Science & Technology
SPEware Corporation brings advanced separation efficiency to the extraction laboratory. We combine smart extraction chemistry products with automation to deliver efficient laboratory workflows. We have 20 years of experience designing and implementing improved Positive Pressure Workstations directly to our customers.
Smart Extraction Products for SPE using Polymeric Microparticles
SPEware is the leader in polymeric micro-particulate extraction. We apply our patented packing technology to the production of NBE and SPE extraction columns and 96 well plates.
Our technologies enhance the quality of test results, reduce risk, and achieve greater ROI (Return on Investment) for all types of analytical laboratories, including clinical reference, toxicology, biopharmaceutical, pain management, government, forensic and environmental testing laboratories.
SPEware columns have a unique laminar construction that allows the use of microparticulate sorbents with particle sizes of 20µm and below. Smaller particles in SPE offer numerous benefits; in particular, tighter elution bands (reduced elution volumes), improved method ruggedness at faster flow rates and higher capture efficiency.
The use of water-wettable polymer sorbents reduces or eliminates SPE column conditioning and equilibration steps, thereby saving time, reagent and labor costs.
SPEware is the expert in positive pressure processing of SPE columns. Positive pressure processing has numerous advantages compared to traditional vacuum manifold processing. Positive pressure provides consistent uniform flow across a set of columns or wells, and coupled with electronic flow control, allows for perfectly reproducible flow profiles to be embedded within methods. SPEware positive pressure processors are designed to be fully compatible and provide seamless work flow with other laboratory platforms, such as evaporators and robotic liquid handlers.
- Polymeric particles of small size (8µm – 20µm v. 40µm – 60µm) with customizable chemistries:
The unique advantages are:
- High capture efficiency
- Significantly faster usable flow rate
- Inert support matrix versus silica
- Designed for positive pressure manifolds
The benefits are:
- More rugged methods
- Shorter methods
- Lower LLOQ/more sensitive methods
- Wider variety of chemistries
- Smaller sample volume
- Lower elution volume
- Individual columns, single or 96-well:
The unique advantages are:
- Each column is individually QC’d in single and 96-well format
- Flexibility in configuration
The benefits are:
- Customizable plates to customer specifications
- Method development plates
- Minimizes waste
CEREX® High Efficiency Extraction SPE or Phospholipid/protein crash columns are produced from a family of polymeric sorbents. These sorbents are divided into two classes, namely, co-polymeric and functionalized polymers.
Our functionalized sorbents are surface modified, highly cross-linked divinylbenzene polymers. These modifications afford extraordinary properties when used for solid phase extraction. For example, functionalizing DVB with a quaternary amine produces a strong anion exchanger. This ion exchanger performs in mixed mode, coupled to the hydrophobic interaction provided by the divinylbenzene backbone.
CEREX® is a patented manufacturing technology that enables creation of very high performance solid phase extraction (SPE) columns. CEREX® technology provides for the use of microparticulate sorbents in the SPE column, typically in the 10µm particle size range, as compared to the 40µm particle size range used by most commercial suppliers. Microparticulate sorbents offer tangible and significant benefits compared to larger particle sorbents; specifically, very high capture efficiency.
Capture efficiency refers to the ability of a SPE device to effectively retain, or "trap" desired analytes from the applied sample. Regardless of the chemical affinity of the sorbent for the analyte species, SPE products that use large particle sorbents may exhibit significant analyte breakthrough during sample application. This is caused by the relatively large flow paths between sorbent particles, allowing analytes to bypass contact with the sorbent (Figure 1).
In contrast, CEREX® microparticulate sorbents contain much smaller flow paths, ensuring contact with the sorbent as the analyte molecules pass through the sorbent bed. This results in more efficient and consistent analyte trapping, leading to higher analyte recoveries and more reproducible results (Figure 2).
A loading experiment demonstrates the difference between an 8µm sorbent and a conventional 40µm sorbent, using surface-matched sorbent chemistries, in an online cartridge format (graph courtesy of Spark Holland, see Figure 3). Breakthrough of a UV-absorbing analyte from each respective cartridge is measured using a conventional UV detector. The trace begins with the cartridge bypassed; therefore, the detector signal reflects the level of analyte in the loading solvent.
As the cartridge is placed into the sample stream, absorbance drops initially, and then recovers as analyte "breaks through" the cartridge. Note that the 8um cartridge captures roughly 4 times the analyte quantity as the 40µm cartridge before breakthrough, and reaches total saturation capacity immediately thereafter, as seen by rapid recovery of the detector signal to initial conditions. In contrast, the 40µm cartridge never reaches saturation capacity, even after many minutes of sample loading.
This high capture effect of micro-particles allows the use of much smaller bed masses in CEREX ® columns compared to conventional sorbents. For example, a 35mg or even a 20mg CEREX® column typically exhibits the same effective capacity as a 100mg, 40µm conventional SPE product. The use of smaller sorbent beds allows for commensurately smaller analyte elution volumes, as demonstrated in Figure 4 (chromatogram courtesy of Spark Holland).
Van Deemter: Wider Flow Range
Extractions using CEREX® columns are faster and less operator dependent than classical SPE. One of the contributing factors to this benefit is the wider usable flow range when using smaller particles. The form of the Van Deemter equation is such that HETP achieves a minimum value at a particular flow velocity (low HETP values are good). At this flow rate, the resolving power of the column is maximized. The window for this maximum performance – resolving power - broadens as particle size drops. This means a wider flow range through the bed is allowable; i.e. more rugged methods and less dependence on flow rate for performance.
CEREX® SPE products are available in a wide range of sorbent chemistries and configurations. Column formats offered include standard syringe-barrel tubes with luer-tips in the most widely used sizes (1, 3, and 6 mL tubes). In 96-well formats (including NBE), both "integrated" (single plate) and "modular" (base plate plus plug-in columns) formats are available to accommodate specific user applications. Column bed masses range from 1 mg up to 1 gram scale in the largest columns.
Different column sizes for different applications
- 1 mL is perfect for high throughput sample extraction, automation and automated method development
- 3 mL is designed for more difficult matrices such as whole blood, neat oral fluid, animal urine, etc.
- 6 mL is designed for even more difficult matrices such as post-mortem samples, tissues, etc.
- 1 mL in 96-well format is assembled to your specifications or can be assembled in your laboratory.
- Designed with a gap between each well to eliminate cross contamination
- Standard footprint manufactured to ISO 9001 (ANSI) specifications
- Manufactured from superior quality polypropylene, deep plates can be stored in the freezer to -70° C and may be autoclaved repeatedly
- Alpha-numeric well identification
Various sorbent phases are readily available
- PSCX, DVB/ Strong Cation Exchanger Copolymer, 20 micron, 300Å. This material exhibits excellent selectivity for extracting basic drugs from biological fluids. Dual mode mechanism of extraction can be used to achieve an extract that is 95% protein free.
- PSAX, DVB/ Strong Anion Exchanger Copolymer, 20 micron, 300Å. This material exhibits excellent selectivity for extracting acidic drugs from biological fluids. Dual mode mechanism of extraction can be used to achieve ultra-high purity extracts.
- Maestro™ phospholipid removal/protein crash line of products with higher capacity for phospholipids retention, near 100% analyte recovery and no column plugging.
- Trace-B: High efficiency Hydrophilic DVB Polymer for extracting drugs of abuse from biological matrices
- 10-15 micron - Provides high recoveries of drugs at very low concentrations.
- 200Å pore size - High efficiency sorbent allows for even flow with high recovery as well as elution in small volumes.
- True dual mode column - Hydrophilic Polymer with a Cation Exchanger
- CEREX® Format-Eliminates column channeling for high speed processing with flow rates up to 10 ml/min.
- Hydrophilic polymer - No column conditioning required, eliminates column drying problem
- High cross linking - Provides a rigid polymer that is stable from pH 1 to 14 and eliminates troublesome pH adjustment steps in extraction process.
- Polymer based chemistry - Excellent lot-to-lot reproducibility. Single source manufacturing.
- Trace-N: High efficiency hydrophobic polymer for extraction of THC and metabolites from biological matrices.
- Trace-J: High efficiency DVB Polymeric phase for extracting basic drugs from biological matrices.


Jessica Pettway works in New York. The Plastic series of pictures was specially produced for Landskrona Fotofestival. Pettway has worked for a long time documenting how modern society uses plastics. Her pictures have been published in newspapers such as The New York Times and The Guardian. Now the Plastic series has a Swedish part. The packages in the pictures were bought in local grocery stores in Landskrona and photographed in Pettway’s studio in New York.
Plastic is a controversial material. In the 1960s and 1970s, cheap manufacturing methods were developed and the plastics industry flourished. Plastic appeared to be the answer to many problems of storage and durability. Today, plastic is a symbol of environmental destruction. One problem is that plastic is a consumable, thrown away after use. Another problem is that we have developed a storage industry that involves plastic upon plastic. Even products that are not fragile are packaged singly and then wrapped in yet another plastic package.
Pettway’s photographs explore the enticing aesthetics of plastic packaging. With playfully composed images, she criticizes the packaging industry and our excess consumption. The surreal environments and pop-style colours of the photographs serve as a commentary on our use of plastic. Plastic creates a sense of sterility and alienates the consumer from nature, the agricultural process and the food. Where does this demand for artificiality come? From the consumer or from industry?


