Excessive bearing and shaft wear resulting in frequent drydockings has led a Louisiana-based workboat operator to improve operational competitiveness and ensure greater equipment usability by converting to a Thordon RiverTough tailshaft system.

While Thordon Bearings is unable to disclose the name of the operator, Thordon performed a RiverTough bearing conversion to a twin-screw towboat running on the lower Mississippi with 6″ (152.4mm) Aquamet diameter shafts and 6″ rubber bearings.

Thordon sales manager Jim Bright said: “The increased tailshaft maintenance costs combined with lost charter days as the vessel required drydocking before its normal docking schedule led this particular operator to ask Thordon for recommendations on how best to reduce life cycle costs.”

“We are finding a lot of towboat owners, running rubber strut bearings directly on stainless steel or Aquamet shafts, are experiencing excessive shaft and bearing wear resulting in drydockings every 18 months or so, at significant cost.”

To improve performance, the rubber bearings could be replaced by Thordon’s RiverTough which would solve one issue but Bright pointed out this would only address half the problem, “the shafts would continue to wear as before”.

To solve this problem and mitigate against the abrasive effects of the Mississippi River, it was decided that a Hardened non-corrosive NCB ThorSleeve would be fit over the shafts. With the addition of ThorSleeves, the shaft would be able to deliver longer life to match the RiverTough Bearings’ performance. However, this was not so straightforward because the addition of the sleeve would increase the shaft’s diameter to 6.5” (165.1mm).

“To accommodate the larger shaft diameter a larger bearing had to be installed,” said Bright. “But fitting a larger bearing into a strut designed for a 6” (152.4mm) bearing would require a considerable amount of line boring and modification work or the need to completely replace the strut, which in the past was the only way to undertake this kind of project.

“Both of these options come with a high price tag making the upgrade hard to justify, so rather than modifying the struts, we found an alternative solution that cheated the laws of physics.”

Thordon’s engineering team designed a bearing that could accommodate the larger shaft while fitting into the original housing, without impacting the bearing performance or its abrasive resistance qualities.

“In effect, we fitted a bearing designed to go in a housing for a 6.5” (165.1mm) shaft into a housing designed for a 6” (152.4mm) shaft. The solution saved approximately US$10,000 inline boring and machining work, while also giving the workboat operator a tailshaft bearing system capable of lasting for years rather than months.”

According to Jason Perry, Thordon Bearings’ Territory Sales Manager, the project is nearing completion at the dockyard of Ashton Marine LLC in Harvey, Louisiana and Thordon will now carry out the same process on a second vessel in the operator’s eight-strong fleet.

“We will begin stocking this custom-sized bearing in their Gulf Coast Warehouse and are reviewing several other sizes to offer owners operating other size shafts,” he said. “Cost-effective solutions are a trademark for Thordon Bearings. We take the ‘work’ out of workboat.”

Thordon Bearings
thordonbearings.com

NKE Bearings were exhibitors at the 2020 Power Transmission and Control (PTC) Asia trade show in Shanghai, China. With a focus on power transmission and control, PTC Asia was the industry’s largest exhibition worldwide this year. NKE (Shanghai) Bearing Sales Co., Ltd., part of NKE Austria GmbH in Steyr, Austria, presented a portfolio of standard and special bearings designed for demanding applications in mechanical and electrical drives, pumps, and compressors.

“The aim of our presence was to strengthen the NKE brand in the industrial market,” says Hansen Mao, General Manager at NKE (Shanghai) Bearing Sales. “Thanks to the technical know-how and excellent in-house production, NKE Shanghai has achieved outstanding success in the wind power industry this year.”

NKE offers both standard and special bearings for all industrial applications. A wide range of standard bearings is available from stock or with short production lead times. NKE also provides customized products and solutions for customers. In addition to product development and application engineering, NKE provides a full range of technical services, consulting, documentation, and training. NKE’s products are distributed through 12 international offices and more than 240 distribution outlets in 60 countries.

NKE Bearings
www.nke.at/en/

According to 20 Minutes, French midfielder and free agent Yoann Gourcuff will join Rennes tomorrow.

The player has reached an agreement for a one year deal and is due to sign his new contract tomorrow, when the deal will be made official.

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Speaking to French TV show Téléfoot this morning, PSG’s attacking midfielder Ezequiel Lavezzi confirmed that this is likely to be his last season at the club.

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 “I wanted to stay because I believe in the team. This year, it will be harder for me to play. That’s stimulating for me, there is competition. This year, very important players have arrived, which will make the team even stronger than last year.”

