Industrial Components, Decoded.
OpenType is a practical reference for standardized, interchangeable, and commonly specified industrial components. We examine the dimensions, ratings, materials, interfaces, and operating requirements that determine whether components will actually work together.
Component Reference
Industrial parts are often described using broad product names, but compatibility depends on much more. Each reference section examines common types, operating principles, materials, dimensions, performance ratings, and selection factors.
Industrial Fasteners
Bolts, screws, nuts, washers, thread forms, materials, grades, dimensions, loading, and commonly specified fastening standards.
View Reference →Bearings + Bushings
Components used to support shafts, guide linear and rotary motion, reduce friction, and manage radial or axial loading.
View Reference →Motors + Drives
Electric motors, gearing, drive systems, actuators, torque, speed, duty cycles, motion control, and power requirements.
View Reference →Pumps + Valves
Pump configurations, valve types, fluid compatibility, flow requirements, pressure ratings, ports, seals, and control methods.
View Reference →Electrical Connectors
Connector geometry, contacts, conductors, cordsets, switches, voltage and current ratings, sealing, and industrial connection systems.
View Reference →Sensors + Controls
Measurement devices, switches, load cells, machine vision, process instrumentation, data acquisition, and industrial control hardware.
View Reference →Same category does not mean interchangeable.
Two industrial components can perform the same general function and still be completely incompatible. Physical dimensions, interfaces, mounting patterns, electrical ratings, pressure limits, material compatibility, and operating conditions all need to match the application.
Our standards and compatibility resources are designed to help readers understand which specifications matter before substituting or sourcing an alternative component.
Read Compatibility Guide →Selection Guides
Use our component guides to work through the specifications that influence product selection before comparing individual manufacturers or suppliers.
Fastener Selection
Thread form, strength, material, grade, loading, corrosion resistance, and installation.
GUIDE / BEAR-01 ↗Bearing + Bushing Selection
Load direction, speed, lubrication, friction, alignment, fit, and operating environment.
GUIDE / MOTR-01 ↗Motor + Drive Selection
Power, torque, speed, duty cycle, gearing, control, motion, and installation requirements.
GUIDE / FLOW-01 ↗Pump + Valve Selection
Fluid type, pressure, flow, temperature, sealing, connections, and control method.
GUIDE / CONN-01 ↗Connector Selection
Voltage, current, conductors, contact design, connection geometry, and environmental protection.
GUIDE / SNSR-01 ↗Sensor + Control Selection
Measurement range, accuracy, response time, outputs, mounting, environmental ratings, and integration.
Related Industrial Reference
Industrial components operate as part of larger systems. These supporting resources provide additional information about motion, automation, process measurement, electrical equipment, and manufacturing technologies.
Automation, powered motion, positioning, and automated transport systems.
Measurement, sensing, inspection, and process feedback technologies.
Electrical conversion, distribution, connection, and equipment power resources.
How we examine components.
OpenType organizes component information around the specifications that help determine suitability and compatibility in industrial systems.
Identify
Understand the component type, function, construction, and common variations.
Specify
Determine dimensions, ratings, materials, interfaces, and environmental requirements.
Compare
Evaluate whether alternate components meet the same functional and physical requirements.
Integrate
Consider how each component interacts with the larger machine, process, or control system.