NSN Sourcing Blog

Relays are a type of electrically operated switch, and they provide input terminals and operating contact terminals for their functionality. Depending on the relay, they may be implemented within a device in order to control a circuit with a low-power signal or several circuits with a single signal. In their infancy, relays served as signal repeaters for long-distance telegraph circuits as well as telephone exchanges. As more advancements were made to such electrical switch components, their applications widened to include a number of electronic systems and appliances for motor control, circuit protection, safety-critical logic procedures, and more. While a number of relays exist to facilitate numerous needs, the three primary types that are most often used include the electromechanical, solid-state, and reed relay.

A voltage regulator is a device that provides two functions: changing the input voltage to a different level at the output and regulation, or maintenance of a constant output voltage despite changing load conditions. They are an important component in any power system, and choosing the right regulator for your system is crucial in developing an optimum solution. In this blog, we will discuss the types of regulators and how to decide which one is best for you.

Even the most responsible and frugal aircraft owners understand that owning an aircraft will never be inexpensive. Despite this, there are many steps you can take to minimize the need for expensive repairs, especially with your propeller. Regular inspection and preventative maintenance will not only increase the service life of your propeller, but also save a significant amount of money over time. This blog will cover five things you can do to protect your propeller and extend its operational life.

When flying, you probably aren’t thinking about the many components that keep an aircraft in flight. Despite this, there are countless parts, both small and large, working together in an aircraft to keep it airborne. One part that the average passenger might not know about is the liquid level sensor. Regardless, this and other sensors play a major role in ensuring the proper function of an aircraft. This blog will explain the four main sensors on an aircraft: the liquid level sensor, temperature sensor, flow sensor, and airplane pressure sensor, and provide insight on the details of each sensor’s functions.

The marine diesel engine is an advanced apparatus, allowing for the combustion powered operation of vessels on water. Generally, a marine engine may either be inboard or outboard, meaning that the engine may be implemented within the hull of a boat or mounted upon the hull itself. Regardless of which type of diesel engine is present on a marine vessel, many share the same components and systems that allow them to operate efficiently.

Unknown to a majority of people outside of aviation, manufacturing, and industrial space, an air capacitor is a type of capacitor that uses air as a dielectric medium which is placed between conductive plates. Or in basic terms, they are capacitors that utilize air as a dielectric, with the most simple form being one that is made of two conductive plates separated by an air gap. As for the way that they are manufactured, air capacitors can be produced as either a fixed or variable. The difference between fixed capacitors and variable air capacitors is that the latter are often applied more than the former because it has a simpler makeup. In contrast, the air capacitors are hardly used since there are many other types with superior characteristics. For more information on air capacitors, read the article below.

Air bearings, also known as aerostatic or aerodynamic bearings, are fluid bearings that use a thin film of pressurized gas to provide a low friction load-bearing interface between surfaces. The two surfaces do not touch, thereby avoiding the traditional problems associated with bearings such as friction, wear and tear, particulates, and lubricant handling. Instead, air bearings offer advantages such as a lack of backlash or static friction and high performance in high-speed applications. In aerospace, friction is a common problem encountered in nearly all operations. Air bearings are critical in reducing friction and preventing serious damage caused by it. This blog will explain the main benefits of air bearings as well as their four main applications throughout the aerospace industry.

Just like an aircraft, automobile, or any other vehicle, a boat will inevitably need repairs after certain intervals. Repairs will usually require the ship to dock, but depending on the severity of the repairs, they can also be done at sea assuming a support vessel has the necessary equipment, parts, and repairmen capable of carrying out the task. There are three categories of marine repair: electrical and mechanical repairs, marine engine repairs, and emergency response repairs. This blog will explain each type and what they entail.

Whether there is the unveiling of new gadgets, different airplane models, or flying vehicles, the world is excited and enthusiastic about the eventual fate of flying, which is the reason so many eyes are intently following the advancement of the E-Fan, the main airplane fueled by electrical power. A two-seat trial airplane, created via Airbus Group and accomplices, the E-Fan is the primarily 100% electrical airplane. With its first flight early this year, in half a month time it will be uncovered which company will be manufacturing the airplane.

Across all machine design seals, the O-ring remains the most common type for a variety of reasons. O-rings are fairly inexpensive to produce, simple to manufacturer, highly reliable, and provide for quick installation. Because of this, the O-ring is used in many different applications and provides for a number of uses. In this blog, we will discuss what O-rings are, some of their various types, and their shelf life.