The pet food industry is a manufacturing industry concerned with producing food for pets. Many companies also make food for livestock and working animals and may be part of larger companies producing other veterinary, as well as human products. Like other industries involved in producing foo

A casting defect is a functional or aesthetic flaw in a piece of cast metal. There are a number of types of flaws people can observe in cast metal, and it is possible take steps to prevent flaws or address them once they arise. Using skilled personnel and appropriate equipment is an importan

Explosive forming is a type of metalworking that can be used to shape very large workpieces. It is typically used in cases where the metal is too large or thick for a traditional press or punch method to be cost effective. The process typically involves placing the metal over a die and then

Laser peening is a metalworking process in which pulses from a laser are directed onto the surface of a metal object to improve its mechanical properties. It is similar to shot peening, which uses very small metal or ceramic balls to bombard the surface of a metal object. The corrosion resis

The metalworking term hot processing refers to a powder metallurgy process that combines the alternating action of heat and mechanical or vacuum pressure to create hard and brittle metals from high-purity metal powders. It is widely used in the metalworking industry to enhance the physical p

Machinability is a quality that typically indicates the relative difficulty involved in working a material. A material with good machinability is usually easy to cut or work with, does not cause excessive wear to the tools that are used on it, and accepts a finish without excessive effort. W

Among the best tips relating to silicone molding involves using a mold box consisting of two different pieces of wood placed on top of each other. Extra strips of wood make up the outline of the box with glue to hold it together. Place the object being molded in this box and cover it with si

The different methods of pharmaceutical quality control include, but are not limited to, inspections conducted by government agencies, the drafting and adherence of a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP), and periodic collecting and testing of products by employees of the company. Ins

Nickel-chrome plating is a labor-intensive, time-consuming process of imparting a very hard, bright metal finish to an object. A popular process in the finishing of metal parts of trucks, cars, and motorcycles, as well as household fixtures such as faucets and knobs, it’s a process thats mat

Quality control (QC) ensures that employees, workplaces, and products are kept safe and up to a reasonable standard. Creating a good quality control process is a part of most successful business ventures. Maintaining high quality control standards can help improve company reputation and make

In most states and in many countries, there are now specific rules regarding the disposal of electronics items. Many electronics and appliances contain hazardous materials that need to be disposed of in a safe manner. Yet another reason why disposal programs may specify certain procedures fo

The primary purpose of a maintenance test is to evaluate the level of wear on a mechanical device, determine when maintenance is required, and measure the quality of completed maintenance. This type of test is commonly classified as diagnostic and quality assurance. The primary location for

Also known as a blanket purchase order, the blanket order is a business document that authorizes a vendor to provide goods and services to a customer on an ongoing basis. The terms of the agreement usually specify elements of the arrangement such as the type of goods and services that will b

A bindery is where printed work is manufactured after it has been printed. Some binderies are devoted only to binding and repairing books, rare or otherwise, while others process a variety of printed work. This can include cutting, folding, gluing, stitching, trimming, collating and more. A

Laser cut copper is like regular copper, except it is processed using a laser rather than by other means. Copper’s mechanical properties mean laser cutting copper typically is hard to accomplish because of how the metal reacts to heat and light. The laser has to be turned up very high when c

A batch oven is a thermal treatment device used in a variety industrial processes to achieve process specific heating of materials or components. These processes include the pre-heating of various components prior to the application of coatings or finishes. Curing, drying, and out-gassing of

An assembly workbench often is used by workers and hobbyists to put things together, in large part because it is meant to make the work easier and more organized. The size of the assembly workbench often is important to consider when buying, especially if you will be using large parts or if

There are several tips for sandblasting wooden signs, and most of them deal with methods of creating stencils. One tip is to use heavy tape, such as Duct® tape, to cover the wood where the effects of the sandblasting are not desired to show. Other tips for sandblasting signs deal with the ty

Material requirements planning (MRP) systems play an important role in many modern manufacturing facilities. These systems help company leaders plan production schedules and rates that maximize profits and minimize waste. A well-planned MRP system ensures the company will have adequate resou

Gear manufacturing is the process of making gears out of different types of material, including steels, alloys, plastics, and other metals. Many different products and industries make use of gears. Small gears can be used in small electronics, medical devices, tool kits, and exercise equipme