Renewal by Andersen® of Quad Cities windows are made with Fibrex®, an exclusive composite material developed by the Andersen® Corporation. Part wood fibers, part thermoplastic polymers, Fibrex isn’t the only window material on the market, but it’s perhaps the closest to perfection.
What separates it from the rest? Here’s why Fibrex creates strong, long-lasting, energy-efficient and low-maintenance windows:
It Doesn’t Decay Like Wood
Our proprietary polymer completely encases and fills each individual cell of the Fibrex wood fiber without crushing any of them. As a result, our patented material has the remarkable ability to repel moisture and resist decay. In fact, we guarantee it not to rot under normal use for a long time.
It Doesn’t Crack or Bow Like Vinyl
Fibrex is twice as strong as vinyl. Its low expansion and contraction rates allow it to remain rigid and stable with extreme changes in temperature. You can rest assured our double-hung, sliding, picture and casement windows can stay weathertight year after year.
It Doesn’t Waste Energy Like Aluminum
Compared with aluminum, Fibrex insulates 700 times better. Its superior thermal insulating properties perfectly complement the exceptional performance of any of our Low-E4® glass packages. Fibrex helps you achieve your desired indoor climate with less energy, keeping your interior warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
It Doesn’t Require Painting Like Fiberglass
Unlike fiberglass-framed products, Fibrex-made specialty, bay and bow windows never need periodic scraping and painting. They’re guaranteed not to flake, blister, pit, corrode or peel for a long period. With our advanced extrusion process, we can permanently apply a wide palette of striking colors, including black, and beat the heat.
Most importantly, Fibrex is manufactured in an environmentally responsible way. It consists of 40% reclaimed wood fibers by weight, saving nearly 90 million board feet of lumber from harvesting since the day it was developed.
To see a Fibrex sample with your own eyes, call Renewal by Andersen of Quad Cities at (844) 366-7784 today. We’ll be happy to schedule your FREE consultation and estimate in Rock Island, IL, at your most convenient day and time.


The online M.S. in Civil Engineering is a 32-credit hour program, completed in 21 months* while working full-time. This program features a Structural Engineering track that can advance your practical design skills and equip you for analytical or experimental research. Building on the common foundation modules, the Structural Engineering track dives deep into properties, fabrication methods, and applications of wood, steel and concrete.
The curriculum teaches key equations and analysis methods for determining the safety and soundness of structures made from these materials, including soil-structure interactions and the fundamentals of earthquake safety engineering.
As a capstone to your program, you will complete an open-ended design project which demonstrates your understanding of the principles taught in the curriculum through practical application to a real-world problem.
*21-month program for students who start in the fall semester; spring starts can finish in 24 months.
Who This Track is For
The Structural Engineering track is for undergraduate-qualified engineers who want to:
- Pursue structural engineering at an advanced level or as a new specialty;
- Earn professional development credit that may be applied towards professional licensure in their state, and
- Connect with a global network of engineering professionals and our industry-experienced faculty.
Presented through a best-in-class online interface, you can finish this degree in as few as 21 months.
Courses for the Structural Track
|Prestressed Concrete Structures (3)||Design procedures for pretensioned and post-tensioned concrete structures, with emphasis on the behavior of prestressed concrete. Topics include: methods of analysis, time dependent effects, fabrication and construction procedures, connections, highway bridges, frames, composite construction, continuous structures, and anchorage zone detailing.|
|Structural Design - Wood (3)||Material properties and behavior of wood. Analysis and design of solid and laminated structural members, connections, systems, trusses, and arches. Current developments in structural wood design and research.|
|Structural Design - Concrete II (3)||Advanced reinforced concrete behavior and design including limit design, anchorage design, slender columns, truss models for shear and torsion of beams, two-way and flat slabs, and the art of detailing.|
|Structural Design - Steel II (3)||Advanced structural steel design including steel deck diaphragms, column and beam bracing, composite beam design, rigid frame design, torsional member design, plate girder design, and design of building connections.|
|Capstone Design Experience (1)||An independent capstone design experience that focuses on a real-world, open-ended design problem that applies the skills, knowledge, and techniques learned by the student during their graduate studies.|
|Soil-Structure Interaction (3)||Introduces students to analytical and numerical solutions to soil-structure interaction problems. Includes methods of solution for beams and mats on elastic foundations; analysis and design of axially and laterally loaded piles and pile groups; and sheet piles and retaining walls. Nonlinear behavior of soils and piles will also be covered, and the students will be introduced to industry standard software such as LPILE and GROUP.|
|Dynamics of Structures (3)||Free vibration, forced vibration, and transient response of structures having one, multiple, or infinite number of degrees-of-freedom; structural damping effects; numerical solution techniques; Lagrange’s equation of motion; Rayleigh-Ritz method. General matrix formulation for multiple degrees-of-freedom and modal coordinate transformation. Introduction to earthquake engineering concepts.|


Nonwoven fabric bags are usually screen printed. But as for people preferring more delicate printings, the gravure printing press is applied to the nonwoven fabric printing industry, especially when producing bags with large areas of colorful patterns.
Nonwoven fabric bags printed by gravure printing press are usually laminated. This means in production, the gravure printing press first print the patterns on plastic film and then the lamination machine presses the film to the nonwoven fabric. In this way, the printings are more beautiful as well as water-proof and more durable than other kinds of nonwoven fabric bags.
We can provide a gravure printing press and lamination machine to complete the process above, which automates the production line and shortens the production cycle of nonwoven fabric bags.Recommended Products


What is Veneering?
by Terry Canup
One of the most popular options is to attach a thin layer to
the products' surface to give it the finish and texture the
manufacturer is trying to achieve. This gives them great
flexibility of looks, with the same basic case construction
It also reduces manufacturing cost and speeds production
time. The technique is known as veneering.
Applying a single
source veneer to a wood base
Veneering has been around for hundreds of years. Craftsman
have used it to enhance the look of the final product for
generations. It is a precision technique. Once the base
surface has been prepared, the veneer is laid on by gluing its
layer, in a bond, to the base material. By hand, this is done
by using what is known as a veneer roller. On an industrial
scale large machine rollers veneer the raw planks prior to
them being cut for specific furniture uses. Today, there are a
number of materials used as veneers.
The traditional wood veneers are still the most popular, but
vinyl is quite widely used. Marble top furniture used to
consist of thick slabs of polished marble stone bolted to the
furniture casing. Now-a-days, thin sheets of marble veneered
over a wood or MDF top is the economical alternative and still
gives you real marble tops. Manufacturers are constantly
coming up with lower production cost alternatives. New
marble-look resin top veneers have become very popular. Some
refer to it as man-made marble.
Hand veneering a cosmetic design with
multi source hardwoods
Even lower cost alternatives are available. Called faux marble
(or Alabama marble for where it was invented), it is a
print-on finish. New computer technology allows furniture
producers to program designs that large machines print onto
the surface of the chosen material (usually, pressboard or MDF
boards, because of their exceptionally smooth surfaces. While
it is used in simulating marble, it is also used to simulate
wood grains and even paint finishes. Done properly, it can be
very difficult to distinguish the difference between real wood
and print on finishes on a composite material..


Tiger DE Razor Blades
Experience a smooth and comfortable shave with Tiger Platinum double-edged blades. These flexible interchangeable blades are made by the former manufacturer of Astra blades from the Czech Republic from premium Swedish stainless steel with a high carbon content. The completely German production line contributes to the production of these high-quality razor blades.
The blades coated with platinum and teflon offer the user many advantages that contribute to a pleasantly smooth shaving experience with a minimum of resistance and irritation. These blades maintain a pleasant sharpness for a very long time.
The razor blades are suitable for all skin types - even very sensitive ones - and for light to heavy beard growth. These blades fit all common safety razors.
These blades are individually wrapped in paraffin wax paper in a pack of 5 to ensure safety, sterility, and durability.
- 100 Blades


Color - Material - Finish
CMF Design Service
Why we offer CMF design service as a masterbatch manufacturer has to do with a clear trend we see. We are often taken "on-to-go" with aesthetic choices from color to reflection to visible fibers in the material. Often these choices are not clearly defined or are only considered later in the process and that while the base material turns out to be inappropriate for this purpose. For example, the color becomes completely different the moment an additive or effect is added.
When materials, color and finishes are considered strategically and earlier in the process, it can streamline communication and collaboration between design teams and manufacturers. This can result in a more efficient design process and more consistent results.
"Innovation opportunities from the CMF perspective can be leveraged to achieve competitive advantages such as lower costs, shorter cycles, faster updates and circularity goals."
Focus on material
When it comes to product development - whether it's semi-finished products or a complete product - material selection is a crucial link that must be considered early in the design process. Material selection affects every aspect of the product.
"Material first design" emphasizes the importance of early and close collaboration between designers, material & color specialists to create products that are functionally, legally and aesthetically in line with their intended goals. It provides a holistic approach to product design, with material selection playing a central role in creating innovative and sustainable solutions.
The polymer industry is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary; collaborations between materials scientists, engineers and designers are becoming essential.
To achieve the right color, several factors must be considered. First, it is important to accurately specify the desired end result including hue, brightness, reflectance and any special properties that need to be added to the color. Next, the base material is analyzed to understand the current color and composition.
In the laboratory, we check and validate the color consistency and quality of the master batch, using advanced color measurements, spectrophotometry and other techniques to ensure that the color is consistent across different production batches.
We are material and color specialists in all things polymer related. Our promise is a solution for every polymer. We research, experience and advise on plastics. From circular solutions to materials requiring special properties. We value recycling streams to come up with innovative solutions.
The Laboratory is a large R&D swim tank. Basic materials, pigments and additives are assembled into desired compositions. We match functional, financial and aesthetic needs. Circular responsibility starts at the beginning of the plastic chain, with the right knowledge in-house we create awareness of circular solutions.


Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides
Water-resistant to 500 m (50 atm)
Diameter 44.6 mm
Height 13.45 mm
Rubber strap with recycled PET textile layer
diving folding clasp in DLC-coated titanium
The idea of sustainability, which is integral to our company philosophy, is expressed in the production process of the new variant. The textile insert of the black rubber strap is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles recovered from the ocean. This allows every timepiece and every buyer to actively contribute to the responsible use of our resources,” explains Sascha Moeri, CEO of Carl F. Bucherer.


