Monday, October 27, 2014

Electrical Motors - From a Mechanical View

Electrical motors are the equipments that are powered by the supply of electricity. These motors can turn the electricity into the mechanical energy. However, the definition of electrical motor may sound tough but the functionality of these motors is simple. now day’s you can avail a wide range of electrical motors in the market that use to come with different sizes and features so that the end user’s requirements can be met in the best possible manner. These motors are used for a wide range of devices that we use on a regular basis like mixer, blender, fan, player, car, washer, cycle, and several others. Otherwise, we can say that these motors are used for just every device that needs to move in order to undertake the movement of those equipments or appliances. But the question is that how exactly these electrical motors use to work?

Anchor and cave of an electrical motor.


How it works?

Actually, an electrical motor is the device that makes the best use of magnets in order to perform its mechanism which is also known as the electromagnet. In reality, an electromagnet is the magnet which is driven with the supply of electricity. It’s the electromagnet that is created while using coil-of-wires. These coils look simple and made of copper. These wires need to wrap around a magnetic field. Such coiled wire can generate the magnetic field which is quantifiable. In order to enhance the force of the magnet, the numbers of the coiled wires need to be increased. To offer it a complete shape, another magnet needs to be placed near the first electromagnet.
The second magnet is used to create an opposite attraction. Once the electromagnet will be switched on, the wrapped copper wires start rotating and this happened due to the 2 magnets which undergo the magnetism of the conflicting poles. Once they rotate, it’s the electromagnet that starts whirling an armature as well as handles the function of an electric motor. However, this is not the end of the whole process. It’s always important to keep that movement or rotation going. In order to keep up this rotary movement, the electromagnet’s divergence should spin or inverse.

Types of electrical motors:

Basically, there are 2 different types of electrical motors. One uses to run with the help of alternating current or AC and the other one uses to run with the help of direct current or DC. Alternating current helps in shifting the poles’ movement many times per second. It helps the electromagnet to rotate or to spin constantly without stopping.

Electric motor that runs on DC:

Prior to the invention of AC electrical motors, DC electrical motors were used vastly. It was the time when electrical motors running on the basis of direct current were considered as the best ones in this business. These motors can receive the energy required for their functioning, from batteries. In these DC electrical motors, you can find an extra element of part which is known as the commutator. It helps in maintaining the constant spinning of the motor around the axle. The commutator is actually an electrically functioned rotary switch and it helps in reversing the direction of the current so that the torque can be produced. Well, the DC motors are the devices that never contain the AC current. Starter motor used in the car is a perfect example of direct current electrical motor.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Material Engineering - Why a mechanical engineer should study this subject

Mechanical engineering is a field of study that deals with physics, analysis, processes, manufacturing, design and materials. In taking up mechanical engineering, you need to learn not only the theories, computations and designs, but you also need to know the materials being used in mechanical and industrial processes and all its properties. Commonly, in fields and industries, chemical engineers are the ones who handle materials and its structures, but as a mechanical engineer, you also need to learn this staffs because you will be the one to use those materials for processing and manufacturing.

Brief history of material engineering

Material science is one of the oldest fields of subjects in engineering and sciences. Ever since the civilization started, materials already exist, being used and processed. In the early times, people in stone ages have been able to invent and use stones and other simple tools for their food hunting and survival. Centuries passed, people learned to make alloys, which provides greater properties of the materials. Up to this modern period, people still study and research for improvements of materials. 

Mechanical engineering and material engineering

Mechanical engineers are the ones who design and invent machines. In doing so, they need not only know the design and the mechanism of the machine, but also the appropriate materials to be used. This is why materials science is an important subject in mechanical engineering. Materials science, also known as materials engineering, is a branch of engineering and science that deals with the applications of properties of matters, such as its atomic structures and molecular scales. It incorporates the study of both physics and chemistry fundamentals. In the world of mechanical engineering, materials science is an important part of failure analysis and forensic engineering. In analyzing processes involved in mechanical engineering, the performance and output commonly depends on the properties of materials such as dislocations, grain materials, interference and heterogeneity. Before doing and using any materials, you need to know first its properties, and that is what materials science discusses about.

Knowing about material engineering is important.

Basic concepts and terminologies a mechanical engineer should know 

In studying materials science in your mechanical engineering degree, you need to learn the basic knowledge that are very useful and can be applied when designing a machine. As a mechanical engineer, you must know the classifications of materials which include metals, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, composites and biomaterials which have different properties that would be your basis of selection for your design. You also need to know what processes these materials undergo and their applications in the industries. A mechanical engineer also handles the testing of the material, so you should need to know the different methods of testing materials.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Get 5 FREE tips for becomming a better PLC programmer

Finding a job as a PLC programmer can be hard, even though factories all over the world are searching for good PLC programmers and automation engineers.

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When you are searching for a job as a PLC programmer you have to know these 5 tips. They will make it easier for you to get notified when you apply for a job, and you will be much more professional. Read about what you should think about when you think about improving your skills. It will also help you when you are going to search and apply for a job.

