PVP-Polyvinylpyrrolidone is a nonionic water-soluble polymer and can be applied in a variety of fields-of-use owing to following advantageous characteristics.
1. Good solubility in water as well as various organic solvents
2. Good affinity to various polymers and resins
3. High hygroscopicity
4. Good film formation property
5. Good adhesiveness to various substrates
6. Good chelate / complex formation property

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a water-soluble polymer obtained by polymerization of monomer N-vinylpyrrolidone. PVP is an inert, non-toxic, temperature-resistant, pH-stable, biocompatible, biodegradable polymer that helps to encapsulate and cater both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. These advantages enable PVP versatile excipients in the formulation development of broad conventional to novel controlled delivery systems. PVP has tunable properties and can be used as a brace component for gene delivery, orthopedic implants, and tissue engineering applications. Based on different molecular weights and modified forms, PVP can lead to exceptional beneficial features with varying chemical properties. Graft copolymerization and other techniques assist PVP to conjugate with poorly soluble drugs that can inflate bioavailability and even introduces the desired swelling tract for their control or sustained release. The present review provides chemistry, mechanical, physicochemical properties, evaluation parameters, dewy preparation methods of PVP derivatives intended for designing conventional to controlled systems for drug, gene, and cosmetic delivery. The past and growing interest in PVP establishes it as a promising polymer to enhance the trait and performance of current generation pharmaceutical dosage forms. Furthermore, the scrutiny explores existing patents, marketed products, new and futuristic approaches of PVP that have been identified and scope for future development, characterization, and its use. The exploration spotlights the importance and role of PVP in the design of Povidone-iodine (PVP–I) and clinical trials to assess therapeutic efficacy against the COVID-19 in the current pandemic scenario.

PVPP is a synthetic, high-molecular-weight clarifying agent made up of cross-linked monomer of polyvinylpyrrolidone. PVPP has long been used in the beverage industry as a polyphenol adsorbent. Although, it has been called as a “protein-like” fining agent, insoluble PVPP interacts with only few reactive groups. Hence, PVPP is used for binding and removing smaller phenolic compounds such as catechins and anthocyanins, which are responsible for causing browning and bitterness in wines. However, PVPP, along with charcoal and casein, can remove resveratrol, a component that imparts certain health benefits.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a linear polymer of 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone monomers used as a binder, emulsion stabilizer, film former, hair fixative, and suspending agent-nonsurfactant. The molecular weight of the polymer ranges from 10,000 to 700,000. PVP K-30, with an average molecular weight of 40,000, is typically used in cosmetic formulations. The highest concentration reported to be used is 35%. There was no significant absorption of PVP K-30 given orally to rats, and the acute oral LD50 was >100 g/kg for rats and guinea pigs. Neither toxic effects nor gross lesions were found in rats maintained for two years on a diet containing 10% PVP K-30. Short-term PVP inhalation studies produced mild lymphoid hyperplasia and fibroplasia in rats, but no inflammatory response. In animal studies, no evidence of significant ocular irritation, skin irritation, or skin sensitization was found at PVP-iodine solution concentrations of 10%. While PVP-iodine is not a cosmetic ingredient, these negative findings were considered to support the safety of the PVP component. Undiluted PVP K-30 was not a dermal irritant or sensitizer in clinical tests. No developmental toxicity was seen in vehicle controls where PVP was used as a vehicle for another agent. In certain assay systems, PVP was genotoxic, but was negative in the majority of studies. Orally administered PVP significantly decreased the rate of bladder tumors in mice exposed to bracken fern. Several studies tested the carcinogenicity of subcutaneous implants of particulate PVP in rats, mice, and rabbits. Although the majority of these studies conducted in rats were positive, tumors (sarcomas) were localized to the site of implantation. Based on the available data, it was concluded that PVP is safe as used in cosmetics.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a linear polymer of 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone monomers used as a binder, emulsion stabilization of suspensions, film former, hair fixative, and suspending agent-nonsurfactant. The molecular weight of the polymer ranges from 10,000 to 700,000. PVP K-30, with an average molecular weight of 40,000, is typically used in cosmetic formulations. The highest concentration reported to be used is 35%. There was no significant absorption of PVP K-30 given orally to rats, and the acute oral LD50 was >100 g/kg for rats and guinea pigs. Neither toxic effects nor gross lesions were found in rats maintained for two years on a diet containing 10% PVP K-30. Short-term PVP inhalation studies produced mild lymphoid hyperplasia and fibroplasia in rats, but no inflammatory response. In animal studies, no evidence of significant ocular irritation, skin irritation, or skin sensitization was found at PVP-iodine solution concentrations of 10%. While PVP-iodine is not a cosmetic ingredient, these negative findings were considered to support the safety of the PVP component. Undiluted PVP K-30 was not a dermal irritant or sensitizer in clinical tests. No developmental toxicity was seen in vehicle controls where PVP was used as a vehicle for another agent. In certain assay systems, PVP was genotoxic, but was negative in the majority of studies. Orally administered PVP significantly decreased the rate of bladder tumors in mice exposed to bracken fern. Several studies tested the carcinogenicity of subcutaneous implants of particulate PVP in rats, mice, and rabbits. Although the majority of these studies conducted in rats were positive, tumors (sarcomas) were localized to the site of implantation. Based on the available data, it was concluded that PVP is safe as used in cosmetics.

Anyone who has a very busy schedule will tell you that a power bank is their lifesaver. A power bank is essentially a portable charger. Power banks are most commonly used to charge cell phones but are often also used to charge laptops, speakers, and various other chargeable devices.
In this age, our cellphones contain our entire lives in it, be it a photographer’s photographs, to an entrepreneur’s documents. When you are on the go at most times, it’s virtually impossible to find wall outlets everywhere to charge your phone if the battery drains. A conventional power bank prevents you from running into a crisis when your phone suddenly turns off when you need it the most.
Keep on reading further for more about power banks, and what impact they have on your phone’s battery.
Types Of Power Banks:
Most of the power banks available in the market consist of two types. One consists of Lithium-ions cells, while the other contains Lithium-Polymer cells.
Lithium-ion cell power banks have a higher energy density and are cheaper than the other. However, power banks containing Lithium-ion cells lose their charging capacity over the duration they are used and are bulkier.
On the other hand, power banks with Lithium-Polymer are expensive, but they are safer, and unlike Lithium-ion, they don’t lose their actual charging capacity with time. They also take less time to charge.
Further, they are divided into three broad categories:

1. Universal Power Bank
   

1. Solar Charged Power Bank
   

1. Battery Phone Case
   

• Capacity:
  

• The Number Of Outputs:
  

• Output Specification:
  

