Air Cylinders

These cylinders are comprised of a shaft, a rod, and a plunger. The plunger is attached to one end of the rod and is contained within the shaft of the cylinder. When compressed air is pumped into the shaft, the air presses against the plunger and causes the rod to extend out of the shaft. The rod is then retracted using compressed air or springs. Air cylinders are commonly used in the metal working, automotive, mining, and food processing industries as well as many others. Learn more about air cylinders.

Air Filters

Air filters are a components of virtually all air handling equipment and systems. Designed to capture undesirable or harmful particles like dirt, dust, pet dander, mold spores, pollen, gases and odors, air filters are essential to the maintenance of healthy air quality within an enclosed space. Air filters can be found inside air conditioners, cars and vehicle engine components, humidifiers, in-home heating systems, commercial heating systems, direct air machines and ventilation systems.

They are especially important within spaces that require cleaner than average air, such as hospitals, nursing homes and the rooms and homes of people suffering from allergies. In order to meet the many different application that require them, air filters are available in a variety of different shapes and sizes, with filter materials of many different densities. Typically, however, these filter materials are a combination of a fibrous material and a screen through which air may pass. In addition, there are many different specialized air filters available on the market, including air compressor filters, HEPA filters, HVAC filters, inline filters, membrane filters and ULPA filters. Discover which air filters are best for your application by discussing your specifications with an experienced manufacturer. Learn more about air filters.

Ball Screws

Ball screws are products that are designed to convert rotational motion into linear motion.

This function allows for movement of parts and devices along a single axis. These come in different configurations such as ground ball screws, rolled ball screws, precision ball screws, and more. Learn more about ball screws

Ball Valves

In situations where a stop valve with simply on/off capabilities are required many will turn to a device known as a ball valve.

This type of valve is engineered to have a ball in the middle of the valve which either blocks the flow or allows the substance to pass through. Ball valves are designed to handle many types of materials such as liquids, gases, and suspended solids. Ball valves can also be manufactured from stainless steel, brass, plastic, cast iron and more. Learn more about ball valves.

Brush Manufacturers

Brushes are tools made with bristles, wires, or other filaments for cleaning, painting, and surface treatment tools. It is one of the most diverse, versatile, and simple tools. From the simplest brooms to the heaviest-duty power brushes and sweepers, brushes have been and continue to be an important part of a wide range of industrial and commercial operations. Learn more about brushes.

Butterfly Valves

There are several types of butterfly valves, each with a unique purpose. A high-performance butterfly valve is used to control the flow in systems with extremely high pressure. A pneumatic butterfly valve, on the other hand, is optimal for pressurized air systems that operate at a much lower pressure. For more complex systems, butterfly valves with multiple shut-off points are necessary. A triple offset butterfly valve provides a tighter seal because it is mounted in three positions.

Further versions of the butterfly valve use a different method of pipe connection. A flanged valve, for example, has raised edges in the enclosure so that the valve can be bolted in between two pipes. Another type of valve called a wafer butterfly valve is installed in between two flanges with nuts and bolts. A traditional valve has a manually operated control lever, but electronic controls are also possible and even desirable for automated systems. Learn more about butterfly valves.

Cardboard Tube Manufacturers

Cardboard tubes, or paper tubes, are cylindrical products fabricated from wood pulp which has been made into different varieties of cardboard such as fiberboard, paperboard, kraft paper and paper-adhesive composites. Cardboard tubes are used for a wide variety of functions in different industries and are typically fabricated from ribbons of cardboard wrapped around a mandrel in the desired dimensions.

Cardboard tubes can be made to fit a broad range of products, and are made in different levels of structural strength and thickness, depending on the level of protection required. Most commonly used for mailing tubes and shipping tubes, cardboard tubes are readily available for papers, posters, documents and pieces of artwork which are able to be rolled into a cylindrical shape. These poster tubes are able to withstand the pressure and stress that occurs during transit as they are formed from a material such as high quality kraft paper. Kraft tubes are strong and are often used in shipping and packaging. Other common uses for cardboard tubes include: paper cores providing structural strength to items such as rolls of fabric, paper towels or toilet paper, and electrical wires, coin banks for collecting money and donations, caulking tubes for construction projects, grease cartridges for use in the automotive and mechanical industry and paper cans which are used widely in packaging for foods, cosmetics and merchandise. Another specific use for cardboard tubing is by contractors and construction industries that use large, heavy duty and highly durable cardboard tubes, called Sonotubes®, for concrete pillar forming. You can find Sonotube® manufacturers and concrete tube producers here on IQS Directory. Learn more about cardboard tubes.

Carrying Cases

It is hard to imagine the world without carrying cases. They are put to use every day in a massive variety of ways. They get our stuff from point A to point B without damage. When they fail, we are at a loss, whether financial, material, or for kind words. With the ability to purchase or customize a quality case for nearly any purpose, getting things where they need to be, intact, is no longer a gamble.

Carrying cases come in many shapes, sizes, and compositions. They are often rectangular, sometimes with recesses or pockets to secure items. They may be tubes with sealed end caps and/ or hinged sides. They may be internally or externally shaped to the contours of the things inside. Carrying cases may be flame retardant, static free, resistant to electromagnetic interference, or waterproof. They may be hard or soft sided, single chambered or compartmentalized, and may have wheels for ease of movement.

More than just boxes and bags, custom carrying cases provide quality protection for the safe transport of delicate, sensitive, unruly, or potentially dangerous items, equipment, or materials. The case size, shape, and composition will be dependent upon the material in transit. Learn more about carrying cases.

Centrifugal Pumps

Centrifugal pumps are used to increase the fluid pressure by using rotational kinetic energy. Inside the pump a rotating impeller will rotate creating energy and moving the liquid to the center of the impeller.

This causes pressure to increase downstream in a pipe and forcing the liquid to move. Generally there are several different types of pump heads associated with a centrifugal pump. These pump heads include: total dynamic, total static, static suction, static lift, static discharge, dynamic suction and dynamic lift. Learn more about centrifugal pumps.

Check Valves

Check valves are a type of valve that is designed to prevent unwanted to backflow and only allow materials to flow in one direction.

When the materials attempt to flow backwards the valve will then react and create a seal. Check valves are ideal not only for eliminating backflow but also for their simple design.

Although check valves come in a variety of different sizes and configurations it is hassle-free product that can be used in virtually any industry that requires reliable flow control. Learn more about check valves.

Cold Headed Parts

Cold headed parts are products or stock shapes created using a specialized cold working process, which is part of a broader category known as cold forming. Unlike traditional methods involving heat, these techniques operate at ambient temperatures. Despite the term "cold," these metallurgical processes generally occur at room temperature using specialized machinery.

Learn more about cold headed parts.

Conveyor Belts

Belt conveyors belong to a class of conveyor systems designed to transport various materials from one point to another and across different stages of processing. Conveyor systems employ diverse methods to facilitate this movement, including floor chain conveyors, overhead chain conveyors, and more. Among these, belt conveyors stand out as the most prevalent type.

Belt conveyors utilize a wide polymer or rubber belt that loops around two or more uni-directional pulleys, which rotate to propel goods and parts of varying shapes and sizes along the conveyor. They find extensive use across multiple industries such as industrial manufacturing, retail manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage processing, defense, paper, aerospace, and automotive sectors.

Conveyor belts are essential transportation systems for goods, bulk materials, or energy. They utilize rollers, wheels, and pulleys to drive and support continuous movement platforms. These systems range from simple designs with a belt around two rollers on a frame to highly intricate setups. Complex conveyor systems play crucial roles in manufacturing processes, managing tasks from raw material handling to container packing for shipping. They vary widely in scale, from small applications like drive belts in vacuum cleaners and sewing machines to large-scale installations capable of moving farm equipment, airplanes, and more.

Learn more about conveyor belts.

Corrugated Boxes

Corrugated boxes are storage and shipping containers that are constructed of corrugated materials. The term corrugated material refers to material (usually a type of paperboard) that is rippled, fluted or ridged. Corrugated containers are usually composed of a corrugated fiberboard, a common form of material that consists of a corrugated sheet sandwiched between layers of flat sheets. Despite the inaccuracy of the term, "cardboard box" is widely used to refer to this type of container. Learn more about corrugated boxes.

Diaphragm Valves

Diaphragm valves are one of the many flow control devices available on the market today. They offer precision regulation to liquid, gas, and semi-solid slurry flows alike. Diaphragm valves regulate the transport of process streams by sealing process flow lines, either partially or fully, with a flexible membrane that is stretched by an actuator.

Valves may be manual, automatic, pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic. They are reliable and easy to install and maintain, and as such, they have applications in quite a few industries. These industries include agriculture, biopharmaceuticals, chemical processing, energy production, food processing, irrigation, medicine, mining, plumbing, pulp and paper, and water treatment. Learn more about diaphragm valves.

Dynamometers

Dynamometers, which are also known as dynomometers, dynometers and dynos, are devices that measure the force generated by something, usually an engine. They can also be used to determine horsepower, maximum rotary speed and maximum power absorption. They are sometimes called motor testers when used for these purposes, though the term "motor tester" is frequently used in reference to electric motor diagnostic equipment.

Dynamometers use a variety of devices to take measurements. For example, many dynamometers use small instruments made only of a transducer, strain gauge and display screen. These devices turn torque force into an electrical signal that they can amplify, convert and display as a measurement. Other dynos use motor testers, which work by using voltage and current probes bound to motor input wires to connect the system to internal voltmeters, ammeters and ohmmeters. Motor testers may be used to determine direction, torque, voltage, power, current, cut-out speed and efficiency. Still others use a non-contact speed sensor that can measure motor shaft speed and thereby ascertain its number of rotations per minute. Learn more about dynamometers.

