, and support materials, along with rope, string, and straw products.

Greening materials include artificial turf, weed prevention sheets, agricultural chemicals, fertilizers, compost, vitalizers, and various types of soil, such as lightweight soil, for garden maintenance and management.

Uses of Landscaping Materials

Landscaping materials are primarily used in gardens, but also for hedges and various types of supports like cross-trees and stakes. They play a key role in soil maintenance, including soil replacement and the use of weed control sheets as preliminary works in landscaping.

Weed control sheets, made mainly of synthetic fibers, prevent the roots of weeds like bamboo from invading gardens and other planted areas.

Soils in landscaping include soil conditioners and cultured soils mixed with organic materials, along with lightweight soils for rooftop gardens.

カテゴリー
category_usa

Fixture

What Is a Fixture?

A fixture refers to finished and installed materials used in building interiors, furniture, and decor. These are typically added after the structural framework is complete, contributing significantly to usability and aesthetics without being structurally integral. The choice of fixtures, including their texture, grain, and color, notably influences the indoor environment.

Uses of Fixtures

Fixtures find application across construction, furniture making, interior design, and landscaping, providing versatility in shaping and size for various products like tables, chairs, and storage, as well as in building components such as walls, floors, and doors.

Characteristics of Fixtures

Modern fixtures often come prefabricated, streamlining on-site installation and adjustments. They blend high design quality with environmental friendliness, showcasing the warmth and texture of natural wood materials like cypress and cedar, while offering design flexibility and customization.

Advantages

The advantages of fixtures include their high aesthetic quality, design freedom, customization possibilities, and the environmentally friendly nature of wood, which offers a sense of warmth and comfort.

Disadvantages

However, fixtures can be time-consuming to process and may become costly depending on the product and materials used.

Types of Fixtures

Fixtures encompass a wide range of materials and styles, from ceilings, floors, and shelves to traditional Japanese Kamoi and Western-style door frames, utilizing woods like zelkova, cypress, and oak for their distinct characteristics.

Single Fixture

Single fixtures are made from natural wood, offering unique individual characteristics but also variation due to the natural differences in the wood.

Glued Fixture

Glued fixtures, or laminated wood, combine multiple wood pieces for improved stability and less susceptibility to environmental changes, supporting a range of designs that capitalize on natural wood aesthetics.

Decorative Sheet Attached Fixture

These fixtures use laminated wood with applied wood grain sheets or veneers, providing the benefits of laminated fixtures along with efficient installation and maintenance.

How to Choose Fixtures

Choosing the right fixtures involves considering their intended use, design compatibility, and the wood’s characteristics. Quality often correlates with the absence of defects and the wood’s natural properties, influencing both aesthetics and cost.

カテゴリー
category_usa

Compacting Machinery

What Is Compacting Machinery?

Compaction machines are specialized civil engineering devices aimed at enhancing ground density and stability at construction sites by applying pressure and vibration. They are essential for preparing the ground for construction, and adapting to various soil types through diverse machine functions.

Uses of Compacting Machinery

Used primarily in construction and civil engineering, compaction machines contribute to:

  • Soil compaction for embankments and revetments
  • Asphalt pavement finishing
  • Compaction for parking lots, sidewalks, and residential areas
  • Backfilling around utilities
  • Repair and patching tasks

These machines are vital for both large-scale public projects and smaller residential landscaping efforts.

Principle of Compacting Machinery

Compaction involves either static load application or dynamic vibration/impact methods, aiming to reduce soil voids and increase density. This enhances the ground’s stability and load-bearing capacity.

Types of Compacting Machinery

Diverse compaction machines are tailored to specific project needs:

1. Load Roller

Varying from hand-guided to larger macadam, tandem, and combined types, these rollers use body weight for compaction, suitable for a range of materials.

2. Tire Roller

Equipped with multiple tires, tire rollers are versatile for bed compaction to asphalt finishing.

3. Vibrating Roller

These rollers add vibration to weight for enhanced compaction, ideal for gravel and sand.

4. Rammer

Rammers deliver a strong impact for compacting in confined spaces or on soft ground, available in engine-driven and eco-friendly electric models.

5. Plate

Plates compact through vibration and are maneuverable for use in narrow spaces or for spot repairs, differing from rammers by their vibratory action rather than impact.

Other Information on Compacting Machinery

Qualifications Required for Work

Operators must complete specialized training, covering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Distinctions in certification requirements are based on whether machines are self-propelled, affecting the type of training necessary.

カテゴリー
category_usa

Gypsum Wallboard

What Is Gypsum Wallboard?

Gypsum wallboard, commonly known as gypsum board, is a building material made of gypsum encased in paper and formed into boards for easy installation.

It typically comes in thicknesses of 9.5 mm, 12.5 mm, and 15 mm.

Uses of Gypsum Wallboard

Gypsum wallboard has become indispensable in architecture and interior design for its ease of use. Its primary applications include:

1. Interior Wall Coverings

Most often, gypsum wallboard serves as an interior wall covering, providing a smooth finish to wall surfaces. It is also utilized in conjunction with insulation materials to enhance thermal insulation.