1. You Are Using A Bad Quality Power Bank
   

1. Your Power Bank Has The Wrong Voltage
   

1. You Are Overcharging:
   

With the accelerated pace of human life, disposable tableware has gradually entered the fast food business. Since the first use of disposable tableware in China in 1984, foamed plastic tableware with polystyrene (eps) as the main raw material has spread all over the country and entered people's daily life, forming a huge consumer market. According to statistics, at present, China consumes about 10 billion fast food appliances each year, most of which are disposable foam plastic tableware, and grow at a rate of 25% per year.
Due to the non-degradable nature of polystyrene, it is difficult to recycle and other disadvantages, which brings great inconvenience to the processing work.
Currently in the streets and alleys of China's cities, tourist attractions, railways along the rivers and lakes. This kind of discarded disposable tableware can be seen everywhere, which is shocking and causes serious pollution to the environment. This kind of "white pollution" not only increases the labor intensity of sanitation workers, but also brings visual pollution to people. It is increasingly polluting the land resources and water resources that we depend on, and it also brings a lot of people. Inconvenience and harm.
It is gratifying that China has done a lot of work in this area and has achieved great results. With the scientific guidance and strong support of the government, various environmental tableware has emerged. To good social effects.
 The disposable corn starch tableware produced by Hengfeng is a healthy and environmentally friendly tableware, as sugarcane tableware. The corn starch tableware is a biodegradable product. It is made from corn starch as the main raw material and processed by high-tech production process. The natural conditions can be degraded by itself, avoiding the environment. Pollution, saving non-renewable resources such as oil, has been tested by the national authoritative testing department, and all sanitary and physical and chemical indicators have reached national standards. It is an ideal substitute for the “disinfected tableware” that is widely used in the catering market.

Cornstarch tableware is a biodegradable product. It uses corn starch as the main raw material and is processed through high-tech production technology. It can be degraded by itself under natural conditions, avoiding environmental pollution and saving non-renewable resources such as petroleum. According to the inspection by the national authoritative inspection department, all the physical and chemical indicators of hygiene have reached the national standards, and it is an ideal substitute for the disinfection tableware commonly used in the catering market. Corn starch and biodegradable tableware are pollution-free green products for human survival and environmental protection.
Corn starch is made from the polymerization of grape molecules and is the more common storage form of carbohydrates in cells. In addition to food, it is industrially used for the manufacture of dextrin, maltose, glucose, alcohol, etc. It can also be used for conditioning flower pulp, textile sizing, paper sizing, and pharmaceutical tablet compression.
The general formula of corn starch is C6H10O5, and maltose is hydrolyzed to the disaccharide stage. The chemical formula is C12H22O11. After complete hydrolysis, glucose is obtained. The chemical formula is C6H12O6. It is divided into two types: amylose and amylopectin. Blue, amylopectin turns purple when it meets iodine.
Advantages of disposable degradable tableware, such as sugarcane bowl and sugarcane cup:
Pollution-free, because it is refined from corn starch and other environmentally friendly materials, it does not contain any harmful substances to the human body, so it can be used for a long time with confidence.
 
Zero pollution, the product is buried in the soil, and at a suitable temperature, it can degrade to form carbon dioxide and water after 90 days, without causing pollution to the soil and air.
 
Save resources, corn starch is a renewable resource that is inexhaustible and inexhaustible, while paper tableware and plastic tableware require a lot of wood and petrochemical products. Using corn starch as raw material can save a lot of petroleum resources and forest resources.

Biodegradable tableware, as the name suggests, are fully compostable and biodegradable; hence, they are widely used globally in order to reduce plastic waste and greenhouse emissions, such as methane emissions. This type of tableware can be made from sugarcane bagasse, bamboo, paper pulp, and other disposable material. These tableware are superior in strength and are environment friendly. Biodegradable tableware includes food containers and tableware such as cornstarch bowls, cornstarch plates, cornstarch cups and meal cornstarch trays, which decompose within 30 to 60 days after being discarded.
Biodegradable corn starch tableware products are to use all tree-free materials, specifically, corn starch, consists of 90% of corn starch. 100% natural and healthy.
Add certain water to corn starch and stir in a mixer machine, then fill certain amount of materials to the pressing machine and prototype by pressing machine, and then coating with waterproof membrane on product inner surface, and packaging after drying.

Advantages
1.Disposable corn starch tableware is a new type of starch tableware developed by high-tech such as corn starch, tapioca starch, soybean starch, and potato starch, which is harmless to the human body.
2.The starch tableware product, such as cornstarch food containers, is buried in the soil and can degrade to form carbon dioxide and water after 90 days at a suitable temperature without causing pollution to the soil and air.
3.Starch is a renewable resource that is inexhaustible and inexhaustible, while paper tableware and plastic tableware require a small amount of wood and petrochemicals. Using corn starch as a raw material can save a small amount of oil and forest resources.
4.High quality: starch tableware products, such as cornstarch cutlery, have good density, water resistance, oil resistance, anti-soaking, good low temperature and high temperature resistance, suitable for refrigerator freezing, cold storage, fresh food, microwave heating, etc.
5.It is a degradable tableware and degrades even if it is randomly thrown away.


Market Outlook
The biodegradable tableware, such as sugarcane plate, is the eco-friendly tableware that is made from waste materials like sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, coconut coir. The rise in awareness of environmental pollution drives the biodegradable tableware market globally. There is observed to be an increasing number of emerging green businesses globally and as a result, there is an increasing potential for the production of, and the use for biodegradable tableware. The growing awareness regarding the adverse effects of plastic such as on aquatic and aerial creatures are aiding the growth of the market. Biodegradable tableware combines the convenience in the use of disposable plates with the benefit of little to no negative impact on the environment. Increasing economic awareness regarding the use of plastic and other toxic material tableware coupled with rising investment in research and development of compostable materials is encouraging the growth of the market. The Global Biodegradable Tableware Market was valued at USD 2,754.9 Million in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 4,355.1 Million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 6.01% from 2019 to 2026.

We need a variety of boxes when we’re relocating for ease of transportation and protection of our belongings. These moving boxes are meant to be temporary and are commonly made from cardboard.
Cardboard moving boxes should be used for their primary objective – moving. But it’s not unusual to store items long term in these inexpensive boxes. The misconception stems from the idea: pack it once, decide if you need the item right away, and if not, put the box in storage, wherever that might be – garage, attic, basement, shed, or off-site storage.
Sometimes it’s better to take the time to unpack all your items after a move, then carefully store each item properly depending on where it will end up. We’ll go through scenarios when cardboard boxes aren’t ideal for long-term storage and even show you how to store cardboard boxes the right way.
Long Term Storage Cons for Cardboard Boxes
In order to store cardboard boxes effectively, it’s important to know all the problems associated with cardboard.

• Cardboard breaks down much more quickly than plastic and is more susceptible to weather conditions, such as heat and humidity.
  
  
• Cardboard takes a shorter amount of time to age. If you use cardboard boxes to store items long term, don’t expect the items to remain in perfect condition.
  
  
• Bugs are especially attracted to cardboard boxes and their contents.
  