Electric Coils

An electric coil or electromagnetic coil is an electrical conductor, usually wire, in the shape of a coil or similar shape. Most of these coils are wrapped around a core made of a ferrous material such as iron.

This simple component can be used in countless applications, due in large part to the unique interactions between magnetic fields and electrical current in such a configuration.

Electric coils are a common component of heating units. In heating applications, the device may be an electromagnetic coil generating heat through induction, or a simple resistance-based heating element in a coil shape.

In order to fit a wide array of applications, there are many types of electric coils differentiating in terms of wire gauges, wire lengths, coil diameter and the materials around which the wire is wound. Electric coil varieties are all able to be customized to meet specific demands. Also, in addition to transmitting heat, sound or electricity, electric coils are required to perform several different functions. For instance, electronics, automotive, medical, computer, appliance and telecommunication industries rely heavily on electric coils in order to produce movement, regulate flow and/or transform electric currents. While these may seem like very different functions, the basic electromechanical principles used in all electric coils are generally the same: a conductive metal wire is wound around an insulator, which could be a material as simple as cardboard or plastic, or even air. The two ends of the wire are usually made into electrical connection terminals called "taps", which are then connected to an electric current. When the current moves through the coiled wires, the coil itself becomes magnetized (although in some cases it can become demagnetized). The force created by this phenomenon is harnessed by companies such as solenoid valve manufacturers, electric motor producers, and MRI machine suppliers, among others. 

Electronic coils are a type of electrical conductor. Also known as magnetic coils or electromagnetic coils, they get their name from the shape in which they are wound. This shape is a coil, also known as a spiral or a helix. Electric coils are mainly designed to transmit electricity, heat or sound. Also, they are generally used to produce movement, regulate flow and/or transform electric currents in applications related to telecommunications, computers and appliances. Typically, they‘re made from metal wire.

Electric coils can work in a few different ways. Some work when an electric current passes through them and creates a magnetic field. Others work when they‘re fed by a voltage-generating time-varying magnetic field. In this scenario, the field is found outside of the coil, but the voltage passes through it.

Electric coils are found in a wide variety of industries, including electronics, automotive engineering, healthcare and energy. Within these industries, they manifest in a variety of iterations, including solenoid coils, molded or encapsulated coils, induction coils, transformer coils and choke coils. Of these, solenoid coils are the most widely used. They allow for remote machinery activation and remote switching as they carry currents through the coils and become magnetized. Learn more about electric coils.

Electric Heaters

Electric heaters are utilities used for heat generation. The use of electric heaters throughout industry, commerce and consumer products contexts is widespread and varied; the number of different heater configurations and applications grows almost daily. Some heater varieties resemble each other very closely. Band heaters and strip heaters, for example, are distinguished from each other only by the fact that band heaters are usually slightly smaller and more flexible than strip heaters.

The variety of electric heaters on the market is astounding, sometimes with cross over styles and sometimes not. Cartridge heaters sometimes qualify as immersion heaters, but not always. Sometimes, a heater‘s name is descriptive of its use, as is the case with drum heaters. In other cases, a heater‘s name is descriptive of its configuration, as is the case with tubular heaters. Some heater terms can be used interchangeably; air heaters and duct heaters are both used in HVAC filter systems to heat air, though a free-standing space heater could also be considered an air heater but not a duct heater. Both could be described as circulation heaters, though some circulation heaters are used to heat liquids in a containment system. All of these heaters can be considered process heaters, depending on their use, and they are all likely to feature wire or coil heating elements with ceramic, mineral or other insulation material. Despite the seeming interchangeability of terms and the confusion it can cause, each variety contributes to an important industrial process or commercial utility as well as some purposes in the context of consumer products.

An electric heater is any electric-powered device used to create heat. They are used in a great variety of contexts. In manufacturing and industrial processing, electric heaters can provide localized heat to an area within a machine to help shape or melt materials, heat liquid tanks, radiate heat through the air or preserve the molten state of a substance. Strip and band heaters as well as cartridge and air heaters are all frequently used for these purposes. In metal, plastic and rubber extrusion, for example, the friction generated as a natural expression of the extrusion process does not always generate sufficient heat to plasticize the materials intended for extrusion. Heaters can be used as a supplement to generate and sustain material plasticization, which contributes to a more efficient process and helps yield a higher-quality extruded product. Heat is an essential part of many other manufacturing processes as well. In packaging, foam fabricating, metal fabricating and food processing industries, cartridge heaters are most often inserted through a custom-sized hole into equipment parts that require localized or high temperature heat. Radiating heaters like immersion heaters and tubular heaters are used to heat liquid or air in water treatment facilities, residential applications, commercial buildings and many other applications.

Every electric heater consists of a few parts that are essential for electrical heat generation. Electric heating is the process by which electricity is converted into thermal energy. An electric charge is usually conveyed by electrons flowing through a medium. When such a medium is connected to an electrically resistant material, the electrons collide with the atomic particles of the resistor, causing them to vibrate. The noticeable expression of that vibration is heat. In the case of electric heating, the resistor is called the heating element. Heating element composition and configuration is variable. Coil heaters can be a simple metal resistor coiled into a spiral shape. Others can feature elaborate configurations and advanced ceramic insulators to maximize heat generation, direct heat distribution and otherwise control the qualities of the heat more effectively. Electric heaters only need heating elements to generate heat, but most of them feature some kind of insulation, and almost all of them feature a sheath of stainless steel, aluminum, nickel or another material to improve performance and extend operating life. Insulation is necessary in many types of electric heaters to retain and absorb electrical energy so that it can be released as heat energy by surrounding coils or materials.

Ceramics are the most common types of insulation, although electric heaters can be fitted with mineral, mica or fiberglass insulation as well, depending on the heater‘s application requirements. Radiating types of electric heaters transfer heat from ceramic cores or complete heating elements by moving heat through the air with fans, as is the case with space heaters, or through hot air ductwork systems, as is the case with duct heaters. Each application for electric heaters will require a standard for material make-up, temperature capacity and power. Non-electric heating systems can involve coal, wood, gas or water, although most of these alternatives are far less energy-efficient than electric heat generation. Electric water heaters, for example, are more environmentally sustainable and economical than other heating methods. Safety is another crucial concern when purchasing a heater. Different heaters respond in different ways to different environments and applications. Successful industry professionals carefully choose electric heaters based on a foundation of clear knowledge about the operating conditions in which an electric heater will be employed and to what tasks a heater will be applied. Learn more about electric heaters.

Electric Hoists

Hoists are used to facilitate the raising, lowering, and transport of goods and materials in industrial settings where conveyor systems or cranes are not feasible or functional. The hoist incorporates the use of a cable, rope, or chain with a pulley or system of pulleys to provide the lifting capabilities. They may be manually operated or powered by pneumatic air, hydraulics, or electricity.

The most widely recognized hoist systems are found in elevators, although there are thousands of other applications throughout many industries, including automotive, paper, mining, forestry, gas, petroleum, shipyards, energy, and nuclear.

Hoists used in pharmaceutical applications may be required to lift very heavy loads in a clean room environment. Food service hoists must meet sanitary standards for safe food handling. Those used in production facilities may have to withstand extreme temperatures, harsh or toxic environments, or continuous heavy operation. Hoists may even be explosion proof for use in areas where flammable materials are handled. Learn more about electric hoists.

Electric Motors

Electric motors are used to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. These motors are comprised of electric coils and magnets.

The electromagnetic interactions between the coils and magnets produce mechanical forces which can be utilized to power many different kinds of devices and machinery.

There are many different kinds of electric motors including DC motors, AC motors, universal motors, servo motors, stepper motors, linear motors, and many others. These different electric motors are used in a broad range of applications like in powering hard drives, household appliances, and power tools. Learn more about electric motors.

Electric Switches

Electric switches are devices that can open or close an electrical circuit. A majority of electric switches are binary devices that are either (1) closed to allow electrical current to pass through the circuit, or (2) open and unable to transmit current. Other types of electric switches have multiple closed positions that allow currents of varying voltages to pass through, which alters the output of the device or equipment to which the switch is attached.

The term circuit breaker is sometimes used as synonym for an electric switch. This stems from the "open" status of a switch, in which an electrical circuit is physically altered or disrupted in order to "break" the circuit and prevent current flow. More accurately speaking, however, a circuit breaker is a safety-related accessory responsible for changing the switch to an "open" status when too much electrical current exists. 

Electric switches are electrical components designed to safely open or close an electrical circuit. Note that an open electrical circuit is not connected, while a closed circuit is connected. So, though it seems counterintuitive, if a circuit is open, current cannot pass through it and it is not working. Likewise, if a circuit is closed, current can pass through it and it is working.

Some electric switches work only in the open and closed positions. They are known as binary devices, since they have only two states. There are many other switches, though, that permit varying voltages to pass through them. These switches, instead of just having an open position and a closed position, have several different closed positions, which allow them emit varying amounts of output. To understand this better, think of dimmer lights.

Electric switches were originally invented so that people could safely and simply control of the flow of electricity. Today, they do just that. They are typically small and discrete, but they literally bring light to our world, among other things. We use them constantly, whether we‘re at home reading by lamplight, at a factory operating industrial machinery or using cleaning tools in a dental office. Learn more about electric switches.

Electronic Connectors

Electrical connectors compose a vast family of very different devices that possess the common denominator of somehow completing an electrical circuit. Connectors provide a convenient way to form electrical circuits that can be disassembled in the future should the need arise.

The most familiar connectors are found at the ends of power cords and in wall sockets; they are used to transmit electric power (usually AC) between a power source and a device that operates on electric power. Other connectors form electrical circuits between pieces of equipment themselves. Since connectors are largely used to create more flexibility in creating and maintaining circuits, many of them are designed to be temporary (in the case of various portable appliances). However, a connector can serve as a more permanent electrical link between two wires or machines (e.g. a television cable). 

