Sunday, November 17, 2013

When You Would Use Copper Screws

By Bonnie Contreras


It is a little-known fact that copper screws are the simplest type of motor called a linear actuator. While conventional electric motors produce circular motion, a linear actuator creates motion in a straight line. As the head of the screw is twisted around in a circle, the tip of the screw is driven forward along its axis.

The shaft of the screw has spiral, or helical, threads. When drilled into soft material, a helical internal groove is created. When used on a wall, say to hold a picture, a rawl plug, or plastic sleeve, is used to give it extra strength. Their main use is to hang stuff on or hold stuff together.

An interesting use for a copper screw is in a tattoo machine. They are easily fashioned in the workshop because the metal is so soft. All it takes is a die with the right kind of thread, a vise, a set of pliers, sandpaper and some gun bluing agent. The bluing agent acts to protect iron metal from rust or tarnish and provides a minor degree of protection against corrosion. For copper, it makes it a cool shade of blue for ornamental purposes.

The atomic number of copper metal (Cu) is 29. This metal conducts electricity and head very well. This is how come it is used in copper kitchen pots and pans and in electric wiring. Because it is so ductile and malleable, it is very easy to work with. That is why you can make your own tattoo machine screws on your own.

When the Romans were in charge, the metal was mined in Cyprus. That is how it came to be named cyprium, and then cuprum. Hence, the chemical symbol, Cu. It has many uses in the human body, mainly as a constituent in the enzyme cytochrome. In sea animals such as crustaceans and molluscs, it forms part of the respiratory pigment called hemocyanin, which is blue. Humans do not use hemocynanin, but instead use the iron-based pigment, hemoglobin, to ferry oxygen and carbon dioxide into and out of the cells, respectively.

In people, cuprum is mainly located in the liver, muscles and in bone. Because of its bacteriocidal (germ-killing) action, it is used as a wood preservative and as a fungicide. It is also used as a lining for laboratory incubators that are used for cell and tissue culture.

When would you use a copper screw apart from in a tattoo machine? They are good for use in wood, especially if there is potential for corrosion. This pretty, red metal does not rust as easily as iron or steel. Cu may also be used as a coating for a steel screw. Here, brass, zinc, nickel or cadmium may also be used.

Well, there you have it. Copper screws, tiny linear actuators that look red and pretty and kill germs. Because they are soft, you have to place them carefully. It is probably not a very good idea to use them to hold together metal panels used in passenger aircraft.




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