Info Chameleon

Gathering tidbits from all kinds of industries to keep both layfolks and experts in the loop on a plethora of topics

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Exploring the Benefits of Custom CNC Micromachining

As technology continues to advance, so do the machining techniques used in the production of modern industrial parts. One such process is custom CNC micromachining. This method uses a combination of computer numerical control (CNC) and various micro-machining processes to produce accurate and precise parts with small diameters and intricate details. Let’s take a closer look at why custom CNC micromachining is becoming increasingly popular among engineers.

Accuracy and Precision The main advantage of using custom CNC micromachining is that it can produce highly accurate parts with intricate detail. This is because the micro-milling machines used for this process have extremely high levels of accuracy and precision, allowing for parts to be produced to exact specifications. The parts created through this process are often extremely small, with diameters ranging from 0.2mm to 3mm, so they can be used in a wide variety of applications where space restrictions are an issue. Additionally, the surface finishes achievable with this type of machining are also very high, which further enhances its utility when producing miniature components for medical or aerospace applications.

Cost Effective Solution Another benefit of opting for custom CNC micromachining is that it is an affordable option compared to traditional manufacturing methods. This is because it requires fewer tools and fewer machinable materials than other milling processes, reducing costs associated with tooling, material procurement, and labor time significantly. Additionally, because the machines used for this process operate at high speeds – up to 500 rpm – they are able to mass-produce small parts quickly and efficiently without sacrificing quality or accuracy.

Customizability When ordering custom CNC micromachined parts, you have more options when it comes to customization than you would if you were using traditional manufacturing methods such as injection molding or die casting. With these processes, you typically have limited choices when it comes to part design due to the nature of their tooling requirements; however, custom CNC micromachining allows for much greater flexibility in terms of geometry and shape since no special tooling is required for part production. Furthermore, by having access to CAD/CAM software programs specifically designed for producing complex shapes on tiny scales, engineers can further customize their designs according to their specific needs or preferences.

Custom CNC micromachining provides engineers with an efficient as well as cost effective way to produce accurate and precise miniature components quickly and easily without sacrificing quality or performance. By taking advantage of its high level of accuracy and precision as well as its customizable capabilities, engineers can create complex shapes on tiny scales while enjoying significant cost savings over traditional manufacturing methods such as injection molding or die casting. Ultimately, custom CNC micromachining offers a viable solution for those seeking reliable yet affordable services that produce results consistently every time. 

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Understanding the Mechanics of Sectional Auger Flighting

Sectional auger flighting is an important component of many industrial applications. It is designed to convey materials through a variety of settings and can be used for a range of functions such as feeding, conveying, mixing, blending, and more. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how sectional auger flighting works and explore some of its key benefits.

What is Sectional Auger Flighting? Sectional auger flighting is made up of individual flights that are connected together by welding or bolting them onto the core pipe. This type of auger is preferred in many industries because it provides greater flexibility than solid flight augers do. Its modular design allows engineers to make quick repairs or replacements on site if needed. Furthermore, it can be easily customized to meet specific requirements related to pitch size and pitch angle.

How Does It Work? Sectional auger flighting relies on centrifugal force to move material through the system. As the flights rotate around the center core pipe, they push material outward from the center and also lift material up against gravity until it reaches the outlet end of the system. The pitch angle and size determine how quickly material moves through the system; larger pitches allow for faster movement while smaller pitches promote slower but more even movement. The number of flights used depends on factors such as application type and product flow rate requirements.

Advantages of Sectional Auger Flighting There are several advantages to using sectional auger flighting instead of solid flight augers in industrial settings. First, thanks to its modular design, sections can be easily replaced when necessary without having to replace the entire assembly—this saves time and money since only one part needs to be replaced instead of several parts being replaced simultaneously with a solid flight auger system. Additionally, sectional augers are much easier to clean than solid ones since each section can be taken apart separately for cleaning purposes; this reduces downtime associated with cleaning operations compared to when solid augers need to be taken apart completely for maintenance operations. Finally, sectional augers provide better control over product flow rates due to their adjustable pitch sizes and angles—something that isn’t possible with solid flight systems due to their rigid designs.

Sectional Auger Flighting is an efficient way for plant engineers to convey materials through a variety of settings such as feeding, conveying, blending or mixing processes. Its modular design makes it easy for engineers to make repairs or replacements on-site quickly if needed while its adjustable pitch sizes and angles provide better control over product flow rates than what traditional solid flight systems offer - making it an ideal choice for many industrial applications where efficiency is key.