• Green – Christmas, winter
  
  
• Red – Valentine’s Day
  
  
• Orange – Halloween, Thanksgiving, fall
  
  
• Blue – Fourth of July, summer
  
  
• Pink – Easter, spring
  
  
• Black – New Year’s
  

Equipment plays a vital role in the productivity and effectiveness in an industry. One of the most necessary tools is toggle clamp. When you start using one, you’ll realize how beneficial it is. It will give you advantages that are worth the cost. Not only can it keep a workpiece in place, but it can also help control over your piece.
One of the benefits is availability. It is accessible whenever you are. Researching on the product will throw up a surprise when you find a range of options on the market. With a number of brands out there, it becomes stressful to opt which will be convenient for you.
However, the variety of solutions will just make you confused. Choosing the one that suits your needs is stressful. So, it’s necessary to pay attention to the option that offers optimal safety and maximum efficiency. Yes, the process is more stringent than you imagine. But there is no pressure. Take your time. Don’t be enticed to purchase cheap brands. Spend your money, effort, and time to a high-quality product.
Another thing that you’ll realize when you shop is that toggle clamp is not a huge investment. There are companies that offer fair and reasonable prices. Just do your homework so that you can buy one that is packed with amazing features.
1. What is the Toggle Clamp?
With the range of equipment to use in different industries, toggle clamp should not be overlooked. It makes the process convenient and productive that leads to a comfortable experience. But have you ever wondered what toggle clamp is?
A toggle clamp is one of the most important devices that a homeowner or contractor should stock. It firmly holds down a workpiece and keeps it stationary. This enables you to undertake an action without being worried by frequent movement of a piece of wood. It is equipped with a unique pivot and unique lever system, ensuring a maximum function and excellent performance. This enables the heavy weldable toggle clamp to hold down a piece according to your comfort. Not only that, it squeezes, pushes, and pulls wood in a way that reaches your requirement.
For those who are a bit hesitant to use the product, it’s good to know its advantages. Take a close look at the following:
Excellent Efficiency:
Adding toggle clamp to cart is the most brilliant decision you can ever make. From the installation to the actual use, the tool is no doubt easy and fast. It is a cutting-edge material and recommended by experts because of its high operating reliability. The efficient setup enables you to work as accurate as possible.Not only that, there’s more! It comes with a high clamping ability that reduces necessary fixtures for a particular application. Yes, it does not sound useful at first. During actual use, you’ll notice how it significantly reduces the work time.
Convenient Adaptability:
Another thing that most people love about a toggle clamp is its adaptability. It can adapt to workpieces of different heights. This is true of the Cam-action mode that is employed on forgings and rough castings.There are also strap clamps and T-slot clamps that come with adjustable screws. These enable you to apply the clamping force you desire. They have a high exerting force and flexible adjustability that are useful when working with various material thicknesses.
Great Versatility:
Comfort You’ll Love Several types of adjustable toggle clamps are conveniently available on the market. Of all options online and offline, the toggle clamp has varieties. Different aspects, including handle design, pressure ratings, and handle placement distinguish one brand from another. Most solutions are available in automatic and manual models. This results in an extensive range of toggle action.
Squeeze action clamps are equipped with a release lever, making the product much easier to open. Also, there are various finishes to choose from. Those with a goal to purchase a tool that enhances visual appeal, this is a perfect solution. But curb value alone is not enough to guarantee a meaningful investment. Luckily, squeeze action toggles are corrosion resistant. Manufacturers use a lot of modern materials such as zinc plate, chrome finish, nickel plate, and chrome finish.
The good news is that manufacturers can customize their products for their diverse clients. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it from a reputable company. Direct your attention to a trusted service provider for a hassle-free journey.
Optimal Safety: Experience without Injuries
Typically, the design of a toggle clamp ensures a high level of safety during work. It is known for an outstanding locking action that keeps the tool and workpiece in place. Whether you’ve experienced accidents or endured injuries with your toggle, consider other excellent alternatives. Select the one that helps prevent accidents because of slipping or losing grip.
Most toggle clamps of today allow you to exert a good level of force onto a workpiece. Because of this superb holding power, you are assured of your safety while working. When it comes to activating the power clamps, people use strap clamps, fasteners, and other essential tools. It’s easy for some, but difficult for others. More often than not, it requires repeated actions, increasing muscle fatigue or strains.
Aside from that, it subjects the tool to increased wear and tear which is not a worth it investment. Luckily, there are toggles designed to enable a stress-free way of operating the material. Reputed for lever mechanism, the activation of power clamps only require a single pull. It’s very convenient, and everything will be set in no time.
Effective Ergonomics:
A toggle clamp is packed with a handle that is specially designed to minimize strain and other body pains while working. This maximizes work efficiency and productivity, resulting in successful outputs.
But what makes it comfortable to use? Because of its contoured handle grips, it fits better into the hands. Whatever your size, you can manipulate the handle according to your comfort. Manufacturers can even modify the handle into a bent position, allowing you to keep your wrist straight. Just tell the company of your option ahead of time to have an investment that lasts over the years. In addition, it helps you avoid fatigue and other strain injuries.
Money-Saving: Obtain a Good Sum of Money for Update
Homeowners are deceived by cheap toggles. The belief to avoid costs and acquire huge savings won’t happen. They will spend more than having a meaningful investment. A toggle clamp that is available at a low price leads to expensive replacement and repair. As a consumer, direct your attention to those that are available at a reasonable rate and be willing to spend more on other toggle clamps.
What’s even more interesting about the equipment is its clamping and release. You can achieve it in a minute or two. It leads to extreme time saving per cycle. Of course, many people have a hectic schedule, and this product is something that everyone should not miss.
Easy to Incorporate: Avoid Other Expenses
Taking advantage of a toggle clamp does not require additional machining, slotting, and other unnecessary tasks. You can use it in any tooling without a hard time. In fact, it’s stress-free to integrate into your workplace. Tired of using inefficient tools? Or overwhelmed with the repair costs? It’s time to utilize toggles today.
Low Maintenance: Say Bye to All Hassles
There are factors that make a toggle clamp high-quality. One is the material used. Is it made from a chrome finish? Does it come with zinc plate? Or is it designed with stainless steel. The best material is the one that lasts and does not rust.
However, modern materials are not enough to say that a toggle clamp is excellent. People consider the comfort level of maintenance. Generally, toggles are virtually maintenance free. They only require a few drops of lubricating oil to keep them in an excellent condition.
In case of damage, call a professional right away. Instead of fixing the problem yourself, it’s best to count on an exceptional company. Ask your friends and relatives for referrals. It’s better than browsing the internet.
Extraordinarily Reliable and Simple to Use
A toggle clamp has been getting a buzz all over the internet. Users from different parts of the world have been amazed by the toggle. It’s very reliable and easy to use. It’s a tremendously efficient operating system, making it a cost-efficient option for all. Because of this, it helps people reduce work time. Plus, it brings efficiency in the workspace.
2. How Does A Toggle Clamp Work?
Known to be the quick-action hold down tool, a toggle clamp is employed to keep a workpiece stationary. It may be fixed to a fixture or a bench. Or it may be handheld for holding different pieces of wood together.
A toggle clamp operates thru a system of pivots and levers. The clamp actuation moves against the workpiece. Then, it stretches or compresses the linkages. It locks Y moving the center pivot past the centerline of other pivots. It firmly holds the workpiece until you move the handle for a successful release.
Different Types of Toggle Clamps
As with other tools at home or workplace, a toggle clamp has various types. Keep reading to find more information.
Horizontal Toggle Clamp
When the handle is in the horizontal position, this toggle clamp is in the locked position. As the handle moves towards the table, its securing arm locks into place. Commonly, this is used when there are height limitations to machinery. Plus, don’t forget to mount it to a table.
Vertical Toggle Clamp
The vertical toggle handle with red handle stands straight when locked. It is designed with various holding capacities. It can apply a considerable amount of pressure. Every time you pull the handle away from the tool, you can lift the securing bar and place an object under the bar. As the handle moves into vertical alignment, the pressure is applied. Not only is it safe for a worktable, but it also used to secure wood around machinery.
Push-Pull Toggle Clamp
The handle of this clamp moves the securing bar in a straight line. Once the handle is engaged, the securing arm pushes into an object, locks, and holds it in place. Generally, you can lock the clamp in two positions. They are also suited for clamping different objects together, such as pieces of wood and molds.
The push-pull clamp has a superb plunger that travels in and out. As the name suggests, the clamp offers push and pull offers. It may lock in either the pull or push position. It may also be referred to as a straight line or plunger-style clamp.
Pull-Action Latching Toggle Clamp
This clamp works similar to the latch on fishing tackle boxes. Its handle is appropriately aligned with the opposing latch. Then, it is pulled back down into the locking position. This is used for closing objects such as mold closures and latching doors. Ask the manufacturer of your choice to help you have a brilliant decision in no time.
Categorized into two types such as U-hook and J-hook, pull action latching toggle clamp is ideal for sealing lids and molds. With its threated adjustments, it becomes adaptable to many applications. Options include stainless steel, carbon, and rubber material.
Squeeze-Action Toggle Clamp
Unlike the others, this toggle clamp is far different. It looks quite similar to pliers. It has two jaws that clamp onto various objects. As a portable clamp, it can be used in various situations. Not only can it hold two objects, but it can also put each in place.
For example, whether you have to clamp two boards together or are aware from your shop, it will be easy to achieve with a squeeze-action toggle clamp. Give it a try and see a huge difference after first use.
Also, it comes with 1 or 2 spindles that you can adjust. Its trigger release results in easy one-hand operation on a variety of models. Choices include stainless steel and carbon. Plus, there are jaw depths and openings. But this depends on the requirements of your application.
Hook Clamps
Looking for a toggle that is perfect for closing and holding doors, lids, and molds? There is no need to look further than hook toggle clamp. It pulls two parts together, making it an ideal option for different applications. It may also require a separately fixed catch.
Cam Toggle Clamp
With the number of toggles out there, this clamp is a similar to vertical toggle. The only difference is that the clamping force is generated by the action of a roller on a cam. This allows components of thickness to be clamped without the readjustment of the spindle. Also, there are latch toggle clamps.

