Pipe fittings are used to securely connect pipes, tubes, and hoses. They are used in pneumatics as well as in hydraulics and other fluid-carrying systems. However, suitable fittings and adapters are also available for pipes under vacuum. As an important component of these systems, it is essential that pipe fittings reliably and securely connect the components to be connected and permanently prevent liquids or gases from entering or exiting. This article introduces different types of pipe fittings and their ideal uses, and will help you choose the best pipe fitting for your application

Industrial value chains are increasingly focused on manufacturing and maintenance costs. Maintenance costs represent a large portion of the ongoing operating costs of a system. High-quality and maintenance-friendly components help to keep these costs as low as possible while ensuring the required quality. However, planning and design does not always have to rely on the most expensive component. Using ABC analysis, products and components can be classified as ABC parts based on their value share and their importance in the value chain. The most cost-efficient articles are the so-called C articles or C-parts. These have a small share of value, but are required in large numbers. These parts have great potential to reduce costs. It’s worth taking a closer look. For many applications, cost-efficient items are a good alternative to expensive items. However, a low price does not have to mean a loss in quality; the application range of cost-efficient items may only be limited, for example, by the often lower precision. This article will show you how to use C-parts such as plain bearings in a cost-efficient manner, and how to select them purposefully, while at the same time ensuring quality.

Linear shafts are a subset of linear guides and provide stability and precision in linear motion systems. Varying precision requirements are placed on linear shafts to ensure that movements are transferred at low-friction, accurately, and reliably. These requirements specify roundness, straightness, perpendicularity as well as the concentricity of the linear shaft. MISUMI offers linear shafts in standard and precision versions. In this article, you will learn about the different features, when to use which variant, and what precision requirements are all about.

Ball bearings and other rolling bearings are installed in numerous machines. The installed bearings transfer the radial or axial forces that occur to the machine housing and thus permit the use of various moving components. The forces that occur and the resulting load in the bearing must already be determined during the design process. The load distribution in the bearing and the matching contact point geometry is crucial for the expected service life, function and efficiency of the bearing. In this article, we will look at the load exerted on a rolling bearing and how contact surface geometry affects load distribution in the rolling bearing.

Specialty plastics are used when applications place high demands on the material or special properties are required. They frequently have insulating properties and their high resistance to water and chemicals makes them a reliable, low-maintenance material. It is then no wonder that specialty plastics are used in many technical fields and also in fasteners such as screws and nuts. The following article provides an overview of various specialty plastics and their applications.

Parallel keys and tapered keys are two common connecting elements in the mechanical engineering industry. They are used to create a force-locking connection between two components. In this article, the two key types are examined in more detail and their areas of application are explained.

A number of things can go wrong during a bearing change: damage to the shaft or bearing can occur due to improper handling or improper installation of the new bearing. Particularly on seized bearings, the question arises as to how to successfully remove the latter without damaging the surrounding components and the bearing itself. In this context, the appropriate tools are crucial for the successful disassembly and installation of pressed-in bearings. In this article, we present tools and methods to ensure that the next bearing change is guaranteed to succeed.

Collecting data is a central aspect of modern facilities, especially in the context of digitalization and Industry 4.0. Sensors make this possible. They provide input data and monitor and adapt processes. But what types of sensors are there? How does one select the right sensor for a specific application? This article presents the mode of action and possible applications for various sensors, as well as selection criteria for finding the right sensor.

Electrostatic discharge can be a problem in the manufacturing environment: the hazards range from damage to sensitive components to fire and explosion hazards. There are a variety of options for minimizing its occurrence. Antistatic or ESD materials are one of them. The following article covers causes for electrostatic charge, introduces antistatic materials (ESD materials), and describes general principles for avoiding electrostatic discharge.