Electronic connectors are devices that connect two or more electrical terminations in order to create electrical circuits. Composed simply of plugs and jacks, they do so by conducting electricity between said terminations. In this context, the circuits may come in the form of cables alone, or they can manifest as one cable and one electrical terminal.

Regardless, there are three main types of electronic connectors: temporary connectors, permanent connectors and assembly required connectors. The first type of connector is mostly used in portable equipment, where it can expect its lifespan to be relatively short. Permanent connectors, on the other hand, are placed in equipment or applications where they are expected to function successfully for a long time. Finally, assembly required connectors are just as they sound. They require assembly. Typically, they are best used in applications that, while trusting in longevity, plan for the option of removal or replacement down the road. In addition, some electronic connectors are made to fit specific applications. Examples of electronic connector applications include: DIN connectors for loudspeakers, PCB connectors for printed circuit boards and connectors for military equipment. To make connectors appropriate for the military, manufacturers use specific materials and sizes that meet military specifications. Learn more about electronic connectors.

Electronic Enclosures

Electrical enclosures are boxes that shield electronic equipment such as conduits, connections and switches from the environment and from tampering. Learn more about electronic enclosures.

Electronic Enclosures

Electronic enclosures, also known as electronic cabinets, are structures used to house electrical systems and wiring. Often manufactured as boxes, electronic enclosures are made to protect their contents from physical damage from impact, moisture, contaminants and the like. They also protect their contents from electromagnetic interference. In turn, electronic enclosures can protect people from electrical surges and other dangers like that. In essence, electronic enclosures are shields, jackets or tents.

Electronic components typically found housed within electronic enclosures include audio equipment, switches, computer servers, conduits and general connections. Because electrical equipment is so sensitive, electronic enclosures are important components of electrical equipment used in many industries. These industries include industrial manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, automotive engineering, transportation and more. Basically, though, they‘re found anywhere there is electronic equipment, including in the home, in commercial buildings, in libraries and in stop lights.

Some of the most commonly produced electronic enclosures include: access points, labels, lids, keypads, removable panels and vents. Typically, they are made from materials including rigid plastics and metals like stainless steel, carbon steel and aluminum. To increase their corrosion resistance, enclosures can be galvanized. Likewise, to alter their appearance, they can be painted. In general, electrical enclosures are highly customizable. Learn more about electronic enclosures.

Fastener Manufacturers

"Fasteners" refer to hardware used to mechanically join or secure two or more materials together. Unlike cables and chains, which have other primary functions, fasteners include items like screws, nuts, and bolts. There are over 500,000 types of fasteners, available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and types. Fasteners have countless applications, including securing building structures, furniture, cars, airplanes, jewelry boxes, and basketball hoops.

Learn more about fasteners.

Flexible Shaft Couplings

A shaft coupling is used to join two shafts together and to ensure that the two shafts rotate together.

Rigid couplings connect well-aligned shafts, while flexible shaft couplings are used to cancel out the misalignment between two shafts.

These components can also be used to absorb or reduce shock and vibrations. Some of the many different kinds of couplings include bellows couplings, flywheel couplings, jaw couplings, universal joints, fluid couplings, and torque limiters. Couplings are commonly used in power transmissions, generators, wheels, pumps, and turbines. Learn more about shaft couplings.

Floor Gratings

The term "floor grating" is a term that covers the wide variety of frameworks used as flooring or flooring supplemental features. In general, grates are made up of patterned, slotted and/or perforated bars and sheets, configured to a grid. Bars and sheets are typically made either from metal or from fiber-reinforced plastic. Floor grating in particular is used to improve flooring with better grip, filtering, draining and the like. Floor gratings can boost slip resistance and decrease the risk of falls because their grid work creates a textured surface. They improve ventilation and/or visibility in high risk workplaces like warehouses and factories by allowing air, light and sound to pass through them. Also, when they function as drain grates, floor gratings allow water, oil and other potentially hazardous liquids and debris to exit from floor surfaces.

Floor grating may be permanently installed on top of existing floor, permanently installed as primary flooring or placed in areas temporarily as mobile grating. As noted, floor gratings may be constructed either from metal or from fiber reinforced plastics. Typically the metals chosen include brass, iron, stainless steel and, from time to time, aluminum. The fiber reinforced plastics used in floor grating fabrication may be made from a variety of different plastic and fiber combinations. Possible plastics include vinyl ester resin, polyester resin, epoxy and vinylester. The vast majority of the time, the chosen fiber is a glass fiber. Glass fibers may be made with a number of different types of glasses, containing various possible minerals, such as: silica or silicate, limestone, dolomite, colemanite, magnesium, calcium, fluorspar and kaolin clay. When the chosen plastic is reinforced with the glass fiber, it becomes a fiber reinforced plastic known as fiberglass. Learn more about floor gratings.

Flow Meters

Flow meters are instruments used to measure and monitor the flow rate of liquids, gases, and vapors in a system. They are widely used in various industries, including oil and gas, chemical processing, water treatment, and manufacturing, to control and regulate the flow rate in a system.

There are different types of flow meters, including differential pressure flow meters, positive displacement flow meters, electromagnetic flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, and turbine flow meters. Differential pressure flow meters use the pressure drop across an orifice plate to measure flow rate, while positive displacement flow meters use the movement of fluid through a chamber to measure flow rate. Electromagnetic flow meters use Faraday‘s Law of electromagnetic induction to measure the flow rate of conductive fluids, and ultrasonic flow meters use sound waves to measure the flow rate of fluids. Turbine flow meters use the rotation of a turbine in the fluid stream to measure flow rate.

Flow meters are used in many applications, including monitoring the flow rate of liquids in pipelines, measuring the flow rate of gases in combustion engines, and monitoring the flow rate of water in irrigation systems. Flow meters are also used in manufacturing processes to measure the flow rate of raw materials and finished products.

Learn more about flow meters.

Fractional Horsepower Motors

A fractional horsepower motor (FHP motor) is a small electric motor. Its power output is measured as a fraction of one horsepower. Typically, fractional horsepower motors are mounted on frames. Though no formal standard specifies a minimum size, most fractional horsepower motors are too large to fit into a pocket. Almost all have a power rating below that measures below one horsepower; larger motors are referred to as integral horsepower motors, and their power ratings are specified by integer multiples of one horsepower. Notably, motors on frame sizes 42, 48, and 56 are considered fractional horsepower motors even if the motor‘s power exceeds one horsepower.

Fractional horsepower motors are very common in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. There are two major types of fractional horsepower motors. Standard fractional horsepower motors are those larger than 1/20 horsepower. They are distributed among in kitchen appliances, grocery store conveyor belts, and vacuum cleaners. Very small motors, those of 1/20 horsepower or less, are referred to as sub-fractional horsepower motors or micro motors. They are often found powering small consumer devices such as electric toothbrushes and toys. Learn more about fractional horsepower motors.

Gas Spring Manufacturers

Gas springs, also known as gas struts, gas pistons, or gas shocks, are versatile mechanical devices that store energy pneumatically using high-pressure gas within a cylinder. These devices often replace or complement traditional mechanical springs. Functioning similarly to air cylinders, a piston in a gas spring is compressed or extended based on the pressure differential between internal and external gases. Their applications typically involve exerting force through the gas-filled cylinder and providing oil-based shock absorption, known as damping. Gas springs are used to enhance the opening, closing, lifting, lowering, adjusting, and damping of various mechanisms.

Learn more about gas springs.

Gasket Manufacturers

In industrial terms, a gasket, or an industrial gasket, is a mechanical seal used to bridge the gap between two surfaces. Gaskets are used to create high-pressure seals between parts or surfaces. They put an end to the potential for leaks from or into products or areas. They ensure the smooth and proper functioning of many of the gadgets and equipment we use in our everyday lives. Learn more about gaskets.

Gears

Gears are devices used to transfer torque from one part of a mechanical system to another. Equally spaced teeth along the outside of the gear interlock with the teeth of other gears to transfer rotational motion.

There are many shapes, sizes, and types of gears, and each type serves different applications. Spur gears, splines, and planetary gears all utilize straight, axis-aligned teeth, while worm and helical gears have teeth that wrap around the axis like a screw. There are also conically shaped bevel gears which are frequently used as rear end gears in automobiles. Learn more about gears.

Heating Elements

Heating elements are a part of our everyday lives. When we get out of bed and turn up the thermostat, take a hot shower, blow dry and curl our hair, brew coffee or tea, cook breakfast and toast bread we are making use of different types of heating elements. These elements are often hidden within the appliances and equipment we use, and we don‘t even see them at work.

Electric heating elements are components that convert electrical energy into heat energy. This heat energy can then be used to perform work. Heating elements are made of material sturdy enough to withstand repeated high and low temperature cycles without melting or breaking down. They use radiation, conduction or convection to increase the temperature of the surrounding solids, liquids or gas. For example, the heating element in a hair dryer transfers its generated heat through the air by using convection. The heating elements in a toaster transfer their heat to the bread using radiation in order to evaporate the water in the bread and create toast. Learn more about heating elements.

Hinge Manufacturers

Hinges are hardware devices that connect two solid objects, allowing them to rotate relative to each other. They are essential components in cabinets, desks, doors, windows, and various other structures, both large and small.

To suit the diverse structures they serve, hinges are produced in a variety of configurations and materials. Most hinges consist of three main parts: the pin, the knuckle, and the leaves. The pin, a rod, holds the hinge components together. The knuckle, which is often cylindrical and hollow, acts as the joint through which the pin is inserted. The leaves, typically constructed in pairs, extend laterally in opposite directions from the knuckle and revolve around the pin.