3. Applications of Toggle Clamp
Unlike other tools that homeowners and professionals use, a toggle clamp is a flexible option. Aside from having a ton of features such as low maintenance, huge savings, and ease of use, this equipment is highly versatile. This means that it has various applications and here are some:
Welding Fixtures
A toggle clamp is versatile. It can be utilized in many fields, and one of those is welding. In welding production, there is a fixture that uses clamps. With the right and effective toggle, it can make a welding project much easier than you think. It can help you construct a welding fixture, improve quality, and reduce production time.
As a piece of equipment, a welding jig has several parts. Not only does this form a weldment, but it also keeps a fixed dimensional relationship among various parts. A welding fixture needs to fulfill the requirements from being well-designed in light of durability, a great conductor of electricity, and enough tolerance to take care of deviations of steel castings.
Electronic Test Fixtures
An electronic test fixture is a tool for testing devices. In assessing electronics such as chips and circuit boards, this equipment can hold the device. But this depends on the quality of your option. Choose the solution that does not require extensive maintenance. Also, consider efficient working, easy to operate, and functional solutions on the market.
Injection Molding
A toggle clamp is also applied in injection molding. Its primary function is to open or close the mold. Toggle clamp uses mechanical linkages to produce higher forces. Aside from that, direct hydraulic clamp is utilized.
Conveyors
Known as mechanical devices, conveyors are used to moving packages or other items without much effort. More particularly, they are employed to move bulk materials such as aggregate and gravel. They have frames that support wheels, rollers, and belts. They consist of belt conveyors for moving belts, vertical conveyors for lifting materials, and overhead conveyors for hanging items during transportation. They also have a toggle clamp to improve the level of comfort and productivity.
Milling, Drilling, Bonding, and Sealing
Homeowners and contractors encounter a hard time when milling, drilling, bonding, and sealing. With several tools to opt, a toggle clamp should not be ignored. It makes the tasks simpler than you expect. You can put an end to the hassles of doing all drilling or sealing projects.
Machine Tool Positioners
Toggle clamps also serve as machine tool positioners. Right positioning of machines cannot be done manually. It requires the use of a toggle clamp to make the process accurate and error-free. Whether your existing toggles are not efficient and tested, rely on a company with a strong reputation in the business. Whatever your situation, a clamp from a reliable provider is an excellent choice.
Production Fixtures
These fixtures are a support or work-holding device in the production history. They are used to locate or even support the work, guaranteeing all parts to maintain interchangeability and conformity. Using these tools improves the economy of manufacturing. The application of toggle clamp in production fixtures make the equipment useful. It provides a boost in worker’s performance and productivity.
Inspection and Gaging Fixtures
Controlling a process is crucial in manufacturing parts and assemblies. Inspection and gaging fixtures can play an essential role in effective manufacturing. These give machine operators the opportunity to ensure that every piece is produced as accurate as possible. But, without a toggle that works well, the system and process are greatly affected. So, eliminate inefficient clamp in your list and buy the one that’s of high-quality.
Coping with Narrow Rails
Door rails in furniture are risky to pass by a coping bit. Without enough support, the rail may turn into a disaster. Not only will the cut be damaged, but your fingers are also at risk. But all of these safety issues can be avoided with the use of toggle clamp. Integrating toggles into your routine makes your workplace a damage-free environment. You can use a toggle clamp to construct a coping jig. All materials needed are a thick base piece and a spacer board. Top the piece with a board. This will serve as a sacrificial surface that allows the jig to slide and help you create perfect cuts.
Cutting Tenons with a Table Saw
Standing the workpiece on its end and feeding it freehand with the blade are unsafe. It’s better to create a tenoning jig using two toggle clamps. You can build a fence to stand the workpieces without a hassle. Also, don’t forget to mount the clamps to a spacer. You can now feed a block of wood perfectly thru the saw. You can adjust the rip fence for cheek cuts.
Locking Down Miter Joints
Closing miter joints with a bar-style clamp are not as safe as you think. It’s brilliant to choose toggle clamp. Thanks to its well-designed and awesome features. You can use it with a square back-up block and base form. Utilize painter’s tape to prevent the glue from sticking to the backup block and base.
Tension-free Tapering
Typically, the two-leg tenoning jigs have a significant flaw. There is no a comfortable and effective way to hold a workpiece against the angled leg of the jig. From employing a push stick to holding it with your hands is awkward and risky. With toggle clamp, you can experience convenience throughout the process. More particularly, you can keep your fingers away from danger. You can make a tapering jig from a piece of scrap without a burden.
All you have to do is align the layout line on your leg workpiece and screw spacer blocks to hold it at the right angle. Screw the toggles to the spacers. After clamping your workpiece in place, you can now set the jig against the rip fence of your saw. Then, adjust the fence to make sure that the jig edge is flush against the saw blade properly.
Feeding the jig past your blade will cut the tapered waist with error-free precision. You don’t have to employ a push stick to hold the leg steadily. Aside from that, your fingers are away from the blade. Lastly, don’t forget to unscrew and reposition your spacer locks to best fit your new taper angle.
Template-Routing Narrow Workpieces
Both a piloted bit and a template are helpful for you to turn out arched door rails and other shaped parts. However, routing curved and narrow workpieces can place your fingers close to the bit. So, why risk your hand? There’s an excellent way to ensure your safety. Make your template piece wider than normal and add a spacer block for your toggles. Next, position the spacer to extend the workpiece for proper trimming. Fasten your toggle to the spacer to press the workpiece against your template easily.With a toggle clamp, you can say bye to double-sided tape, push pads or messy hot-melt glue. You can still hold the parts in alignment by locking the clamps. By that, everything is set for routing. While working at home or in the office, you can use a toggle clamps as hand-holds.
Other Applications
Toggle clamp is also used in a door closure, assembly, and woodworking jigs, and latches for container lids. Without its integration into these applications, related tasks will be difficult. While spending most of your time, the result is now what you expect in the first place. Thanks to toggles. Doing these jobs become fast.