“Is this my final year in Paris? I think so, yes. But I am relaxed. I want to finish in the best possible way. If Nasser wants me to stay? You never know what might happen. Today, my thinking is like this, tomorrow we will see. I am relaxed about it.”

Eating a well-balanced diet takes time, effort, mindfulness and organization, but sometimes you just can’t make it happen. Unfortunately, if you fall into a pattern of eating poorly, it may lead to hair loss.

While there aren’t specific foods that cause hair loss directly, there are a few things that are important to know when it comes to hair health and diet. Read on to find out what foods and eating habits might contribute to hair loss — plus what you should really be doing to encourage thicker, fuller looking hair.

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Sugary and High Glycemic Foods

Diets high in sugar can increase bodywide inflammation, cause weight gain and acne and increase your risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, depression, skin aging and more. In other words, it’s wise to ditch the sugary cereals and sweet treats.

Foods high in sugar or foods with a high glycemic index (which means they are converted into sugar by the body) can cause blood sugar spikes that may lead to restricted blood flow to the hair follicles and may also contribute to androgenetic alopecia (male- and female-pattern baldness). Foods with lots of sugar or high glycemic indices also increase levels of oxidative stress in the body, which has a direct impact on hair health and aging.

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Foods High In Mercury

When ingested, mercury can disrupt the production of keratin, the main protein found in shafts of hair. In extreme cases, high levels of mercury in the bloodstream can even lead to one form of hair loss called anagen effluvium.

Mercury cell chlor-alkali products are used in the production of common food ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, citric acid and sodium benzoate.

Find Out: What Is Anagen Effluvium?

Low Protein Diets

The human body produces the protein keratin to build each and every strand of hair. To do this, the body needs protein from dietary sources, so hair follicles have the building blocks they need.

If you make a sudden change to your diet that drastically cuts your protein supply, you might be faced with a form of temporary hair loss called telogen effluvium. Or, if you don’t consume adequate levels of protein over time, you might notice thinning hair, increased hair shedding, or a thinner, wispier hair texture.

While protein deficiencies are rare in Western countries, having unhealthy eating habits that are low on protein can impact your hair’s appearance and could lead to thinning hair! Healthy vegan and vegetarian sources of protein include seitan, tofu, tempeh, edamame, lentils, chickpeas and most beans.

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

“Micronutrients like vitamins and minerals play a large role in overall health, including hair growth and loss,” said Emily Alexander, a functional nutritional therapy practitioner with Curated Wellness. “Deficiencies in nutrients like vitamin D, iron, selenium and the B complex vitamins may contribute to hair loss.”

But that’s not all. Many essential vitamins and minerals support healthy hair growth. Here are a few deficiencies that have been observed in those who suffer hair loss.

Iron 

Iron deficiency anemia is a common dietary deficiency among women, vegetarians and vegans. Unfortunately, it can also cause hair loss. When your body doesn’t have enough iron, it impedes red blood cells from delivering oxygen and nutrients to your follicles, and hair shedding can be one of the first signs that your body is low on iron.

“Try adding more iron-rich foods to your diet like nuts, seeds and fortified grains,” advised Jen Hernandez, a registered dietician with Plant-Powered Kidneys. “Also, be sure to pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C, which helps the body better absorb iron. Foods that are rich in vitamin C include citrus, tomatoes, strawberries, bell peppers and broccoli.”

Note that foods containing phytates (cereals and grains) and polyphenols (tea and coffee) can hinder iron absorption.

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Zinc

Zinc is another important building block for keratin and is important for the general health and functioning of our follicles. So it makes sense that zinc deficiencies can lead to hair loss.

The good news is that studies have shown that zinc can help regrow hair in cases of deficiency. While zinc deficiencies aren’t very common, people who have malabsorption syndromes, like inflammatory bowel disease, may have trouble getting enough zinc. You can find zinc in fortified cereals and tofu.

Find Out: Can IBS Cause Hair Loss?

Vitamin D 

Since most humans spend the majority of their time indoors, vitamin D deficiencies are common. And vitamin D deficiency has been linked to hair loss. Making sure you get enough vitamin D can not only have a positive effect on your hair but also provide bonus health benefits like better mood, healthy bones and a robust immune system.

Vitamin E 

Vitamin E is very important to the health of our hair, nails and skin. It’s a powerful antioxidant that supports scalp health and protects our follicles. Without enough protective support from this vitamin, you could see increased hair fall due to free radical and oxidative damage.

And while supplementation with vitamin E may help encourage hair growth, too much vitamin E can also lead to hair loss. It’s a fine line when it comes to keeping our bodies in balance!

