Trimmer Lines Production Paper Example

Introduction

A trimmer line, also known as a string trimmer or a weed eater, is a tool that has a flexible monofilament line used for cutting grass, weeds or other plants that are close to other objects. The trimmer lane can also be best used to cut grass on steep or irregular terrain. Unlike other grass cutting tools which have blades for cutting the grass, the trimmer line uses the monofilament line as a technic tool for cutting grass. It consists of a long shaft with a cutting tip on one end and on the other end is a handle.

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A trimmer line is a light-weight tool that is based on the concept that when a line is turned as fast as possible on its fixed point (for example, a rotating wheel) it becomes stiff because of the centrifugal forces that are in play. The faster the line is turned, the stiffer it becomes and at that point, it can cut through grass and woody plants quite effortlessly (Deziel, 2018). Different trimmer lines have different designs such as more reinforcement to enable it cut through large woody plants; however, the basic principle still remains the same.

Functions of a Trimmer Line on the Weed Eater

The trimmer line's main function is to cut grass, whether it is thick or tall grass - it is the part of the machine that does so. Trimmer lines have internal combustion engines with most being gasoline engines that are used to power it; however, there are some models which are electric or battery-powered. The combustion engine is located at one end of the shaft, on the opposite side of the cutting head. In electric models, however, trimmers have the electric motor in the cutting end of the shaft.

The trimmer line is a monofilament line, meaning that it uses a single strand of line, unlike multi-filament lines, which are comprised of several strands fused, braided or bundled together. The most common material that is used to make the trimmer line is nylon; however different materials can be used, for example, materials that are blended together with nylon into polymers that have varying degrees of strength, stretch, abrasion, among other qualities (Berkely, 2019). The monofilament is also known for its stretching abilities, which is quite essential when the line is turning as it makes it more reliable in cutting grass.

When using a trimmer line, the line is usually first hand-wounded onto a reel before starting to use it; leaving both ends extending from the reel housing. The motor, which is connected to the reel, then turns the reel and makes the line to extend or rather stretch out horizontally. As the same time, the trimmer line operator then swings the trimmer towards where the plants are to be trimmed. As the trimmer cuts the grass, the operator is keen on controlling the height at which they desire the cutting should reach. The tool allows for ground-level trimming quite easily.

If the trimmer line operator wants to do a vertical trimming, they can do so by tilting the entire machine; however, for some models, the operator can adjust the head of the trimmer into different angles and achieve their desired outcome. After a session of cutting, the line may become worn out or it may also snap. When this happens, the operator could just knock the reel to the ground allowing some portion of the line inside the reel to extend and then replace the spent one. This technique has, however, been replaced in newer models which have an auto-feed technology where a small cutter on the line-guard makes sure that the line portion that is exposed for cutting does not exceed the line that can be swung effectively by the motor.

The Significance of a Trimmer Line on the Weed Eater

As pointed out in its functions, the trimmer line is designed in such a way that it makes cutting grass and woody plants that are near objects. This is because of how precise they are while cutting. The trimmer line can be used to cut grass on sidewalks, flower beds and parking lots - areas where you cannot use a lawnmower. Newer versions have significantly upgraded from its original purpose of just trimming; now not only do they trim hedges and turfs but they also prune, sweep, cultivate and blow (Billings, 2018).

Another significance or rather importance of the trimmer line on the weed eater is how easy it is to use. They are connected to a combustion engine; therefore, there is no much manual labor involved and they are also light-weight - only a few models are heavy because of their motor design, however, it cannot be compared to other gardening tools like a lawnmower. Electric models are much easier to use as compared to the gasoline models; they are also easier to start and maintain, also, they are less noisy as compared to gasoline-powered models.

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the trimmer line as an essential tool in gardening by delving into a brief history of the tool and why it was invented. This paper will also express into detail the trimmer line extraction process as well as the dos and don'ts in the extraction process. As a popular tool in hedging, pruning and sweeping; this paper will further analyze how the trimmer has over the years been refined to perform its function as a weed remover.

As is with all other tools, there are some expected challenges that may arise while using the trimmer line - these could be mechanical or individual challenges. This paper will, therefore, seek to establish some of these challenges as well as discuss some of the ways in which a trimmer line operator can overcome some of these challenges, and if not, what other alternatives are available.

In order to appreciate the function and role of the trimmer line, it will be important to also understand the production process involved in designing and producing the trimmer line. The paper will, therefore, also explore the production, assembly and manufacturing process of the trimmer line. This will also include how materials are transported to the factory site and how the trimmer line is designed specifically to perform its functions, including the spare parts and components of the garden tool.