Over time, any surface can and will degrade, acquire buildup of dirt or other materials, or otherwise be in need of a thorough cleaning, such as before the application of new concrete or coatings. For these applications, water blasting is an effective way to prepare, restore, or clean various types of surfaces.
Blasting in at over 30,000 PSI, this process can remove up to 1/8″ in of your existing surface, leaving it fully prepped and ready for a new coating, paint, or sealer.
Water blasting can also be used on vertical surfaces as a safer, more cost-effective alternative to shot blasting.
Water blasting is useful for a variety of situations for concrete, asphalt, or other surfaces.
Before applying a new coating or overlay, water blasting can help prepare the surface and ensure proper adhesion. This process will remove old coatings, stains, and other buildup, creating a clean and roughened surface that will help the new materials adhere properly.
It can also repair old surfaces by removing damaged or deteriorated materials from the surface, exposing the clean surface underneath for repair or replacement.
Parking lots, parking structures or decks, driveways, sidewalks, bridges, and other structures can benefit from water blasting to remove dirt, stains, and other buildup to expose the original surface beneath. It can even remove graffiti or other vandalism, as well as provide a safer surface when removing oil, grease, or other slippery substances.


- COMFORT OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE ™: Just add 10oz of hot water to a packet and you instantly have a delicious, hearty, and healthy sipping bone broth while adventuring in the backcountry.
- ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Made from all-natural ingredients, Borvo Instant Sipping Bone Broth is the wholesome, better tasting alternative to ultra-processed protein (yuck!) and lab-made supplement drinks (yikes!).
- REFUEL, REBUILD & RECOVER: Borvo Instant Sipping Broth was crafted to help your body captures today’s progress and get stronger for tomorrow’s adventures.
- EVERY GRAM COUNTS: Weighing less than 16 grams per packet, this pocket-sized savory snack is your ultralight solution to Refuel, Rebuild and Recover on the go.
- ZERO NET-NEW TRASH: We partnered with conservationists, material scientists and packaging manufacturers to design a box and single-serving packet using fully compostable materials. We believe in leaving the backcountry better than we found it
- COMPOSTABLE MATERIALS: The eco-friendly materials used in production of Borvo Instant Sipping Broth packaging are subjected to and comply with various testing methods: ASTM D6400, ASTM D6866, EN13432, ISO1133


The Magnistretch 12 mattress from Italy is full of incredible features. Offering medium-soft diversified support, Magnistretch 12 stretches and decompresses the spinal column due to the multiple layers which include Eliosoft, patented stretch technology. This mattress has an innovative and removable Outlast and a viscose fabric cover that absorbs excess heat for excellent body temperature regulation and is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes.
The OEKO TEX standard 100 certifies the absence of toxic substances or off-gassing.
Outlast is a material designed for astronauts’ spacesuits. It is made of millions of small spheres of a special type of wax that melts at 97 F / 36 C. The melting process, which starts due to a rise in the body temperature, absorbs the excess heat and accumulates a part of it. When the temperature is stable and under the “melting point”, the spheres solidify and releases the energy accumulated in the form of heat.


Our modern foundry plant and equipment will produce castings in Grey Iron, Ductile Iron and Alloyed Steel as per international quality and customers need.
Our Capabilities Include:
- Two sets of Induction Furnaces each of 750 Kg and 3000 Kg capacity.
- No-Bake Furan sand hand moulding plant and equipment.
- Green Sand moulding line with 1100 x 1000 x 300/300 mm box size.
- Two Shot blast machines each with 500 Kg and 1000 Kg hanger capacity.
- One electrical heated annealing furnace.
- Emission Spectrometer.
- Sand testing equipment.
- Specimen preparation and metallurgical microscope.
- Hardness and Tensile testing machines
- Quick temperature and CE measuring devices.
- Non Destructive Testing Equipment


The Saudi Arabian Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) published the final text of the Technical Regulation on the Safety of Electric Batteries.
From December 21, 2019, all products that do not comply with the requirements will be removed from the market.
The Technical Regulation applies to all electric batteries and accumulators regardless of size, weight, and components. It covers two main categories:
Electric batteries for cars operating to supply power for starting and lighting of the cars
Portable batteries in the form of a button cell and it is neither car batteries nor industrial batteries and not exceeding the weight of 1 kg and used in electric equipment such as lighting, portable phones, calculators, etc.
Batteries used in military, national defense, and space equipment are excluded from the scope of the regulation.
The Technical Regulation sets out the following general requirements applicable to electric batteries:
International standards related to the placement of electric batteries on the market
Conformity assessment for ensuring compliance
Compliance with technical specifications, electrical and mechanical requirements, along with labeling and packing requirements
Provision of information to customers prior to placing products on the market, such as information on recycling and disposal
Restriction on the use of cadmium and mercury in the manufacturing of batteries.
The official document is available here.


Handcrafted Custom Furniture, Old Growth Live Edge Slabs, Eco-Friendly Epoxy Sales
Osmo developed its micro-porous, natural oil and wax-based finishes over 40 years ago.
Osmo offers a natural and environmentally friendly alternative to wood finishing. Osmo products are based on rapidly renewable, natural vegetable oils that penetrate deeply into the wood, keeping it elastic and healthy, while preventing it from drying and becoming brittle.
With everything from the popular Polyx®-Oil, the original Hardwax-Oil, to the beautifully constructed flooring and decking, garden buildings, pre-finished natural timber claddings, screens and fences, Osmo is the wood product specialist.
WoodLab is a supplier for Osmo products. Please contact us if you wish to purchase a product that you don't see in our online store.


From the Back Cover
New to the Seventh Edition
- A number of new “Materials of Importance” pieces (for most chapters).
- Concept Check questions throughout.
- Revised illustrations, now all in full-color to enhance visualization and convey realism.
- Expanded discussions on material types and general properties of materials (Chapter 1), and crystallographic directions and planes in hexagonal crystals (Chapter 3).
- New discussions on one-component (pressure-temperature) phase diagrams, compacted graphite iron, lost foam casting, fractography of ceramics, and magnetic anisotropy.
- Enhanced discussions on representations of polymer structures and defects in polymers, and a new discussion on permeability in polymers.
- Revised coverage of deformation of semicrystalline polymers and polymerization.
Online Animations and Learning Modules
The book companion site (www.wiley.com/college/callister) features learning modules with animations and 3-D projections that help students visualize challenging concepts and processes. The website also includes an interactive database of materials properties and costs.


Stainless steel pneumatic butterfly valve
Stainless steel pneumatic butterfly valve is a kind of high-performance and long-life butterfly valve, which is mainly composed of pneumatic actuator and stainless steel butterfly valve. The valve body and disc plate are made of stainless steel, with the characteristics of high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance and high pressure resistance The stainless steel pneumatic butterfly valve can be divided into flange, wafer type or welding type according to different connection modes. It is not only applicable to the two position switch off control, but also can be equipped with a valve positioner to realize the proportional adjustment of medium flow, temperature, pressure and other parameters Stainless steel pneumatic butterfly valve can be widely used in high temperature, high pressure, low temperature, fire protection and other pipelines for switching off or adjustment.
- Custom Gate Valves
- Custom Butterfly Valves
- Custom Check Valves
- Custom Ball Valves
- Custom Rubber Expansion Joints
- Custom Valve Parts


A phase is a physically discrete and chemically homogeneous portion of a system, separated by boundaries from other portions of the system. The phase rule given by J.W Gibbs in 1874 is applied to define a system composed of single component as well as multi-component. Various pharmaceutical formulations such as emulsion, micro emulsions and gels are mainly composed of lipid soluble component, water soluble component, surfactant and cosolvents. Phase diagram serves as an important tool for screening of such formulation components. A phase diagram is a graphical representation composed of area curve, lines and points, which is used to describe a specific system composed of a single or multiple components and generate the data with respect to concentration of different components, temperature and pressure at which thermodynamically distinct phases occur, transform from one phase to another and coexist at equilibrium. A ternary phase diagram has the shape of a triangular prism with an equilateral triangle as a foundation which is used to describe a three component system. Ternary phase diagrams give the precise and accurate data of the various composite component systems and are utilized in several areas of pharmaceuticals like the formulation of various dosage forms, polymer coating methods and several other formulation processes. The review focuses on the concept of phase diagram and phase rule, various methods and rules relating to ternary phase diagrams, various examples and its recent applications in pharmaceutical research.
Key words: Phase rule, Phase diagrams, Ternary phase diagram, Three component system.