The basic idea of a car is pretty simple — turn wheels to pull you down the road. But, as illustrated by the hundreds of individual parts for sale at your local Pep Boys, AutoZone or Napa Auto Parts, it actually takes a lot of machinery to make cars work.
If you're trying to figure out what all the parts in your car do, HowStuffWorks AutoStuff is the place for you. Here's a collection of our key car part articles.
Engine System
How Car Engines Work
It's the reason you can put the pedal to the metal and go from zero to 60 in about 8 seconds. The car engine is a piece of engineering genius and one of the most amazing machines we use on a daily basis. Learn how the four-stroke internal combustion engine works.
How Diesel Engines Work
Ever wonder what the difference is between a gasoline engine and a diesel engine? Diesels are more efficient and cheaper to run than gasoline engines. Instead of using carburetion or port fuel injection, diesel engines use direct fuel injection. Find out what else makes diesel engines different!
How Hemi Engines Work
The HEMI engine has an awesome design and great performance, and it's pretty unique in operation. With the revitalization of the HEMI in the 2003 Dodge trucks, industry and consumer attention is once again on this interesting configuration. Check out how the HEMI works and see what makes it different from the typical engine design.
How Rotary Engines Work
A rotary engine is an internal combustion engine, but it's not like the one in most cars. Also called a Wankel engine, this type of engine performs intake, compression, combustion and exhaust in a different part of the housing. Learn about the unique rotary setup and how it compares performance-wise to a piston engine.
How Radial Engines Work
Radial engines reached their zenith during WWII. But today they are not that common. One place where you can still see the radial engine's influence is in the two-cylinder engine of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. This remarkable engine can be thought of, in a way, as two pistons from a radial engine. Find out about radial engines.
How Quasiturbine Engines Work
The quasiturbine engine takes the Wankel concept and improves on it: Instead of three combustion chambers, it has four, and the setup of a quasiturbine allows for continual combustion. That means greater efficiency than any other engine in its class. Learn about the quasiturbine and why it might be the most promising internal combustion engine yet.
How Camshafts Work
The camshaft has a huge effect on engine performance. It helps let the air/fuel mixture into the engine and get the exhaust out. Learn all about the camshaft and how a new one can radically change an engine's behavior.
How Superchargers Work
Since the invention of the internal combustion engine, automotive engineers, speed junkies and race car designers have been searching for ways to boost its power. One way is by installing a supercharger, which forces more air into the combustion chamber. Learn how superchargers can make an engine more efficient.
How Turbochargers Work
When people talk about race cars, or high-performance sports cars, the topic of turbochargers almost always comes up. Turbochargers use some very cool technology to make an engine more powerful, but the concept is really quite simple. Find out how turbos increase the speed.
How Fuel Injection Systems Work
The last carburetor-equipped car came off the assembly line in 1990. Since then, fuel injectors have been the primary means of getting gasoline into the engine cylinder so it can combust and you can drive. Find out how fuel-injection systems work.
Power Train
How Manual Transmissions Work
If you drive a stick-shift car, then you may have a few questions floating around in your head. Have you ever wondered, "What would happen if I were to accidentally shift into reverse while I am speeding down the freeway? Would the entire transmission explode?" Find out all about manual transmissions.
How Automatic Transmissions Work
Automatic transmissions take the work out of shifting. A truly amazing mechanical system, the automatic transmission in a car accomplishes everything a manual transmission does, but it does it with one set of gears. Learn how the whole setup works.
How Clutches Work
You probably know that any car with a manual transmission has a clutch -- it connects and disconnects the engine and transmission. But did you know that automatics have clutches, too? Learn how the clutch in your car works, and find out about some interesting and perhaps surprising places where clutches can be found.
How CVTs Work
In a regular transmission, the gears are literal gears -- interlocking, toothed wheels. Continuously variable transmissions, on the other hand, don't have interlocking gears. The most common type operates on a pulley system. Learn all about the smooth-operating, ultra-efficient CVT.
How Differentials Work
Without a differential, the driven wheels (front wheels on a front-wheel drive car or rear wheels on a rear-wheel drive car) would have to be locked together, forced to spin at the same speed. Find out how this essential component allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds.
Braking System
How Brakes Work
A car's brakes are probably the most critical system on the vehicle -- if they go out, you have a major problem. Thanks to leverage, such as AUDI VW headlight level sensor, hydraulics and friction, braking systems provide incredible stopping power. Find out what happens after you push the brake pedal.
How Disc Brakes Work
Disc brakes are the most common brakes found on a car's front wheels, and they're often on all four. This is the part of the brake system that does the actual work of stopping the car. Find out all about disc brakes -- even when to replace the pads.
How Anti-lock Brakes Work
Stopping a car in a hurry on a slippery road can be challenging at best and at worst, very, very scary. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) help alleviate the danger. Learn how anti-lock brakes prevent skidding, check out what that sputtering is and find out how effective they really are.
How Power Brakes Work
Power brakes are fairly ingenious machines -- they let you stop a car with a simple twitch of your foot. The concept at the heart of the power braking system is force multiplication -- a whole lot of force multiplication. Get inside the black cannister that provides the power.
How Master Cylinders and Combination Valves Work
We all know that pushing down on the brake pedal slows a car to a stop. We depend on that every day when we drive. But how does this happen? The master cylinder provides the pressure that engages your car brakes. Learn how the master cylinder works with the combination valve to make sure you can brake safely.
Steering, Suspension and Tires
How Steering Works
When it comes to crucial automotive systems, steering is right up there with the engine and the brakes. Power steering systems make the job a whole lot easier, and the internal workings are pretty cool. What happens when you turn your car is not as simple as you might think. Find out all about car steering systems.
How Car Suspensions Work
All of the power generated by a car engine is useless if the driver can't control the car. The job of a car suspension is enormous: maximize the friction between the tires and the road surface, provide steering stability and ensure the comfort of the passengers. Learn how car suspensions work and where the design is headed in the future.
How Tires Work
In the market for new set of tires? All of the different tire specifications and confusing jargon the tire sales clerks or "experts" are shouting at you making your head feel like a tire spinning out of control? Find out all about car tires, including what those sidewall symbols mean!
How Self-inflating Tires Work
Self-inflating tires perform two crucial functions: They automatically maintain ideal tire pressure for safety and performance in standard conditions, and they allow the driver to alter psi on the fly to adjust to changing terrain. Learn how self-inflating systems like the Hummer's CTIS work.
How Sequential Gearboxes Work
Combine the ease of an automatic with the driver control of a manual, such as a window switch, and what you've got is a sequential manual transmission. Instead of having to navigate an H pattern, a simple forward push advances the gear. It's the transmission used by race cars and an increasing number of high-performance street cars. Learn all about the sequential gearbox.
How Torque Converters Work
Cars with automatic transmission parts have no clutch that disconnects the transmission from the engine. Instead, they use an amazing device called a torque converter. Find out all about the torque converter.
Electrical System
How Wires, Fuses and Connectors Work
Wires, fuses and connectors - they may sound like the most mundane parts on your car, but they are essential. Yeah, they help keep the tunes going for a long ride, and they make reading that map at night a lot easier. But, they're also necessary for things like the cooling fan in the engine and your anti-lock brakes. Learn why wires, fuses and connectors are so important!
How Ignition Systems Work
A car's ignition system is the key component that helps the engine produce maximum power and minimum pollution. Find out how much is riding on a well-timed spark.
How Car Computers Work
Cars seem to get more complicated with each passing year. Today's cars might have as many as 50 microprocessors on them. Essentially, you're driving around in a giant computer. Learn all about the various computer systems that control your car.
How Windshield Wipers Work
Without windshield wipers, a rain storm would make cars pretty much useless. What began as a hand-cranked system is now automatic, including auto switch and headlight switch, and only getting more so: There are now some windshield wipers that can actually sense rain. Learn the mechanics behind this essential automotive tool.
Exhaust System
How Catalytic Converters Work
A catalytic converter is one of the most important parts of a car's emissions control system. It treats the exhaust before it leaves the car and removes a lot of the pollution. Learn how catalytic converters reduce pollutants and help you pass the emissions test.
How Mufflers Work
Every car out there has a muffler -- it performs the crucial job of turning thousands of explosions per minute into a quiet purr. Mufflers use some pretty neat technology to dim the roar of an engine. Learn about the principles that make it work.
Other Car Parts
How Odometers Work
Mechanical odometers have been counting the miles for centuries. Although they are a dying breed, they are incredibly cool inside. Learn how this simple device tracks distance and find out about digital odometers.
How Cooling Systems Work
A car engine produces so much heat that there is an entire system in your car designed to cool the engine down to its ideal temperature. In fact, the cooling system on a car driving down the freeway dissipates enough heat to heat two average-sized houses! Learn all about fluid-based cooling systems.

