General Info

Tensile strength classes of stainless steel screws and nuts

The tensile strength of steel and stainless steel is a critical parameter when it comes to the load-bearing capacity and safety of threaded joints. It is made up of two key parameters for steel screws based on which the tensile strength and the yield strength can be easily determined. But starting at a certain size, stainless steel screws and stainless steel nuts are marked with a letter-number combination (e.g. A4-80). The letter-number combination arranged in front of the hyphen assigns the screw so marked to a material group and steel group and thus provides information on the basic material properties of the screw. The number 80 to the right of the hyphen indicates the strength class. This article shows how to use the strength class of stainless steel bolts to determine their limits of use and provide an overview of the load-bearing capacity of typical strength classes.

Basic knowledgeJoining
8 Minutes read

Pneumatic circuits and pneumatic circuit diagrams - fundamentals of fluid engineering

This article covers the fundamentals of pneumatics, pneumatic circuits and pneumatic circuit diagrams. Pneumatics is an area of fluid engineering that deals with compressed air and its application in various systems. Pneumatic control technology is used in many industries and sectors, such as material handling, robotics, or transportation.

Basic knowledgePneumatics
12 Minutes read

Tutorial: Coefficients of expansion of materials - Materials sciences theory

The coefficients of expansion of materials play a crucial role in materials science. Coefficients of expansion describe how the dimensions of a material change under the influence of temperature fluctuations. This article provides a comprehensive introduction to the topic, including the basics of thermal expansion, influencing factors, and various measurement methods. We also compare typical expansion coefficients of material classes and explain their uses in various industries. Lastly, we address thermal stresses and ways to prevent damage from temperature differences in materials.

Basic knowledge
11 Minutes read

Calculating the center of mass - with examples

Calculating the center of mass is an important step in many tasks in mechanical engineering and in the design of machines and components. The center of mass indicates where the weight of a body is concentrated and thus permits determining the forces and moments in the system. This article explores the basics of calculating the center of mass and provides some real-world examples.

Basic knowledgeConstruction
7 Minutes read

Linear Drive - Converting Rotation to Translation

A linear drive converts rotational movements to linear movements and vice versa. Linear actuators are key components for motion control in many mechanical systems and mechanical engineering. Often, this conversion is needed to convert power and motion generated by motors and other rotating equipment into translation (linear motion). The drive is industrially realized with motors or also by hand. The article introduces frequently used and common concepts and lists the design criteria. Lastly, we will discuss examples for mechanical engineering applications.

Linear MotionRotary MotionTransmission
6 Minutes read

Spring design calculations

Springs are mechanical components that can store and deliver tension energy generated by the work used to tension, elongate or compress the spring in the form of deformation or tension energy. They are used in many applications and can be found in small electronic components as well as in large industrial machines. To ensure that a spring performs its function, it must be correctly designed. For this purpose, parameters such as the spring constant and the spring travel are calculated.

Basic knowledgeConstruction
7 Minutes read