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What’s the Deal with Metallizing Service Companies?

What is a metallizing service company, and what does it do? Well, that’s a good question. Let’s address it one part at a time. 

First of all, a metallizing service company is an organization that specializes in metallizing, which is essentially the practice of coating, treating, or combining something with metal. Most of these companies offer a pretty broad range of services, including (but not limited to) pump repair, valve repair, shaft repair, and in some cases, chroming services. 

So, what does that mean? Well, components like shafts, pumps, and valves are liable to suffer from wear and tear in any manufacturing operation, on account of everything from constant friction to corrosive environments. They can become misshapen over time.

Misshapen machine components are hardly as effective as they should be, and if they’re left without being addressed for too long, they could cause serious problems (we’re talking a full operational halt, if the part is important enough). This leaves manufacturers two options: either replace the parts whole cloth, or send them away to a metallizing shop for reconditioning. As replacement is almost always more expensive than repair service, a lot of shop owners choose to go with the latter. 

Send a worn down shaft or a dilapidated valve to a metallizing service company, and you’ll likely have it back in no time at all, restored to factory specifications and ready to be reinstalled. All told, it’s the people at the metallizing shops who keep the rest of the manufacturers in steady business. 

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Medical Blister Packaging: The Benefits

Medical blister packaging is one of the most popular types of pharmaceutical packaging out there. You’ve surely come across it a million times in your life. There’s a good chance you’ve come across it today. It’s used to package a vast array of medications; birth control pills, prescription allergy meds, over the counter decongestant, sleep aids of all kinds, the list goes on and on. Why is blister packaging so ubiquitous in the pharmacy aisle, you may ask? Well, there are a couple of different reasons for that. Let’s go over a few. 

First and foremost, medical blister packaging is tamper proof. You can’t remove a pill from its pocket, mess with it, then return it, without leaving obvious signs of sabotage. This is a good thing, because there have been cases (rare, but still terrible) of medical tampering that have had tragic outcomes. Notably, in 1982, someone in the Chicago area laced several bottles of cyanide and put them back on pharmacy shelves. Multiple people died, and since then, a concerted effort has been made to keep over the counter medicines safe from such foul play. 

Another reason medical blister packaging is popular is that it makes taking the proper dosage extremely easy. Most of the time, each capsule in the blister pack will contain one single dose of medication, which makes taking pills responsibly simple and convenient. On top of all that, medical blister packaging is not made for tiny toddler hands to open. It is quite child-safe, which can save parents a lot of worry. 

Medical blister packaging is smart, safe, and convenient. What’s not to love?

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Medical Packaging Companies and Public Safety

What do medical packaging companies have to do with public safety? Well, probably more than you think! For one thing, medical packaging is the perfect medium for communicating important drug facts to consumers. Medical packaging companies make bottles and boxes and such that can be printed with essential information like correct dosage amounts, warnings about when not to take a drug, possible side effects, and so on and so forth. That one job in and of itself is enough to put medical packaging companies firmly on the list of groups responsible for consumer safety. 

On a less cerebral level, medical packaging companies are in charge of providing the first line of defense against physical product damage. Pills and tablets that are broken or crushed up can’t be taken in reliable doses, and thus should not be taken at all. Packaging protects pharmaceutical products as they make their way through the supply chain and into the hands of customers all over the country. 

Plus, it’s not just physical damage from which pharmaceutical products need protecting. Many drugs are sensitive to outside stimuli like light, air, or moisture, and can be chemically altered by interacting with such elements. Medical packaging companies are in charge of creating packaging solutions that prevent such chemical alterations from happening so as to avoid rendering medications ineffective. Since ineffective medications are a danger to public health (taking faulty drugs could have serious consequences for people), it seems pretty clear that medical packaging companies play an important role in keeping the public safe and healthy.

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Choosing Stainless Steel Fabrication in Illinois

So you’ve found a metal fabrication company in Illinois and you’re finally ready to get going on your project. What’s next? Well, you’d better figure out what materials you want to use. “Where should I start?” you may be asking; to which I would say, “have you considered stainless steel fabrication?” You may have dismissed stainless steel as a material choice due to its upfront cost, but let me convince you to think again. 

Stainless steel is more expensive than many other materials, it’s true; but it also offers a lot of fabulous benefits. For example, it’s fairly easy to work with, which can be a real advantage for certain fabricating projects. It’s also extremely corrosion resistant, so if you’re looking to obtain a part or component that can withstand particularly corrosive environments (for an application that involves a lot of moisture, let’s say), then stainless steel is an excellent material choice for you. 

