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When consumers hear the term “clamshell packaging” they may imagine that it involves seafood of some variety or another. Many are unaware of just how often they are exposed to this method of marketing.

For example, in a single trip to a large grocery or department store a person may purchase a toy for a child, a “pay as you go cell phone” and a new shaving razor. All three of these very different items will more than likely arrive at the store in clamshell packaging.

Manufacturers have begun to rely on this flexible form of packaging because it can be inexpensively produced to very custom specifications. For example, that children’s toy may be a metal car, a small doll, or even a yo-yo, and a clamshell package can be designed, printed and molded to fit each product in a unique way.

Retailers like clamshell packaging as well because it is usually formed with a protective pocket of air around the merchandise, which reduces or even eliminates breakage during shipping and transportation. Should an item receive damage, the clear windows of clamshell packaging allow store clerks to identify unsalable items before they reach the shelves. This saves store owners a great deal of time and money since clerks can package up damaged goods for replacement or refund, and cashiers or customer service staff will not be forced to spend time helping customers who unknowingly bought a broken or damaged item.

Many manufacturers of clamshell packaging are currently at work around the globe, but it is a good idea to work with a company that has domestic as well as foreign offices to guarantee that design and manufacturing issues and schedules meet particular business needs.

Impact MFG is a global provider of clamshell and thermoformed packaging and products. The company has production facilities in the United States and Asia, allowing it to meet the shipping and assembly needs of many large scale, as well as significantly smaller, clients. The company can design, print, assemble and ship packaging products to any client, anywhere in the world. Visit Impact-MFG.com to learn more.

Impact Mfg has locations throughout the world and is an industry leader in clamshell packaging

Visit http://www.Impact -Mfg.com or call 800-579-IMPACT to learn more.

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Have you bought a package of batteries lately? How about a new electronic device? Have you taken a stroll down the cosmetics aisle? If you have done any of these things, chances are you have seen clamshell packaging in action.

Clamshell packaging has become a preferred method of displaying, merchandising and selling a great many products. This is due to its formability to any shape. For example, consider that package of batteries; it is a bundle of oblong, rounded objects, tucked perfectly into a bin that fits the battery’s dimensions exactly. This is done through the technologies behind clamshell packaging - which is generally referred to as thermoforming.

To create these wonderful containers, designers take an item, examine its needs - such as hanging needs - and consider shipping issues and the best methods of well securing a variety of shapes and sizes. They can then create the perfect shape to accommodate those many needs, and use the correct materials and machinery to manufacture inexpensive, reliable and sturdy packaging.

Additionally, some manufacturers of clamshell packaging offer complete design services, such as graphics, engineering (especially where fragile and breakable items are concerned), printing, manufacturing and even assembly. This can eliminate a tremendous amount of production cost for the makers of many products and items.

With Impact Mfg clamshell and thermoformed packaging and products are available across the globe. The company currently offers production facilities in the United States and Asia, which places the company in the ideal locations to assist customers around the world, quickly and efficiently. It offers comprehensive design and production services to companies of all sizes, needs and locations. Additionally, the company makes a wide variety of alternative packaging products available, including paper containers and cartons.

Impact Mfg is a global company that has built a reputation on creative and high quality clamshell packaging

Visit http://www.Impact -Mfg.com or call 800-579-IMPACT to learn more.

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Mechanical engineering influences our lives in many ways. The different fields of mechanical engineering try to make use of force, energy, and motion to build machines or gadgets to make our lives easier.

Mechanical engineering impacts our daily lives without us noticing it. When you turn the switch of your light, ride a train or bus, when you cross a bridge, and many more day to day activities - are all under the discipline of mechanical engineering.

The Different Disciplines of Mechanical Engineering

Like any other engineering fields, mechanical engineering has many subfields where people can specialize. The set of skills learned under these subspecialties are applied to practical use so our existence can be more productive and meaningful.