B Vitamins

The deficiency of several vitamins in the B family has been linked to hair loss: B-7 (biotin), B-2 (riboflavin), folate and B-12. Each of these B-vitamins contributes to overall hair follicle function and strand health. While deficiencies in biotin and riboflavin are rare, deficiencies in folate and B-12 are common.

Folate deficiencies can happen if you don’t eat enough leafy green vegetables or fresh fruits, and drinking too much alcohol can deplete your body’s folate levels, too. Most often, B-12 deficiencies happen in people who have malabsorption syndromes, but vegans, vegetarians and those with autoimmune diseases might also develop a deficiency. Oranges, spinach, barley and soybeans are good dietary sources of B-12.

Read: How Many Hairs Do You Lose Per Day?

Excess Vitamin A or Selenium

In the same way that vitamin and mineral deficiencies can contribute to hair loss, overdoing it might also lead to hair shed.

Vitamin A (retinol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that supports hair, vision and eye health. You can find vitamin A in foods like spinach, swiss chard and sweet potato. Supplementing with vitamin A can be helpful for people who have poor diets, but too much can contribute to hair loss.

It’s the same with selenium. Excess selenium consumption and exposure have been linked to hair loss. Dietary sources of selenium include brown rice, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts and cereals.

Learn: 12 Foods That Lower Cortisol

Drastic Weight Loss and Dieting

If you go on a very calorie-restrictive diet or suddenly lose a significant amount of weight, you might experience hair loss. Hair loss tied to sudden weight loss is typically telogen effluvium, a form of alopecia that happens when the body goes through a sudden shock or stressful event. It might also happen if your body just isn’t getting adequate nutrition when dieting over a long period.

“Restricting calories or cutting out major food or nutrient groups can lead to hair loss,” said Lisa Richards, nutritionist and author of The Candida Diet. “The most common causes of hair loss due to dieting is a lack of protein, fatty acids and especially zinc.”

Fried Foods

Greasy foods that are deep-fried are typically devoid of healthy fats and often high in hydrogenated oils and may contribute to hair loss from a couple of different angles. One study suggests a link between fats that are commonly found in fried foods (like canola oil) and an increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone levels, a hormone that has been linked to female- and male-pattern baldness.

Not only that, but the high-temperature cooking that comes along with deep-frying increases advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are a group of highly oxidant compounds. These compounds have been found to increase bodily inflammation and oxidative stress (both of which can contribute to hair loss) and also have been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

Find Out: 6 Foods That May Block DHT and Combat Thinning Hair

Alcohol

While alcohol doesn’t likely directly cause hair fall or hair thinning, it can contribute to it by impacting the absorption of vitamins and minerals that promote hair growth. It also impacts the healthy functioning of the thyroid, which secretes hormones directly related to the health of our skin and hair.

Try These Instead: The Best Foods for Healthy Hair Growth

Holistic Hair Health Made Easy

Team VEGAMOUR has crafted a full line of expertly formulated products to support fuller, thicker looking hair, even when you might not be able to eat as balanced a diet as you like.

Our GRO Biotin Gummies are gluten-free and vegan, providing not only biotin but also vitamins A, E, B-12, zinc, folate and more! 

The Takeaway

Diet is a crucial part of your overall health, and since healthy hair starts from within, taking care of your general health means taking care of your locks, too. Avoiding these common dietary pitfalls is a solid step in supporting healthy hair growth, and finding ways to boost your hair health when you can’t be on top of a balanced diet won’t hurt either. But ultimately, one of the best ways to stimulate hair growth and care for the scalp microbiome is through a holistic approach to your overall health, including diet, exercise, stress management and a nourishing hair care routine that focuses on hair wellness.

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More From VEGAMOUR

• 10 Immune Boosting Habits to Add to Your Day 
• Can Vitamin C Help Hair Grow?
• 10 Tips for Better Gut Health
• Can Ulcerative Colitis Cause Hair Thinning?

Photo credit: Rod Long/Unsplash

Author

Lauren Wilson

Author

Lauren Wilson

Lauren M. Wilson is a five-time published author, freelance writer and editor. She has built a career on investigating cultural niches and her latest works, including three books, have focused on advancing the mainstream conversation on plant medicines through education. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

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Women’s Evening Dresses Tang Dynasty Hanfu Dress

Tang Dynasty Hanfu, a two-piece dress with a suspender dress and a double-breasted outer shirt. This dress is centered on a light green and beige gradient long skirt, with the hem fluttering, fresh and gentle.

On the long dress, the delicate embroidery pattern is lifelike, and every stitch and thread reveals the craftsman’s meticulousness and pursuit of beauty, allowing the wearer to show the classical charm in every move.

