4 Ways to Reuse a Storage Container

Alex May

Standard-ContainerStorage containers are prefabricated metal vessels that are widely used to efficiently and safely transport goods overseas or on land. They are durable and are made to withstand extreme weather conditions, moisture, and salt. A newly-built Storage container should pass meticulous leak inspection before delivery.

The shipping containers seen at seaports are mostly used, albeit only slightly. There might be a few brand new containers—those that contain goods to be shipped somewhere. Some companies don’t want retrieve their empty containers because of the high cost and risks of retrieving them. Consequently, a lot of shipping containers are being left abandoned in sea ports every year and over time people have found ways to reuse the piling number of containers at seaports.

Here are some ways to reuse a shipping container:

Tiny Houses

Because a storage container is usually rectangular in shape, people thought about using it as a shelter. The width and height of a standard shipping box is big enough to fit humans and a few pieces of furniture in it. Over time, modern architects have found a way to make this four-cornered corrugated steel container a work of art and a place where people can settle for good.

Tiny houses that are made out of storage containers became a huge fad in the US and in other countries because of their simplicity and low cost. The cost of building a shipping container home is significantly lower than building a conventional home. The time it takes to build a tiny shipping container house is much lesser than building a conventional home. This is why more and more people are inspired to build a tiny house of their own. With the increasing cost of housing, people just can’t help but look for a better alternative.

Home Extension

Some people just have more things than other people that they would need to have a home extension. A standard storage container can make for a great home extension or an area to throw in things that can’t fit into people’s homes.

It can also become a living area with its own latrine and wash area. It can be placed in the garden or somewhere far from the view of the people and the city. It can also become an extension kitchen or an outdoor place where you and your family can relax and have a good time.

Mobile Establishments

Restaurateurs and other business owners are getting more and more creative about their places. A mobile storage container restaurant is such a brilliant idea as it is not only an eye-pleaser, but also an attention catcher. The next time you see a mobile restaurant made out of shipping containers, make sure to try out their menu.

Storage Container

A lot of establishments are now getting mobile because business owners think that they can sell more items if they are the one who will approach the people. And they are not wrong about it. A well-presented store is inviting enough, but a well-presented store on wheels is going to be an absolute hit!

Onsite Office

Onsite offices are probably among the most popular uses of shipping containers. Since it’s cheap and it takes no time to make offices out of shipping boxes, a lot of site engineers and architects choose to build one on the construction site to avoid the hassle of going back and forth the main office. You probably always see offices made out of shipping boxes on any construction site you see. That’s because the supply in shipping containers is never limited and would probably still build up because of what most companies do about their empty containers.

An overview of multi-layer rigid and flex PCB fabrication

Patrick Song

PCBPCB fabrication is an all-important process in the entire system of creating circuit boards. They are the main building blocks that make electronic and computer equipment work. In electronics manufacturing, the board layers are assembled with a particular surface pattern. Many companies offer PCB manufacturing services and supply PCBs to other companies. One such company is Illinois-based Imagineering, Inc., which has been in operation for 20 years. So far, more than 2,500 companies have trusted them with their PCB needs, among other related services.

PCBs are typically built on sheets that have copper surfaces, materials for flexible circuit and membrane switches, and rigid laminates to be used on the circuit board.These sheets are basically insulators, and are called substrates. Substrates are typically made from special polymers, Teflon and ceramics. Imagineering, Inc. offers multi-layer rigid and flex PCB fabrication. They also offer hard-to-procure substrates like Aluminum-core PCBs.

Flex circuits are PCBs that have, as the name suggests, flexibility.

This allows it to have three-dimensional configurations which can save up to 75% of space. If board thickness and space constraints are issues in the electrical connections, using flex circuits is the perfect solution. It also has the feature of vibration and shock resistance, which saves up on repair and replacement costs. It has all the features of a rigid PCB such as high density, reliability and repeatability, but with the added feature of the board conforming to a desired shape during its application. A multi-layer flex circuit contains three or more conductive layers.

These layers have flexible insulating layers in between each one. The connections between layers are done through plated-through holes. Flex PCB fabrication has a customized routing path that is repeatable. Even though it is quite thin, it is quite durable and its longevity has been proven in the market. Flex PCBs are commonly used in consumer electronic devices with tightly assembled electric connections, hard disk drives and desktop printers. They are also widely utilized in industries such as Communications, Industrial, Aerospace, Automotive, Medical, Military, and Transportation.

There are also PCBs that are called rigid-flex.

Rigid-flex PCBs are a combination of rigid PCBs that are connected by integrated flex circuits. Flex circuits can be added with rigid areas to provide hard support for sensitive connectors and components. Multi-layer rigid-flex circuits have two or more conductive layers. These layers contain flexible or rigid insulation in between each one.

