Electrical Building Blocks
In the race to build everything bigger, faster and modern, it’s easy to overlook the foundation on which such innovation is achieved. Take terminal blocks as an example, as we examine in a recent Machine Design article.
As author Matt Hou of Dinkle International reminds us that such basic components have been improved over time, but their true function remains largely the same—and so does their importance to the project’s outcome. “Electrical terminal blocks are a basic component but deserve some attention since they form the primary installation interface for electrical devices and wires,” Hou writes. “Traditional screw-type terminal blocks also are well known. Advancements such as PID and multi-level terminal blocks make it faster and easier to design, fabricate and service equipment while saving a significant amount of valuable control panel space.”
Keeping Things Flowing Smoothly
Another fundamental area is hydraulic hoses, and this is another area where the technology remains basically the same while the material properties have been refined over time. While the hoses primary function is to move fluid from point to point, it’s never been a one-size-fits-all proposition.
“Though it may be convenient to substitute a customer’s hydraulic hose with a different sized hose than what is intended for the hydraulic system, you can inadvertently cause hydraulic equipment to become less efficient and potentially damage the hose tube. The best practice is to replace the hose with the same size,” writes Garrett Bell of Gates.