A Brief Look at Common Industrial Machinery
Society consumes so much. We like to buy and use but not necessarily re-use. So how can all the things we use be produced swiftly enough to satisfy the latest trends and our cravings for all things new? The answer is industrial machinery.
So few items are now handmade. Automated mechanical equipment has made it easier, cheaper and faster to produce electronics, other common devices and objects we use on a daily basis.
Have you ever given much thought to what goes on behind the scenes at a factory? Take a look at some of the most common industrial machinery thanks to which we can afford to have so many material things.
Conveyor Belts
The classic conveyor belt is predominantly used to transport goods and parts. It often plays a huge role in any factory’s assembly line whether it’s a chocolate or car production company.
The system is based on pulleys and a transmission belt. Speed can usually be adjusted. Diagonal or vertical belts with small “shelves” are known as elevator belts and can be used to lift objects.
Common uses for the simple but clever piece of machinery include the offloading of goods from vehicles, the transporting of coal from within mines, and the transferring of items to be completed or packed up.
The device dates back to the 19th century that saw the development of the mining industry.
Welding Machines
Welding is the process of joining materials such as metal and plastic. It involves melting parts of the two or more pieces to be joined together so they stick. Commonly used energy sources are lasers, ultrasound, gas flames and electric arcs that provide enough heat to melt most materials.
The machines are automated, however do require someone to handle them, and watch out for any potential dangers as live flames and lasers are in operation. It’s vital for welders to wear protective clothing, visors and goggles.
Welding machines have made blacksmiths’ jobs much easier. Without the advent of the machinery, many things we consider to be intrinsic parts of our daily lives couldn’t exist in such vast quantities.
Cooling Towers
Cooling towers are used in industrial settings like chemical plants and power stations, as well as in certain domestic air conditioning units. Their manufacturing process specification purpose is to remove any excess heat generated throughout production and mechanical processes. Thanks to them fires and explosions can be averted.
Most people will have seen giant chimney-like cooling towers outside power stations. These are known as natural draft towers. Contrary to what a lot of us think, the vapour you can see escaping them is not dangerous smoke, but rather steam that has evolved during the cooling process.
An alternative to the chimney-style tower is the forced draft tower that is a square shape. These are primarily used on industrial sites and outside office buildings where they support the air conditioning system in place.
Portable cooling tower rental is commonplace as extra cooling can be required at unexpected moments and …