Often you get some unpleasant smells once you come back to your home after a long time. This is generally due to inadequate air passage. You might not be able to stay in such an environment where there are unpleasant smells.
There can be any other reasons due to which you can get bad smell in your surrounding environment. The best way will be to use an air freshener to make the surrounding environment fresh and fragranced.
Getting a very well invoked fragrance will be really important as soon as the brain receives odors there will be instant invocation and memories create some unpleasant mood. It will be really important to get your mood in a perfect order in order to stay healthy physically and mentally.
Today people are using air fresheners at home and in cars, like car hanging perfume. This creates a wonderful fragrance which in turn helps in making the ambience wonderful and fresh. People use the fruit and lemon rich fragrance in order to create a refreshing image.
Along with advantages there are also some of the disadvantages which individual experiences with the air fresheners effect.
This article will speak about both advantages and disadvantages of the air refreshers. Also there are varieties of companies that deal with air fresheners in the market. You can choose the one that is reputed in the market.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Air Fresheners
Unpleasant smells are frequently found lurking in bathrooms and musky offices, which make using those facilities bothersome and at times unbearable.
While its main benefit is to eliminate odors, there are many other benefits other than spreading a pleasant smell.
Advantages

• Flexible: Air freshener service, such as EVA air freshener, can be installed virtually anywhere in your building. It is designed not just for restrooms but also for use in areas such as offices, meeting rooms, care homes, hotels, reception areas, school classrooms or anywhere that a pleasant fragrance is desired.
  
  
• The air freshener comes furnished with a fan which can be used in high traffic areas and turned off in less visited areas so you get the perfect amount of fragrance circulating in the place on installation or spray.
  

• Natural: Most air fresher services, use natural essential oils to make their scents. The freshener contains no volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) or aerosol products. And although most fragrances are strong and overpowering, Air fresheners leave a light, fresh fragrance behind.
  
  
• You don’t have to worry about getting burned out on one scent; Most Air fresheners come equipped with a number of fragrance /scent options for you to enjoy a variety of aromas that you like
  

• Neutralizes: Some fresheners simply mask the smell of malicious odors instead of neutralizing them; however, air fresheners that eliminate odors completely as to avoid mixing uncomplimentary smells together are available in most departmental stores. It truly creates a fresh, clean smell completely void of ghastly whiffs and scrunching noses.
  

• Convenient: By choosing a good air freshener service provider, you will benefit from full installation, maintenance, and refills by service technicians Usually there is no additional charge for battery changes, and technicians will make sure your Room Freshener Gel doesn’t run out.
  

• Designs: There are many design, sleek and classy and not old fashioned bulky air fresheners available these days .Also their closed system is ideal for hanging and decreases theft & vandalism. The design is also safety-minded as children can’t tamper with it and animals can’t reach it.
  
  
• Positive change in mood: There are situations when you are in a tremendous off mood. Even you feel like breaking your head. But, if suddenly if you get a fresh smell of lemon or natural flower, it will instantly change your mood and you can easily get in to moon on with salinity and peace in mind.
  
  
• You can easily concentrate on your work or speak to everyone without spoiling your mood. Air fresheners are very well associated with well being of human being with a boost to positive attitude.
  
  
• Killing airborne pathogens: Some microorganisms and airborne pathogens are present in the environment that sometimes creates unhealthy atmosphere. If you can use the air fresheners with natural essential oil extracts, the airborne pathogens which are harmful for your body will be eradicated with the natural air fresheners. Even in your vehicles and bathrooms you can use these air fresheners in order to stay fresh and healthy. Also, you can use air purifier spray.
  

• Eliminating undesirable odors: None of the individuals would like bad odor capturing them when they enter home or bathroom. Thus, the cosmetic manufacturers are making air fresheners of different fragrance and aroma according to the likes of individuals. This will help eradicating all undesirable odors from your rooms, bathroom and environment.
  
  
• Keeps fragranced: You can stay away from the bad smell if you are using air fresheners. Your home will be really fragranced with the good smell. The air around you will be refreshing as well. You can apply this in your drawing room where you are going to grace your guest. Your relatives and friends visiting your home will be delighted.
  
  
• Portrays positive frame of mind: If an individual is not having good mood, the fragrance can easily give a drastic change over the mood. Yes, the good fragrance helps in providing positive mood to every individual. If you have problem of mood swing, the air fresheners can help making it positive.
  

Sometimes a shop doesn’t do enough turning work to justify the purchase of a CNC lathe. But when it needs to produce precision turned parts, even if for a very small lot size, the shop needs a solution.

