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Frequently Asked Questions:   1.  What exactly is P.I.D. as referenced with your controller? A.  The short answer is “Proportional-Integral-Derivative”.  It is a common feedback control method.  The algorithm, as shown below, attempts to correct the error between the measured process variable and the desired output. The Proportional value determines the reaction to the error, the Integral determines the reaction based on the sum of errors and the Derivative determines the reaction to the error rate. The weighted sum of these three actions adjusts the process.  Once installed in the field, fine tuning P and I should yield satisfactory results.  Do not adjust D as it is measurement noise sensitive.   2.  How important is element size in FEA and why does it affect cost? A.  It is important.  The smaller the element size, the less discretisation error, but computer processing time increases, along with cost.  It is a balance. 3.  Why do you sometimes use Copper Alloy 360 instead of 12L14 Low-Carbon Steel? A.  Economics.  If the weight ratio of turnings to finished part is at least 4:1, then the actual net material cost of Copper Alloy 360 is only about 17% higher than 12L14 after you recycle the turnings..  Factor in a 51% reduction in spindle time, along with 11-16 cents a pound in deferred Zinc DiChromate plating and the finished part is around 26% less expensive to manufacture.  Copper Alloy 360 has an ultimate tensile of 58,000 psi and 78,000 psi for 12L14 (cold-rolled).       4.  How does electroless nickel compare to chrome? A.  To describe all the differences would be laborious, but in short, autocatalytic nickel, also known as electroless nickel, is a chemical reduction process, as apposed to chrome, which is electrolytic; meaning: All surfaces which are wetted by the autocatalytic nickel are plated uniformly, whereas chrome, or any other electrolytic process, will have difficulty plating internal bores and complex shapes.      This uneven plating is mainly due to a phenomenon called Faraday Cage.  As for hardness, corrosion resistance, magnetism, lubricity, etc., it depends on what process the plating shop salesperson is trying to sell you on.  Our experience has found that high phosphorus electroless nickel with post plate bake, for the vast majority of our customers is proper.  Three standards cover electroless nickel: AMS 2404 Plating, Electroless Nickel MIL-DTL-32119 ASTM B733   5.  What adjustments are available with your cushion relief valve line? A.  There are 3 parameters: First stage pressure, rate of rise to second stage, and second stage pressure.  Each parameter is adjustable, but they are also co-dependent on each other.  As you change one, the other two change as well, but not proportional manner.  This phenomenon is minimized through internal compensation, but not eliminated.    6.  How do I calculate the DS and LS orifice diameters in your dynamic load sensing diverter valve? A.  Email us what you want for dynamic boost pressure and we can calculate the sizing.  Otherwise we can send you a copy of a matrix which will get you close on future applications.   7.  How are you coming with your line of high-cycle water actuators? A.  To date, we have 318 units in the field.  All field defined issues appear to be resolved (mostly related to water filtration levels.)     8.  I order 500 pieces a year from you, what do you recommend for order quantities? A.  Since the majority of our product is custom to a specific customer, price is volume sensitive as it is typically on the steep portion of the amortization curve.  There is a business model called economic order quantity.  It is expressed as:       9.  Are your products RoHS compliant?  A.  Yes.   10.  What is Hydrogen Embrittlement and how do you address it? A.    As it relates to us, hydrogen embrittlement is when a secondary process such as quenching, precipitation hardening, or plating diffuse hydrogen gas into the manufactured component.  An external load is not required for failure as many times the residual stress in the material itself is enough to cause failure.  The most common methods to address this are the use of materials which are not susceptible, or to "bake" out the diffused hydrogen.