Rigid-flex PCBs are ideally used for circuits where the components must be mounted on both sides of the board. The integration of resistant areas which are rigid and the resilient areas which are flexible combine the best of both worlds. There is usually a smooth transition between rigid and flex surfaces on a PCB. There are important considerations in designing and fabricating a multi-layer rigid-flex PCB. These considerations are materials selection, the number of layers in the design, adhesion methods and control over dimensions.

During the manufacturing process, their PCBs pass through stringent quality standards tests, including 6x solder tests at temperatures of 288 degrees Celsius. This assures customers that their PCBs are of the highest quality and will work efficiently and reliably.

PCB fabricationImagineering, Inc. adheres to PCB fabrication standards. All PCB manufacturers are asked to follow the RoHS directive which prohibits the use of certain raw materials in products. RoHS stands for The Restriction of Hazardous Substances and it is a European-initiated directive that bans these hazardous and toxic substances from manufacturing processes: lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, cadmium, polybrominated biphenyls, and polybrominated biphenyl ethers. This stems from the issue that electronic equipment made with lead and other hazardous materials that are thrown in junkyards mixes and dissolves with rain water and go straight to the water table. When a community drinks contaminated water, it leads to a serious host of health problems, affecting the central nervous system, kidneys, reproductive, and circulatory systems.

Safe and hazard-free materials in manufacturing PCBs include Isola and Nanya products. Instead of using traditional solder materials such as tin and lead, PCB manufacturers are now using replacement such as copper, immersion tin, immersion silver, and immersion gold in gluing the electronic components together. Aside from the replacement materials listed above, Imagineering, Inc. also uses an organic solder preservative called ENTEK/OSP.

The Popularity of Challenge Coins Outside the Military

Derek Swanson

Coins are used in trade as something you pay with in exchange for purchased goods and services. So what are challenge coins?

If you saw someone wearing a special coin or medallion, you may think that he/she is a military or police officer who has done outstanding service. These coins or medallions, commonly known as challenge coins, are traditionally given to members of the military or police as an award for exemplary work. Every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces – Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy – all have their own badges, and each unit of command even has its own special coin.

Different Uses

While these coins are gaining more and more popularity among military circles, do you know that these coins are now being used outside of the military?

ChallengeCoins

 

One such occasion is coin collecting. Coin collecting is a popular hobby, and challenge coins are among the many types of coins that are highly valued by coin collectors all over the world. There are many shapes and styles of the challenge coin out there that make it attractive to coin collectors, such as diamond-cut edges, gold plantings, and additional designs. All these features turn a simple coin into a valuable piece of metal that can be sold for a high price.

Another example of the use of such coins is in the workplace. Private organizations, from small-scale startups to huge corporations, are making use of the tradition of giving special coins to employees who have shown exemplary performance in their work. Managers and employers use this not only to reward their employees but also to boost morale in the office environment, which could lead to more sales in the business.

Do you have a business that you want to boost? Or do you already have a new startup that you want to grow but just need a few customers to try out you brand so you can have a great start? Maybe custom coins are just the thing you need to revitalize or jump start your business. Because of the coin’s simplicity, there are a lot of creative ways where you can use challenge coins to put a special touch to your business. It all depends on what you want to achieve.

While there are a number of uses for such coins nowadays, there are also a number of different coin sizes for various situations.

 

The most common sizes of the challenge coin are 1.5 inches, 1.75 inches and 2 inches. These are the typical sizes of the classic challenge coin, and the most common sizes up to this day. Coins ranging in this size range are commonly used by the military and by people who need to carry the coin around easily in their pockets.

There are also larger sizes of the challenge coin for those who are not shy of displaying their achievements and accomplishments to family and friends. You can have signature coins the size of a large plate and display it proudly in your car, or even in your living room for that next family reunion. You can even have 4.5-inch “coins” that could serve as a trophy for that competition you’re organizing. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Purchasing the Best

In looking for the perfect challenge coins for your use, whether it’s personal or commercial, there are a lot of companies out there that offer top-of-the-line professional quality coins.

ChallengeCoins4Less.com is an online shop that offers custom coins in an easy and hassle-free way. You can fill out their free quote form and receive a quote in minutes! Or, if you already have a concept in mind, you can send it to ChallengeCoins4Less.com and they will give you suggestions and revisions on the artwork and design – all for free! There are a lot of options to choose from, whether it’s the shape of the coin or the finishing touches, ChallengeCoins4Less.com offers custom coins that you can trust.

Quick Application of Iron on Patches

Daniel Vaughan

An iron on fabric patch can offer a plethora of decorating opportunities. It can be used on apparels, quilting, home decoration, crafting, and even in scrap booking. Our Iron on Patches in particular can easily be added to anything using heat from the iron. The options can be endless but the unusual materials and fibers used in patches today make it a little bit challenging for users. But don’t worry because you can be experimental in using them to get the exact design you want.

