JLCMC Blog

Fasteners & Hardware

Tooth Lock Washer Guide: Internal vs External Types, Uses, and Selection Tips for Mechatronic Assemblies

Quick Answer A tooth lock washer is a locking washer with small teeth formed around its inner or outer edge. When the fastener is tightened, the teeth bite into the underside of the screw head or nut and into the mating surface. This creates multiple contact points that increase friction and help resist rotational movement. The two most common forms are: · Internal tooth lock washer: teeth are located around the inner diameter. · External tooth lock washer: teeth are located around the outer diameter.......

Jun 29, 2026

Sensors & Control

What Is a Load Cell? Working Principle, Types, Applications & How to Choose One

Introduction Accurate weight measurement is essential in industrial processes such as batching, packaging, process control, and material handling. Even small errors can affect product quality, efficiency, and inventory accuracy. In automation systems, load cells are widely used as the key sensing element for weight and force measurement. This article introduces what is a load cell, explains different load cell types, outlines common load cell applications, and highlights key selection considerations. ......

Jun 22, 2026

Fasteners & Hardware

Wedge Lock Washer Guide: How It Works, Uses, and Selection Tips

Quick Answer Box What is a wedge lock washer? A wedge lock washer is a two-piece locking washer system designed to prevent bolt and nut loosening by using wedge geometry, bolt tension, and surface engagement. How does a wedge lock washer work? It uses cams on the inner faces and radial teeth on the outer faces. When a fastener tries to loosen, the cam surfaces force the washer pair to expand axially, forcing additional bolt elongation and maintaining clamp load and resisting rotation. Is a wedge lock ......

Jun 22, 2026

Sensors & Control

What Is a Photoelectric Sensor? From Working Principle to Sensors Selection

In industrial automation, accurate and reliable object detection is crucial for efficiency, safety, and minimizing downtime. Engineers face challenges like high-speed production, complex assembly, and changing environments. This article introduces what photoelectric sensors are , and covers their Main Types，Selection Criteria，and Application Scenarios. What Is a Photoelectric Sensor A photoelectric sensor is a non-contact detection device that detects the position, presence, or motion of target object......

Jun 16, 2026

Fasteners & Hardware

Split Lock Washer vs. Spring Lock Washer: What’s the Difference?

Quick Answer Box Is a split lock washer the same as a spring lock washer? In many practical fastener catalogs, yes. A split lock washer is often also called a spring lock washer because it has a split helical shape that creates spring tension when compressed. Is every spring washer a lock washer? No. “Spring washer” is a broader category. It can include split lock washers, conical spring washers, wave washers, Belleville washers, and other elastic washer designs. What is the main difference? A split l......

Jun 13, 2026

Power Transmission

NEMA Stepper Motor Sizes, Specifications, and Frame Size Chart Explained

NEMA stepper motor sizes standardize the mechanical interface—faceplate width, bolt pattern, and pilot diameter—but leave torque, thermal behavior, and high-speed performance to the manufacturer's design choices. Conflating frame size with motor capability is a frequent source of integration failure. The following sections detail the exact dimensions of each NEMA frame and explain how to read the specifications that actually determine whether a motor will work in your application. What Does NEMA Mean?......

Jun 10, 2026