Here are some of the disciplines under mechanical engineering:

• Mechanics- this field entails the study of forces and its effects on things. This involves the analysis and prediction of how objects will react to the different stresses it may be subjected to. There are several sub disciplines in this field like statics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, mechanics of materials, and continuum mechanics

• Kinematics- under this discipline one will learn about the motion of bodies and system of bodies. The pistons of you cars or the crane that lifts heavy loads are practical uses of the principles of kinematics

• Robotics- involves the collaboration of different engineering disciplines like electrical engineering and software engineering with mechanical engineering. The fancy robots that we see being developed to help man assemble cars and other things primarily depend on the application of skills learned under this mechanical engineering discipline

• Structural Analysis- mechanical engineering shares this discipline with civil engineering and is primarily focused on why objects fail. It will decipher why structures will break or why they will not function as supposedly designed.

• Thermodynamics- this is a shared study with other fields of engineering. It deals with energy applied through building of power plants, ventilations, refrigeration, radiators, and anything that involves transformation of energy from one form to another.

• Drafting- this involves the instructions used to build machineries. Drawings are now aided by computers in a three dimensional representation.

What Lies Ahead

Mechanical engineering is a field that doesn’t stop on looking for answers to make life easier for us.

Boundaries are being crossed and minds pushed to their limits so mechanical systems can be safer, cost effective, and more efficient. Computer aided engineering is continually being developed to create more detailed and accurate models of products, assembly parts, and other interfaces.

There are recent advancements in the design and production of composite materials. Some good examples of these are carbon composite materials which are used in cars, airplanes, spacecrafts, and the simple high technology fishing rods.

There is also a considerable effort to build more machines which helps the automation of assembly lines and other things. Mechanical engineering helps build cars, automated parking lots, and simple automated dispensing systems.

Aside from the big things mentioned above, mechanical engineering also focuses on the small things. Nanotechnology interplays with molecular engineering which primarily aims to produce molecular assemblers. This field of engineering has big dreams that will have big impact on warfare, exploration, and health but is still on the exploratory stage.

Emics is a UKAS accredited laboratory specialising in Calibration and Inspection services.

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Mechanical engineering goes beyond operating trains only as it has been understood in the early days. Mechanical Engineering pertains to the workings and functions of mechanical systems.

Applications of Mechanical Engineering as Seen in History

Throughout history, there have been many instances that man has utilized the discipline of mechanical engineering.

In Greece, early inventors like Archimedes and Heron of Alexandria have done wonders following the principles of mechanical engineering. Their influences led to the development of mechanics in Western tradition. In China, inventions of early water clock, seismometer, and gears in chariots were the contributions that we see up to these days.

England and Scotland paved the way for the development of the field of engineering devoted to designing and producing engines to power machine tools. Britain’s organization of mechanical engineers was formed as early as 1847.

United States followed suit in gathering great minds in the field of mechanical engineering when they organized the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1880.

The boom of mechanical engineering was fully utilized during the World Wars when nations needed war machines to win their battles. Funds were released for the development of new air crafts, automobiles, tanks, and other weapons.

The scope of influence of mechanical engineers in our history proves how vital it is to closely work with them to make our lives a lot easier.

Education and Training

If you want to be a mechanical engineer, you have to go through extensive education and training. If you will major in the field you have to learn or better so master subjects like the following: Math, Physics, Solid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Fluid dynamics, Materials Science, manufacturing processes, and a lot more.

As a mechanical engineering major you will be exposed to a lot of lecture and homework format which focuses on solving problems related to your subjects. The curriculum often lets students interact with other engineering fields to start you early on the reality of the practice. As a mechanical engineer you will be working with other engineers in various disciplines.

The engineering departments of different universities worldwide make certain that you will also have the soft skills necessary to be successful in your field. This training may enhance your skills on writing, speaking, and planning.

Most universities also require a thesis from their students during the final year. If you will be a mechanical engineer major you will be tasked to design and develop a mechanical device like a vehicle or a robot. This will make you appreciate your text book by seeing the different principles being applied in real life.

After graduating from the university, most countries will require you to take a licensure to assess your technical knowledge, application capabilities, and legal know how as a mechanical engineer.

Working as a Mechanical Engineer

Your licensure will most likely guarantee you a job. Statistics show an increasing demand for mechanical engineers in different parts of the world from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia.

You will be joining the ranks of professionals who will be earning $40,000 annually as a starting engineer. Mechanical engineers who have gained experience in different fields or has gained undoubted expertise in a special field may be paid up at least around $100,000 per year.

