Electron beam machining (EBM) is a metallurgy term that describes a process in which the concentrated heat from an electron beam is used for melting metal. The process usually takes place inside a vacuum, thus protecting the metal from the outside atmosphere as a flux does in traditional wel

Cryogenic grinding is a process used in various manufacturing industries and in the study of biology. Also known as freezer milling or freezer grinding, this method is used to process soft or flexible substances by lowering the materials temperature and then breaking the material into smalle

Component engineering is the design of various pieces and parts that fit into larger projects. Engineers in this field are responsible for the design, production, and improvement of small parts to make the larger part a functioning piece. Redesign and improvement of such pieces can also play

Today, the demand for apparel, home décor and upholstery has created the need for textile quality control standards. These are intended to ensure all materials meet specifications for design and manufacture. For example, quality control techniques using a spectrophotometer may measure fabric

Statistical quality control is the observation of variables of a manufacturing process over time and the application of statistical analysis of those variables to define operating windows that yield lower defect products. This method is used primarily for manufacturing lines rather than chem

Drop forging is a metalworking process that gradually shapes a heated piece of metal, called an ingot. It involves forming the ingot with repeated blows from a hammer or die that is raised and then dropped onto the part, flattening it or forcing it into a mold. Depending on the complexity of

A fluid die is a precision tool that uses fluid pressure, or hydraulic pressure, to form metal. The process of using hydraulic pressure and a fluid die is called hydroforming. This process allows metal to be formed into complex shapes that are both strong and lightweight. Metal components fo

The types of pallet manufacturers found in the marketplace are determined by the needs of producers for efficient packaging and shipping. Pallet manufacturing ranges from a one-person pallet company with low overhead and limited production to large-scale production to meet materials handling

Flux cored arc welding (FCAW) is an automated or semi-automated arc welding process utilizing a consumable, hollow electrode filled with flux. FCAW machines typically run on a constant voltage power supply although some examples utilize constant current supplies. There are two basic types of

A spray dryer is a device used to produce dry, powdered substances from fluid suspensions or slurries by exposing a sprayed stream of the suspension to a hot gas. It is a simple, one step evaporation system which features minimal moving parts and rapid drying times. Spray drying processes us

Ethanol, ethyl alcohol, is the intoxicating element in beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages. It is also being used as a biofuel alternative in several countries across the world. Large industrial plants are the primary sources of ethanol production, though some people have chosen to prod

The cellular manufacturing system, often called lean manufacturing, is a fairly recent development in global manufacturing processes. One of the first, and today, the most common cellular, or lean manufacturing systems is the Kaizen system. Originally conceived by the Toyota Corporation in J

Thermal binding is a common method used to create a binding for books and booklets. The process involves using strips to secure the loose pages together and then sealing the strips with the application of heat. Sometimes referred to as tape binding, the process of thermal binding is ideal fo

3D printing, otherwise known as rapid prototyping, is a manufacturing method whereby 3D objects are quickly made on a reasonably-sized machine connected to a computer containing blueprints for the object. The basic principles are like that of a 2D printer: materials cartridges, flexibility o

Letterpress printing is a printing technique which has been in use in the West since the 15th Century, when it was used by Johannes Gutenberg to manufacture the Gutenberg Bible. There has been some debate over whether letterpress printing was first developed in the East or West, with some su

The IKEA Catalog is one of those books you just cant put down -- and perhaps you shouldnt, unless you have a very strong table. The monstrous tome that arrives every August/September is filled with nearly 400 pages of furniture and design ideas, making it a truly hefty read. But

Laser cut glass is any glass product cut from a sheet using a high power laser. Most glass grades may be cut using lasers, although the techniques used require adjustment to avoid cracking due to excessive thermal shock. In most laser cut glass applications, carbon dioxide (C02,) lasers are

Demand Flow® Technology (DFT) is a manufacturing process that incorporates many different methods of streamlining and efficiency to produce products in the least amount of time according to customer demands. This means that Demand Flow® Technology utilizes concepts such as just-in-time inven

The best tips for sustainable development in industry are dictated by the particular industry in question since there are many industries, with their own peculiar needs and best development practices. Examples of such industries include the automobile industry, the tourism industry and the f

Laser cut plastic often is used for signs and awards, and knowing the best way to cut plastic can help to avoid discolored edges and improper cuts. Depending on the person’s priority — quantity or quality — he should adjust the laser’s speed for laser cut plastic. There are many types of pla