2. Ceiling Material

As a ceiling material, gypsum wallboard achieves a seamless finish and allows for the concealment of light fixtures and air conditioning ducts when installed above.

3. Partitions

Gypsum wallboard is used to create partitions within spaces, offering privacy and improved acoustics through the integration of insulation.

Characteristics of Gypsum Wallboard

Pros

Gypsum wallboard is lightweight, manageable, and simple to cut and shape. It is cost-effective, easy to install, and boasts excellent soundproofing capabilities, reducing echo within rooms.

Fire-retardant variants are available, which hinder flame spread during fires, thus minimizing structural damage. Moisture-resistant types are also available, ideal for use in humid conditions to prevent moisture buildup.

Its benefits, including lightness, affordability, soundproofing, and fire resistance, render it valuable in interior construction.

Disadvantages

Gypsum wallboard is susceptible to damage from light impacts and requires careful handling during installation. Its composition makes it challenging for nails and studs to penetrate, owing to its low point impact resistance.

It is also prone to water and moisture damage, necessitating the use of water-resistant variants in areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Additionally, it must be disposed of responsibly, not as general waste.

Types of Gypsum Wallboard

Gypsum wallboard is a popular choice for walls and ceilings in both residential and office settings.

The standard type is often used for interior projects due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of handling, making it a favorite for construction and DIY endeavors.

Fire-retardant gypsum wallboard is designed to prevent flame spread and mitigate fire damage. It is thicker and made from fire-resistant materials compared to the standard version.

Moisture-resistant gypsum wallboard is tailored for damp environments like bathrooms, featuring a waterproof surface to resist moisture and mold.

Decorative gypsum wallboard serves as an aesthetic interior finish, with designed surfaces offering various textures or patterns for stylish interiors.

How to Select Gypsum Wallboard

Selection depends on the usage context. For typical interior tasks, standard gypsum wallboard is sufficient. However, for areas requiring fire resistance or moisture protection, choose accordingly.

Consideration of thickness and size is crucial to meet specific needs and ensure safe installation and handling.

カテゴリー
category_usa

Joint Sealant

What Is a Joint Sealant?

Joint sealant, also known as jointing material, is used to fill the gaps, or joints, between construction materials like bricks, blocks, and tiles. These gaps are intentionally created to improve a building’s durability and waterproofing, protecting it against environmental factors such as wind, rain, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations.

Uses of Joint Sealants

Joint sealants are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and waterproofing of buildings, finding extensive use in exterior and interior walls, floors, roofs, and bathrooms. Besides their functional benefits, they also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of structures, available in a variety of designs and colors.

Characteristics of Joint Sealants

Pros

Advantages of joint sealants include durability, water resistance, insulation properties, and aesthetic versatility. They are user-friendly, stain-resistant, and can significantly extend a building’s lifespan, offering cost benefits in the long term.

Disadvantages

The main drawbacks include potential for cracking or splintering and the risk of sealants floating if improperly selected or installed, possibly necessitating reinstallation.

Types of Joint Sealants

1. Urethane Joints

Made primarily of polyurethane resin, urethane joints are known for their hardness, abrasion resistance, and elasticity, making them suitable for indoor flooring, wall joints, and waterproof applications.

2. Epoxy Resin Joints

Epoxy resin joints offer exceptional durability, weatherability, and resistance to chemicals, water, and oil, ideal for clean environments like factories and medical facilities.

3. Cement Joints

Cement-based joints are favored for tile applications due to their durability, ease of installation, and fire resistance.

4. Mortar Joints

Comprising cement and lime, mortar joints are easy to install and suitable for areas prone to cracking or curvature, though they may offer less durability and weather resistance for outdoor use.

How to Select Joint Sealants

Selecting the right joint sealant involves considering the application area, design compatibility with the building’s exterior and interior, ease of installation and maintenance, and long-term cost-effectiveness.

How to Use Joint Sealants

Proper preparation is key: surfaces should be cleaned and dried before applying the sealant at the appropriate thickness. Installation methods and drying times vary, so it is crucial to follow specific guidelines for best results, typically allowing about 24 hours for drying.

カテゴリー
category_usa

Seal

What Is a Seal?

A seal is a building material commonly used in civil engineering and construction to instantly solidify and stop water leaks from cracks and joints in concrete structures.

Seals come in various types, including cement, asphalt, and synthetic resins like polyurethane and polyolefin. All these materials are designed to cure quickly, enabling rapid response to water leak issues.

There are also environmentally friendly water-based seals that do not contain organic solvents, and alkaline seals that help prevent corrosion in reinforcing steel and steel frames.

Uses of Seals

Seals are extensively used in various concrete structures, such as basements, water and sewage systems, reservoirs, swimming pools, water pipes in hydroelectric dams, tunnels, and underground passageways. They effectively stop water leakage in critical areas.

Additionally, seals are employed to prevent water leakage around electrical conduits, pipe and duct gaps, manholes, underground pits, sleeves, and bellmouths, and to prevent condensation inside electrical boxes.

Water sealing agents are also utilized in maritime construction, such as sealing water springs in breakwater seawalls. Moreover, they are widely used for concrete repair, anchoring bolts and reinforcing bars, and temporarily fixing stones, tiles, and blocks.