Among hinge types, butt hinges and continuous hinges are the simplest. Butt hinges, or mortise hinges, are inset into a door and its frame, typically used in groups of three or four. Continuous hinges, also known as piano hinges, are commonly attached to piano panels, boxes, or doors. Other hinge types include spring hinges, strap hinges, barrel hinges, butterfly hinges, and concealed hinges.

Learn more about hinges.

Hose Reel Manufacturers

When it comes to essential workshop tools, hose reels are often underrated. Yet, their ability to enhance workspace functionality and organization makes them indispensable. A hose reel, essentially a cylindrical device for storing hoses and similar materials, simplifies the process of winding and unwinding, preventing tangles and kinks. Available in plastic, fiberglass, or metal, and in various sizes, hose reels accommodate everything from garden hoses to industrial fire hoses. Additionally, they can store large amounts of rope or cable and even provide an electric connection.

Learn more about hose reels.

Hydraulic Cylinder Manufacturers

Hydraulic cylinders, also referred to as linear hydraulic motors, are mechanical devices designed to transform hydraulic energy derived from pressurized fluids into practical mechanical power. This mechanical force is subsequently harnessed to control the motions of machine attachments and linkages.

A hydraulic cylinder comprises several key components: a barrel, cap or base, head, piston, piston rod, seals, and seal glands. The barrel serves as the cylinder body, containing the hydraulic pressure. The cap encloses one end of the barrel and also serves for mounting, secured typically by bolts, tie rods, welding, or threading, with an o-ring used unless welded. At the opposite end, the head encloses the barrel, features a static seal, and attaches to the barrel via bolts, tie rods, or threading.

Hydraulic cylinder are used across diverse industries such as aerospace, agriculture, automotive, aviation, construction, machining, manufacturing, military, oil and gas, robotics, and waste removal. They are integral components in machinery ranging from spacecraft and aircraft to backhoes, snowplows, brakes, cranes, dump trucks, elevators, bulldozers, jacks, forklifts, lifts, power steering systems, material handling equipment, and robotic arms.

Learn more about hydraulic cylinders.

Hydraulic Lift Manufacturers

Hydraulic lift systems are tools used to lower or raise work platforms and other surfaces that could not be moved by manual labor. They are powered by liquid mechanics, via a combination of a hydraulic cylinder and hydraulic fluid. 

Hydraulic lift systems are employed to elevate, lower, support, and relocate heavy objects or work surfaces, such as platforms. Primarily used in industrial and manufacturing environments, they also serve private applications for accessibility. Various types of hydraulic lifts exist, including lift tables, scissor lifts, aerial lifts, platform lifts, vehicle lifts, and pallet lifts.

Lift tables position work materials ergonomically. Scissor lifts expand like an accordion from their crossed base, extending the platform to desired heights. Aerial lifts, a type of scissor lift, can reach up to fifty feet. Platform lifts, or elevated work platforms, are large. Vehicle lifts are robust for auto repair. Pallet lifts, or transformers, raise pallets in warehouses for handling and shipping.

Hydraulic lift systems are used to raise, lower, support and move heavy objects or work surfaces. platforms like work surfaces. Typically, they‘re used in industrial and manufacturing settings, but they can also be used privately for accessibility purposes. There are many different kinds of hydraulic lifts. Examples include lift tables, scissor lifts, aerial lifts, platform lifts, vehicle lifts and pallet lifts.

Lift tables are used to position work materials at an ergonomically beneficial access point to workers. Scissor lifts get their name from their base, which is crossed and stretches like an accordion when lifted. You can extend the platform or basket on the top of a scissor lift reaches the height you desire. Of course, scissors lifts can‘t extend indefinitely. Fortunately, aerial lifts, a type of scissor lift, can usually extend as high as you need. Typically, they can reach between ten and fifty feet in the air. Meanwhile, platform lifts, also known as elevated work platforms, are very large. Vehicle lifts, used in auto repair and inspection, are one of the strongest types of hydraulic lift. Pallet lifts, also known as transformers, are used to in warehouses to raise pallets during material handling and shipping applications. Learn more about hydraulic lifts.

Hydraulic Motors

Hydraulic motors convert hydraulic pressure into rotational energy, powering construction equipment, recycling processes, wheel motors, self-driven cranes, excavators, agriculture, conveyor systems, dredging, and various industrial applications. As mechanical actuators, they are the rotary equivalent of hydraulic cylinders, delivering torque alongside rotational energy. Their wide-ranging applications span aerospace, agriculture, automotive, construction, forestry, manufacturing, marine, military, oil and energy, waste management, and recycling industries.

Types of hydraulic motors include gear and vane motors, gerotor motors, axial plunger motors, and radial piston motors, each offering distinct speed ranges and fluid distribution methods. Typically consisting of a reservoir, rotating machinery, and a pump, hydraulic motors operate on the principle of hydraulics: fluids, mostly incompressible, transmit force within closed systems. The pump pressurizes fluid from the reservoir into the system, where hydraulic motors harness this pressure to generate substantial power, surpassing many motors of similar size.

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Hydraulic Pumps

All hydraulic pumps are composed in the same basic way. First, they have a reservoir, which is the section of the pump that houses stationary fluid. Next, they use hoses or tubes to transfer this fluid into the cylinder, which is the main body of the hydraulic system. Inside the cylinder, or cylinders, are found two valves and one or more pistons or gear systems. One valve is located at each end; they are called the intake check, or inlet, valve and the discharge check, or outlet, valve, respectively.

When pressurized fluid is pumped into the cylinder through the inlet, it picks up more force, which it carries over into the hydraulic system when it is released through the outlet. The role of the piston is to move or compress fluid. When the piston is withdrawn, the check valve is opened, creating a vacuum that pulls in hydraulic fluid from the reservoir.

Hydraulic pumps transform the power harnessed from pressurized fluids into practical mechanical energy. Serving as the heart of most hydraulic systems, these pumps are integral to a multitude of industries.

Every hydraulic pump is composed of a reservoir, tubes or hoses, and a cylinder. The reservoir contains the stationary fluid, while the tubes transport this fluid to the cylinder, the core component of the pump. Within the cylinder are two valves positioned at opposite ends, along with at least one piston or gear system. These valves are known as the intake valve and the outlet valve.

Valves in the hydraulic pump regulate fluid entry and exit from the cylinder, while the piston moves or compresses the fluid. As the piston retracts, the inlet valve opens, creating a vacuum that draws fluid from the reservoir. When the piston returns, the inlet valve closes, building pressure. The piston repeatedly opens and closes the valves at varying speeds, increasing pressure until the fluid is forced through the outlet valve. This process generates the necessary force and energy to operate the connected machinery.

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Hydraulic Seal

Hydraulic seals, integral to most hydraulic systems, are crucial for the efficient functioning of moving parts. Typically crafted from soft, flexible elastomers such as polymers, plastics, rubber, PTFE (Teflon), and polyurethane, these ring-shaped seals are designed to prevent or minimize fluid leakage within hydraulic or pneumatic systems. Their exceptional water and air sealing capabilities ensure optimal performance and reliability.

They serve a wide range of industries, including aerospace, agriculture, automotive, chemical processing, defense, food processing, marine products, medical and pharmaceutical development, nuclear power, pulp and paper, and waste disposal.

Hydraulic seals have diverse applications, including brake systems, clean rooms, conveyors, mixers, presses, valves, and test equipment, with their primary use in hydraulic cylinders. These cylinders, which provide unidirectional force through pressurized fluids like oil or water, are essential in agricultural and forestry vehicles, construction equipment, and similar machinery.

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Hydraulic Valves

The modern age of hydraulics began in the early 1600s, with the innovations of scientists like Benedetto Castelli and Blaise Pascal. It is, in fact, Pascal‘s law, upon which the principles of hydraulics are founded. His law states, in essence, that when pressure placed on a confined liquid increases at any point, equal and proportional increases will appear at all other points in the container.

Using this principle, engineers and scientists have successfully designed systems that generate, control, and transfer power via pressurized fluids. Hydraulic valves are an integral part of these systems, allowing for the safe and proper control of the flow and pressure of fluid within them. 

Hydraulic valves regulate the flow and pressure within hydraulic systems, ensuring safe and controlled fluid movement. They manage flow direction, rate, and pressure by opening, closing, or partially obstructing passageways, allowing for precise control of fluid dynamics.

Hydraulic valves are broadly categorized into directional control, pressure control, flow control, and proportional control valves. Specific types include pressure relief valves, pressure regulators, sequence valves, shuttle valves, check valves, counterbalance valves, cartridge valves, and auxiliary valves. The simplest and oldest type, check valves, prevent fluid flow in one direction.

Valves are available in various sizes and mounting styles, including subplate, pipeline, and flanged mounting. Valves meeting ISO standards are typically provided by reputable manufacturers. For more information, contact the top hydraulic equipment manufacturers listed below.

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Industrial Bolts

Bolts are threaded fasteners made from rods with a head on top and external helical threads. Widely used in industries such as aircraft building, automotive manufacturing, construction, and military vehicle production, bolts are essential for securing materials. They are commonly used with tools like Allen wrenches, handheld screwdrivers, and high-pressure drills.

Manufacturers create bolts using processes such as cutting, cold forging, thread rolling, and coating. These processes produce bolts that vary in head type, pitch diameter (the distance between two ridges), and the major diameter of their external thread.

Bolt heads are typically named based on their shape, with common types including truss heads, taper heads, pan heads, oval heads, flat heads, and binding heads. Bolts are generally named for their shape or function, resulting in names such as U bolts, J bolts, and anchor bolts.

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Infrared Heaters

Infrared heaters could be described as a smaller version of the Sun. These gas or electric appliances use electromagnetic radiation to heat objects, materials or spaces. The radiation they use comes from infrared light, which gives off long electromagnetic heat waves located near but not quite at the electromagnetic spectrum area of visible heat. They do not need to use a medium or air molecules to transport heat. Learn more about infrared heaters.