The light beige tulle shirt on the outside is light and elegant, like a mist, adding a hazy beauty to the overall shape.

Full Set Package Included:
One Long shirt
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Size Information Unit cm (1cm=0.394inch, 1 inch=2.54cm) Long Shirt Size Bust Sleeve Length Length Height S Under 92 125 108 145-155 M Under 98 129 111 155-165 L Under 102 133 114 165-175 Dress Size Bust waist Length Height S 78-86 Under 86 115.5 145-155 M 86-90 Under 90 118.5 155-165 L 88-94 Under 94 121.5 165-175 Warm Tips: The size is Asian size, please choose the size according to the size chart Item Measure by hand, it could be 2cm-3cm different. All the images we list are 100% real object photos. But different computer monitor display colors differently.

 

SK series semiautomatic strapping machine is suitable for cartons, calcium-plastic cases, books, soft and hard packages as well as all kinds of articles in square, cylinder or annulations. Use of PP strap cycle starts automatically when strap is inserted. The machine dispenses, tensions, seals and cuts the strap automatically. Integrated circuit board control system ensures precise bonding and high availability. Auto motor shut off after pause for the present time, energy-saving.

SK-1 is ideally suited for general products

 

Features:

√Reliable performance

√Simple operation

√Easy strap loading

√Easy size changeovers

√Cost effective

 

Application:

1. SK series is designed to strap objects by applying PP strapping belt.

2. It is widely used in fields such as post office, office, bank, book store etc.

3. To use in the place where there is enough space, such as factory and warehouse, etc.

Time to read: 4 min

Material selection is one of the most important aspects of any engineering design. Depending upon your project requirements, you may need to balance the hardness or softness of a part in order to use a specific manufacturing method or tooling, or to meet end-use requirements for cushioning or impact resistance. 

When working with rubbers or plastics, the typical hardness measurement methods and scales for metals (such as Rockwell and Vickers) cannot be used. Instead, we have what is known as durometer, which measures and evaluates softer materials like the plastics and rubbers used in medical tubing.

What is Durometer?

Durometer can refer to two things: the hardness of a material, or the tool that is used to take this  measurement. This article covers both, but durometer as a measure of the hardness or softness of a material is probably the more important consideration for part designers. (Material scientists are likely more interested in durometer as a measurement tool.)  

Although a durometer can measure the hardness of many substances, these tools are used typically with rubber or plastic products. O-rings are an example of a rubber part where designers need to specify the durometer. Depending upon the sealing properties required, you’ll need to balance the material’s hardness or softness against other properties, such as an O-ring’s ability to withstand high temperatures or contact with petroleum products.   
For plastics, durometer is critical for both injection molding and additive manufacturing. It’s also a consideration with parts that are CNC machined. That’s because durometer affects not only the final performance of a part such as a plastic gear, but also processing considerations such machine tools and deburring methods.

How Does a Durometer Tool Work?

As mentioned above, in order to test durometer, a tool called a durometer is used. This test generally consists of an indenter pressed into the surface of a material with a precise amount of force, then the depth of the indentation is measured and the device calculates a value. This is just a simple explanation, of course, and there are multiple factors in the testing specification — ASTM D2240 is the standard test method for durometer.

The image below shows how a durometer works.

Image Credit: Hoto Instruments

The value provided in a durometer measurement is not a unit of measurement like inches or pounds. Rather, durometer numbers are a dimensionless measurement compared to other materials that undergo similar testing parameters. 

In order to capture the range of different hardnesses from various materials, 12 Shore hardness scales were created. The two most common scales are Shore A, which measures flexible rubbers to some semi-rigid plastics; and Shore D, which measures hard rubbers, semi-rigid plastics, and hard plastics. 

Below you can see the hardness on the Shore A and Shore D scales of some common products, many of which are made of rubber or plastic.

Image Credit: Hapco Inc.

As a part designer evaluating your options, you’ll see material specifications with a specific durometer value for a material. Of course, material specs are only one element you need to consider when designing a part for injection molding — which is why we created an injection molding design guide that you can download and keep for reference. 

Download the Injection Molding Design Guide

Durometer and Material Selection

Harder plastics and even some Shore D plastics can be machined or injection molded, depending on the quantity of parts required. Machining isn’t an option for Shore A materials or softer Shore D materials because of their material deflection. Instead, a casting or molding process is required, and these types of polymers can be cast in RTV materials to simulate the final production material. Alternatively, a prototype injection mold or a compression mold tool can be constructed to produce parts.

Below are some common categories for rubbers and plastics, and their typical durometers.