Emics is a UKAS accredited laboratory specialising in Calibration and Inspection services.

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As a child or even up to now, you may be fascinated by robots that you see in different movies and television shows. These robots may play the role of a cop, an assistant to a space warrior, or one that can make your coffee.

In reality, robots are conceptualized and built following the principles of mechanical engineering. This field of engineering is primarily focused on studying machines and the mechanisms behind them.

Unlike what we see on TV, robots of today pertains to any machine which is programmable and have multifunctional mechanism systems. They are primarily designed to make our lives easier by moving materials, tools, parts, or doing something which may not be safe for humans.

Mechanical Engineering makes Robots Work

Building a robot does not just take welding different components to make moveable arms or feet. It involves the science and art in the area of mechanical engineering. To make robotic arms that lifts car parts, for example, takes the combination of hydraulics, pneumatics, electricity, and of course a help from a computer program.

If you are wondering about the usual components that make up a robot and how mechanical engineering makes them a reality, here are some of them:

• Effectors- This is the usual term used to describe the hand of the robot or something which is essential to do the function it is tasked to do. End effectors may not just be hands but they can be drill bits, welders, paint sprayers or simple grip handlers. Mechanical engineering principles are basically the reasons why these parts can move the way they are supposed to move or not break delicate materials that they handle.

• Sensor- The sensors of a robot will help it adjust to its environment. For example picking up something from a different spot using varying forces. The sensor are specifically designed, using mechanical engineering and other engineering principles, to process visual cues, or adjust force, speed, torque, or acceleration needed to complete a task efficiently

• Brain- This is the central of all functions for a robot. In collaboration with other fields of engineering, the principles of mechanical engineering dictate how hydraulics arms, pneumatic pumps, gears, and other components should coordinate. The brain says yes or no before other parts of the robot perform their tasks.

Robotics is a field of expertise that you might want to specialize if you are planning to do some of the things mentioned above. Robotics encompasses the ins and outs from the designing to the building of functional robots.

Robots in Our Lives

Robots play a lot of roles in our lives. Robots are helping us to accomplish a lot of things. They are popular choices for assembly lines, transporting heavy materials, spot welding, precision spray painting, or even bomb disposal.

They are highly commendable for performing repetitive tasks without tiring and committing errors. This is often seen in making microchips and circuit boards. Efficiency of production is often guaranteed by having robots around to do the job.

In recent years, robotic arms have helped doctors to operate on humans. They are often used when high precision is a necessity. Steady hands of robot guided by doctors have saved a lot of lives.

Mechanical engineering and other fields are continuously developing robots to be effective partners at work in our day to day functions.

Emics is a UKAS accredited laboratory specialising in Calibration and Inspection services.

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Asimo (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) is a two-legged humanoid robot that stands at 130 centimeters and weighs 54 kilograms. Asimo resembles an astronaut who wears a backpack. He can walk or run at speeds up to 4.3 mph on its two feet.

This humanoid robot was created by the engineers of Honda Motors, a company that is known as a producer of cars and power supplies. They began developing helper robots in 1986. Their vision is to create a robot that can easily move around or inside the house, and that means they have to perfect the walking technology of their project. Honda engineers started their first attempt with the use of boxes with legs. After the walking mechanism has been developed, they had added the head, arms and hands.

After all the hard work, Honda engineers developed a new technology that created a walking robot, and named it Asimo. Asimo is using a PowerPC that controls all the 26 joints. He can be controlled using a workstation or via remote control. He is powered by small but powerful servo motors that have a rotating shaft which can move the limbs or surfaces to an angle as commanded by the use of a controller. In addition, Honda engineers had created a 3D CPU that will give Asimo more computing power.

Asimo has many features that enables him to interact better with the people, here are some of them:

(a) Asimo can recognize moving objects- with the use of visual data captured by his camera that is attached to his head, he can recognize the movements of an object, the direction were it going and the distance it travels. Other applications that are included in this feature is the ability to follow a person, follow his/her movements or greet them when he or she approaches him.

(b) Asimo can recognize gestures and postures - because Asimo can interpret the movement and position of the human hand, Asimo can react accordingly to the natural movements of people. An example of this is when a person offers a handshake or give a wave, he will then respond to them by accepting the handshake or wave back to them. In addition to that, he can also recognize given directions like pointing to a specific place.