PS. I've started a website about PLC programming called PLC Academy. Check it out if you want to learn PLC programming and machine design with PLC's.

In the free PDF you will also get tips on what you can do to prepare yourself. Before you apply for a job as a PLC programmer you should read these tips to improve your chances of getting the job.

I have talked to factory managers allover the world, so these tips are from the managers and factories themselves.


Saturday, October 18, 2014

Introduction to Pneumatics - Using air for motion

Pneumatic technology is such a term that denotes to the utilization of pressurized gas for producing mechanical action. This technology is utilized in several industrial environments. These manufacturing factories are tested with inert gas or compressed air. Actually the air that’s used inside the pneumatic machines is dried. While the air is arid it’s free from dampness. When there’s no dampness in the air it can’t produce any difficulty to the inner segments inside the system. Oil or any other lubricants are also added thus the effect of friction could be reduced. With most appliances being air based they’re comparatively simple with design and need affordable materials for functioning.

As a consequence mass production could be input for developing pneumatic systems and this process will definitely save you a considerable amount of money and time. Significant technical benefits have kept pneumatic gadgets relevant within the ever changing manufacturing or industrial environment. One significant benefit is the total safety that could be found still within pneumatic field instrument. This benefit rotates about pneumatics aptitude to run without the utilization of electricity. With no electricity the harm of electrical sparkles can’t be created. With no spark your industrial environment danger of possible explosions or fires is decreased considerably.

Pneumatic fittings


Apart from that some specific pneumatic instruments could run within high radiation and high temperature industrial climates. This is a benefit since most of the electronic gadgets wouldn’t be capable of operating in these atmospheres without modify to solidify them. Though you can solidify electronic instrument, it’s more cost effective to utilize pneumatic instruments since they’re resistant to these surroundings by default. One more crucial feature of the pneumatic system is its unique capability to operate beneath a current failure. This’s possible because of containers which store compacted air regarding the precise reason of motor breakdown. Even the motor doesn’t run the machine could still function utilizing this amassed compressed air.

Comparing to hydraulic equipments pneumatic equipments have a cost benefit because of the truth that hydraulic equipment will charge you two times as a large amount as their pneumatic equivalents. Also while you contrast prices on setting up pneumatic water mechanization system with a standard electrical fitting the price savings by utilizing pneumatics are noteworthy. Closing as well as opening works nicely with pneumatic system because of its capability to uphold overload pressure states.

Apart from that, pneumatic actuators too pose an extended existence and will run with very less maintenance all through the life span of the actuator. Also pneumatic gadgets can be power driven by dense carbon dioxide. Since the pressure could be amassed within tiny cylinder, pneumatic appliances are easily transportable. Not like the physically operated tool, the air power-driven appliances are more powerful and efficient. Also air tools are often affordable and secure to run as well as sustain comparing to the electrical power appliances. Pneumatic tools have the advantage of having a superior power-to-weight-proportion. This enables a lighter and smaller device to be utilized to complete the same job.

Metals - Iron, Steel and Aluminum

Material is something that made of with matter form of one as well as more substances. This is also most used segment of any manufacturing or production unit. In this sense, any sorts of materials are the most essential part to create anything else from household products to building constructions. However, the terms of material is playing a most essential role in day to day life of people.

Apart from any others, materials are considered as the main source of mechanical engineering and industrial setting. Unprocessed raw material is used to made different types of finished products, which is used in different construction, distribution, and consumption.

There are various types of raw materials available to manage different needs such as:

Iron

Iron is a one chemical element within the sign of Fe as well as atomic number 26.  This is a one kind of metal in 1st transition series. Iron is also considered as the most general element for forming our complete planet Earth including both Earth's inner core and outer.  This is the 4th most common or required element in the earth coating. So, it is a most valuable and high required material in industrial settings and mechanical engineering sector.  Due to its flexible and long lasting quality this material is used in tiny product designing to large products designing.

Melted iron is a liquid

Steel

Steel is alloy of iron material and any others combined with carbon. While carbon is the main alloying element of steel and contain in the steel material within 0.002% to 2.1% as per the weight. However, steel is also containing some other elements to keep its durability and flexibility such as: carbon, silicon, sulfur, phosphorus, manganese, aluminum, nitrogen and oxygen. There are also some alloying elements deliberately combined to change the characteristics of steel such as: vanadium, titanium, boron, molybdenum, chromium, nickel, and manganese. Steel is one of the most precious and valuable element for different industrial settings and manufacturing units for production of different goods.

Aluminum

Aluminum is one chemical element within boron group in the atomic number of 13 and symbol Al.  This material looks silvery white and it never soluble in the water within the normal circumstances   Aluminum is also mentioned as the 3rd richest element after silicon and oxygen also it abundant element within the earth coating.  This material is making nearly about eight percentage of weight in the solid surface of earth.  This metal is also more chemically reactive, which native specimen is limited and rare to extreme decreasing of environments.  Apart from that, this material is a combination of more than 270 separate minerals in which main ore of this material is bauxite. This is also a low density mental, so most of the structural components are created from the Aluminium. Apart from these three, there are also numbers of materials available which are playing a most common role in the earth coating and in different manufacturing and mechanical production units. Now, there are also some new and advanced materials produced by combing these materials to make some long lasting structures.                        

