A Beginner’s Guide to Facing Operations

Facing is a common machining process that involves the use of a lathe or milling machine to remove material from the end and/or shoulder of a workpiece. After the workpiece is placed on the machine, a cutting tool is pressed … Read More

Piercing vs Punching vs Blanking: How They Differ

Piercing, punching and blanking are three common machining processes that are used to manipulate raw metal, such as sheet metal. All three processes require the use of a machine, which in some way deforms or alters the physical properties of … Read More

What Is a Belleville Washer?

Also known as a disc spring or cupped spring washer, a Belleville washer is a unique washer-style fastener that’s characterized by a cupped construction. As shown in the image here, Belleville washers don’t lie flat. Rather, they feature a canonical … Read More

Crimping vs Soldering Cable Connectors: Which Is Best?

Both crimping and soldering are used to create connections for cables. Ethernet cables, for example, typically feature RJ-45 connectors at the ends. To add an RJ-45 connector to an Ethernet cable, you can either crimp or solder it. While both … Read More

5 Benefits of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Lighting

Are you still using your incandescent lighting at your home or business? While inexpensive and readily available, incandescent bulbs are gradually being phased out in favor of light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. Even with their newfound popularity, though, some people are … Read More

What Is a Geared Continuous Hinge?

A hinge is a type of bearing that’s used to join two objects while allowing one or both objects to partially rotate. Kitchen cabinets, for example, often feature a hinge that allows the door to open and close. The hinge … Read More

Comparison of the Different Types Springs

A spring is an essential hardware component used in a wide range of commercial and noncommercial applications. By definition, a spring is an elastic object that’s designed to store energy. When force, such as weight, is exerted upon a spring, … Read More