SwissPack manufactures and exports high quality plastic scoops which are use in numerous sectors like pharmaceutical, food, agriculture etc. These scoops are designed for the accurate measurement of the product. We use the superior quality raw material to fabricate plastic scoops which are extremely functional, easy to use, appealing and have longer life.
Our scoops are manufactured by using finest quality polypropylene and polyethylene so that these scoops do not get crack while using. SwissPack plastic scoops can provide exact measurements of products despite of its form like solid, liquid or powder. We offer highly customized design and colours on our clients’ demand. We provide a small or big handle, if they need.
In some products, the exact measurement is quite essential like animal feed, protein powder or any medical product. Currently, we are fabricating and supplying scoops in different sizes like (1, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 25, 60, 75, 100, 150) ml which are food grade certified and approved by FDA.
We have a rich experience in manufacturing and supplying plastic scoops and our scoops are appreciated in the market for following features:
- High grade raw material
- Have good mechanical strength
- Innovative and efficient designs
- Highly functional and long lasting
- Available in customized designs and sizes
- Attractive and finished appearance
- Always different capacities
- Available at minimal prices in the market


An international research team has designed a carbon-based perovskite solar cell without a hole transport layer. Two plasmonic nanoparticles – Ag@SiO2 and SiO2@Ag@SiO2 – were added to the cell photoactive layer, in addition to a copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN) interlayer at the perovskite-carbon interface.
An international research group has proposed a new design for perovskite solar cells without a hole transport layer (HTL), based on carbon-based materials to replace the metal contact and the HTL.
The researchers said that carbon-based perovskite solar cells have reached efficiencies of around 15%, which is considerably lower than those achieved by cells equipped with HTL/metal back contacts. Nanoparticles of titanium oxide (TiO2) in the electron transfer layer (ETL) increase recombination due to the trapping of electron carriers and the low mobility of carriers in the perovskite-filled mesoporous structure, thus leading to the lowest performance.
“This, in turn, affects hysteresis behavior in measuring the efficiency and instability of the device due to the ion migration,” the researchers explained. “Providing a carbon-based planar structure by removing mesoporous TiO2 can not only reduce the device’s hysteresis behavior, but also take another step toward commercializing perovskite-based solar cells by reducing the cost of mass production.”
In the proposed cell design, two plasmonic nanoparticles known as Ag@SiO2 and SiO2@Ag@SiO2 were added to the cell photoactive layer and a copper(I) thiocyanate (CuSCN) interlayer was placed at the perovskite-carbon interface. The latter purportedly has excellent semiconducting properties, including high hole mobility, wide bandgap, optical transparency, and thermal and chemical stability.
The HTL-free optimized plasmonic cell achieved a power conversion efficiency of 19.72%, an open-circuit voltage of 0.918 V, a short-circuit current of 28.05 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 76.57%.
“The used solution-processed inorganic p-type CuSCN layer with a thickness of 30 nm at the perovskite-carbon interface has increased the device power conversion efficiency by 35% to 26.58%, thanks to the increased open-circuit voltage and fill factory to 1.156 V and 81.64%, respectively,” the academics said. “The remarkable improvement of the open-circuit voltage is attributed to better interfacial energy alignment between the perovskite and CuSCN.”
They said they obtained similar results by increasing the carbon working function with suitable additives or binders to the carbon ink. “These results pave the ways to achieve high efficiencies in carbon-based perovskite solar cells,” they concluded.
They described the solar cell design in “Impacts of plasmonic nanoparticles incorporation and interface energy alignment for highly efficient carbon-based perovskite solar cells,” which was recently published in Scientific Reports. The research group includes scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, University College London, and the University of Isfahan in Iran.


Termites are notorious for their ability to cause extensive damage to homes and structures. To protect your property from these destructive pests, it’s essential to consider the materials you use during construction and renovation. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore termite-resistant building materials, their advantages, and how they can safeguard your investment against termite infestations.
Termites are small insects that feed on cellulose-rich materials, primarily wood. They can silently invade your property, causing structural damage that can be both costly and time-consuming to repair. To mitigate the risk of termite infestations, choosing the right building materials is crucial.
Concrete is a popular choice for foundations, slabs, and other structural elements due to its durability and termite resistance. Termites cannot consume or damage concrete, making it an excellent choice for preventing termite access to your home’s foundation. However, it’s important to note that wood components within or above the concrete structure may still be vulnerable.
Steel framing and structural components are entirely immune to termite attacks. Steel is not a cellulose-based material, and termites cannot feed on it or cause any structural damage. As a termite-resistant material, steel offers strength and longevity, making it an ideal choice for framing and support structures.
Materials such as brick, stone, and masonry offer excellent resistance to termites. These dense, non-cellulose materials do not provide a food source for termites, making them a suitable choice for exterior cladding and landscaping features. However, it’s essential to ensure proper installation and sealing to prevent termite entry through gaps or cracks.
Composite wood products, like engineered wood and particleboard, are created by combining wood fibers with adhesives and additives. While they contain cellulose, these materials are often treated with termite-resistant chemicals during manufacturing. Engineered wood products can offer termite resistance, but it’s essential to choose brands and products specifically designed for anti termite control.
Pressure-treated wood is another option for termite resistance. It is infused with chemical preservatives that deter termite infestations. This type of wood is commonly used for outdoor structures like decks, fences, and utility poles. Ensure that pressure-treated wood is used only where necessary and not in direct contact with the ground.
Certain wood species are naturally resistant to termites due to their inherent oils, resins, or toxins. These include cedar, redwood, and some tropical hardwoods like ipe. While these woods are not immune to termites, they are less appealing as food sources, making them a suitable choice for termite-prone areas. Regular maintenance and sealing can enhance their durability.
While termite-resistant materials can be effective, they are not foolproof. It’s essential to consider the following factors:
Selecting termite-resistant building materials is a proactive and effective way to protect your property from termite infestations. While no material is entirely termite-proof, the right choices can significantly reduce the risk of damage and save you both time and money in the long run. Combining termite-resistant materials with proper construction practices and regular maintenance is the key to ensuring your home remains a termite-free sanctuary for years to come.


Direct Vapor 30-Foot Nichrome Wire Description:
Nichrome wire is perfect for rebuildable atomizers, and especially good for building sub-ohm coils. Nichrome has a lower resistance per length, compared to Kanthal, which means that it will heat up much faster. Additionally, Nichrome is the preferred alternative to Kanthal for cloud chasers, since it heats up noticeably faster.
- 1 x Pack of 30ft Nichrome Wire
WARNING: This is an advanced Item. Please use at your own risk and always use proper precautions and handling.


Website Technical Chair
OSSC Fellow & President (2009-2010)
Bob Cartland is an optical engineer and applied physicist with expertise in the design, fabrication and testing of optical components, photonic devices and optical systems. Bob earned a BA in Physics from Oberlin College and an MS in Electrical Engineering -Electrophysics from the University of Southern California with an emphasis on photonics.
After graduating from Oberlin College, Bob worked as a Staff Scientist at EIC Laboratories in Norwood, Massachusetts, where he developed photoelectrochemical etching processes used for fabricating Echelle diffraction gratings, infrared mesh filters and x-ray gratings in semiconducting materials (GaAs, SiC and Si). At EIC labs, Bob developed and refined processes for optical grinding and polishing, photolithographic patterning and thin film coatings used for semiconductor optical device fabrication. At EIC Labs, Bob also prepared several SBIR proposals generating over a million dollars in funding.
Bob left EIC Labs to pursue graduate work at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. At USC, Bob worked with Anupam Madhukar and Armand Tanguay developing, fabricating and testing strained III-V semiconductor (InGaAs/AlGaAs) multiple quantum well, asymmetric Fabry-Perot, spatial light modulators for use in optical neural networks. Bob optimized the modulator etalon design using thin-film analysis tools he developed using Mathematica combining layer propagation matrices and Kramers–Kronig relations to model electro-absorption based refractive index changes in the multiple quantum well region. Bob also grew the required distributed Bragg reflectors and multiple quantum wells using molecular beam epitaxy and processed the devices using photolithography, etching and thin-film deposition techniques. Bob developed the first photolithography process used at the USC Center for Photonics Technology Class 10 clean room and fabricated the first devices made in the facility. Bob developed a refined etching technique to tune and optimize the etalon wavelength for 980 nm operation. Bob also developed techniques to characterize the electrically biased spatial light modulator pixels using a tunable Ti-sapphire laser and Mitutoyo long working distance objectives and explored the efficiency of the resonance cavity devices as detectors. Bob set a world record for large, uniform arrays of high speed light modulators operating at 980 nm. Bob’s spatial light modulators and detector arrays were among the earliest devices successfully bonded to Si based CMOS control and readout integrated circuits (ROIC) using In bump flip-chip bonding. At USC, Bob also supported the fabrication and testing the first quantum dot lasers using InAs self-assembled quantum dots.
Following USC, Bob worked briefly for the Materials and Processes organization of Boeing Satellite Systems performing failure analysis on electronic components and materials and also serving as the limited shelf-life materials control point. After Boeing, Bob worked for several years as a Sr. Physics Engineer in the Optics and Lasers Department at Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems (SAS) in El Segundo, California. At Raytheon, Bob supported the development of thin-film optical components using the TFCalc thin-film analysis tool. Bob supported the development of numerous components including dichroic beam splitters and optical filters for use in space and airborne optical sensors. Bob’s designs include highly efficient dichroic beam splitter based on a cold mirror with simultaneous high visible light rejection and efficient transmission of an alignment laser.
At Raytheon, Bob also served for several years as the Technical Manager of the Scatter and Spectrophotometry Laboratory. In this role, Bob developed optical test systems and provided creative solutions for test and measurement problems involving light scatter measurement to determine BSDF (Bidirectional Scattering Distribution Function); spectrophotometric transmittance and reflectance measurement from 180 nm to 25 microns wavelength; and optical profilometry for surface roughness and dimensional analysis. Bob led or supported over one hundred characterization projects testing primarily optical but also electrical and mechanical materials, components and assemblies. Bob’s work at Raytheon included material and component qualification; radiation exposure, thermal cycling and humidity exposure studies; root cause failure analysis and the investigation of novel materials including SiC metamaterials, radome materials, SiC and Be optical components and various other materials operating in the ultraviolet through the far infrared wavelength regimes with the occasional X-ray and RF material or device. Bob also developed a technique to measure the transmittance of infrared lens assemblies used in a tactical airborne sensor. This technique allowed the comparative testing of hundreds of lens assemblies keeping a multi-million dollar production line in operation. Bob also developed a technique to measure interface scatter and reflectance using a hemisphere and modeled the system using thick lens analysis. This method was used to test several thermal optical interface materials for high power planar waveguide lasers.
While at Raytheon, Bob also first championed the implementation of a Finanium Supercontinuum (SC) laser (operating from 400 to 2500 nm) for scatter measurement. Bob used the SC laser to develop measurement techniques to quantitatively address optical cross-talk problems occurring in butcher block optical filter arrays in the Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) used on the NPOESS Preparatory Project weather satellite launched on October 28, 2011. Bob’s used his combined knowledge of optical scatter and thin-film materials to explain puzzling infrared scatter data from a VIIRS mirror that confounded the VIIRS Chief Engineer, a Raytheon scatter subject matter expert and two engineering fellows in the Optics and Lasers Department. Bob also used the supercontinuum laser to develop a non-destructive technique to measure the internal reflectance of a laser cavity using a modified integrating sphere theory to model the diffuse reflectance within the cavity. At Raytheon, Bob also served as the scatter measurement facility’s laser safety coordinator, preparing the lab’s safe operating procedure which was used as a standard template by the Raytheon SAS safety office and numerous laser labs. Bob also developed challenging laser safety eyewear for use with the 5 Watt supercontinuum source (400 to 2500 nm) combining two commercially available laser eyewear filters in series to provide the required broad band protection. Bob has also collaborated with NIST on several round robin laboratory investigations and the 2010 OSA Optical Thin-Films Measurement Problem where his scatter data were featured in the final presentation.
Bob has over 40 published papers and presentations including three “best in show” awards for his presentations at Raytheon internal technical symposiums. Bob is a member of the IEEE, The IEEE Photonics Society, the Optical Society (OSA) and the Optical Society of Southern California (OSSC). Bob established and served as President of the OSA Student Chapter while a graduate student at USC. The OSA student chapter meetings featured Milton Chang, USC Professor Alan Willner and a joint programming event with the OSSC including lab tours of USC and a presentation by USC Professor P. Daniel Dapkus.
Bob has served the OSSC in numerous leadership positions. He is the current OSSC Website Chair and served as OSSC President in 2009-2010. Meetings during Bob’s term as President included: “Did the great Masters "Cheat" Using Optics?” by David Stork, “3-D Video Without Glasses” by Steve Hines, “Getting to Space for Less Cost” by SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell and the 2010 OSSC LaserFest event (50th anniversary of the first working laser) which included over 180 attendees (a modern OSSC record). While OSSC President, Bob also led a complete revision of the OSSC website, including the implementation of online membership management, events management and payment processing.
Bob lives in Southern California with his wife Donna and three daughters.
Robert F. Cartland