The Source of Product Item Raw Materials

Where the Trimmer Line is Found

The trimmer line can be found at various stores across the world, however, the type of trimmer line that one wants will determine where they will go to find it. The most important factor in deciding where to find the best trimmer line is first deciding the size of the trimmer line that would be most suitable. The other important factor is the length of the trimmer line, which is also a significant determiner of where to get the best trimmer (Garden Know, 2019).

There are several good trimmer lines in the market today such as those by the company Stihl; and among those is the Anleolife 5-pound Commercial Square .095 trimmer line, which is available on online retailer, Amazon. The key features of this model are its diameter of .095 inches (2.4 millimeters) and its length of 1280 feet (390 meters), which make it effective and long-lasting. In addition to that, these features enable it to cut through grass and weeds easily and quickly. It also has a cross-section shape, which comes in handy in dealing with thick weeds and has a feature which makes pulling excess string very easy.

Another model is the Rotary Item 12179, Vortex .095 Trimmer Line, which is also best known for its diameter of .095 inches (2.4 millimeters) and its length of 1140 feet (347 meters). This trimmer line has a slight twist which makes it almost indestructible because it makes more aerodynamics and consequently, reduced turbulence. It also gives nice and smooth cuts as opposed to choppy cuts that other brands may give.

Brief History of the Trimmer Line and the Weed Eater

The trimmer line was invented by Goerge Ballas in Houston, Texas in the early 1970s. Ballas got the idea of the trimmer line while observing the revolving action of the cleaning brushes in an automatic car wash. Following the observation, Ballas created a prototype of the trimmer line by attaching pieces of heavy-duty fishing line to popcorn can, which he bolted to his lawn edger.

Ballas named the trimmer line the 'weedeater' as it would literally eat up the weed and grass around trees (Mecomber, 2017). Ballas further advanced and created a company that created and designed the present-day weed eater. The weed eater has, however, evolved in both design and materials used making it more efficient and more durable while cutting weed and grass.

How is the Trimmer Line Created

The weed eater's functionality entirely depends on the string trimmer or the trimmer line that is responsible for the slicing through of weed and grass. It is specifically designed to cut through the grass; however, it is not strong enough to cut through objects such as rocks. The most basic trimmer lines are made from a hardened, monofilament nylon line.

Of course, different brands have varying ranges of length and diameter; however, nylon is the basic material used in making a trimmer line. As stated before, the length and diameter of the trimmer line are essential in determining how durable and efficient the machine will be.

Thicker lines usually require more engine power so that it can turn fast enough to cut through weed and grass. More advanced trimmer lines are usually reinforced with other materials such as aluminum to prevent the nylon line from breaking off easily (Replacement Parts, 2010).

How the Products are Extracted from the Source

The Trimmer Line Material Extraction Process

A majority of Trimmer lines currently in the market use nylon as its raw material. Nylon is a thermoplastic silky material of the family of synthetic polymers and can be processed through melting to form fibers, films or shapes (Kohan & Kohan, 1995). The first commercial use of nylon was after it was first invented by Wallace Carothers in 1938 where it was used in toothbrushes and soon after it was used in women's stockings.

Nylon polymers can be mixed with a variety of other materials and additives such as aluminum to achieve different variations in the properties of the final product, such as an increase in the tenacity, color, fabric, or shape. In some trimmer lines, aluminum is mixed together with nylon to reinforce its durability and resistance to breakage. It also does not stretch nor shrink once it is in contact with water, making it a very suitable material for garden maintenance.

Nylon is made when the appropriate monomers (these are the chemical building blocks of polymers) are combined to form a long chain through a process called the condensation polymerization reaction. The monomers for nylon 6-6 are adipic acid and hexamethylene diamine, which are combined to create the polymer and water as a by-product. The nylon polymer chain can have over 20,000 monomer units all connected together by an amide group making them flexible. However, to make the polymer stronger, they need to be warmed first (Open Learn, 2005).

The dos and don'ts during the Extraction Process

While extracting nylon it is important to note that it is a chemical process and various by-products will be formed as a result. Synthesis processes also tend to produce high temperatures because of the chemical processes that are taking place, thus, it would be suitable if it is done in a lab which can handle the temperatures as well as put the lab technician from harm. Other by-products may also be emitted such as nitrogen or nitrous oxides as well as water. It would be advisable to know how to properly re-use or dispose of these by-products. In some cases, the chemical reactions can be violent, thus, it is also advise...