In addition to being corrosion resistant, stainless steel is quite temperature resistant. If your application is liable to involve excessive heat, or perhaps excessive cold, then you shouldn’t dismiss stainless steel fabrication just because it costs a bit more. You want to choose a material that will last for ages without becoming weak or compromised (a material like stainless steel). 

Don’t settle for a material that won’t deliver the results that you need. Talk with your fabrication company about all of your options. Take time to discuss the pros and cons of each, and if stainless steel fabrication seems to fit your needs better than an alternative, just go for it!

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Advantages of Shaft Repair

Shafts do a lot of hard work in the manufacturing industry. They are subjected daily to things like constant friction, excessive heat, corrosive materials, and of course, general wear and tear. With a job like that, it’s no wonder that they often end up damaged. Once a shaft can no longer adequately perform its duties, there are two options: buy and install a brand new shaft, or find a shaft repair shop. To my mind, there’s only one correct choice between the two, and it’s the latter. 

There are plenty of advantages to seeking out shaft repair instead of replacing the damaged shaft whole cloth. The first, and most obvious of these advantages has to do with price. Though there are certainly exceptions to the rule, most of the time, having an existing shaft repaired is going to cost you a lot less than buying one brand new. It follows that anyone hoping to keep their budget balanced should consider opting for that repair bill instead of coughing up the funds for a replacement. 

In addition to being more cost effective, shaft repair is often more convenient than shaft replacement. The reason for this has to do with availability. It’s fairly common for replacing a machine component like a shaft to take weeks or months, with the way supply chains have been for the last few years. In contrast, most shaft repair shops will have your part back to you and ready for duty in a much more reasonable time frame. 

All in all, there’s hardly any reason to replace a shaft if you can find a company that offers repairs, instead.

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Why Work in the Packaging Industry?

Are you in the market for a new career? Having trouble deciding where to begin your job search? Have you considered the packaging industry? If you answered yes, yes, and yes: great! You’re on the right path! If you answered yes, yes, and no, then you’re lucky to have run across this post. Working in the packaging industry is a fantastic idea for myriad reasons. Let’s get into it. 

The number one thing the packaging industry has going for it is probably stability. Food packaging suppliers don’t go out of business when hard times hit, nor do pharmaceutical packaging suppliers, consumer goods packaging suppliers, etc. etc. etc. Packaging is not an elastic good. There’s always a need for packaging, no matter what the Dow Jones is doing. If you want a steady, stable, reliable position, if you’re risk averse and just want a career that’s a sure bet, then the packaging industry is very likely the perfect place for you to put down roots. 

The other wonderful thing about the packaging industry is that it offers opportunities for all kinds. There are so many different positions that need to be filled, and so many different skill sets that can be used that you’re certain to find a role that you’ll do well in. Whether you’re looking to do line work, engineering, graphic design, management, or anything in between, there’s a place for you somewhere in the packaging industry. 

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start applying for positions in the packaging industry! 

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What Does a Pump Repair Company Do?

Pump repair companies play an integral role in the ever turning wheel of industry. Without them, pumps in factories and shops across the nation would be constantly breaking down, bringing operations to a halt and causing general chaos. Fortunately, we don’t have to do without them. 

There are several different types of services that most pump repair companies offer. Let’s break them down and discuss the basics. 

Preventative Maintenance: First, there’s preventative maintenance. This is what you get from a pump repair company when a pump isn’t actually broken yet, and you just want an expert to check in and make sure everything is in ship shape. 

Periodic Maintenance: Periodic maintenance is just preventative maintenance on a regular schedule. You don’t go to a pump repair company for periodic maintenance to address immediate, unforeseen issues. You go to a pump repair company for periodic maintenance because you scheduled it months ago and you want to make sure everything is still looking good. 

Predictive Maintenance: Now predictive maintenance is one step removed from preventative maintenance. You seek out this service when a pump is not technically broken, but is underperforming. This is the type of service you need to look into when you’ve noticed a slight problem, but it hasn’t yet become a full-fledged disaster. 

Breakdown Maintenance: Last, but not least, breakdown maintenance is probably the type of service that you most associate with pump repair companies. As the name suggests, breakdown maintenance is the type of service you’re going to get when a pump has ceased to be functional, and needs some serious fixing. 