Latch Manufacturers

Latches are mechanical devices designed for securing doors, windows, cabinets, and other items. They are commonly used in firearms, switchblades, chests, boxes, car hoods, and certain kitchen pots.

To accommodate various applications, manufacturers select materials based on specific requirements. For heavy-duty or harsh environments, stainless steel is preferred due to its strength and resistance to abrasion and corrosion. For lighter applications, brass is chosen for its aesthetic appeal despite being less strong than stainless steel. The least demanding applications use plastic latches.

Historically, latches have secured doors without locking them, a function reserved for bolts. Today, manufacturers often combine these features, creating latches that both fasten and lock. Common types include door latches, cabinet latches, paddle latches, gate latches, slam latches, spring latches, deadbolt latches, Norfolk latches, and Suffolk latches.

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Leak Detectors

Leak detectors are devices used to identify and locate leaks in various systems. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of many industries, including oil and gas, chemical processing, and water management. These detectors work by sensing changes in pressure, temperature, or gas concentration in the surrounding environment, allowing users to pinpoint the source of the leak and take appropriate action.

In the oil and gas industry, leak detectors are used to detect leaks in pipelines, tanks, and valves, preventing oil spills and gas explosions. These detectors can also identify leaks in underground storage tanks, which can lead to groundwater contamination. Leak detectors are used in chemical processing plants to identify leaks in tanks and pipes, preventing hazardous chemicals from leaking into the environment and posing a risk to human health.

Leak detectors are also used in homes and commercial buildings to detect leaks in plumbing systems or gas lines. In the event of a gas leak, detectors can quickly alert occupants and emergency responders, minimizing the risk of injury or property damage. In addition, leak detectors can identify leaks in water supply systems, preventing water waste and damage to building structures.

Leak detectors come in various types, including electronic sensors, ultrasonic detectors, and infrared cameras. Electronic sensors are commonly used to detect leaks in pipelines and tanks, while ultrasonic detectors are effective for detecting leaks in pressurized systems. Infrared cameras are used to identify leaks in electrical systems and building structures. 

Leak detectors are equipment designed to identify and locate liquid or gas system leaks and determine the amount and composition of a leak, using sound, visible indicators, flame ionization or ultrasonic waves. They indicate changes in pressure, flow rates and/or locate excess fluids or gas. Learn more about leak detectors.

Level Switch Manufacturers

Level switches are devices that are used to detect the level of liquid or bulk solids in tanks, containers, and pipelines. They work by sensing the changes in the level of the liquid or bulk solid and then activating a switch that sends a signal to the control system. The control system then takes appropriate action, such as turning on or off a pump, or activating an alarm.

Level switches are used in many industries, including chemical processing, oil and gas, food and beverage, and wastewater management. They play a critical role in controlling the level of liquids and solids in tanks, preventing overfilling and spillage, which can lead to environmental damage, equipment failure, and loss of valuable resources.

There are several types of level switches, including float switches, capacitance switches, ultrasonic switches, and optical switches. Float switches are the most commonly used type of level switch, and they work by using a buoyant float to detect the level of liquid in the tank. Capacitance switches use electrical capacitance to measure the level of liquid, while ultrasonic switches use sound waves to detect the level of liquid. Optical switches use light to detect the level of liquid or bulk solids. Learn more about level switches.

Linear Actuator Manufacturers

Electroless nickel (EN) plating is an auto-catalytic chemical reaction that results in a layer of nickel alloy, typically nickel-phosphorus or nickel-boron, to be deposited onto a solid substrate like a metal or plastic workpiece.

A reducing agent, such as hydrated sodium hypophosphite, is crucial to the electroless nickel plating process because it reacts with the metal ions and allows for the nickel to be deposited. Learn more about linear actuators.

Linear Bearings

Linear bearings are often used when an object is moved along a straight line with high precision in an industrial or manufacturing setting.

The object being moved on the linear bearings generally only needs to be moved in one direction, which makes the function and design of these linear bearings simple. The movement is produced with a high amount of repetition and fluidity. Learn more about linear bearings.

Linear Slides

Linear slides are devices used to allow free movement along a single axis. These devices consist of two main components: the plane and the rolling element.

The plane typically consists of a fixed plane and a sliding plane, and ball bearings or roll bearings comprise the rolling element which lies between the two planes. The bearings allow the sliding plane to move easily with little friction. These devices are utilized in many kinds of machinery to push, pull, or position materials or tools, and multiple slides can be used to allow motion in several different directions. For example, XY tables utilize motorized linear slides to move objects left and right as well as forward and back. Learn more about linear slides.

Liquid Filters

Liquid filters clean or purify liquids that run through them. All liquid filters operate by passing a liquid through a semi-permeable or porous substance, which allows the liquid molecules to pass through, but blocks large particulates and chemicals.

Note: The word "filter" actually refers to the housing or holding mechanism of a filtration system. "Filter media" refers to the porous barrier, chemical or mat clarifies the liquid. Learn more about liquid filters.

Load Cells

Load cells are devices used in bulk material handling systems to measure the weight and force of large quantities of materials. They help test mechanical systems and monitor their performance during production. Load cells are crucial for ensuring the accuracy of industrial scales used to weigh bulk products. They typically measure compression and tension forces. Most load cells contain an internal strain gauge, a device that uses electrical signals to measure strain on an object. Similarly, force gauges measure push-pull forces or flow in various applications.

Pressure sensors are used to measure the flow of liquids or thick bulk materials. This helps determine how fast and with what force these materials move through a system, aiming to improve efficiency. Digital load cells are widely used to collect data from these sensors during operations. In food processing, load cells are crucial for accurately measuring ingredients before they are mixed, ensuring consistent product quality. One of the key roles of load cells is to precisely weigh loads such as loaded pallets. This accuracy is essential for logistics and billing when shipping bulk goods. Load cells provide highly precise readings, typically within 0.25%, which is critical in industries where a single load can weigh several tons.

So how does a load cell actually work? A load cell converts mechanical force into electrical signals. These signals are then transmitted to a data collection system within the device. The system processes this information to produce an output or reading, which operators can view when items are placed on scales or materials flow through tubes. While analog load cells still exist, digital ones have largely replaced them due to their superior accuracy and ease of use. In some applications, load cells are used to trigger alarms when specific conditions are met, such as shutting down equipment in case of an emergency. Load cells can be equipped with multiple gauges to enhance sensitivity and accuracy. Factors like required precision, type of force being measured, and response time are crucial considerations when designing a load cell for a specific application.

Load cells are essential components in equipment used across various industries like mining, food processing, pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, agriculture, and more. Despite their small size, load cells significantly enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of large-scale operations. Some manufacturers focus on specialized load cells tailored to specific materials or applications through collaboration with industry experts. Others produce more versatile load cells suitable for a wide range of bulk handling tasks.

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Lock Manufacturers

Locks have a long history, dating back to ancient times. The earliest known all-metal lock and key set, discovered in Nineveh, dates from approximately 870 to 900 AD. Then, as now, locks function as security devices to deter theft and vandalism. They are utilized to secure various items and areas, including lock boxes, safes, luggage, gates, cabinets, and both commercial and residential buildings.

Lock manufacturers produce a wide variety of locks in different shapes, sizes, and configurations. Notable examples include the deadbolt, which uses a heavy bolt or rod to secure a door, and the pin tumbler lock.

Pin tumbler locks contain a set of pins that prevent the lock from opening without the correct key. The key‘s grooves correspond to obstructions inside the keyway. When inserted, the key moves the pins into the correct position, allowing the lock to turn and open.

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Magnet Assemblies

Magnets, typically composed of metallic alloys-often including iron-generate a ""magnetic field"" that draws other magnetic objects towards them, while simultaneously attracting or repelling other magnets. They come in various forms, each distinguished by its magnetic strength, heat resistance, corrosion tolerance, and permanence.

Magnets can be broadly categorized into two types: permanent and non-permanent. Non-permanent magnets, known as electromagnets, require an external power source to become magnetic. These electromagnets are vital in numerous industrial applications, including solenoid valves, AC and DC motors, biomagnetic separation, and transformers.

Permanent magnets encompass ceramic magnets (ferrite magnets), alnico magnets, and rare earth magnets. Ceramic magnets, for example, have lower magnetic power and are more brittle than other types, making them more prone to breakage. However, their cost-effectiveness makes them ideal for non-structural applications such as motors, magnetic chucks, and magnetic tools. In contrast, rare earth magnets, though more expensive to produce, offer superior magnetic strength and retention. These robust magnets are essential in industrial applications like holding and lifting, motors, speakers, sensors, testing, and MRIs.

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Membrane Switches

A membrane switch can be most simply interpreted as the tactile user interface between humans and electronics. The ASTM describes a membrane switch as a momentary switching mechanism in which at least one of the contacts is made of, or adheres to a flexible substrate. Touch pads and keyboards for phones, computers, remote control devices, and microwave ovens employ membrane switches to operate their electronic functions. 

As defined by the ASTM, a membrane switch is a momentary switch device in which at least one contact is on, or made of, a flexible substrate. In essence, membrane switches are electrical switches used to turn circuits on and off that simply require a substrate and a circuit. Manufacturers print the circuit onto the substrate, which is usually PET or ITO, using conductive ink. This conductive ink is typically filled with something like copper, silver and/or graphite. Note that they are not the same thing as mechanical switches, which are made up of plastic parts and copper.