The painting surface is a moderately thick varnish, which was scorched by heat.
The varnish had to be reduced from the surface of the painting.
Losses and irregularities were inpainted
The painting was damaged in a fire. The painting surface was protected by a moderately thick natural resin varnish, which was scorched by heat and severely discolored to brown and black. Due to extreme heat, there was extensive flaking and losses of paint around the edges.
The severely scorched varnish coating was reduced from the surface and the soot on the reverse of the painting was removed. The flaking paint was consolidated. Minor losses of the paint film were filled. Losses and irregularities were inpainted, using a referential aid of a pre-fire damage photograph provided by the owner.


Asphalt paving is a common method for creating smooth and durable roadways, parking lots, and other surfaces. The process of asphalt paving involves several steps, each of which plays an important role in creating a strong and long-lasting pavement. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how asphalt paving works.
- Site Preparation
The first step in asphalt paving is site preparation. This involves clearing the area of any debris, vegetation, or other materials that could interfere with the paving process. The site is then graded and leveled to create a smooth and even surface.
- Base Course
The next step is to lay a base course of gravel or crushed stone. This base course helps to provide a stable foundation for the asphalt pavement and helps to prevent cracking and other forms of damage. The base course is typically compacted and leveled to ensure that it is even and uniform.
- Binder Course
Once the base course is in place, the binder course is added. The binder course is a layer of asphalt that is designed to bond the base course to the surface layer of asphalt. It is typically thicker than the surface layer and provides additional strength and stability to the pavement.
- Surface Layer
The surface layer is the final layer of asphalt that is added to the pavement. This layer is designed to provide a smooth and even surface for driving, walking, or other activities. The surface layer can be customized to meet specific project requirements, such as color, texture, and thickness.
Once the surface layer is in place, the pavement is compacted using a roller or other compaction equipment. This helps to ensure that the asphalt is evenly distributed and that all air pockets and voids are eliminated. Compaction is a critical step in the paving process, as it helps to ensure that the pavement is strong, durable, and long-lasting.
After the pavement has been compacted, it is allowed to cure for several days or weeks, depending on the weather conditions and other factors. During this time, the asphalt hardens and becomes more resilient, which helps to prevent cracking and other forms of damage.
In conclusion, the process of asphalt paving involves several steps, each of which plays a critical role in creating a strong and long-lasting pavement. By following these steps, asphalt paving contractors can create smooth, durable, and safe surfaces that can withstand heavy traffic and harsh weather conditions.


Signcomplex’s LED tube production line utilizes fully automatic equipment imported from foreign manufacturers. It efficiently performs solder paste printing, surface mounting, reflow soldering and automated optical inspection procedures in a single run. Each product completed on the line undergoes a wide variety of aging tests and quality inspection to ensure our LED light tubes are of the highest quality.
The high-speed SMT placement equipment is imported from overseas. It has a laser identifier that scans a reflective marker on the PC board to orient the head to the board. Precision reaches up to 0.005 mm. Both 0201 and 0402 components can be placed on this machine. Additionally we can realize automatic change of materials. The entire process is conducted under strict supervision of our QC inspectors. Each day our surface mount capacity reaches 3 million pieces.
There are 10 temperature zones available for constant-temperature soldering applications. In each temperature zone, we perform constant-temperature testing once every two hours, thus ensuring our devices are soldered at the same temperature. Testing on each and every product can comply with the industry related standard.
A high-precision automated optical inspection system is employed to accomplish a comprehensive range of testes on every product, whereby a camera scans over the parts under test.
Fully automatic wave soldering is a process used to measure the density of high- and low-peak values in an automated mode. Zero-defect soldering is performed on through-hole components. The daily production capacity reaches 4 million points.
The semi-automatic assembly line executes a standard operating procedure. The adoption of IPQC (Input Process Quality Control) can ensure every manufacturing operation meets industry related standard. Each day we can assemble 50,000 pieces of finished products.
The automatic aging line can accomplish a wide range of operations, such as high- and low-temperature aging, impact aging, and integrated aging under various simulated environments. The fully automatic aging line can process over 100,000 pieces of LED tubes each day.
After aging has been completed, the finished products will undergo a full range of tests and await delivery. We need to recheck whether the product has any quality defect.


In a diverse industrial landscape, TIG welding technology extends manufacturing processes, enabling manufacturers to create precise components that meet the highest precision, quality, and integrity standards. TIG welding provides high-quality welds for product performance and safety, whether in the aerospace, automotive, medical, or jewelry industry. The article explores the advantages of TIG welding that make it a sought-after choice for various industrial welding applications.
1. Narrow Weld Pool for Minimal Distortion
TIG welding produces a unique narrow weld pool thanks to the tungsten electrode. The narrow pool localizes the heat input, minimizing the risk of warping or distortion in the base material. That’s crucial in precision welding because it ensures that the workpiece retains its original shape and dimensions, meeting stringent quality standards.
An experienced TIG welder can control the weld pool’s size by adjusting these crucial parameters. For example, if the welder wants to produce a narrow weld pool, they can use a smaller diameter tungsten electrode, a lower amperage setting, and a faster travel speed.
The feature makes precision TIG welding indispensable in applications involving thin materials, intricate designs, or components that demand minimal distortion, such as aerospace components, medical equipment, and electronics manufacturing. The technology’s ability to maintain precision makes it a game changer in various industrial sectors.
2. Shielding Gas for High-Quality Welds
TIG welding relies on shielding gas to protect the weld from oxidation and contamination, a critical aspect of precision welding. This technology ensures a clean, high-quality weld by preventing issues like porosity or cracks. The importance lies in the weld’s reliability and integrity, meeting stringent industry standards.
The choice of shielding gas in TIG welding is critical and may depend on the component’s material and the desired welding characteristics. For example, Argon is a common shielding gas due to its exceptional inertness and cost-effectiveness. At the same time, helium is vital when welding non-ferrous metals like aluminum or when there’s a need for higher heat input.
It’s especially crucial in applications where the slightest imperfection could have dire consequences, such as nuclear reactor components, aerospace structures, or semiconductor manufacturing, making TIG welding a game changer for achieving uncompromising weld quality and performance, tailored to the specific requirements of each welding task.
3. Skillful Control for Precision
TIG welding is a skillful manual process granting experienced welders complete control over the operation, making it indispensable in precision applications. The hands-on approach allows skillful control for precise weld placement and the flexibility to make real-time adjustments as necessary. It’s a technique that empowers welders to craft precise, high-quality welds with flexibility, which is crucial in adapting to unique welding needs.
The importance of this control is paramount in applications demanding fine detail and minimal defects, like aerospace components, automotive parts, and delicate instruments. However, the technique requires an adept welder to blend TIG equipment and hand skills to produce quality and precise welds with the desired characteristics and a quality weld.
4. Versatility in Material Compatibility
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding stands out for its remarkable versatility in handling an extensive range of materials, including ferrous materials like stainless steel and non-ferrous materials such as aluminum, titanium, copper, nickel alloys, magnesium, carbon steel, brass, and bronze. The technique achieves adaptability by using a non-consumable tungsten electrode and an inert gas shield, preventing oxidation and contamination during welding.
TIG welding’s compatibility with ferrous and non-ferrous materials makes it a preferred choice for precision welding in various industrial applications. However, to ensure optimal results, it is imperative to engage the services of an experienced TIG welding company like Micro Weld, Inc., capable of selecting the correct electrode and shielding gas for each specific task for the best results.
Embrace the Versatility and Quality of TIG Welding with Experienced Welders
TIG welding’s precision, quality, and unmatched versatility make it indispensable in meeting diverse industrial welding demands. Its ability to seamlessly fuse an array of materials while preserving weld integrity highlights its crucial role in maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship. TIG welding stands as a testament to the welding industry’s evolution, where adaptability and excellence converge to shape the future of precise, durable, and reliable welding solutions.
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.