Soft Rubbers

• Parts like seals and gaskets often have a typical durometer reading of 30A-40A
• Softer elastomers provide increased cushioning and ductility to support greater sealing

Medium Rubbers

• Medium hardness rubbers typically have durometers that range from 50A-70A
• A medium-durometer rubber can offer a good balance of properties

Hard Rubbers

• Parts like tires and rollers have higher durometer readings of 70A-90A
• Generally, harder rubbers are used in applications that require greater resistance to wear, impact, and abrasion  

Soft Plastics

• Soft plastics usually have durometer readings between 20A-50D
• Similar to soft rubbers, these materials allow for better cushioning and provide flexibility for complex shapes in injection molding

Hard Plastics

• Harder plastics like polycarbonate and acrylic have durometer readings of 80D-90D
•  Similar to hard rubbers, their increased hardness allows for better impact and abrasion resistance at the expense of increased brittleness

Complex Parts at Ridiculous Speeds – Start Your Next Project With Fictiv

Understanding durometer and the material selection tradeoffs that you may have to make are critical for the success of your project, so it’s always good to talk to manufacturing experts, like ours here at Fictiv. 

To get started working with us, create a free account and request a quote today. You’ll get the design for manufacturing (DFM) feedback you need, and Fictiv can answer your questions about durometer and other material properties that affect the success of your project.

No matter how complex your design or the materials you need, we can guide you through the production process to ensure you get good outcomes, fast — Fictiv makes complex parts at ridiculous speeds!

Hilary Duff has had a big year, and it just ended with a bang. The once and future Lizzie McGuire star wed longtime boyfriend Matthew Koma in her Los Angeles front yard on Saturday, December 21. Duff and Koma share 1-year-old daughter Banks Violet Bair, and first met in 2015.

The bride wore a custom gown by Jenny Packham, who is best known for her work with Kate Middleton. “Matthew is very simple, and I really wanted to honor that,” Duff told Vogue of her dress. “I really want to feel like myself, but also how I envisioned he would see me. The end result of what we came up with, with Jenny, is exactly how I wanted him to see me. I think it’s how he would envision what I would look like as a bride. It’s really special.”

Her wavy lob came courtesy of Nikki Lee, the hairstylist responsible for Duff's previous hair transformations, including her blonde shade for the Lizzie McGuire reboot. Duff wore her shoulder-length hair pulled away from her face with a delicate pearl headband, with lots of wavy texture from the mid-lengths to ends.

Instagram content

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Thanks to Instagram tags, we know that Los Angeles-based makeup artist Kelsey Deenihan is responsible for Duff's bridal beauty look. We don't have any details on the products or technique (yet!) but it looks as though Duff wore eyes rimmed in black, a bronzy highlighter, and simple nude lip — perhaps courtesy of her own Nudestick makeup collection.

We can't think of a better way to jumpstart 2020 than with a wedding, especially one this beautiful and filled with love. Congrats to the happy couple!

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More on Hilary Duff:

• Here's Exactly How Hilary Duff Contours Her Nose Every Morning
• Hilary Duff Just Cut Her Hair Into a Long Bob and We’re Obsessed
• Hilary Duff Gave Us All the Details on Her Nudestix Collection

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Now, time travel through 100 years of bridal makeup:

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All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

HAYATI PRO MAX FIZZY CHERRY NIC SALT E-LIQUID

Hayati’s Pro Max Fizzy Cherry delivers a fizzy, fruity sensation, pairing ripe bold cherries with a poppin’ soda soft drink.
Explore the full range of Hayati Pro Max nicotine salts, providing uniquely fresh and fruity flavour offerings.

Specifications

• Flavours: Cherry, Fizz, Soda
• Nicotine Type: Nicotine Salt
• Bottle Size: 10ml
• Nicotine Strength: 10mg & 20mg
• VG/PG Ratio: 50/50
• Vaping Style: MTL
• Easy Fill Nozzle
• Childproof Cap

At Hayati, they are dedicated to providing exceptional alternatives to traditional smoking. Their extensive selection includes disposable vape kits and e-liquids, all designed to help smokers make the switch to vaping and prioritize their health. Hayati’s commitment to this mission has never wavered, and they are proud to offer a range of options that are both effective and accessible. With Hayati, you can feel confident and excited about your decision to try vaping as a healthier option.

Available in both 10mg and 20mg nicotine salt strengths, you can quickly satisfy your cravings. Using nicotine salts provides a smoother throat hit, enhancing your overall vaping experience.

With a 50% VG concentration, Hayati Pro Max Nic Salts are a good balance between flavour, throat hit and cloud production and are perfect for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping with Vape Starter Kits and Pod Vape Kits.