Membrane switch fabrication calls for fewer materials than most. Other types of interface equipment, such as mechanically operated keyboards, tend to be more complicated and resource-intensive. This comparative simplicity of design makes membrane switches both incredibly cost effective and incredibly popular. They are also well-liked because they are easy to clean. While they are a newer technology, they enjoy an ever-growing customer base. This base is particularly strong in industries such as: aerospace engineering, electronics, gaming and recreation, medical manufacturing and safety and security. A few common examples of membrane switch applications are: microwave oven panels, TV remote controls and air conditioning control panels. Learn more about membrane switches.

Metering Pumps

Classified as a type of positive displacement pump, metering pumps move precise volumes of liquid in predetermined increments within specific time frames. All metering pumps can process water, but some are designed to pump other liquids, like solvents, syrups, solutions, oil, and more. When used to pump chemicals, including acids, slurries, bases, and corrosives, metering pumps may be alternatively referred to as chemical dosing devices. Other common names for metering pumps include dispensing pumps, controlled-volume pumps, and proportioning pumps.

Metering pumps encompass a large range of terms including: bellow pumps, dispensing pumps, peristaltic pumps, piston metering pumps, centrifugal pumps, and many other configurations. A metering pump controls the flow rate of a liquid and are typically designed for either variable displacement at a constant speed or fixed displacement at a variable speed. When these devices are functioning properly they will not any leakage or slippage from the input or output. Learn more about metering pumps.

O-rings

O-rings are round, ring-shaped mechanical seals used to prevent leakage of media in and from mechanical parts. Examples of the types of media these flexible mechanisms seal include gas, air, liquid and chemicals. Learn more about o-rings.

Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are extremely versatile containers or carriers made of thin and often flexible polymeric films.

Used to store, transport, ship and package goods in a number of industrial, commercial and residential applications, baggies such as these prove very useful as they are most often waterproof and provide some degree of protection from the elements. Commonly referred to as poly bags, the containers are constructed of processed polymer resins. Learn more about plastic bags.

Plastic Pallet Manufacturers

Plastic pallets, or plastic skids, are plastic platforms used for storing, organizing, and transporting products. Though skids were commonly made of wood, plastic pallets have become more popular recently.

Plastic is more durable and typically demonstrates a higher strength-to-weight ratio, so plastic pallets can be reused longer and can support greater loads than wooden skids. In factories and warehouses, forklifts, hi-lows, and other jacks are used to quickly transport products on plastic pallets which can then be stored efficiently in large stacks. Learn more about plastic pallets.

Plastic Tubing

Plastic tubing encompasses a wide range of tubes and pipes made from various plastics. Its versatility ensures its presence across numerous industries, from the stringent demands of aerospace and industrial applications to the sterile safety standards required in medicine and beverage tubing.

Learn more about plastic tubing.

Power Cord Manufacturers

Also referred to as electric cords, power cords can be used to transfer direct electrical current (DC) or alternating electrical current (AC). Most cords are AC power cords that conduct energy in which the direction of current flow is periodically reversed. The power supply cord, or cable assembly, is comprised of a wire composed of highly conductive material such as copper, surrounded by an insulative material and then sealed in a protective outer jacket, with a plug cover to ensure safety around the electrical outlet. In North America, NEMA power cords (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) are the standard for electrical plugs, cord voltage capabilities and receptacle configuration. International power cords and plug adapters are used in conjunction with electrical appliances in countries different from those in which they were designed to operate. Cord sets are used in any application which requires the existence of electrical energy to operate, such as office space, industrial operations, medical machinery, commercial appliances etc. For specialty equipment such as construction machinery, sound and lighting equipment, emergency medical defibrillators and electrical power tools, used in locations without a convenient power source, extension cords are used to carry the electrical current up to hundreds of feet away from an outlet

Retailers, hospitals, almost all manufacturers, and virtually every business in our industrial world uses power cords every day. Power cords are the path on which energy travels from a power supply to the machine. Experts rate power using volts (or kilovolts, kv, for larger quantities), so the potential of a specific cord is determined by how much power it can transport. When determining the appropriate power cord type to be used for different applications, there are many factors to be considered such as equipment location, duration of use, strain of the operation etc. Power cord manufacturers adhere to standard regulations for voltage ratings, current, wire diameter and length, jacket material, maximum cable temperature, as well as the type of molded plug and female receptacle to be used. The capability of a cord to successfully handle the required flow of electrical energy will depend on these factors, and the quality of electricity transmitted will be affected accordingly. Cord wire sizes and voltage capacities are designated according to the American Wire Gauge (AWG) standards. The appropriate wire size is therefore determined by the amount of voltage required to flow through the cord. Wire shape can be either flat or round according to whichever is more appropriate for the application. Jacket material is another consideration and may be determined by the intended use and location of the power cord. For example, if the cord is purposed for rugged, outdoor usage, a jacket material will be waterproof and more durable than a cord intended only for use indoors, for instance with a laptop computer. Another consideration for jackets is the possible existence of electromagnetic interference and whether or not the wires in a power cord require further protection, such as those used with medical equipment.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is responsible for setting the stringent standards used in North America for electrical supply components, and this ensures a high quality of electrical supply is maintained. Other countries have their own voltage systems and electrical component layouts, and so those respective countries determine the standards and controls implemented in their power cords. Manufacturing standards such as those enforced by NEMA help to maintain consistency in power cord production, and decrease the chance of malfunctions due to quality standards. As with any component used in the transferring of electrical power, there are important safety precautions to be undertaken in the use of power cords. Personal injury, death and/or extensive property damage can occur as the result of deterioration, malfunction or misuse of electrical equipment, and it is important for there to be measures in place to reduce these risks. Polarization, or grounding, is an important aspect of electrical plugs and appliances, especially for higher voltage appliances or for electrical equipment that has a higher risk of causing electric shock when live. Sensitive electrical equipment and products should only be used with polarized or grounded cord sets. Other safety precautions for electrical supply components include plug covers, waterproof protective materials, fuses and circuit breakers. Learn more about power cords.

Pressure Gauges

Pressure gauges are instruments used to measure and display the pressure of liquids, gases, and vapors in a system. They are widely used in various industries, including oil and gas, chemical processing, water treatment, and manufacturing, to monitor and control pressure levels. Pressure gauges are critical tools for ensuring the safety and efficiency of many industrial processes.

There are different types of pressure gauges, including mechanical gauges, digital gauges, and differential pressure gauges. Mechanical gauges use a Bourdon tube or diaphragm to measure the pressure of a fluid, while digital gauges use electronic sensors to measure pressure. Differential pressure gauges measure the difference in pressure between two points in a system.

Pressure gauges are used in many applications, including monitoring the pressure in pipelines, tanks, and vessels. They can also be used to monitor the pressure of gases in combustion engines, compressors, and turbines. Pressure gauges are also commonly used in hydraulic and pneumatic systems to monitor the pressure of the fluid or gas.

In addition to measuring pressure levels, pressure gauges can also be used to diagnose problems in a system. For example, a sudden drop in pressure can indicate a leak or a malfunctioning valve.

To accommodate their many different applications, manufacturers make many different types of pressure gauges. Some are designed to measure specific substances or conditions. Examples of these include: water pressure gauges, air pressure gauges, oil pressure gauges, temperature gauges, gas pressure gauges, fuel pressure gauges, differential pressure gauges, and vacuum pressure gauges. Some of the uses of these gauges are more obvious than others. Water pressure gauges, of course, monitor the pressure of any water-based system. Learn more about pressure gauges.

Pressure Switches

Pressure switches are instruments used to monitor the pressure of liquids, gases, and vapors in a system and to activate or deactivate electrical or mechanical devices when a certain pressure threshold is reached. They are widely used in various industries, including oil and gas, chemical processing, water treatment, and manufacturing, to control and regulate the pressure levels in a system.

There are different types of pressure switches, including electromechanical switches, solid-state switches, and smart switches. Electromechanical switches use a mechanical contact to complete or break a circuit when a specific pressure is reached, while solid-state switches use a semiconductor to detect and signal pressure changes. Smart switches use microprocessors and sensors to provide more advanced control and monitoring capabilities.

Pressure switches are used in many applications, including monitoring the pressure in pipelines, tanks, and vessels. They can also be used to control the operation of pumps, compressors, and motors by activating or deactivating them when a certain pressure level is reached. In addition, pressure switches are used in safety systems to activate alarms or shut down equipment when the pressure exceeds a safe level. Learn more about pressure switches.

Pressure Transducers

Pressure transducers are devices used to measure and convert pressure into an electrical signal. They are commonly used in industrial applications to monitor and control the pressure of gases and liquids in a system. Pressure transducers play a critical role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of many industrial processes.

There are different types of pressure transducers, including piezoelectric, strain gauge, and capacitive transducers. Piezoelectric transducers use the piezoelectric effect to generate an electrical signal when pressure is applied to a crystal or ceramic element. Strain gauge transducers use a thin metal foil that is bonded to a diaphragm to detect changes in pressure. Capacitive transducers use changes in capacitance to detect changes in pressure.

Pressure transducers are used in many applications, including monitoring the pressure in pipelines, tanks, and vessels. They can also be used to monitor the pressure of gases in combustion engines, compressors, and turbines. Pressure transducers are also commonly used in hydraulic and pneumatic systems to monitor the pressure of the fluid or gas.

In addition to measuring pressure levels, pressure transducers can also be used to diagnose problems in a system. For example, a sudden drop in pressure can indicate a leak or a malfunctioning valve. Learn more about pressure transducers.

Quick Disconnect Couplings/Quick Release Couplings

Quick release couplings are simple mechanical devices that permit easy and immediate connection or separation of fluid transmission lines with a minimum of stoppage time and spillage.

To make a complete coupling set, two parts must be used which are the male and the female connectors. Here the male connector fits perfectly into the female connector for a tight seal. Quick connectors or quick disconnects can also refer to couplings or fittings. Quick connect fittings replace threaded or flanged connections which require tools such as wrenches. Learn more about quick release couplings.