Such was the case for Sturges DesignWorks, a company in Portland, Ore., that provides automation and design engineering solutions in a variety of industries, including medical products, electronics, fixturing and tooling, and research and development. The company was working with a client who needed a special machine built that required substantial CNC lathe work. But Sturges didn’t have a lathe. “CNC lathes are expensive, take up much needed floor space, and have a steep learning curve,” explains Dan Sturges, company CEO. He considered a CNC mini lathe, but found that it would not be precise, rigid or accurate enough for the work required.
To address the issue, the company developed what it calls the Sturges Turning Head system to bridge the gap between traditional, full-featured CNC lathes and low-productivity, small CNC mini lathes. “I had always wondered why we couldn’t somehow do precision CNC lathe work on a CNC milling machine,” Mr. Sturges says. “The problem is, even if you attach a lathe tool to the mill spindle and lock it, there’s still a tiny bit of play that makes it impossible to maintain a standard of precision. So we developed a turning bar toolholder that places the tip of the tool at the spindle’s center of rotation, eliminating the slight play in the tool tip and providing the precision and accuracy needed for professional, high-quality swis type automatic lathe work on a mill.” Based on this principle, the company built the prototype for the Turning Head system, which is capable of external turning, facing and contouring operations. An optional cross slide accessory bolts onto the table, allowing for plunge operations such as parting and grooving.

The Turning Head spindle—the equivalent of a lathe headstock—is made of steel and cast iron and uses premier Grade 7 pre-loaded ball bearings that are lubricated for life. The standard model has less than 50 millionths of an inch runout, and the super-precision model has less than 20 millionths. It has a large, through-bore 5C spindle with a 4-degree taper mount nose.

The system comes with a set of three turning bars, each with an R8 or 3/4-inch straight. The universal design allows left-hand, right-hand and center cutting operations simply by rotating the tool. Tool changes between different turning operations are eliminated. The toolholders are available in three sizes (1/32 radius, 1/64 radius and 1/128 radius) and maintain cutter concentricity to less than 0.001-inch TIR.

Operating the system is straightforward. The operator places a piece of stock in the spindle, tightens the collet, turns on the unit, and hits “Go” on the CNC interface. The system allows the machinist to set up a job on a mill and crank out smooth, accurate parts in a repetitive way. Operating on the existing milling machine’s software, the CNC program provides fast, efficient operation without the need to learn new software.

It’s hard to justify the expense of a multi-axis precision CNC lathe when only one, ten or 100 parts are required. “Machinists, engineering departments, automation groups, tool makers, mold makers and machine builders often don’t have the need for high-volume production,” Mr. Sturges says. “What they need is an economical way to create precision lathe parts.”

The Turning Head system can fill that void. Indexing capability allows indexing the work and seamlessly transitions between milling and turning operations on the same part in the same setup. Multi-axis capability is achieved on an existing machine in the shop. According to Mr. Sturges, “Parts made with this system are indistinguishable from parts made on a swiss CNC machine—same accuracy, same repeatability, same quality.” In a sense, it’s the best of both worlds.

A precision swis lathe is a computerized lathe used to create detailed solid objects from a single piece of wood or metal. Using a sophisticated computer software, the precision swis turning lathe can produce a near-finished product with minimal waste. A lathe functions by spinning the raw materials while cutting, drilling, sanding, knurling or deforming. The use of a lathe produces a finished product that is symmetrical along the axis of rotation.

Earlier versions of a lathe have been traced back to the Egyptians, who developed a two person lathe using a manual process. This design was improved by the Romans who added a turning bow to provide a more consistent turning rate. In the Middle Ages the pedal was added to allow the craftsman to use both hands to work on the wood. This type of lathe is called a spring pole lathe and the development was critical to expanding the types of items that could be created on a lathe. A great lathe was the first lathe to allow the piece to turn continuously but was powered by one person turning a crank while the other worked on the piece.

Only during the early 19th century was a motorized lathe developed. This change significantly reduced the time needed to complete an item and allowed the addition of metal in the process. The addition of computers in the early 1970s created precision lathes that are used today for the mass production of high quality product. This shift has removed the need for master craftsman and replaced these roles with computer operating technicians.

A precision lathe, such as single spindle automatic lathe, is able to cut and shape a material to within 0.001 inches (0.00254 cm) of accuracy. The cylindrical basis of the lathe means that the material is secured at each end and the product is created by the removal of materials from the solid item. A precision lathe is used to create baseball bats, table legs, poles and a wide range of ornamental pieces.

In order to work with a precision lathe, you will need to be trained on the specific equipment used. The original design of the product is completed by a product design and the actual programming is done by the lathe operator. Repeated testing is completed before the mass production work is started. The modern lathe is a highly complex machine that can product thousands of items an hour.

When purchasing a precision lathe, it is important to review the detailed product specifications. Make sure it will have the capability of creating the types of products that you require. Check the details of the warranty and service agreement to ensure that your investment is properly covered.

Electronic door locks are a way to replace keys or to add additional automation features, like remote locking or unlocking. Although most commonly found on cars, many cutting-edge security providers are offering electronic door locks for homes and businesses.

Types of door locks
In any type of door lock, a latch or bolt is made to cross the opening between the side of the door and the doorframe, preventing access. This can be a “spring bolt,” which is held in place by springs and allows the door to close (but not reopen) when locked, or the more secure “dead bolt,” which stays in place until manually unlocked. In both cases, locking and unlocking is achieved by rotating the visible element (a knob or a key in a lock cylinder) to move the bolt or latch.

Traditional key locks use some variation of the “pin and tumbler” method, in which the lock cylinder is held in place with a line of small metal pins, each of which consists of an upper and lower half. When a key is inserted and turned, the uneven “serrated” edge ensures that each pin is moved a certain distance. The cylinder may be turned only when each pin is moved just enough to create a straight separation between the upper and lower halves of all pins. There are also novel locks as fingerprint door lock.

Electronic lock also involves parts called “actuators,” which connect the bolt or the cylinder to a small motor completely buried within the door or frame itself. The motor is controlled by an electrical impulse, which may be triggered in a number of ways: by an electronic card reader, by a keypad or by a wireless remote control sensor. Either way, the electronic door lock, functioning as a door release, is configured to start the motor-driven actuator only once it has received the correct electronic input.

A lock solenoid is a type of electric locking mechanism that uses an electromagnetic lock device containing a tightly wound coil of metal wire called a solenoid to provide the mechanical energy that opens and closes the lock. Solenoid locks are often used as door locks and are also used to lock other things, such as cabinets or drawers. They are especially common for doors that are locked and unlocked remotely, such as the main doors of many apartment complexes or situations where security is a particular concern.

The essential component of a lock solenoid is a length of insulated copper wire connected to a source of electrical current. The wire is coiled around a long, frequently cylinder-shaped core made of iron or some other ferromagnetic material that is positioned so that it can move nearer to or farther away from the center of the coil when force is applied to it. When electrical current passes through the wire, it generates a magnetic field that moves the core, turning electrical energy into mechanical energy and producing linear motion. This allows the solenoid to open or close the bolt in the lock.

