can you freeze punch to make ice in a metal cookie cutter?
I am doing a wedding for my brother.. he wants me to use leaves, acorns, and pumpkins, for the ice in the punch… if i wrap aluminum foil around the cookie cutter to hold the punch in place will it freeze to the side or come out easy! ??
i have over 40 of the cookie cutters!
Honestly? No. No matter what you do, water is too, well, fluid, to be contained by aluminum foil. There is a way to seal them using some gel icing….first you place the cookie cutters down on a flat cookie pan, then seal all around the outside using the gel….weight them down and put in the freezer to freeze the gel. Now, using iced water or punch, remove the weight and pour the water in 3/4 of the way to filling the mold, then refreeze. Its a crap shoot, though, as the gel will sometimes loosen. After, to loosen them from your mold, just set the pan on a warmed surface, and let a little bit melt…they’ll come right out. Immediately refreeze in single layer so they don’t stick together.
There are some really neat ways to do such things…one that works the best is to use candy molds. They are relatively inexpensive…and have the added bonus of being widely available! Afterwards, you can always have an adventure in making your own candy.
Actually, for a wedding where fall is the theme, they can add a load of charm by using them for making candy to put on the tables or for your favors!
Would a utility knife/box cutter work well for cutting out cardboard?
I’m doing a class project where we have to cut out patterns out of large cardboard sheets. I have a utility knife, but can’t say I’ve ever cut cardboard patterns with it before. Since it will be alot of cutting, I don’t know how quickly the blade will get dull. The group leader said the meeting should only last an hour and to either bring a scissors or a utility knife. I sure wouldn’t want to try and cut cardboard with a scissors for an hour. I don’t think that would work very well. I know they’re meant to cut boxes, obviously. I just don’t know if they’re meant to be used on large projects over extended periods of time like this. Does it sound like the right choice with the utility knife/box cutter?
Actually, a box cutter is made for cutting cardboard. If you have a new blade, it would not wear out in one hour of use.
From Weld Resistance to Factor 1—How Sensors Stand Up to Challenging Welding Conditions
By Tony Udelhoven, Director of Sensors Division at TURCK
Ensuring each product is properly assembled before all components are welded together is at the heart of an error-proofing system for welding applications. Sensors assist in this process by providing accurate, high-speed detection. For instance, sensors can be used to confirm proper placement of metal car parts before they are fused together. Additionally, sensors can detect a robotic arm’s position to determine if the welding mechanism is in the correct position for the current application. Error proofing reduces rejects, as well as the downtime and costs associated with rejected parts.
The type and quantity of sensors used varies by the application from a handful to several hundred, but the conditions these sensors must endure in welding environments remain consistently harsh: temperatures in excess of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, currents ranging from 15,000 to 35,000 Amps, and frequent weld flash occurrences. The combination can cause some sensors to fail as often as three of four times a day under severe conditions. Even a sensor designed for weld resistance may no longer function after 5,000 weld flashes—and if that sensor is placed within ten inches of a weld tip, it can easily experience 1,000 to 2,000 flashes per day.
As these sensors fail due to the harsh welding conditions, productivity suffers and manufacturers are forced to foot significant replacement and reinstallation costs. To combat these challenges, sensors have been designed with durable housings, encapsulated electronics and other construction features to help them deliver reliable, long-lasting operation in welding environments. These new sensors have allowed manufacturers to reliably error-proof production lines, without excessive downtime or high replacement costs.
Error-proofing the assembly line
On an automated production line, if metallic components are placed in the wrong order or orientation, the robotic welding arm may fuse these parts together incorrectly. Conversely, if a robotic clamp is positioned at the wrong angle while holding metal car parts waiting to be welded, it could result in a rejected automotive component. Examining a single component—such as a sheet of metal—is just as crucial, as if it does not contain all the nuts, bushings or spacer sleeves needed in order to complete the assembly process, it will not be welded properly.
Proximity sensors can prevent rejects by detecting whether or not the correct components are in their proper places as the metal parts are transferred down the manufacturing line. Then, the sensors send a pass/fail output to initiate the welding process. In robotic clamping applications, a similar solution is used, but proximity sensors are also employed to detect whether the jaws or grippers are in the proper position (open or closed).