Rope Suppliers

Ropes are woven or twisted cordage varieties have been used as hauling, suspension, watercraft mooring line and in many other capacities since before recorded history. Ropes are composed of fibers that are twisted together. Those twisted fibers are then twisted together to make strands, which are then twisted or braided together to create rope. The direction that the fibers are twisted is often opposite of the direction in which the strands are twisted in order to cause internal friction, which reinforces the rope‘s strength.

Rope suppliers offer many different types of rope, including twine, marine rope, and elastic cords, all of which are made from either natural or synthetic fibers. Natural ropes, such as manila rope, sisal rope, linen rope, jute rope and cotton rope, are made from plant fibers. Synthetic ropes, such as nylon rope, polyester rope, polypropylene rope, polyethylene rope, and Kevlar rope, are stronger and made from more advanced manufacturing processes. The demand for ropes is high throughout the world, especially in the marine, construction, manufacturing, arborist, recreational, hobby, rigging, safety, sporting goods, and defense contracting industries. Learn more about ropes.

Scale Manufacturers

Bulk material handlers across industries rely on scales to weigh their products accurately, crucial for packaging, shipping, and storage. Since many bulk products are sold by weight, precise measurements are essential. Scales vary in size and type: from small scales for tiny objects to larger ones capable of weighing loaded pallets or even entire trailers. Common types include bench scales, raised off the ground for easier loading, platform scales level with the floor for large bulk loads, and hanging scales that suspend loads to measure gravitational force. Scales come in two main types: digital and analog. Analog scales display weight using a meter and needle, which can be accurate but are less precise and easy to read compared to digital scales. Digital scales provide decimal readings, ensuring high precision when weighing bulk products.

When choosing an industrial scale for bulk operations, the most critical factor is its maximum weight capacity, which can range from a few grams to over 80,000 pounds. Selecting a scale that meets your application‘s needs prevents technical errors and ensures accuracy. In bulk weighing scenarios, products are typically on pallets or in containers. The weight of the container or pallet can be entered into the scale to isolate the weight of the bulk material. This ensures distributors are billed accurately based only on the bulk material‘s weight, not the container. Scales employ various mechanisms such as hydraulics, balances, springs, or load cells to determine weight. Complex scales may combine these technologies to achieve accurate measurements.

In many industries, scales must comply with regulatory standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These standards ensure both worker safety and the accuracy of bulk goods measurements. In bulk material handling systems, scales are positioned alongside other equipment and can be loaded manually by workers or intermittently by automated machines. Automated systems rely on scale feedback to determine when a load meets the required weight. Industries such as agriculture, food processing, and pharmaceuticals rely heavily on industrial scales to weigh products before packaging or shipping. In some cases, scales are used to weigh small quantities added to larger mixtures in processing plants, where precision is critical for maintaining consistency and quality across bulk products.

Used in a wide variety of consumer, industrial, and commercial settings, scales are tools used to judge weight or calculate mass. They are used in doctors‘ offices and hospitals, laboratories, roadside truck stops and weigh stations, restaurants, and manufacturing plants alike. To serve this diverse set of applications, scale manufacturers produce many types of industrial scales.

One of the numerous ways that industrial scales can be categorized is by the mechanism or technique they use to weigh a load. Any given scale may use springs, load cells, balance, hydraulics, or a combination therein to determine weight. Some common industrial scale types include: hanging scales, platform scales, and balance scales.

Hanging scales vary in size from pocket-sized luggage scales to crane scales. A type of spring scale, hanging scales suspend the load they are weighing from a hook or chain, while sensors above the load take measurements. Technically, crane scales can be categorized as hanging scales, but commonly, instead of using a spring, or along with a spring, they work using hydraulic power. In addition, as crane scales, which can also be used to weigh luggage and determine the weight of caught fish, become available in smaller sizes, the hanging aspect becomes less prevalent. Learn more about scales.

Solenoid Valves

A solenoid valve is a type of valve that differs from other valves as this valve utilizes electricity energy to control mechanical devices which opens and closes the valve.

One of the most common types of solenoid valves is known as the pneumatic solenoid valve which utilizes pressure to function and is very similar to a hydraulic valve. Solenoid valves are ideal in factory settings that use automation programs because the system can easily control the operations of the solenoid valves through electric currents. Learn more about solenoid valves.

Speed Reducers

Speed reducers are used to redirect the output of a high-speed motor to another component at a lower speed. Gears within the speed reducer provide the mechanism for reducing the output speed of the motor.

The size ratio of the input gear to the output gear is directly related to the speed reduction, so different sized gears can be used to achieve different speeds. Speed reducers are know by many names and come in a variety of configurations. These include cyclo reducers, gear reducers, gearboxes, right angle gear boxes, and planetary gearboxes. Learn more about speed reducers.

Static Eliminators

Static eliminators, also known as antistatic devices, are products used to protect sensitive objects and materials from the hazardous effects of static electricity. They are not to be confused with appliances like static mixers.

Static electricity refers to electricity that is at rest, which is produced as a result of an unbalance in the molecular structure of insulating materials. Such materials include paper and plastics. When their molecular structure becomes unbalanced, they produce either excessive positive or negative charged particles called ions. Learn more about static eliminators.

Steel Plastic Fibre Drums

55 gallon drums are cylindrical containers used for shipping bulk goods. 55 gallon drums are large, cylindrical industrial containers with a nominal capacity of 55 gallons that are mainly used for shipping and storage applications.

A note on terminology: Drums and barrels are for all practical purposes the same thing. Industrial manufacturers use the two terms synonymously, and there is no distinctive structural difference between "drums" and "barrels;" both can be made of plastic, fiberglass, or metal, both are used to transport goods, and both have standard sizes, such as the 55 gallon drum.

There are only two cases in which a slight distinction is made between drums and barrels. The first is in the oil industry; oil is transported in standard, metal, 42 gallon containers referred to as "oil barrels", not as "drums"; the distinction made between oil "barrels" and drums which transport other material helps clarify volume, which in a standard drum is 55 gallons. The other industry in which a small distinction between drums and barrels is made is in the alcoholic beverage industry, which also refers to its containers as "barrels" and not usually as "drums". Alcoholic beverage industries have traditionally used wooden barrels, and although wooden barrels have largely gone out of use in modern manufacturing, the sanitary-grade stainless steel containers used to ferment and transport beer, wine and liquor are referred to as wine or beer barrels. A distinction is made with beer and wine "barrels" partially out of a linguistic nostalgia for the industry and partially as a way of verbally clarifying a beer or wine barrel‘s contents as such. Outside of these two industry-specific slight distinctions, the terms "drums" and "barrels" refer to the same item. Learn more about 55 gallon drums.

Tape Suppliers

Tape is an adhesive product used to bind and fasten. In general, tape consists of a backing material and an adhesive material that is coated on it. To create tape, tape suppliers use a process that reflects this; during the process called coating, manufacturers apply adhesive to the backing, or carrier, material. Typically, the backing material is a fairly thin and flexible one, like cloth, paper tissue, film or even metal foil.

To apply the coating, manufacturers use one of three common methods: hot-melt coating, water-based coating and solvent coating. During hot-melt coating, adhesive is heated to its melting point, then applied onto the backing material while it is still liquid. Once it has cooled, the coating process is done. Next, water-based coating uses solutions that are made when adhesive is mixed with water, forming small, suspended globs of one liquid inside the other (emulsions). To finish, the emulsion is coated on. During solvent coating, tape suppliers use a solvent to dissolve the adhesive and leave behind a relatively non-viscous liquid. Once they have done this, they coat the liquid onto the backing material. Then, to finish, they remove the solvent residue by sending the tape through a heated oven.

Tape, made of long strips of adhesive material, is primarily used for a wide range of binding and fastening applications, though it has several other applications as well. To make their product, tape suppliers engage is a fairly simple process called coating, wherein adhesive is applied to a carrier material. The carrier material may be any one of a collection of moderately thin and flexible materials, such as metal foils, paper tissues, cloth or films.

There are three main methods of coating: water-based coating, solvent coating and hot-melt coating. Water-based coating solutions are made by mixing the adhesive with water to form emulsions, or small, suspended globs of one of the liquids in the other. After the solution is made, it is simply coated on. In solvent coating, a solvent is used to dissolve the adhesive and thereby create a comparably non-viscous liquid, which is coated onto the carrier material. After the material has been coated, suppliers remove the solvent by passing the tape through a heated oven. The hot-melt coating process is performed in the way that its name suggests; the adhesive is heated until it reaches its melting point, and then it coats the carrier material as a hot liquid. After coating, the tape only need cool to become a finished product. 

Tape suppliers refers to both tape manufacturers and distributing tape companies that supply tape for a number of industries. Tape is a long strip of sticky or otherwise adhesive material. Learn more about tape suppliers.

Thermocouple Manufacturers

Thermocouple assemblies, also called thermocouples, temperature sensors or temperature probes, instruments that both sense heat and control temperature. Consisting of two connected, dissimilar metal wires, their operation is based on the Seebeck Effect, which theorizes that a voltage is always created between two dissimilar metals, and that said voltage changes in proportion to exterior temperature changes. Thermocouple assemblies are used for industrial, residential and commercial purposes alike. Systems and devices that use them include: water tanks, plastic extrusion machines, heat exchangers, parts washers, kilns, ovens, water heaters, furnaces, pressure chambers and thermostats.

A basic thermocouple consists of two metals connected at their bases and connected again at their tips with a bead. From here, there are a few different types of thermocouples. The most universal thermocouple type, for example, is the Type K, which consists of two alloy wires, alumel (aluminum and nickel) and chromel (chromium and nickel). Type K‘s have a high temperature resistance to be used with everyday devices. Type K thermocouple assemblies are part of a larger group called noble metal thermocouples, of which all measure up to 2000°C. Learn more about thermocouples.