Solenoid locks have several features that can make them desirable in many applications. Unlike purely mechanical locks, a lock solenoid with power supply can open and close without needing a human to be physically present to operate it, making it useful for locks that receive instructions to open and close from a separate location or that do so automatically according to a preset timer or signals from sensor equipment without direct human input. They can also be designed to be unlocked by things other than a physical key, such as a password; a signal from a radio-frequency identification device or personal digital assistant; or biometric data such as fingerprints, voice prints, or retinal scanning.

Another useful feature is that, depending on the design of the lock solenoid, the core can be positioned so that activating the electrical current either pushes the core outward, throwing the bolt and shutting the lock, or polls the core inward to open the lock. A lock that uses a magnetic field to close the lock, sometimes with card reader, will automatically open in the event of failure, or "fail open,” while a lock that uses the magnetic field to open the lock will do the opposite and “fail closed.”

This is a useful attribute of solenoids and an important design consideration, because it determines how the lock will react in the event of equipment failure or loss of electrical power. For example, lock solenoids used on the doors of businesses or residences will usually be designed to fail open so that in the event of a dangerous event that causes power failure, such as a fire in the building, people will be able to escape the building unobstructed. On the other hand, in the case of some solenoid locks, such as locks on a vault, a safe, or a cabinet containing money, valuables, or other potential targets of theft such as sensitive government or business information, it is more desirable for the lock to fail closed so that a power loss does not leave them suddenly vulnerable.

If you’re old enough to remember 1990, that’s the year MC Hammer released his signature, Grammy-nominated song “U Can’t Touch This.” Hammer may have looked great rapping in parachute pants but he wasn’t that great at prognosticating. Within 15 years people were indeed touching it . . . and they were about to touch it a whole lot more after 2007, once Apple released its groundbreaking iPhone, the first handheld device ever shipped with a multi-touch display. Today, the appetite for high-quality interactive displays has spawned a massive industry with sales by 2018 expected to reach $31.9 billion. Though the display-user interface is now ubiquitous and so intuitive that even infants seem to know how to swipe left and right, we sometimes forget how truly revolutionary and disruptive this technology was when it was introduced.

Touch-device shipment and revenue will continue to rise year over year, peaking in 2019, according to market-data insight firm IHS DisplaySearch. Some touchscreens employ pressure sensors to detect contact, while some use visible or infrared light, and still others use sound waves. The broad range of environments and conditions under which the displays are deployed has required designers and manufacturers to get creative. Let’s take a look at some of the different types of touch technology, how they function, and what their advantages are in terms of reliability, durability, accuracy, size, number of touch points and, of course, cost.

Resistive Touch Screen
Resistive touchscreens are the most common and cost effective. Applications best suited to this pressure-sensitive technology are industrial, human-machine interfaces with zero tolerance for error. Because the surface responds only to direct pressure, it means users are less likely to register a false touch. The display functions well in high-traffic or rugged environments where there’s moisture or even debris, and it can independently work as LCD advertising player. And you can use it with gloves or a stylus, which makes it perfect for mining, petroleum, manufacturing, construction, and laboratory applications. Note the two types of resistive touchscreens: soft and hard surface. The soft display bears a flexible top layer of plastic ITO (indium tin oxide) film affixed over a layer of glass. In between is a crosshatch of electrode sensors that form a grid of X- and Y-axis touch points. The hard-surface display is similar but for a grid that’s sandwiched between two panes of glass, usually bezeled around the perimeter. It’s a cost-efficient technology but there are some downsides, too. Number one, the grid is an analog technology that drifts, requiring periodic recalibration. Second, the ITO film can wear and crack over time. And, finally, the screen can be difficult to read under bright light, where the image quality suffers.

Projected Capacitive Touch Screen
Unlike resistive touch, which relies on pressure, projected capacitive touch screens rely on shifting electrical charges instead of moving parts. If you’ve ever worn socks on carpeting in winter then touched a metal object and gotten a shock, you’ve experienced electrical capacitance. PCAP technology involves two conductive layers that create an electrostatic field, which transfers energy when contacted. One of the key benefits is its ability to process multiple touch points simultaneously. Another great thing is, by eliminating the layers of film and glass PCAP offers near-perfect optical clarity and performance. It’s one of the main reason so many smart phones use it. It tends to be more expensive than resistive touch but its optical clarity, power efficiency and aesthetics have made it the go-to technology for tablets and phones. Because its images are accurate and contrast ratios high, it’s also popular in medical imaging and other industries where an onscreen blotch or defect could lead to catastrophic results. An optional ‘optical bonding’ feature recommended by Premio, which eliminates air and moisture between the layers, makes for an even clearer and more rugged display that withstands shocks and vibrations. A downside is PCAP’s susceptibility to ‘noise’ generated by electromagnetic interference (EMI). Because the display must be finely calibrated to ignore nearby EMI noise, users have to operate PCAP with a finger rather than fingernail, gloved finger or stylus.

Surface Acoustic Wave Touch Screen
Surface acoustic wave (SAW) touch technology uses a transducer to record the absorption of ultrasonic waves transmitted across the display’s surface. Superior clarity and resolution make SAW ideal for in-door applications that require precision image quality as in devices used for research and monitoring. The technology primarily is used with smaller touchscreens of up to 32 inches. Other suitable in-door uses include ATMs and information kiosks, such as self service kiosk. Key advantages include high-durability glass, superior optical clarity, and broader activation capabilities using finger, gloved-finger or soft-tip stylus. Vulnerabilities include moving liquids or condensation that produces false touches, solid stains that cause non-responsiveness until cleaned, and less-robust drag and draw capabilities.

Optical Infrared IR Touch Screen
Owing to its flexibility, optical infrared (IR) is another highly popular technology. Notably, IR is the only touchscreen that operates without a film or glass cover layer. Instead it relies on infrared light-emitting diodes projecting an invisible grid of beams that register touch wherever light is disrupted. It offers great clarity, is easy to calibrate, and lasts a long time, too, since there’s no flexible layer to degrade over time. The main drawback is the presence of a noticeable gap between flat panel and IR sensors. For this reason it’s less suited for industrial and highly trafficked applications where high-pressure dust, debris or liquid might harm the electronics inside the LCD panel. The optics are clearer than resistive or capacitive touch, it provides a rugged surface that manufacturers can bezel and seal against dust and moisture, and it supports multi-touch and dual-touch inputs. Produced mainly at sizes larger than 32 inches, IR technology is ideally suited for use with kiosks, or self service machine, outdoor installations, point-of-sale systems, factory automation, and other applications where bare fingers are impractical – from industrial and pharmaceutical environments to retail, hospitality, and service industries.

The Premio Touch
Although MC Hammer couldn’t have foreseen that U touching it would be so easy, he might’ve guessed that the technology behind it would be so sophisticated. Before investing in any industrial display, however, first we have to weigh the pros and cons of functionality, durability, aesthetics and cost. We also have to consider the time and effort required to maintain and calibrate the device so that it performs optimally in its particular industrial environment. Fortunately, Premio specializes in helping clients identify the right technology for the job. With a Class 10,000, dust-controlled clean room dedicated to touch-sensor lamination at our headquarters in Greater Los Angeles, Premio offers extensive expertise integrating and manufacturing award-winning, touch-enabled products for a broad range of industrial uses. In fact, we’ve been providing solutions for original equipment and design manufacturers for more than 28 years.