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The Trick to Identifying Sustainable Food Packaging

In this modern age, sustainable food packaging is more important than ever. If you’re an environmentally conscious consumer, then you probably want to support companies that put in the effort to use sustainable food packaging. Good news! There’s an easy way to find out if a company is using sustainable packaging or not. Just look for a Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) logo! 

What’s that, you ask? Well, it’s proof of FSC certification, which is an indication of sustainability. The Forest Stewardship Council is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote responsible forest management. The FSC has several founding principles, which are as follows: 

Zero Deforestation: The FSC only support forestry if it is CO2 neutral and does not cause net loss of global forests in any way.

Indigenous Rights: The FSC requires certified companies to respect indigenous land rights (ones that are legal and ones that are cultural), and supports the hiring of locals to support communities. 

Labor Rights: The FSC requires that all workers at FSC certified businesses are properly trained, afforded all proper safety considerations, and are allowed to form and/or join labor unions. 

Biodiversity: The FSC believes in protecting endangered plants and animals.

If you see a product with an FSC logo, that means they have achieved FSC certification by meeting all of FSC’s standards at every stage of the supply chain. So, if you’re invested in investing in sustainable food packaging, take a minute before throwing that box in your cart to see if the packaging is FSC certified. 

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What’s So Great About Valve Repair Shops?

Valves come in a million different shapes and sizes and perform a million different functions. Valves are invaluable. But they’re not infallible. After years of wear and tear, even the toughest valve is going to reach a point where it’s no longer fully functional. When this happens, you’ll be met with a choice: replace or repair. 

Your first instinct might tell you that replacing would be easier, or would give you a better end result. This instinct is wrong. Replacing a valve can actually be pretty difficult, especially if the specific valve in question is no longer manufactured. Finding a valve repair shop to recondition it is a great way to get exactly the kind of valve you need. And as for quality, a good valve repair shop will have your valve back to you in near perfect condition. 

To make your choice even easier, take this into account: most valve repair shops charge way less to provide reconditioning services than you’ll need to fork out if you try to buy a new valve. Repair is the economical solution, by all accounts. 

Add to that the fact that supply chains have been so thoroughly muddled in the last few years that receiving a new valve could take weeks or months, depending on availability. This means operational downtime, which means losing money. Most valve repair shops can have your valve reconditioned and back into your hands in a matter of days. Once again, repair is the obvious choice. 

Is your valve kaput? Don’t go buying a new one just yet. Find a valve repair shop and invest in reconditioning services instead.

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Pharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing Companies and Consumer Safety

It may never have occurred to you to think it, but pharmaceutical contract manufacturing companies play a pretty significant role in ensuring consumer safety in the pharmaceutical industry.

“What, the people who make the packaging?” you may well be asking. Yes, them! Pharmaceutical packaging is extremely vital when it comes to keeping the public healthy and well. What do I mean by this? Let’s talk about it!

First thing’s first, pharmaceutical packaging keeps drugs from being physically damaged as they make their way through the supply chain. This is important, because if you get a bottle of smashed up pills, you won’t be able to reliably take the right dose, and that could be dangerous. Pharmaceutical contract manufacturing companies are our first line of defense against medicine that’s been crushed to dust. 

But it’s not just physical damage that pharmaceutical packaging prevents; it’s also chemical alteration. Plenty of drugs are highly reactive to things like air and light. Exposure to such elements can cause quality degradation, and no one wants to find out that they’ve been using an ineffective pharmaceutical. Pharmaceutical packaging is specially designed to combat these issues, which is why so much of it is opaque and airtight. 

In addition to all of that, pharmaceutical packaging is a useful way to convey essential drug information to consumers. It provides space for instructions, warnings, dosage info, and all the other things you need to know before putting a drug in your body. 

So now you see what I mean when I say that pharmaceutical contract manufacturing companies have a serious responsibility in regards to keeping consumers safe. 

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E Coat vs Powder Coat: A Common Conundrum

There’s a common debate in the modern age of metal finishing, and that debate is this: e coat vs powder coat. E coating and powder coating are pretty similar in a lot of ways. They are both metal finishing processes that are performed with the help of electric currents, for one. And for two, both result in a strong, durable finish. So how do they differ? Let’s get into it. 

The big difference between e coating and powder coating is that e coating is a wet finishing process, while powder coating is a dry finishing process. 

Here’s how the e coat paint process works: a part is submerged in a paint bath. An electric charge is applied to the bath. The electric charge causes the paint particles to adhere to the metal part. The part is removed, and cured. The process is complete. 

