8
Chapter
18
Using and Servicing Products and Structures
367
might be on one sheet of paper or in a large
book. The complexity of the product deter-
mines the size of the owner’s manual.
Maintaining
Technological Products
We want products to work properly
when we need them. This often requires
a maintenance program. The goal of
maintenance
is to keep products in good
working order. See
Figure 18-5.
Clothing
dishes are washed to maintain their
usefulness and extend their lives. Filters
in furnaces and air-conditioning units are
changed so the units function properly.
The oil in automobile engines is changed
to maintain the oil’s ability to lubricate
moving parts. Locomotives and buses
serviced to maintain their
performance.are
Career Corner
Building Inspectors Building inspectors examine the construc-
tion work done on various types of buildings.
Their job is to make sure the structures meet
building codes and zoning regulations. Almost
half of all inspectors work for local governments.
Other inspectors conduct home inspections as
part of the home-purchasing process. Building
inspectors generally work alone and typically
work regular hours. They spend time inspecting
construction work sites and in field offices,
reviewing blueprints, answering letters, writing
reports, and receiving telephone calls.
Inspectors should have technical knowledge, experience, and education. Many
inspectors have formal training and experience in the aspect of construction they
inspect. Generally, inspectors must have at least a high school diploma and might
be required to have studied engineering or architecture or taken courses in building
inspection. Most states and cities require some type of certification for employment.
This requires proof of appropriate construction experience and education passing
an examination on code requirements, construction techniques, and materials.
Figure 18-5.
This mechanic is performing
routine maintenance on an aircraft engine.
The maintenance keeps the engine in good
working order.
United Parcel Service
375and
Chapter 18
Using and Servicing Products and Structures
Summary
Using products makes our lives better. We must use and dispose of products wisely,
however, and should select products meeting our needs and our ability to pay for them.
Instruction manuals should be carefully read, and the instructions should be followed. All
products should be used only for the purposes for which they were designed. Each prod-
uct and structure should receive periodic maintenance and necessary repairs. Finally, each
product should be disposed of properly after it has served its purpose. Whenever possible,
products should be recycled. Recycling helps to reduce the strain on natural resources and
disposal sites.
Test Your Knowledge
Write your answers on a separate piece of paper. Please do not write in this book.
1. What are the three major factors to consider when analyzing whether or not to
purchase a product?
2. List the five steps followed in installing a product.
3. Changing the oil in an engine is part of a(n) ______ maintenance
4. Name the three major items discussed in a maintenance
manual.program.
5. List the three steps involved in repairing a product.
6. Service manuals contain parts lists. True or false?
7. Give one example of altering that can be done to change the performance of a
product or structure.
8. Why is recycling important?
9. Give one example of a specific material and a manner in which it can be disposed.
10. All products can be recycled. True or false?
STEM Applications
1. Select one day in your life. List all the items you throw away. Determine their types
and whether or not they can be recycled.List
2. Select a complex product you use often. the following:
A. The preventive maintenance it requires.
B. The repairs it needs now or might need in the future.
STEM Applications at the end of each
chapter encourage students to apply
concepts to real-life situations and develop
skills related to chapter content.
327
Section 5
Applying Technology: Producing Products and Structures
the fastener or the parts. Nails, rivets, and
wood screws are good examples of perma-
nent fasteners.
Semipermanent fasteners
Semipermanent fasteners can be
removed without causing damage to
the parts. They are used when the prod-
uct must be taken apart for maintenance
and repair. For example, a furnace is held
together with semipermanent fasteners so
it can be serviced. Machine screws, bolts,
and nuts are good examples of semiperma-
nent fasteners.
Temporary fasteners
Temporary fasteners are used when
frequent adjustments or disassembly are
required. They hold parts in position, but
the parts can be taken apart quickly. A
wing nut is a good example of a temporary
fastener.
Finishing Processes
Finishing processes
are the last of the
secondary processes most products go
through. These techniques protect products
and enhance their appearances. Finishing
processes can be broken into two types.
One group changes the surface of the prod-
uct. The other group applies a coating.
Most metals begin to corrode if they are
not protected in some way. Metals are easy
to protect by changing the surface chemi-thecanacalled
cally. For example, anodizing converts
surface of aluminum products to alumi-
num oxide. This type of finish is
converted surface
finish. The other type of finishing applies
coating to the product. A film of finishing
material is applied to the product
material. These coatings protect the sur-
face and can add color. Finishing processes
involve cleaning the surface, selecting the
finish, and applying the finish.
Safety with Finishing
Materials and
Equipmentwho
People work with
processes observe basic safety

Wear eye and face
protection.rules:finishing

Apply finishes in a well-ventilated
area. Wear a respirator and protective
clothing if solvents are toxic.
Think Green
Reduction
Reduction
refers to finding ways to reduce your impact on the environment.
You have probably heard the phrase
“Renvironmentalbe
educe, reuse, recycle.” Reusing and
recycling are two ways to reduce your impact. The first step you
can take to reduce your impact is to learn about the products and processes that
have harmful effects on the environment. You may surprised at how small
changes in your everyday life may help change your impact. Being more mindful
of green alternatives to products or processes is also a good way to work on
reduction.
Companies and individuals alike are ta
king these steps
toward go
ing green.
People have begun to calculate waste production and carbon dioxide emissions.
Also, the amount of resources like water and energy must be taken into consider-
ation. The strides being made to reduce waste has been studied by various
zations and has been found to have a great impact on the environment so
Career Corner features identify and explain
different careers related to the chapter
material.and
Summary provides the student a review of
major concepts covered in the chapter.
Test Your Knowledge questions help
students review the topics and the material
covered in the chapter.
Think Green features briefly explain
envi-far.organi-
ronmental concepts related to technology.
Safety notes identify activities that
result in personal injury, if proper
proce-a
dures or safety measures are not
followed.baseor
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