Plastics

Plastics have many advantages over other materials. Aside from the many shapes and types of plastic bottles, plastics can be recyclable. Plastic bottles are widely used and can be found in supermarkets, vending machines, as a disposable bottle, or a reusable water bottle. Plastics are also cheap and reliable. Plastics have even moved into new markets, like the wine and beer industries. This is because plastics have some advantages over glass.

Plastic Properties

Plastic is synthetic, therefore it can have many properties. Plastic can be hard, strong, durable, soft, flexible, heat resistant, shatterproof and corrosion resistant. This means the container will not break like glass if dropped, and can sit on a shelf for a long time. Plastic bottles are also lightweight, and transparent, so you can see the contents.

Recycling

Plastic is a recyclable material, which benefits the economy and the environment. Industries have also started using less plastic per bottle, which when combined with recycling, can save resources and finances. From the environmental point of view, less resources means overall less pollution. The recycling of plastic is also a widely accepted practice, which means recycling bins are never far from trash cans.

Skepticism

Some skeptics believe that plastics are dangerous and can contaminate water or food because of their inherent chemical properties. Plastics can be poisonous. There are many forms of plastics with different chemical polymers. On the other hand, plastic bottles are safe to drink out of because the type of plastic used and its process is made for the purpose of holding safe drinking water. As long as plastics are used as intended, meaning using microwave safe bowls in a microwave, consumers have little to be concerned about.

Pneumatic Equipment

Pneumatic equipment operates under the power of compressed air. Most pneumatic equipment requires several supplemental components to operate properly. Most electrically-powered tools including jackhammers, nail guns, sanders, staple guns and buffers are available in pneumatic models. In almost every case, the pneumatic tool outperforms the electric tool. Despite the numerous benefits with pneumatic equipment, this type of equipment is not without limitations.

Air Compressor

All pneumatic equipment operates under air compressors. The air compressor basically compresses a given amount air to a specific pressure. Consumers can use this pressurized air to power certain equipment like pneumatic buffers, jackhammers, sanders and nail guns. There are advantages and disadvantages in requiring air compressors to operate. The obvious disadvantage with air compressors is that they can be quite heavy and bulky. An advantage is that they make pneumatic tools portable since a compressed air tank can be taken almost anywhere.

Maintenance

Pneumatic equipment requires regular maintenance. Sources at American Pneumatic Tools recommend that pneumatic equipment owners regularly inspect and maintain their pneumatic equipment to maintain a safe work environment while the equipment is in use. Monster Guide claims that operating pneumatic equipment can be messy because a lot of lubrication and oil are needed to keep them operating smoothly. Oil levels should always be kept at manufacturer-recommended levels.

Safety Measures

Pneumatic tool operators should employ hearing protection while operating most types of pneumatic tools to avoid injuries to the ears, according to The Tool Hut. Safety glasses should be worn to avoid damage to the eye, according to Ask the Builder. When operating pneumatic equipment produces excessive dust, it is recommended that the operator employ a dust mask or respirator. Pneumatic staple gun operators may choose to wear steel-toe boots to prevent injury to the feet and toes.

Warnings

The oil and lubricant used in pneumatic equipment can spit out around the operator’s workspace, which can make for an unsafe environment. Shards of material may fly off a workpiece while it is being operated under pneumatic equipment. In cases where pneumatic equipment is going to be operated near bystanders, protective shields can be put in place to protect the bystanders. Signs should be posted to inform the public that they are near active pneumatic equipment.