(c) Asimo can also recognize its environment and act in a safe way for him and to humans. An example of this is that he can recognize potential hazards like stairs and avoid humans being hit or bump by him.

(d) Asimo can distinguish sounds - he can distinguish voices and other sounds and identify the source of it. He can identify the person that is talking and responds to the persons name and face. Also, he can respond to different questions as he can either nod for yes or shake his head for no and can even speak out with a verbal answer.

As of year 2007, there are already 46 Asimo units being assembled by Honda engineers. Each of these units is available to for hire for $166,000 a year and cost less than $1,000,000 to manufacture.

Emics is a UKAS accredited laboratory specializing in Calibration and Inspection services.

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Plating describes surface covering where a metal is deposited on a conductive surface. Plating is used for many purposes, some of them are to decorate objects, corrosion inhibition, solder ability, hardens, improves wear ability, reduce friction, improve paint adhesion, alter conductivity, radiation shielding and for many other purposes. Different types of CA metal plating chemicals are gold plating, silver plating, rhodium plating, chrome plating, zinc plating, tin plating, alloy plating, composite plating, cadmium plating, copper plating, nickel plating, brass plating.

Gold plating means that a thin layer of gold is deposited into the surface of another metal. Mostly it is deposited in copper, silver, and chemicals. Gold plating is used in electronics, jewelry. Silver plating is mostly used in items like cutlery and candlesticks. Silver is cheaper than gold. So it is used as a replacement for gold. Rhodium plating is used on white gold, silver or copper and its alloys. Chrome plating can be used for decorative purposes, corrosion resistance, and increases hardness. Industrial chromium plating is also known as engineered chrome.

There are two types of industrial chrome plating like hexavalent chromium, and trivalent chromium. Zinc plating involves the electrolytic application of zinc by immersing clean steel parts in a Zinc salt solution and applying an electric current. Tinplate is sheet steel covered with a thin layer of tin. Tinplate is mostly used in the manufacture of tin cans. Tinplate was used for cheap pots, pans and other hollowware. It is not safe to eat food from a rusty tin can. Tinplate has been replaced by galvanized vessels. An electroplated alloy may be solid solution strengthened or precipitation hardened by heat treatment to improve the plating physical and chemical properties. Tungsten carbide, silicon carbide, chromium carbide, and aluminum oxide are commonly used in composite electroplating.

Cadmium plating is used in aerospace fasteners, military and aviation specs. Cadmium plating can be used for corrosion resistance, has relatively low thickness, and for salt atmospheres, lubricity and solder ability. Cadmium plating is under examination because of the environmental toxicity of the cadmium metal. Different types of nickel plating are bright nickel and semi-bright nickel. Bright nickel plating is used in automotive, electrical, hardware and other industries. Black nickel plating is lustrous and has a black or dark gray color. Plating is done with little or no agitation. Copper plating is the process in which a layer of copper is deposited on the item to be plated by using an electric current. Three basic copper plating are alkaline, acid and mildly alkaline.

Mari milian is an Expert author for Chicago metal plating chemicals and Los Angeles anodizing chemicals. She has written many articles like IL chromate conversion,CA metal plating chemicals. For more information visit metal-tekinc.com contact her at caterina.milian@gmail.com

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Mobile Yard Ramps are used for the unloading of rear loading trucks and standard ISO containers, without the need for a permanent docking bay. Using a mobile yard ramp with a single forklift truck is far more efficient and less time consuming than using a pallet truck.

Mobile Yard Ramps often come with safety features such as safety chains and wheel chocks, but extra care still needs to be taken to prevent accidents and injury. Safety considerations include:

1. Mobile Yard Ramps are constructed of steel and designed to support heavy loads. But be careful not to exceed their maximum specified load capacity.

2. When unloading always use the chocks to prevent the yard ramp moving, even if the ground appears level. Never use the mobile yard ramp on a slope.

3. The ground beneath the mobile yard ramp must be solid, ideally concrete or tarmac. Do not use on grass even if the ground seems firm.

4. Extra care should be taken in adverse weather conditions such as frost and ice.

5. The lip plate of the mobile yard ramp must be securely connected to the rear of the container or truck. Attach the safety chains to prevent any movement.

