Metal clay
Metal clay is a versatile material used by jewelry makers and artisans to create intricate designs. It consists of fine metal particles, usually silver, gold, or bronze, mixed with a binder and water, giving it the texture and consistency of clay. This allows artists to mold, shape, and sculpt designs by hand or with tools. Once the desired form is created, the piece is dried and then fired in a kiln or with a torch.
Metal injection molding
Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is a manufacturing process that combines the principles of injection molding and powdered metallurgy to produce complex metal parts with high precision and tight tolerances. This technique is particularly advantageous for producing small to medium-sized components that would be difficult or costly to manufacture using traditional methods. ### Process Steps: 1. **Feedstock Preparation**: A mixture of metal powder and a polymer binder is created.
Soldering
Soldering is a process used to join two or more electronic components together by melting a filler metal called solder. This solder, typically made of a mixture of tin and lead (or lead-free alternatives), is applied to the connection points, which are usually metal surfaces such as wires, circuit boards, or other electronic components. The basic steps of soldering include: 1. **Preparation:** The surfaces to be joined are cleaned to ensure good conductivity.
Spark plasma sintering
Spark plasma sintering (SPS), also known as pulsed electric current sintering (PECS) or spark plasma sintering, is a solid-state processing technique used to consolidate powder materials into dense bulk solids. It is particularly effective for ceramics, metals, and composite materials. The process involves the application of an electric current and mechanical pressure to the powder material, leading to rapid densification and relatively low sintering temperatures compared to traditional sintering methods.
Spark testing
Spark testing typically refers to the process of testing applications developed using Apache Spark, a popular open-source distributed computing system designed for large-scale data processing. Spark is often used in big data contexts for tasks like data transformation, analysis, and machine learning. Testing in Spark can involve several aspects: 1. **Unit Testing**: This involves testing individual functions or components of Spark applications to ensure they produce the expected results.
Tinware
Tinware refers to items made from tinplate, which is a thin sheet of steel coated with tin to prevent rusting. This coating makes the metal easier to work with and provides a decorative finish. Tinware has been used for a variety of purposes throughout history, including kitchenware, storage containers, and decorative items. Common examples of tinware include pots, pans, dishes, cups, and canisters.
Fluctuation loss
Fluctuation loss, often referred to in the context of economics and finance, generally describes the losses that occur due to variations or fluctuations in market conditions, such as prices, interest rates, or demand. It can also refer to unexpected changes in supply and demand that impact stability in a market or business environment. In a more specific context, fluctuation loss might occur in inventory management, where businesses may face losses due to fluctuations in demand that lead to overstock or understock situations.
Mokume-gane
Mokume-gane is a traditional Japanese metalworking process that creates a layered metal pattern, resembling wood grain. The term "mokume-gane" translates to "wood eye metal," which reflects the visual resemblance to wood textures. This technique was originally developed in the 17th century by Japanese samurai sword makers, who sought to create aesthetically pleasing and durable blades. The process involves layering different types of metals, typically including precious metals like gold, silver, and copper.
Niello
Niello is a black, metallic alloy that is used to create decorative designs on silver or other metals. It is made from a combination of sulfur with metals such as silver, copper, lead, or zinc. The process of using niello involves engraving or etching a design into the metal surface, after which the niello mixture is applied and heated. The heat causes the niello to bond with the metal, resulting in a contrasting design that is both visually striking and durable.
Openwork
Openwork refers to a collaborative and transparent approach in various fields, including finance, design, and software development, where multiple parties can contribute and interact in an open environment. The term can also relate to specific organizational structures or frameworks that emphasize community engagement, open communication, or shared resources. In a financial context, Openwork is a UK-based network that connects financial advisers with access to a range of financial products and services. It aims to support its members in providing independent financial advice to clients.
Pig iron
Pig iron is a raw material produced from the smelting of iron ore in a blast furnace. It typically contains around 3-4% carbon, along with varying amounts of other elements such as manganese, silicon, sulfur, and phosphorus. The name "pig iron" is derived from the traditional method of casting iron into molds that resemble a sow and her piglets. Pig iron is an intermediate product in the production of wrought iron and steel.
Pin brazing
Pin brazing is a specialized welding technique that utilizes a high-temperature process to join metal parts using a filler material. This method is often employed in applications where conventional welding might be difficult, such as in situations involving thin or sensitive materials. The process typically involves the following steps: 1. **Preparation**: The surfaces to be joined are cleaned and prepped to ensure good adhesion and minimize impurities.
Planing (shaping)
Planing, also known as shaping, refers to a woodworking process where a tool is used to create a flat surface on a piece of wood. This is typically accomplished using a plane, a hand-held tool or a machine specifically designed for shaping wood. There are various types of planes, each serving different purposes, such as smoothing, beveling, or making intricate cuts.
Polishing (metalworking)
Polishing in metalworking is a finishing process that enhances the surface quality of a metal workpiece by removing surface imperfections, such as scratches, oxidation, and roughness. The primary goal of polishing is to achieve a smooth, shiny, and reflective surface. This can improve both the aesthetic appearance and functional characteristics, such as corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning.
Silent butler
A "silent butler" is a small, typically elegant receptacle used to keep and transport crumbs, small waste, or leftover food from a dining table. It is designed to discreetly gather these items without making a mess and is often made from materials like wood, metal, or ceramic. The term often refers to a device that has a hinged or removable top to allow for easy access and cleaning.
Skiving (metalworking)
Skiving is a metalworking process used to achieve precise dimensions and a smooth finish on the outer or inner surfaces of a workpiece. It involves the removal of material through a cutting action, typically using a specifically designed tool or machine called a skiving tool or skiving machine. In skiving, the tool's cutting edge is presented to the workpiece at a slight angle, allowing it to shave or slice off thin layers of material.
Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR) is a system used for collecting and transmitting meteorological data from aircraft in flight. The primary purpose of AMDAR is to provide real-time atmospheric data to meteorological agencies and research institutions, which can enhance weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
Frequency response
Frequency response refers to the output of a system or device (such as an electrical circuit, speaker, or filter) as a function of frequency, quantifying how that system responds to different frequencies of an input signal. It is typically represented as a graph showing the amplitude (gain or loss) and phase shift of the output signal relative to the input signal across a range of frequencies.
Gating (telecommunication)
In telecommunications, "gating" refers to a technique used to control the flow of signals in a communication system. It involves the deliberate opening or closing of a signal path, allowing or blocking the passage of data or voice signals. Gating can be implemented in various forms and serves multiple purposes, including: 1. **Signal Control**: Gating can help manage which signals are allowed to pass through a system, ensuring that only relevant or necessary data is transmitted.
Metamaterial
Metamaterials are artificially engineered materials designed to have properties not found in naturally occurring materials. They achieve this through their unique structure rather than their composition, typically incorporating periodic arrangements of sub-wavelength unit cells. This design allows them to manipulate electromagnetic waves in unconventional ways.