Adding patches onto fabrics can be quickly done through household iron. Whether you want to decorate your jeans or your tee shirts, high-quality Iron on Patches from our wide collection can help. However, it’s important to know the basics before ironing on patches especially for first timers. This will avoid possible damage to clothes. Also, using hot fix patches can be tricky without firsthand experience. One tip is to buy a cheap patch and try it out at home to see how it works.

Why Use Patches?

Application of Iron on Patches

By having an actual experience on how to apply patches, you will know what to do and what to avoid. Putting some personalized designs on clothes can even add confidence to the wearer. It can make cheap fabric look expensive, especially if the right patches are used. For instance, you can choose Iron on Patches in order to help make the perfect accent or statement piece for your jacket. But make sure to understand that hot fix can be a bit difficult to apply because once they are attached; you cannot simply remove them anymore.

Knowing the right technique and material to use will help achieve the perfect style patch. Remember, you may reinforce your hot fix or glue in order to secure the patch. This is particularly true when it comes to long term use and permanency. For those who want to create heirloom quilts, the Iron on Patches must be ironed in the right position to ensure proper placing. Quality patch can also withstand the test of time despite laundering and everyday wear.

How_to_Apply_an_Iron_on_Patch

 

Do’s & Don’ts

Every manufacturer of patch highly recommends iron on patches as well as appliqués to achieve permanency. Below are some of the important tips to keep in mind when attaching patches onto clothes:

  • Unless the application needs repeated hot-water washing and drying, nearly all iron-on patches may be washed and dried. All you need to do is determine the right amount of heat before applying on the fiber.
  • Don’t apply an iron on patch to water-resistant rainwear, nylon, rayon, leather, highly-elasticized fabrics, and other similar fabrics. If hesitant, fabric testing can be done by ironing the hidden hem to know the right amount of heat it can hold up without damaging it. Polyester fiber and cotton blends may work best for most patchwork so you may consider using them.
  • Always turn your garments inside out when washing them. This protects hot fix iron-on patches during the laundry and drying process.
  • Never use a hot dryer or hot water because it will only loosen the studs or patches. Try ironing the hot fix again to ensure they aren’t loosened. However, you may need to add fabric glue in order to successfully reattach them on the garments.
  • Always iron on a single layer of fabric to avoid stacking jean legs or tee shirts. Teflon sheet can be used to prevent the glue from passing through the other layer of fabric. This is particularly important to open weave materials. Remember, the iron-on patches’ adhesives are highly sticky.
  • If the garments feel stiff or have fabric sizing, you can pre-wash them. The purpose is to melt the glue down into the fiber and secure the patch onto the clothes. Temporary stiffeners or sizing substances are like starch that is used in collars to harden that part. If your glue is not able to handle the adhesives properly, patches will just fall off. So be extra careful in using old chintz material.
  • For vinyl and leather, don’t try to iron the patches onto these materials because they cannot take iron heat. As a result, it will only damage the fabric. Instead, you can look for an ideal glue to attach your patch onto the leather or vinyl.

Over time, if patches or the hot fix is already loose, reattach them by using craft glue. Iron them on the fabric again and ensure they are properly attached to enjoy longer use. With the efficiency of these patches when it comes to fixing tear and rip on garments, many people are now using it no matter where they are in the world. There are plenty of ways to hide the damage in any fabric. So if you’ve got a hole in your favorite jacket or pair of jeans, just patch it!

Finding The Perfect Golf Grips For You

Mary Tucker

Golf has become one of the most popular recreational activities worldwide. It can be played by all people regardless of age, race, gender and level of golf skills. The main objective in golf is to push a small, hard ball into a series of holes along the course by using a club in as little strokes as possible. You can play it alone or with a team. It can be played as an entertaining pastime or as a competitive sporting activity.

In a golf game, you should feel comfortable with the things you use. Comfort brings greater performance and added sense of self-confidence. One of the golf equipment that you should be really comfortable with is the grip of the golf club. Golf grip comes in a variety of sizes, colors, shapes and textures. It can be crafted from different materials.

To help you find the perfect golf grip, you might want to consider the following criteria:

• Material Make-up

There are different materials used to make golf grips. It can either be made from leather, rubber, plastic, silicon, elastomer and more. Its texture can also be smooth, corded, or wrapped.

1. Smooth grips are those manufactured with plain smooth surface.

Golf Club

2. Corded grips are those made with a cord-like material that feels rough. Corded grips help golfers playing in rainy weathers, wet and sweaty conditions to gain more traction when holding the grip. Though sometimes, corded grips are disliked by some due to the abrasive feel on the palms.