Delivering increased reliability and data collection capabilities, weld-resistant sensors feature rugged construction that allows them to be placed close to the cylinder on the robotic arm mechanism. The sensors can be configured to detect the piston’s movement within the cylinder, which corresponds to the angle the jaws/grippers open, and signal the gripper to open to the precise position required. Meanwhile, another sensor—placed into a groove within the actual jaw/gripper—confirms the held component is moved to the proper location. This custom embedding serves the dual purpose of protecting the sensor from environmental conditions and providing complementary error proofing for part-in-place applications.
Some magnetic-inductive sensors can be used to identify smaller components such as weld nuts or bushings on sheet metal, as the sensors can be programmed to differentiate between the nut or bushing and the sheet metal on which it is placed. These sensors offer simplified installation—they are mounted through holes in the sheet metal—and when a weld nut is present, the sensor produces an output that signals the welding process to begin. With simple “go/no go” operation and IP67 housings optimized for welding environments, these sensors can deliver a more robust and cost-effective solution than optical or vision-based systems.
Long operational life in harsh conditions
Sensors require varying levels of weld resistance depending upon their proximity to the welding mechanism. Ideally, a sensor positioned within inches of weld tips should withstand 10,000 to 20,000 flashes without failure—a performance level that is hard to reach due to the strong electromagnetic fields weld flashes produce. These weld flashes can cause a proximity sensor to falsely trigger, while weld slag or spatter in the application environment simultaneously accumulates and eventually causes the sensor to malfunction. Withstanding these environmental elements requires a combination of specialized construction and numerous protection techniques.
Sensors featuring temperature compensation offer weld resistance by providing reliable operation in high temperature welding environments. To resist mechanical damage, sensors can be constructed with a stainless steel front cap design and copper housing. Some manufacturers may employ proprietary weld resistant material on the sensor body to ensure the sensor face, which is most often directly exposed to weld flash, withstands slag and spatter and that the housing resists the electromagnetic field.
By incorporating fitted steel covers into the sensor housing prior to sealing the sensor, manufacturers can make the sensor impervious to physical damage from the side and weld damage from the front when combined with weld resistant front caps or coatings. Also, users can employ stainless steel sleeves to cover the sensor and help protect it from mechanical damage in welding areas.
Benefits of factor 1 sensing in welding applications
To further minimize sensor replacement costs, factor 1 sensors provide universal usability—they are easily applied in multiple applications, saving costs over purchasing specialized sensors only applicable in certain production areas—and combine it with exceptional EMI resistance.
Factor 1 sensors can detect aluminum, stainless steel, mild steel, copper, lead, brass and other metals at the same rated distance, eliminating the need to reposition the sensor for each new material. Standard proximity sensors detect ferrous and non-ferrous metals at different distances—and this adjustment (known as the correction factor) requires additional labor and downtime for reinstallation. This is of higher consequence in welding applications. If the sensor must be moved closer to the welding mechanism to provide proper detection, it is consequently more susceptible to weld flash and at higher risk of physical damage.
By using separate, independent sender and receiver coils on a PCB, rather than a single coil like standard proximity sensors, factor 1 sensors can detect ferrous and non-ferrous metals at the same range without adjustment and provide a longer overall sensing range. As they can be used with a broad range of metals in a wider variety of applications, factor 1 sensors additionally reduce sensor inventories.
The majority of factor 1 sensors are designed without a ferrite core, making them inherently immune to magnetic field interference. These sensors are therefore especially suited for electric welding operations, lifts and electronic furnaces, and the design allows factor 1 sensors to operate at a higher switching frequency.
The coil technology used in factor 1 sensors contributes to their mounting flexibility by allowing or limited or fully recessed mounting—with no or only a slight decrease in sensing range—further reducing the risk of physical damage. Many standard proximity sensors are non-embeddable and thus more susceptible to mechanical damage from the application environment. Because factor 1 sensors can be incorporated into multiple housing styles, they are also easier to use in areas where space is at a premium, such as under a conveyor belt.
Design features ranging from weld resistance to factor 1 technology allows many sensors to provide reliable, long-lasting operation in even the most challenging welding applications. By reducing downtime and replacement costs while error-proofing operations, these sensor solutions optimize production right on the plant floor—despite harsh conditions.
About the Author
TURCK is an industry leader providing superior quality sensing, connectivity and network products to help manufacturers improve their automated processes.