June 28th, 2023
THOK E-Bikes has always invested substantial resources in research and development. The bikes in their range are not built using open mold frames but are all designed from scratch. This entails crossing unexplored territory in the development phase.
THOK's goal is to create innovative, high-performing, and fun e-bikes characterized by a certain uniqueness and Italian style, signed by Aldo Drudi’s D-Perf.
All models in the range have distinctive features resulted from meticulous work and study, technical testing, and countless hours of trail testing. Over the years, many winning solutions have emerged from this constant research and the company's know-how:
- the MIG's low gravity center, achieved by positioning the battery under the down tube, optimizes weight distribution and makes it one of the most intuitive, high-performing, and fun all-mountain e-bikes in the industry;
- the solid front end of the TK01, which provides precision in handling and stability when tackling rough terrain at high speeds, as well as the maximum verticalisation of the integrated battery to maintain a low gravity center;
- the geometry of the GRAM, representing the highest expression of the enduro concept with its technical climbs and descents, achieved through careful calculations and a balance of extreme angles, the result of in-depth studies on carbon fiber.
THOK has always been synonymous with study, research and innovation, and now it is also a pioneer in the use of new technologies for the development of e-MTBs.
In collaboration with the company "Materialise," it is the world's first e-bike brand to have experimented with 3D printing in metal (Selective Laser Melting - SLM) to create a fully functional prototype of a full-suspension e-MTB made of aluminum.
A moulded but perfectly rideable prototype
"THOK Project 4" (P4 is the temporary acronym until the bicycle takes its final form and name) is the embryo of what will become the first "light e-MTB" in carbon fiber by THOK in 2024, featuring a Bosch SX motor and battery modularity (400 / 545 / 725 Wh + range extender).
The development is currently underway, and some technical choices are still being evaluated, such as integrated or semi-integrated battery, component configuration, and geometric decisions. However, the frame created through 3D prototyping is already being tested on the technical trails of Finale Ligure and the Alba (THOK E-Bikes headquarter).
Let's delve into some aspects of this innovative prototyping technology.
Advantages and difficulties
The aim of rapid prototyping with 3D printing is to produce working models, which allow geometry, suspension and component integration to be tested.
SLM makes it possible to make parts light enough to simulate the weights of the final carbon-fibre bicycle.
“It is impossible to obtain a running prototype and reproduce the necessary battery and motor integration with a traditional method. There are components that are made by hydroforming, which require moulds, and which would not otherwise be prototype-able. Even carbon prototypes are not functional, they do not hold up on long field testing sessions. In this sense, the first fully moulded full-suspended e-bike we made solves a big problem”, explains THOK industrial designer Luca Burzio, who follows the projects from the engineering side.
Technology, materials and the right partner
For such a delicate transition, THOK looked for a partner, a travelling companion of excellence. The choice fell on Materialise, a Belgian company with offices in 20 countries around the world. They specialise in 3D printing for the aerospace, automotive and medical sectors.
The technology is Selective Laser Melting (SLM): this is an additive manufacturing procedure that uses lasers to melt metal powder. For the Thok P4, an alloy of aluminium and silicon (AlSi10Mg) was chosen, as it is the most suitable in terms of strength, thermal properties, weight and post-machining flexibility.
The challenge faced by THOK and Materialise
“In the past, we used to make successive revisions of projects. We studied no less than three prototype frames before making the first running model. With the Thok P4, the first revision is already a model with the thicknesses and distances typical of carbon fibre, produced to be assembled and above all pedalled with a feeling very close to the definitive bike”, explains THOK CEO Stefano Migliorini.
This challenge has confronted THOK and Materialise with problems never faced before and has been a learning curve for both of them, especially when it comes to the interaction of metal moulded parts, as well as the machining of the kinematic mechanism housings and component interfaces.
"The project with THOK allowed us to extend our experience into the bicycle sector and set the metal 3D printing to a new level. This collaboration gave us the opportunity to refine our metal additive manufacturing capabilities to find answers to the precise requirements of the Italian company”, explains Simone Cannella, business development manager at Materialise.
The future of 3D printing is yet to be seen, but the experimentation carried out by THOK and Materialise is a pioneering chapter in this story that will bring innovation to the entire global e-bike industry.


Want To Know The Difference Between Laser Cladding vs Laser Hardfacing In The Oil And Gas Industry?
Surface protection and restoration are crucial for equipment and components subjected to harsh operating conditions in the oil and gas industry. Two commonly employed techniques for surface modification are laser cladding and laser hardfacing. While they both utilize laser technology, there are key differences in their application, process, and benefits.
Laser Cladding vs Laser Hardfacing – what’s the difference?
Also known as laser metal deposition (LMD), Laser Cladding is a process that involves melting and fusing a powdered or wire feedstock material onto a substrate using a laser beam. The added material forms a protective layer, enhancing the mechanical properties and resistance to wear, corrosion, and erosion. Here are the key features and benefits of laser cladding:
- Versatile Application: Laser cladding allows for the deposition of a wide range of materials, including metals, ceramics, and metal matrix composites. This versatility enables tailored solutions for specific application requirements.
- Enhanced Component Performance: By selectively adding material to critical areas, laser cladding enhances the mechanical properties, wear resistance, and surface finish of components. It can restore worn or damaged parts and extend their service life.
- Improved Efficiency: Laser cladding provides localized surface modification, minimizing material waste and reducing the need for expensive materials. It offers precise control over the thickness and geometry of the cladded layer, resulting in efficient resource utilization.
Laser hardfacing, also referred to as laser welding, is a process that involves depositing a wear-resistant material onto the surface of a component. The goal is to create a hardened layer that can withstand abrasion, impact, and extreme operating conditions. Here are the key features and benefits of laser hardfacing:
- Wear Protection: Laser hardfacing provides a durable, wear-resistant layer on components, protecting them from abrasive and erosive forces encountered in oil and gas applications. It helps prolong component life and reduces the frequency of maintenance and replacement.
- Controlled Heat Input: The laser hardfacing process allows for precise control of heat input, minimizing the risk of thermal distortion and preserving the integrity of the base material. This is particularly beneficial for critical components and intricate geometries.
- Increased Operational Reliability: By enhancing the wear resistance and hardness of components, laser hardfacing improves operational reliability in challenging environments. It ensures the continued performance of equipment exposed to high temperatures, corrosive fluids, and abrasive particles.
What does this mean?
While both laser cladding and laser hardfacing involve the use of lasers and depositing materials onto surfaces, the key differences lie in their objectives and application areas:
- Laser cladding aims to enhance component properties and provide protection against wear, corrosion, and erosion.
- Laser hardfacing focuses on creating a wear-resistant layer to withstand abrasive forces and extend component life.
- Laser cladding utilizes a wide range of materials, including metals, ceramics, and metal matrix composites, to tailor the surface properties.
- Laser hardfacing predominantly employs wear-resistant materials such as carbides and alloys to provide hardness and wear protection.
Laser Cladding – Watch NTS Amega Global In Action
Laser Cladding vs Laser Hardfacing – in short
In summary, to answer ‘laser cladding vs laser hardfacing’ – these are best understood as surface modification techniques used in the oil and gas industry to enhance component performance and protect against wear and damage. Laser cladding offers versatility in material selection and improved efficiency, while laser hardfacing provides wear protection and controlled heat input. By understanding the differences between these techniques, operators can make informed decisions regarding surface protection and restoration, leading to improved equipment reliability, extended component life, and cost-effective maintenance