6. Drive at a safe speed when towing the mobile yard ramp to a new location. Damage can be done to the legs if driven over bumps and potholes at excessive speed.

7. If the mobile yard ramp is stored outside check for signs of rust damage before use. Regular checks should always be made of the legs, wheels, lip plate and deck surface. Any damage must be immediately repaired before further use.

8. Check the level of the hydraulic fluid on yard ramps that use hydraulic operation to adjust their height. Always look for signs of leaking hydraulic fluid.

9. Do not use the mobile yard ramp to enter the back of the lorry or container when the forklift truck is in operation.

10. Do not extend the mobile yard ramp above its specified safe operating height.

Common sense is the best advice for using a mobile yard ramp. If the yard ramp is old or damaged it is better to be replaced than risk continuing to use it. Renting mobile yard ramps is becoming a popular practice as regular maintenance is often included in the rental rates. Visit Chaseequipment.co.uk for information about renting mobile yard ramps.

James Todman is a freelance Web Content Editor. Chase Equipment has an extensive range of mobile yard ramps dock levellers, dock shelters and seals and tailor-made scissor lifts.

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In processing plants around the world, ribbon blenders are used to mix many thousands of products, from fertilizers and plastic resins to flavored coffees and cosmetics. The ribbon blender is one of the most common mixing/blending devices in service today, because it is one of the most versatile and cost-efficient mixers ever created. Its simple design makes it relatively easy to build. Simplicity also ensures easy maintenance.

At first glance, ribbon design appears to have changed very little in recent years. But the ribbon/rod/shaft design has actually been the object of considerable evolution in design during the last decade, and it certainly represents a critical element in blender design. The ribbon, support rods and shaft must be correctly matched to the physical properties of the product to boost blending efficiency and prevent mechanical failures.

The ribbon is designed to provide sufficient surface area and peripheral speed to move the bulk. An equally important measure is the differential between the inner and outer ribbons in the double spiral ribbon set. This differential determines the axial pumping action that ultimately moves the material toward the discharge.

The challenge is to induce vigorous agitation without over-stressing the ribbon, rods and shaft. For this reason, the system should be designed from the ribbons inward. Ribbon design determines the rod design, which in turn determines the shaft that is needed. A balanced design provides a system that blends quickly, produces minimal resistance as the ribbon/rod assembly moves through the bulk, and ensures long-term reliability.

Efficient discharge has become another important focus in ribbon blender design. Fast discharge is a function of axial pumping action especially the pumping action of the outer ribbon and the discharge valve design. Complete discharge requires controlled clearances and a clean design in the interior trough.

Denis Bernard
Charles Ross & Son Company
710 Old Willets Path
Hauppauge, New York 11788
Ribbon Blenders

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The term Rapid Tooling (RT) is used to describe a process which either uses a Rapid Prototyping (RP) technique as a medium to create a mold quickly or uses the Rapid Prototyping process directly to fabricate a tool for a limited volume of prototypes. RT takes less tooling time and cost than a conventional tool. It can be used to make multiple parts out of alternative materials. The rapid tooling processes include the following:

* Composite Injection
* Kirksite Injection
* Silicone Vacuum Cast
* Zinc and Aluminum Plaster Cast
* Spray Metal Injection
* Sand Cast

Rapid tooling is becoming a new model for the industry. It’s used as prototype tooling and used mainly for low-volume production. Depending on the part design and the choice of the material being injected, there can be numerous parts developed through this technique. The rapid prototype tooling services creates precise molds faster and with high-speed milling capabilities. The RT machines can run up to 42,000 RPMs and can have a tolerance of .0002″. It is the most accurate method of any rapid prototyping equipment used for rapid tooling. RT is not about the process but it is all about fast results that can be achieved and success is gained by employing a leading-edge technology. It is the combination of tools, methods, processes and people that makes the solution rapid. Rapid tooling is the result of an additive process driven by 3D (Dimensional) CAD (Computer Aided Designs and requires little or no machining. The use of “rapid tooling” in work area attracts the attention of buyers and consequences are direct increase in sales.

EMS USA provides rapid prototyping services, such as stereolithography (SLA), rapid tooling, rapid manufacturing

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