Vacuum Pump Manufacturers

A vacuum pump is necessary for a range of industrial settings and applications. In labs, vacuum pumps help to control delicate testing environments when contaminants could destroy experiments. There are several types of vacuum pump systems, and these include: liquid ring pumps, dry pumps, oilless pumps and rotary vane pumps.

Essentially, every vacuum pump is an air pump because it moves air out of an enclosed space while also preventing it from re-entering that space. Learn more about vacuum pumps.

Wire Cloth Manufacturers

Wire mesh is a versatile industrial product created by weaving or welding interlocking metal wires into a mesh with uniformly spaced openings. It‘s often used in filtering, screening, structural support, and protection across industrial, agricultural, and residential settings.

Industries such as petrochemical processing, screen printing, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage processing carefully select wire mesh materials based on specific application needs. Different weave patterns, such as twilled square mesh, plain square mesh, plain Dutch weave, reverse plain weave, and twill Dutch weave, cater to diverse requirements. For example, plain square meshes, woven from equal gauge lateral and longitudinal wires, excel in fundamental mesh operations.

Learn more about wire mesh.

Wire Rope

Wire rope, an engineering marvel born from the depths of 19th-century German mines, intertwines multiple strands of wire filament, each meticulously twisted together and helically wound around a robust core. Evolving from its humble origins, wire rope has cemented its role as an indispensable asset across diverse heavy industries. From the rigorous demands of mining and oil rigging to the intricate needs of bridge construction and marine operations, its versatile strength and reliability have made it the cornerstone for lifting, supporting, and securing applications, including the modern elegance of cable railings.

Manufacturers and distributors discern wire cable variations by detailing the number of strands and wires per strand, ensuring clear comprehension of their strength for all purchasers. Additional categorizations based on length or pitch provide further clarity. Advanced identification codes delve deeper, revealing core type, weight limits, and other critical details. Accompanying hardware such as connectors, fasteners, pulleys, and fittings are meticulously cataloged, showcasing a spectrum of strengths and fray-resistant capabilities within the same comprehensive framework.

Wire rope consists of multiple strands of wire filament which themselves are twisted together before being wound helically around a core. First used for mining in Germany during the mid 1800‘s, wire rope has become a staple in heavy industrial processes such as mining, oil rigging, bridge construction, marine applications and others that require various heavy-duty lifting and support applications such as cable railings.

Manufacturers and distributors identify the differences in wire cable by listing the number of strands and the amount of wires per strand so that anyone that orders understands the strength of the cable. Sometimes they are also categorized by their length or pitch. More complex wire rope identification codes connote information like core type, weight limit and more. Any additional hardware like connectors, fasteners, pulleys and fittings are usually listed in the same area to show varying strengths and degrees of fray prevention. Learn more about wire ropes.

Flow Meter Manufacturers

A flow meter, also spelled "flowmeter," is an instrument used to measure the flow of a liquid or gas in a supply pipe. The device is fitted into a pipe to gauge the quantity of gas or liquid passing through it.

Many flow meters measure the volume of the material flow, while other flow meters measure the speed, and still other flow meters measure material mass. For the most part, flowmeters are used to infer mass flow through calculations that flow meters and flow monitor instruments make after taking various flow measurements, such as absolute pressure, differential pressure, viscosity, and temperature. 

Flow meters are devices used to measure and monitor the flow of gases and liquids through various systems. These instruments are designed and manufactured for use in a multitude of different industries and applications. They can vary in construction, size, configuration, and measurement technique.

Some flow meters have to be built to operate effectively while exposed to volatile liquids, others have to handle a much larger volume of fluids, and still others have to measure mass instead of volume. All of these different factors contribute to the huge diversity in flow meter design. Other important factors include cleanliness, pressure, and operating temperature.

Manufacturers across practically all industries understand the importance of flow meters in everyday industrial processes. They are used to maintain efficiency and to help better understand profit gains and losses. The automotive, petroleum, HVAC, food and beverage, utility services, chemical, and many other industries all utilize flow meters extensively to monitor their operations. Learn more about flow meters.

Load Cell Manufacturers

Load cells are measuring devices that monitor and gauge forces of compression, tension and shear. They are a type of transducer that converts sensed mechanical force into electrical signals for measurement used in mechanical testing, ongoing system monitoring and as components in devices such as industrial scales.

Both compression and tension loadcells often use strain gauges; strain gauges are very small devices that measure the strain of an object by converting internal deformation into electrical signals, precisely measuring weight, force or strain. Force gauges use strain gauges in push-pull testing and flow measurement. While most load cells measure and test with strain gages, some use piezoelectric sensors, which utilize piezoelectric crystals to measure weight, strain, movement and vibrations. Learn more about load cells.

Industrial Brushes

Industrial brushes are tools crafted with bristles, wires, or other filaments designed for cleaning, painting, and surface treatment. They are among the most versatile, diverse, and straightforward tools available. Ranging from basic brooms to heavy-duty power brushes and sweepers, brushes have long been, and continue to be, vital components in numerous industrial and commercial processes. Explore more about industrial brushes.

Carrying Case Manufacturers

It's hard to imagine life without carrying cases. They‘re used every day in countless ways, ensuring our belongings make it from point A to point B safely. When they fail, the consequences can be financial, material, or even emotional. But with the ability to purchase or customize a high-quality case for almost any purpose, transporting items securely is no longer a gamble.

Carrying cases come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. They are often rectangular, sometimes featuring recesses or pockets for added security. Some are cylindrical with sealed ends or hinged sides, and others are shaped to fit the contours of their contents. Carrying cases can be flame-retardant, static-free, resistant to electromagnetic interference, or waterproof. They can be hard or soft-sided, single-chambered or compartmentalized, and even equipped with wheels for easy transport.

More than just simple boxes or bags, custom carrying cases offer reliable protection for delicate, sensitive, bulky, or hazardous items. The design, size, and materials of the case depend on what‘s being transported. Learn more about carying cases.

Power Cords

Power cords are electrical cables that transfer electrical power using either direct electrical currents (DC) or alternating currents (AC). Most often, they use AC. Either way, the purpose of power cords, also called cord sets or electric cords, is to provide electrical energy to any appliance or piece of electrical equipment. To make this happen, users simply connect the equipment or appliance in question to the main power supply.

The metal plug component of a power cord varies by country, as different countries, like the US and the UK, have different electrical codes. Nevertheless, users tap into the main power source by plugging the power cord directly into a wall socket or indirectly into a wall socket, via an extension cord. Extension cords are extra long cords that sometimes come with power strips (full sets of extra power sockets). They can extend the reach of an electrical current literally hundreds of feet away from an outlet. Extension cords are particularly useful for use with power tools, stage lighting equipment, emergency medical defibrillators and any other equipment or device located away from a convenient power source. From the office to a construction site, power cords of all kinds are incredibly useful. Learn more about power cords.

Air Filter Manufacturers

Air filters are devices used to minimize or remove unwanted particulates from the air. This may be air flowing within a ventilation system, or it might be air moving through an open indoor space. Industrial air filtration systems improve indoor air quality and extend the working life of machinery, engines and appliances.

Types of spaces and products that air filters clean include in-home and commercial heating systems, ventilation systems, air conditioning systems, humidifiers, engine components, cars, and direct air machines. Particles that individual air filters remove fluctuate, but some include mold spores, animal dander, and dust and pollen. Learn more about air filters.

Linear Actuators

Electroless nickel (EN) plating is an auto-catalytic chemical process that deposits a layer of nickel alloy, typically nickel-phosphorus or nickel-boron, onto a solid substrate like metal or plastic.

A reducing agent, such as hydrated sodium hypophosphite, is essential in this process as it reacts with metal ions, enabling the nickel to be deposited onto the surface. Learn more about linear actuators.

Name Plate Manufacturers

Nameplates are plaque-like displays of information, specially designed with signs and symbols that identify things. Nameplate manufacturers fashion nameplates out of an extensive variety of materials for use in an equally extensive variety of applications. Office nameplates, desk nameplates and door nameplates are used in professional companies, industrial facilities and institutions to identify the occupants of desks and offices.

Note: Nameplates are not the same thing as labels. They differ from labels in that nameplates are usually designed for long term person or product identification, whereas labels are designed for fairly easy removal. In addition, labels almost always use adhesive, whereas adhesive is only one of the options available with nameplates. They are also not the same thing as tags or dog tags. Tags fall under the category of jewelry.

Learn more about name plates.

Paper Tube Manufacturers

Paper tubes, also known as cardboard tubes, are cylinder-shaped components that are made with cardboard. Paper tubes can be used for a wide range of functions. Typical paper tube applications include shipping and mailing, cartridge fabrication, crafts, concrete pillar construction, structural support (posters, paper towels, etc.), storage (documents, art, food, etc.) and gardening pots.

Paper tubes are essential in various industries such as food processing, shipping and postal services, automotive manufacturing, mechanics, material handling, construction, textiles, pulp and paper, packaging, healthcare, horticulture, and art. Learn more about paper tubes

Plastic Container Manufacturers

Plastics are a product of the modern age. The history of plastic as outlined on this site is a story of inventiveness and industrialism. The advent of plastic storage along with mass production helped create America‘s post-war economic boom. Plastic containers are one of the most important and useful items made from this revolutionary material.

Plastic containers are enclosures of plastic that are designed to contain something. Varieties of plastic containers distinguish themselves from each other by virtue of their size, shape, function or application. Plastic containers like plastic boxes are easily conceptualized in the abstract, but confining them to a universal, practical description is impossible; there are just too many kinds of plastic containers.

Learn more about plastic containers.

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