I am pulling up carpet and need to know how to treat the hardwood?
I moved into a new house that has been unoccupied for over a year. I want to pull up the thin carpet (it’s just a tad better than what is found in schools) that covers all of the upstairs. Some of it has a flap cut so I can see the floor under it. It looks like hardwood that either has never been treated or hasn’t for a very long time.
I am very clueless about home repairs and this is my first house. There are two things I need to know. First, what should I use on the floors? They look very dull, kinda like they were just sanded. How much does treating usually cost?
Second is about two spots in bedroom closets. The ceiling had a hole and leaks in those two places. That carpet has to come up because I’m sure it’s probably moldy. If there is a mold patch waiting for me is there something I can put on it to get rid of it?
I need as much help as I can get!
I would put in new hardwood floors in the whole house. Whether they are real hardwood floors or the faux type, it is going to be better for you in the long run. Hardwood floors not only look better, they are easy to clean, last a long time, and add a lot of value to your house. While it might seem like a big investment, it is a good one. You want your first house to last you a while, and caring for your home starts with good flooring.
what programs are the best when you try to design a remodeling project, bathroom kitchen, basement etc?
i wnat to start make some designs for remodeling project , what progam are the best, i want to be 3d be able to see the plase from diferent angles, to be able to use existing products ( like furniture and tiles and sink ) on market ..
thank you
Try Sketchup:
http://sketchup.google.com/
Easy to learn–I’ve used it for deck design and planning remodeling projects at my house. You can view the house from any angle, including beneath and above. My son used it to try out various ways of rearranging the furniture in his dorm room.
3D Design & Remodel & Additions www.Remodel3D.com
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How to take off the keyboard security strip of a Toshiba 35X?
Ok so I want to dissemble my laptop to fix the power jack thing…I was following http://www.irisvista.com/tech/laptops/ToshibaM35X/satM35X_1.htm
this website instruction and accomplish all the steps without too much problem to the part where i had to take of the security strip (Step 4)
i tried to use a flathead screwdriver but it just isn’t coming off…
any suggestions of how I can get it off?
thanks a bunch
It just snaps on, and might be quite tight. Did you at least get one end started? If you did, then just push the screwdriver in farther and pry up a little more. You may have to do this for the full length of the strip. You may even end up snapping it if not very careful. Not sure what else to tell you other than good luck. : )
I have a town house in southern California. It is 1650 square feet, 3bd/2.5 ba, has a yard and 2 car garage.
I want to do some light remodeling: new kitchen cabinets, granite countertops in kitchen and bathrooms, update bathroom tubs, and other things. My whole project will cost about $27,000 for materials. No labor costs.
My wife and I plan to remain living in the town home for at least another 5 years because starting a family. We will have our place paid off (& will be debt free) in a few months and may possibly sell it one day if our neighborhood gets bad. But we may never move because real estate is SUPER expensive near the beach where we live.
Is $27,000 too much to invest in my town house? My reason for the updates is not for resell but to make our home more custom.
I want us to be happy with what we have so we don’t go house poor buying a fancier house.
Also, should we save our money for 18 months to pay for the project in full, or should we get a loan?
This is a great site that can help you with your upgrades. I updated my kitchen and made a good chunk of change when I sold it. http://www.improvenet.com/Homeowner/KitchenRemodeling/ It gves you good visuals and ideas for what you want to do. Hope this is helpful!
Avondale AZ Home Services Free Estimates Call 602 525 3123
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I came across this website http://www.slahessential.com
I would like you to check it out and tell me what you would like to have in your room from the website. I need some ideas to decorate myplace and i cant think of any thing. Maybe you could help me in deciding.
Please give me your honest opinion.
Thank you in advance for your answers.
i would try direct buy, its a home furnishing and remodeling showroom and you can request a visitors pass to see your local center on line. i know they have specialized kitchen designers and they just got together with another big name designer. the thing is there is a membership fee just like a Sam’s club or Costco, but you don’t pay any retail markup so the prices are 30-50% lower than even the store sales prices because of the fact that you are buying direct from the manufacturer. its a great place to start because not only is ever thing cheaper, but like i said they have designers and a service crew that are knowledgeable about design and remodeling.
Kitchen Remodeling Part 2 – Planning Your Kitchen
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