3. Wrapped grips are those that resemble the original strips of leather wrapped around old golf grip. In this modern day, manufacturers use synthetic materials to produce the texture of old leather grips.

• Size does matter

Just like how a pair of shoes should fit your feet perfectly for a comfortable game, a golf grip should fit your hands for better swing control. The rule of thumb, you should feel comfortable when you hold the grip of your club. The grip’s thickness should be enough for your middle and ring fingers to just barely hit the pad of your thumb. If it’s too thin, your fingers will press deeply on the pad. If it’s too thick, your fingers will be distant to the pad. Finding the right thickness helps you control your swings. It can alleviate the pain brought by too much hand motion or too little hand action.

The size of golf grips varies in different thickness levels. Finding the right thickness of golf grip that suit your hands ensures a comfortable grip throughout the game.

1. Undersized grips’ diameter is 1/64 inch smaller than the standard grip

2. Standard grips’ diameter range from 0.58 to 0.60 inches

3. Midsized grips’ diameter is larger by 1/16 inch than the standard grip

4. Oversized grips or jumbo grips’ diameter is 1/8 inch larger than the standard grip

Grips are also customized as gender-specific. Make sure you’re shopping under the category you’re under.

• Buy Additional Essentials

Aside from new golf grips, you might want to add other essentials in your shopping cart. For grip replacements and adjustments, find the suitable grip tape in your golf store. Grip tapes help golfers to fine-tune the thickness of the golf grip desired. To alter the thickness of a grip, you may add a few layers of tape on the shaft as well as on the grip. A wrap of tape adds 1/64 inch. Make sure you have spare grip tape so you can adjust the thickness to fit your feel.

 

For a great selection of golf grips and golf grip accessories at the most affordable price, check out http://www.rockbottomgolf.com/. You can find your favorite brands offered at the lowest price possible, and at the comfort of your own home (after all, you’ll only have to use your computer or mobile device). Finding the most comfortable grip tailored just for you is what you have to do for that perfect swing.

Choosing the right Long Island foreclosure lawyer

Roberta Oldham

It has been said that an ounce or prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that is as true in the field of law as it is in the field of medicine.

Law

Home foreclosures, in particular, are where preventive measures can truly help save a client from a great deal of trouble down the line. For many people facing the possibility of losing their home, the most logical preventive step is to hire or consult with a Long Island foreclosure lawyer at the earliest possibility.

While banking on someone’s expertise and experience can indeed help you to arrive at an alternative that is more palatable to foreclosure, it should also be noted that not all foreclosure lawyers are made alike.

So, what sort of things that you need to keep in mind when choosing a Long Island foreclosure lawyer?

1.)    The most common and arguably the best way to find a good Long Island foreclosure lawyer is to go by word of mouth. If you know someone who was faced with foreclosure and was able to get out of it with a favorable outcome, then chances are high that s/he can hook you up with a highly qualified legal counsel who can do the same for you.

Friends and family members are often trustworthy sources for referrals since they would most likely want you to get the best outcome. Some of them might even turn out to be married or affiliated with some of the best foreclosure lawyers out there, and you can benefit from discounted rates and/or more personalized services as a result.

2.)    Legal aid offices are also great sources for referrals. There is usually one in every city or town, and they would definitely have a list of qualified and experienced foreclosure lawyers at the ready for anyone who needs one. The benefit of consulting with these offices is they can provide you with referrals even if you don’t qualify by income for their services.

3.)    Licensed websites are another option for nabbing a good Long Island foreclosure lawyer. Not only do you get the information you need at a glance, but you can also find links to non-profit organizations that can give you the legal assistance you need for free.

4.)    Pay attention to how a prospective foreclosure lawyer behaves during the preliminary meeting. You want someone who will be polite and cordial but at the same time, you want them to be focused on the specifics of your case that can help them get a ruling in your favor. Thus, it would be wise to avoid a lawyer who spends too much time beating around the bush or attempting to behave like a life coach or a therapist. That kind of behavior is not only unprofessional but it can also be costly as your lawyer will be billing you by the hour.

5.)    Check your lawyer’s credentials. It’s a no-brainer that your lawyer should have the appropriate diplomas and certifications from a legitimate law school or university. His/her license to practice should also be up to date. If you want to double check the validity of your lawyer’s qualifications, a quick call to the local bar office should do the trick.

6.)    Look at your lawyer’s track record. How long has s/he been practicing in this field? How many cases has s/he won? These factors are all crucial to determining how your appeal will turn out in court with the prospective lawyer representing you and your interests. You can also try contacting your lawyer’s previous clients to get a clearer picture as to your lawyer’s skills, if you have time.