When you look for knives and tools to buy, one way of checking its quality is to know more about the actual steel alloy used. So, what does it mean when whatever you’re buying is made with 6150 steel?
That’s what this guide is all about. You’ll know its general characteristics, chemical composition, the advantages it offers, and the drawbacks it comes with. You can find out if its hardness suits it for the tasks you need to do, and whether it’s resistant enough to corrosion.
We even compare the 6150 steel to other steels, so that you can check out alternative steels or to confirm if the 6150 steel is indeed the best steel for your needs.
What is 6150 steel?
What is 6150 steel? Quite a few people wonder about this because it’s not exactly very commonly used for knives and other common tools.
Basically, it resembles the more known 5150 steel. The 6150 steel is also a medium-carbon chromium steel, and offers a nice combination of strength and toughness, along with some good hardenability.
In fact, 6150 steel is so similar to its 5150 counterpart that they basically have the same chemical composition. The main difference is the addition of vanadium to 6150 steel.
Common Uses of 6150 steel
Actually, 6150 steel is extensively used in the automotive industry. Its common applications include:
- Pinions, gears and shafts. These are the parts that you’d find in cars and other vehicles.
- Hand tool components. Some parts of hand tools may be made of 6150 steel.
6150 Steel Chemical Composition
Let’s take a look at the particular elements you can find in the 6150 steel alloy. Aside from iron, you also get:
Carbon, 0.48% to 0.53%: As you can see, that’s not much carbon at all. But it’s substantial compared to low-carbon alloys and steels without any carbon at all. The carbon provides the strength and hardness for the material, and it makes the steel react better to heat treatment (this is the hardenability).
On the other hand, the relatively low carbon content makes the steel more ductile, and easier to forge, machine, and weld.
Manganese, 0.7% to 0.9%: at the most. Experts consider manganese as the most important element in steel next to carbon itself. It has similar properties to carbon, and often works in conjunction with carbon to give you the features you need. It boosts tensile strength and hardenability, but too much lowers ductility.
Phosphorus, 0.04% at the most: You don’t want too much phosphorus, as it’s actually regarded as an impurity. Too much phosphorus leads to brittleness. But at this amount, it helps with the strength and with resistance to corrosion.
Sulfur, 0.04% at the most: This is another “impurity” that’s tolerated because it makes the steel easier to machine. But too much of it reduces the notched impact toughness and transverse ductility.
Silicon, 0.2% to 0.35%: The silicon is a deoxidizer, meaning it removes bubbles from the steel when it’s in its molten state. It also dissolves in iron to strengthen it. It helps a bit with hardness as well.
Chromium, 0.8% to 1.1%: There’s hardly enough here to qualify the 6150 steel as stainless steel, since that needs at least 10% to 12% chromium. With this small amount, you do get increases for yield strength and hardenability, and it still helps a tiny bit for corrosion resistance.
Vanadium, 0.15%: The effects of vanadium are somewhat similar to carbon, manganese, and molybdenum. It boosts shock loading resistance, fracture toughness, and hardenability. It can also improve wear resistance and resistance to fatigue stress.
6150 Steel Hardness
The 6150 steel can attain a decent hardness level, when compared to steels that have only low carbon levels.
But it doesn’t actually get hard enough to suit most knives. You can get it to a hardness rating of 55 HRC or so, if you’re lucky. Still, it’s good enough for hatchets and even swords.
Does 6150 Steel Rust?
Short answer: yes. Its chromium level is too low for the 6150 to qualify as stainless steel. That means you shouldn’t get the 6150 steel wet, and you’ll need to get it dry when it does.
Properties of 6150 Steel
Here are the typical characteristics of 6150 steel.
Not Too Hard At All
This is its characteristic feature that makes it a hard sell for use in knives. But you don’t need too much hardness for other implements, like swords and hatchets, and various components like gears and pinions.
Because it’s not too hard, it doesn’t retain its edge for very long. That’s why you’d need to sharpen it regularly.
Easy to Sharpen
However, as a consequence of its low hardness level, sharpening a 6150 steel edge is very easy to do. Even a sharpening stone will do the trick. You won’t need any complicated sharpening setup.
This is another side effect of its comparatively low hardness level. Harder steels are generally lower in toughness, meaning they become more brittle. But 6150 is tough, so it won’t break easily.
The toughness explains why you often find the 6150 steel used for the gears, engines, and other parts in automobiles. It’s also great with axes and hatchets, because you can use the steel to hack at wood and the tool won’t snap easily.
High Tensile Strength
Technically, it means you’ll need an extremely powerful force to pull a structural beam made with 6150 steel to a point where the beam breaks. It can handle a huge amount of tensile stress, which is another reason for its popularity in automobile construction.
Steels can gradually lose material over time due to constant abrasion. But the 6150 steel is quite resistant to abrasion, meaning it’s also resistant to normal wear.
6150 Equivalent Steels or Alternative
How does the 6150 steel compare to other steels with somewhat similar characteristics or chemical composition?
6150 Steel vs 4140
This comparison makes a lot of sense, because the 4140 steel offers the same sort of benefits that you’d also get from the 6150 steel. The 4140 steel is used extensively in many fields. It’s famed for its high fatigue strength, toughness, and resistance to impact and abrasion, like the 6150 steel.
Its carbon content is just a teensy bit lower than in 6150 steel. The 4140 steel has more manganese, but it doesn’t have vanadium.
6150 Steel vs T10 steel
Both of these steels are good choices for swords. The T10 steel contains a high level of carbon (1%) along with tungsten to make it more resistant to scratches. The T10 steel is also quite tough, and it’s regarded as a tool steel.
6150 Steel vs 5150
As we’ve already mentioned. The 6150 steel is very similar to the 5150. They have the same exact levels for carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, and silicon. The 6150 steel does have a bit more chromium than the 5150 steel.
What’s more notable is the addition of vanadium to 6150 steel, which the 5150 doesn’t have. While the addition is quite tiny, it’s very effective in boosting certain properties you’d want to see in the steel.
Is 6150 Steel Good for Knives?
No, not really. It’s possible to make knives with 6150 steel, but then you’re limited by the relatively low hardness level you can attain. Other steels can make for harder steel that offers decent edge retention.
At least the 6150 steel is easy to sharpen, since it’s not too hard at all. Also, its toughness makes it a better option for hatchets and swords.
Is 6150 Stainless Steel Good for Swords?
Yes, it’s a good choice. With the 6150 steel, you have a sword that won’t break easily because the 6150 steel is quite tough. That means it’s not brittle at all, so you won’t likely end up with a broken sword.
You’ll have to sharpen this sword often, since it doesn’t retain its edge very well. But it’s easy to sharpen, and it’s resistant to impact and abrasion.
Pros & Cons of 6150 steel
You don’t really use the 6150 steel for knives which you will use for slicing. It simply doesn’t give you the hardness and edge retention you’ll need for frustration-free use.
But as a chopper, it’s excellent. Its toughness allows you to use it for hatchets and axes. It’s also great for swords, as it won’t break easily. You may have to sharpen its edge constantly, but that’s easier to deal with than a broken sword!
You can at least be thankful that it’s used for numerous components in automotive engineering. For those purposes, the 6150 steel works great.


Reliant Pipe & Tubes Pvt. Ltd. is one of the most experienced supplier, exporter, stockist and trader of Pipes, Tubes & Tubing in Carbon Steel & Alloy Steel, With an extensive experience of over 30 years Supplying seamless ferritic and austenitic alloy-steel boiler superheater and heat-exchanger tubes in Europe, Malaysia, United Kingdom (UK), India, Indonesia, Singapore, Dubai (UAE), China etc. Reliant Pipe & Tubes Pvt. Ltd. has become No. 1 Supplier of Alloy Steel Pipes & tubes in UK from India. Reliant Pipe & Tubes Pvt. Ltd. is a specialist for Alloy Steel & Carbon Steel Seamless & ERW Pipes and Tubes, we maintain largest stock of India’s top notch Manufacturers of Industrial Pipes & tubes in Alloy Steel & Carbon Steel like Jindal Saw Ltd (JSL), Indian Seamless Metal Tubes Limited (ISMT) & Maharashtra Seamless Ltd (MSL). We maintain surplus inventory of Seamless & ERW Pipes & Tubes in order to maintain a consistent flow of products, in a extensive range of sizes. Reliant Pipe & Tubes Pvt. Ltd. maintains a long term relationships with many of the world’s leading producers of Seamless and ERW pipes and Tubes in Alloy Steel, Carbon Steel and API 5L Gr.B.
All Our Steel Pipes & Tubes are Fully Tested and Certified
We have been named as excellent supplier of Qualified Industrial Tubes/ Tubing by our clients for several times. The group acquired the Right to Export and Import of Private Manufacturing Enterprises in 2004. With the leading product quality and advanced production ability, the group was entitled an associate member of National Steel Tube Association in 2005. Pass API 5CT and API 5L Certification in the year of 2006, and PED EU Certification.
We maintain ready stock of seamless steel tubes size ranges from OD:Φ10～Φ730 mm with wall thickness: S1~80 mm; hot finished seamless steel tube diameters range from Φ108~Φ219 mm with wall thickness S5~32 mm in our live inventory seamless steel tubes for construction, fluid conveyance tubes, high/ medium/ low pressure boilers tubes, dew point anti-erosion steel tubes, high carbon and chrome bearing steel tubes, cold-drawn or cold-rolled precision steel tubes, seamless steel tubes in special shapes, API series oil well pipes, JIS/ DIN/ ASME/ EN series seamless tubes, seamless steel tubes for supporting can be shipped immediately. Reliant Pipe & Tubes Pvt. Ltd. is also stock well cold-drawn seamless steel tubes of internal threads, seamless steel tubes for ship building, seamless steel tubes for diamond core drilling, seamless steel tubes for hydraulic pillar service and various alloy steel tubes.
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Reliant Pipe & Tubes Pvt. Ltd. is largest distributor & supplier of IBR Approved pipe & Tube from ½-NB to 20-NB. We maintain largest stock of IBR Approved Seamless Pipe. Reliant Pipe & Tubes Pvt. Ltd. is No. Exporter & Stockist of IBR Pipe of Jindal Saw Limited & ISMT Ltd., we supply & export IBR Approved Pipes & Tubes with IIID – International Institute for Information Design certificate.
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Mineral oil, lithium thickened lubricating grease suitable for general purpose applications in plain
and anti-friction bearings.
Mineral oil, lithium thickened lubricating grease suitable for general purpose
applications in plain and anti-friction bearings. Conforms to leading bearing
manufacturers specifications for general purpose industrial/automotive grease.
Operating temperature range: -20˚C to 140˚C.
An extremely stable multi-complex soap thickened grease designed to provide greatly extended
lubrication intervals in a wide range of non-arduous and arduous conditions in the most aggressive
Pin & Bush Grease
A lithium thickened, tenacious grease incorporating graphite and molybdenum disulphide to
provide a high degree of protection against wear. Designed for heavy-duty and construction purposes.
Lithium Complex Moly
A specially developed lithium complex grease fortified with molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) solid film
lubricant for applications where the grease is required to cope with more arduous conditions, such as
high loads, shock loading, wet and temperature extremes.
A mineral oil, lithium thickened lubricating grease incorporating molybdenum disulphide. This
grease is suitable for applications where arduous working conditions are involved such as heavy
loads and where dust and dirt are present.


