Most of us don’t really think about how the things we use every day were produced, but the process is quite compelling when you get into. Plastic bags? Heat sealing and plastic extrusion. Tarps? A combination of woven, coated fabric and, welding technology. What about our clothes, or furniture? We can’t underestimate the importance of the production line for most modern conveniences, but the truth is that even the most low-tech items can only be made as a result of innovation and decades of technological development. Let’s explore how.
Glass People have been making glass since 3500 B.C.E., so referring to such a basic man-made item as a technology appears strange initially. But glass is incredibly useful. It can collect and retain heat, sealing this warmth into homes and greenhouses during the winter. Glass is thoroughly transparent, though manufacturers can also create stunning opaque glassware, like the slag glass that became a popular collector’s item during the 20th century. You probably encounter glass every day—you wake up and look out your glass window, drink a glass of orange juice, stare out your glass windshield while driving, and glance at your mirror throughout the day. It is such a prominent component of our everyday lives that we rarely stop to appreciate glass for the amazing material that it is.
Textiles Humans have produced textiles for thousands of years, but the loom revolutionized the process. It was one of the first technologies to benefit from steam power, and modern looms are used to make everything from the most delicate silk to the most durable carpeting. Often, looms are combined with other advanced technologies, like heat sealing, to produce any number of consumer goods. You’ll find coated fabric welding is used to make everything from industrial curtains to the humble backpack.
Plastic Representing the best in modernity and convenience, plastic takes many forms. It can be molded through casting and thermoforming, and is present in every major industry. Common plastics include vinyl (PVC), vulcanized rubber, nylon, polyester, and several other useful plastics. Manufacturers can heat seal vinyl to make everything from tarps to inflatable rafts. Plastic is indispensible as a food container, particularly for items like candy and dried fruit, which can’t necessarily be stored reliably in metal, glass, or paper. Due to heat sealing, bags made from plastic resist air and water, and are among the most convenient consumer goods on the market.
To see modern convenience in action, all you need to do is look at the advent of radio frequency welding, heat sealing, and other advanced bonding techniques. Visit here to learn more.
Also visit: http://www.uniquedailyarticles.com/Author/70978/rouland-price.html and http://toptation.com/story.php?title=dielectric-welding#discuss. |