Introduction to the Lathe

A lathe is considered as a machine gear that swivel the workpiece over its axis for performing different operations like sanding, cutting, drilling, knurling, deformation, turning,  and facing, with gears that’re applied with the workpiece for creating a point that has proportion approximately an axis of revolving.

Lathes are utilized in metalworking, woodturning, thermal spraying, metal spinning, parts reclamation as well as glass working. Most properly maintained metalworking lathes also could be utilized to deliver most solids of plane surface, revolution and helices or screw threads. Ornamental lathes could produce 3-dimensional solids of unbelievable complication. The materials could be held by either 1 or 2 centres, minimum one of which could be moved straight to lodge altering material length. Other work holding process comprise clamping the fastening the work approximately the axis of revolution utilizing a collet or chuck, or to any faceplate, utilizing dogs or clamps.  Instances of objects that could be produced over a lathe comprise gun barrels, candlestick holders, table legs, cue sticks, bowls, musical instruments, baseball bats, camshafts as well as crankshafts.

A green lathe in a metal workshop

Major categories of lathes:


Woodworking lathes

For you knowledge, woodworking lathes are considered as the oldest variety. In fact, all other diversities are come from these straightforward lathes. An adaptable horizontal metal bar – the instrument rest – amid the operator and material lodge the placing of shaping instruments, which are normally hand held. With wood, it’s normal practice to press as well as slide sandpaper adjacent to the still-spinning item after shaping to even the surface created with the help of metal shaping equipment. Also these are woodworking lathes regarding making plates and bowls, which have no straight metal bar, as the plate or bowl requires to be held only by one side from any metal facade plate. However, without this bar, there’s extremely little limit to the breadth of the portion being revolved.

Clue lathe

Clue lathe functions alike to turning as well as spinning lathe enabling for a properly radially equal cut regarding billiard cues. Also, they can be utilized to refinish cues that have been damaged over the years.

Reducing lathe

This kind of lathe is utilized in coin making where a wrap original is duplicated as well as decreased over the reducing lathe, delivering a master die.

Safety on lathes

Lathe is a power tool and it can seriously injure an individual if he misuses it or employ it regarding applications they’re not designed for. In fact objects could simply get caught up within spinning workpieces; operator must keep loose items like garments in a secured proximity from lathe tools. Some lathes do not comprise safety guards for preventing items from hurried out at the operators. In such cases, dust masks and goggles help decrease the danger of harm from airborne debris and dust.

Facts about lathes

All lathe tools, comprising metal lathes and wood lathes, have several critical elements. Lathe devices comprise a bed which offers a base regarding the device a tailstock and spindle to hold workload; a saddle for lodging house gears as well as other components.

Choose the Right Motor Type (AC or DC motor)

There are 2 major types of electric motors mostly used in different domestic and commercial settings like DC or direct current and AC or alternate current. The reference of AC or DC refers the way how electrical current is moved from or through the motors. Both kinds of motors have the different uses and functions.  In case of DC motors it normally comes in two types such as: brushes and brushless. Likewise AC motors are also comes in 2 different kinds as per use and requirement such as: two phase as well as three phase motors.

So, the differences within AC or DC motors are slight however these sorts of difference, which makes one kinds better for the particular use.

Choosing the right motor is essential

Choosing the DC motor

DC or direct current motors are used in such situation in where speed requires to be controlled. However, DC motors have a continue and stable current and it was the first initial motors comes to use. But these motors were found not better while it comes to generating power for longer span of time.  That’s why, electric companies were found by using DC motors to create electric didn't work because energy was lost while electric power was transmitted. Brush direct current motors are using rings, which perform current and form magnetic drive, which powers the rotor for comfortable works. Brush-less direct current motors are using a switch to generate magnetic drive which powers it rotor. However, DC motors are mostly found within the appliances regarding the home use.

Choosing the AC motor

In case of AC or alternating current electric motor used in different way based on it motor types. So, single phase alternating current is mentioned as the normal propose motors because these are working well in several different conditions. These sorts of motors excellent options for those systems, which are tough to start and required more power up front. On the other hand, three phase motors are mentioned as polyphase, which type of AC motors are mostly used in the industrial sector where high voltage need to power the heavy machines.  These sorts of motors are having huge starting power to made transmits lower levels to the overall power.

However, AC power has found its name from fact as per its alternative power supply process.  The percentage of energy given off through one AC motor is decided by the total of power required to operate any system.  AC or DC electric motors are used or found in everywhere includes home, car and industrial settings. Motors are playing a most essential role in day to day life of everyone to manage any of their works in comfortable manner.

What type of motor may be used or better but its really a great revolution, which can make many things easier and smoother. However, both AC or DC motor is having its own pros and cons that used in different settings for various requirement. So, these alternating current motor or direct current motor are having own specification  to work in different ways still both managed unique place and demand in the world of power.