Here’s how the powder coating process works: an electrostatic gun is used to apply powder coating to a metal part. The gun charges the particles, causing them to adhere to the part. The part is cured. The process is complete. 

So, which is better? The answer is both and neither. E coating is generally better for coating irregular surfaces, because the submersion process allows for more complete surface coverage. Powder coating, on the other hand, is usually a bit thicker and more durable, so it’s best for particularly tough applications in particularly harsh environments. All in all, both are good finishing options, especially when used in the proper context.

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Custom Wood Panels: Common Markets

The custom wood panel is a versatile beast. These panels can be used to create a wildly wide range of products with an equally impressive range of purposes. Accordingly, it’s hardly surprising to note that custom wood panels are highly sought for various applications in markets all over the board. Let’s take a quick look at just a few of the industries that rely on panel products. 

Retail: The retail industry has many a use for panel products, as they make excellent shelving units, retail fixtures, and point of purchase displays. You can’t walk through a department store or a grocery store or a gift shop without being confronted by something made from custom wood panels. 

Hospitality: The hospitality market is rife with possibilities for a panel manufacturer. Restaurants, hotels, and casinos all have a mighty need for furniture—tables, chairs, cabinets, you name it—the hospitality industry needs it. All of these things can be made from custom wood panels, and oftentimes, they are. 

Education: Education facilities ranging from elementary schools to universities must be outfitted with the proper furniture (see: desks and chairs). Desks and the like made from wood panels are generally both reliable and affordable, which makes them the perfect investment for anyone in the education industry (underfunded as it is). 

Kitchen and Bath: Kitchens and bathrooms are always populated with cabinets and such. Cabinets and such are often made with custom wood panels. Need I say more?

As you can see, wood panels are as useful as they are common, and for that; we applaud them. 

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Manufactured Wood Casework: What is It?

What is manufactured wood casework? Well, simply put, casework as a verb means “box-making” (though we’re using the term “box” rather loosely). Manufactured wood casework is quite a common thing; you’ve probably got examples of it in your house or your office or your gym or whatever establishments you frequent. 

Manufactured wood casework takes many forms—bookcases, cupboards, kitchen drawers, and built in cabinets, to name a few. Some casework is entirely prefabricated, ready to perform its intended function as soon as it leaves the factory floor, while others are partially prefabricated, with some assembly required. 

Unlike millwork, which is generally bespoke (meaning custom with specific dimensions for a specific purpose), manufactured wood casework is typically mass produced. This is not always the case, of course, but a vast majority of the time, casework is made with standard measurements, materials, and designs rather than unique ones. 

On account of being mass produced, wood casework is pretty affordable, especially when compared to custom manufactured pieces. Casework doesn’t always fit perfectly in its designated nook or cranny, but this is to be expected in light of the fact that it is made to standard rather than custom measurements. I dare say it’s a small sacrifice to make if affordability is high on your list of priorities. 

Unless you’re some kind of heiress or big-wig CEO with money to spend on custom made cabinets and bookcases, chances are you’ve furnished your home with examples of manufactured wood casework. Look around your kitchen, your bathroom, your bedroom, and you’ll likely find an example right quick.

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A Brief History of the Folding Carton

In the packaging world, the folding carton is king. It’s used in industries far and wide for all kinds of applications. But all told, it’s a rather recent invention. The history of the folding carton is rather short, and rather fascinating, as the popularization of the product is, according to legend, due entirely to a factory mistake. 

The folding carton design was devised sometime in the late 19th century by a British fellow named Charles Henry Foyle. However, it was not an instant sensation, on account of the fact that there was no way to mass produce it. Folding carton manufacturers had to cut out the patterns by hand, which took a good deal of time and effort. 

In 1879, however, something happened — something that would change the packaging industry forever. A machinist at the Robert Gair Company made a mistake while setting up one of the printing presses. The machine subsequently sliced through several thousand sheets of material before the issue was noticed. Despite the damage, this error turned out to be a real windfall. 

You see, after observing the results of the mishap, Robert Gair, the company’s owner and founder, had an idea. If he could use his printing presses as cutting machines as well, he could greatly reduce the amount of labor needed to produce a folding carton. After some experimentation, Gair succeeded, and his company became the first folding carton manufacturer to find a way to mass produce. 

Soon, big companies like Nabisco started using folding cartons as their packaging of choice — a trend which continues to this day. And there you have it: the brief but interesting history of the folding carton.