A new engineering research project at West Virginia University has the potential to make a demonstrable impact on the efficiency of electricity generation in the United States, decreasing carbon emissions and lowering costs for consumers.
Today, natural gas turbines are responsible for generating more than a third of the country’s electricity supply. A $700,000 award from the United States Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, known as ARPA-E, will allow researchers from the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources to develop a new method to burn the gases used at a higher temperature, which will result in a dramatic decrease of carbon dioxide emissions.
The award will be used to develop a brand-new class of materials using advanced 3D printing techniques that can increase the current base metal temperature of gas turbine systems from 1100 degrees Celsius to 1300 degrees Celsius and increase operating temperatures from 1600 degrees Celsius to 1800 degrees Celsius.
According to Xingbo Liu, interim associate dean for research and Statler Endowed Chair professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, and principal investigator of the project, the new 3D printing technique will allow the use of refractory materials, a group of metallic elements that are highly resistant to heat and wear, to be used in place of traditional nickel-based alloys that are commonly used in the aviation and power generation industries.
“According to ARPA-E’s analyses, such an increase of the operation temperature can lead to seven percent improvement in efficiency in the natural gas turbines used for electricity generation in the U.S.,” Liu said. “This represents a chance to save up to 15 to 16 quads of energy by 2050. A similar improvement in the turbines used for civilian aircraft represents another three to four quads of potential savings for U.S. air travel over the same time span.”
Liu explained that refractory metals have a higher melting point than traditional materials used to build gas turbine systems. The introduction of the new set of materials allows the natural gas to be burned at higher temperatures to operate the system, which translates to improved efficiency of the system and a significant decrease in carbon dioxide emissions.
The resulting research will improve the efficiency of the energy generation sector by developing materials that increase producers’ efficiency and create positive economic benefits for industrial and public consumers nationwide.
“This project is a combination of recent advancements in manufacturing and materials science,” Li said. “It could lead to the potential for us to develop next generation materials to use for turbines, which translates to lower cost, higher efficiency, and lower pollution.”
ARPA-E is considered the “crown jewel” of the Department of Energy’s programs, as they fund the most innovative and disruptive research in the US.
During Phase 1, Liu’s research team will demonstrate proof of concept for alloy compositions, coatings and manufacturing processes through modeling and laboratory scale testing of basic properties. If successful, the team will be selected to receive additional funding for the development of selected alloy compositions and coatings, as well as the production of generic small-scale turbine blades to demonstrate manufacturability of designs.
The researchers will work in collaboration with the National Energy Technology Laboratory, Leidos, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Advance Manufacturing LLC to complete the 18-month Phase 1 project.


Which Filter Media Long-term?
Swimming pool sanitisation is essential to prevent potential waterborne diseases and to ensure that the pool water is clean and healthy. To optimise sanitation and maintain water clarity it is essential to first filter out any organic matter as well as undesirable micro-organisms and other impurities. The more effective the filtration, then there will be a lower demand for chemical treatment whilst effectively removing any potential pathogens. In this blog, we look at the pluses and minuses of different swimming pool filtration methods.
Industrial sand, typically known as quartz or crystalline silica, is used to trap unwanted residue from the pool. Sand is widely used because of its density and coarse grain and is also capable of resisting high temperatures. The water passes through the sand, where debris is trapped mainly by mechanical straining, after which the sand media is back washed taking the collected debris to waste.
Currently, SPATA standards (The Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association) states that sand is the most popular type of filtration system, a method that goes way back to Roman times, but is now used mainly due to ease of installation and initial low cost. However, there is a significant drawback to using sand filtration – regular backwashing is required and this process leads to the loss of many litres of heated and chemically treated water which results in wastage across several areas. The lost water has to be replenished, reheated and chemically re-balanced. So, while the upfront cost of sand may be attractive, the ongoing costs involved in backwashing should be factored into the long-term cost of maintaining the pool.
Zeoclere30 is a highly efficient filter media and has proven to be an excellent way to reduce wastage generated through regular backwashing – making savings on energy, water, and chemical consumption.
Zeoclere30 handles different temperatures with ease and has a much faster clear-up rate than either glass or sand due to its osmotic properties. Because of its unique properties, Zeoclere30 is able to filter out high levels of concentrated ammonium brought into the pool by swimmers. Zeoclere30 is predominantly used in swimming pools, which are notorious for being affected by high levels of ammonium as Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps said so eloquently! Zeoclere30 removes a remarkably high level of ammonium, meaning that less chlorine is needed, thus reducing potential costs by up to 40%. Zeoclere30 has a purity level of 80-85% and can, therefore, improve water clarity by 60% more than sand filtration.
Further details on Zeoclere30 and its achievements can be viewed here.
Newer on the market is glass media filtration. Recycled glass that is crushed and graded works in a similar way to sand filtration, and is being used increasingly for both public and residential pools. On the plus side, glass is durable and is said to be more effective than sand at improving water clarity. But note that the backwashing period will generally be similar to that of sand filtration. In terms of the quantity required for filtration, roughly 80% by weight of glass is needed compared to using sand. Generally, glass filter media is more expensive than other filtration systems, costing roughly 2-3 times more than sand, so the upfront cost is a key consideration. It should also be noted that there have been some industry concerns about some grades of glass returning tiny fragments into the pool water and some products that contained impurities such as odd debris.
Diatomaceous Earth Filtration
In the 1960s Diatomaceous Earth (or DE filters) were the main method of filtration, however, in recent times concerns have been raised about carcinogenic possibilities from handling the product and they have largely been superseded by other media. DE filters are comprised of inert fossils that originate from diatoms, a unicellular form of algae. What is unique about these fossils is that instead of being made of calcium, they are made of silica, just like sand and glass. DE filters can trap underwater contaminants as small as 1 micrometer, and filter down to 5 microns. Despite exceptional levels of clarity in the water and overall high performance, DE can be rather uneconomical in terms of backwashing, as it needs a higher pressure to run than other types of filter media.
Which filter media you choose will depend on individual circumstances and priorities. Regardless of the type of filtration method and the filter specified, ensure that operators are aware of the filter pressure which generally should not exceed 20psi.


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Classic fit. Full back coverage. A must have for your collection. Left chest Diamond logo. Signature Ice-Wik technology. Made in Canada.
Fabric: 92% Nylon Tactel 8% Spandex with Anti-bacterial & wicking properties
TACTELŽ fiber compares favourably with natural fibres, the easier care, good dye fastness and quick and easy drying all contribute to TACTELŽ fiber (and TACTELŽ fiber blend) garments requiring less detergent, less water and less energy to keep them looking good.
TACTELŽ Fiber characteristics:
The inherent strength of TACTELŽ fiber enables the production of fabrics that are 3 times as tough (resilient) as those based on natural fibers.
According to fl exural rigidity testing, TACTELŽ fiber is at least twice as soft as most other fibers.
Fabrics made with TACTELŽ fiber are at least 20% lighter than most other fabrics for the same cover value.
TACTELŽ fiber dries 8 times faster than cotton.
Breathability is one of the most vital properties in a fabric when it comes to comfort. The performance of fabrics made with TACTELŽ fiber meets these requirements.
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The StanceCheck Crew Dri-Fit T-Shirt is a high-performance, microfiber, polyester fabric that moves sweat away from the body and to the fabric surface, where it evaporates. Made from 100% Polyester, with an antimicrobial, moisture wicking knit, offering lightweight feel and superior performance. The StanceCheck Crew Dri-Fit T-Shirt is perfect for any workout or training session. Join the StanceCheck Crew Today!
- 100% Polyester
- Wicking / Antimicrobial Knit
- Antimicrobial Controls the Growth of Odor Causing Microbes
- Wicks Moisture Away from the Body
- Heat Sealed Label
- Double-Needle Hemmed Sleeves and Bottom


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Wool Felt (Used on the top and bottom)
The felt we use is made to our specifications. It is a NEEDLED FELT with at least 80% wool. Since pressed wool felt never stops felting (getting thinner and harder with heat, moisture & pressure) we use the needled felt because it is made with shorter fibers than the pressed felt which keeps it from felting.
Poly Felt (Used in the core of the 2000 series)
Poly felt has been used for many years on saddle pads because it doesn't mat down and the fibers will move and conform to even out the pressure of the saddle. We have had a lot of success using it in our 2000 series pads.
Closed Cell Foam (Used in the core and on the bottom)
We have used several closed cell foams over the years and we feel this is the best we have found for durability and shock absorption when used in the core of the pad or when used on the bottom of the pad next to the horse. This is the foam used in the core of the 1000 series pad and on the bottom of the core in the 2000 & 3000 series of pads to keep sweat from soaking into the core of the pad.
Open Cell Memory Foam (Used in the 3000 Series Pad)
This foam is probably the best shock absorbing material available. It will conform to your saddle and your horse eliminating pressure points. It is the fastest to return to its original thickness and the least temperature sensitive of the ones we tried. It will not get as hard in cold weather or as soft when body temperature is reached. It was made to absorb the shock of jet ejection seats, race car seats and many other applications. We use this for the core of the 3000 series pads.
Air Gel Foam (Used in the Core-as an added feature)
We do not like air gel for saddle pads because it is very heavy, and while it will absorb shock from impact. it does not always relieve pressure points. The company we get this foam from uses the same material they make the air gel from, but they inject air into the liquid, and it makes a closed cell foam when cured. This makes it lighter and softer while keeping the shock absorbing properties of the gel. With the air cells throughout the foam it will help relieve pressure points. This foam can be added to the core of any of the pads. While this foam is very expensive, it is the best closed cell foam available for shock absorbing and evening out the pressure of your saddle.