IFPS Spring Meeting Open to All Members

The IFPS Spring Meeting will be held in person and virtually Feb. 27–March 2 in New Orleans.

Why attend? You’ll meet a dedicated (and fun) group of professionals who exchange ideas and technologies, on ways to improve and educate the fluid power workforce. Our board members have diverse backgrounds and work in many different segments of the industry. So the discussion is lively and informative. Imagine the things you’ll learn!

Each of our committees – Education, Certification, Membership, Marketing, and Finance – follow a mission statement, and each team works together on projects to meet those goals. Our members’ input is vitally important, so if you can’t participate virtually or attend in person, consider joining one of our committees. Contact vpiro@ifps.org.

In addition to committee meetings, tours, and networking, a technical workshop titled A Deep Dive into Cartridge/logic Valves and Pilot Operated Check Valves will be conducted by Ernie Parker, CFPAI, and will be held on Feb. 27, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. [CST].

Parker will take a deep dive into some of the most popular components in a fluid power system. He will cover pilot-operated check valves outlining proper applications, sizing the correct ratio for different applications, designing circuits with pilot-operated check valves, and why orifices are often needed. In addition, he’ll cover counterbalance valves detailing proper applications, adjusting counterbalance valves as compared to other pressure control valves, sizing the correct ratios for different applications, determining when one should use internal pilot, external pilots, or both, designing various circuits where counterbalance valves are needed and using counterbalance valves versa a flow control to increase efficiency when variable speeds are needed and safety concerns of over pressurization. Also, designing efficient, cost-effective circuits using standard type components that will have a relativity short payback, covering: how to properly apply flow dividers, when to use a proportionator (rotary type) or a spool type flow control, examples of efficient circuits, designing a mobile system using dual reservoirs for contamination reasons and to reduce maintenance, applying a cylindrical reservoir with proper filtration and cooling and new best practice inlet plumbing, correcting mistakes that have been made for years. Register at www.ifps.org.

Hall of Fame Nominations Open

»NOMINATIONS FOR THE Fluid Power Hall of Fame are open until April 15.

The fluid power industry's success is through the efforts of dedicated individuals – innovators, researchers, application engineers, educators, and sales and service personnel. These people are the reasons our industry continues to thrive.

The Fluid Power Hall of Fame was established to acknowledge those individuals who have dedicated their careers and have made significant contributions to fluid power technology.

Any person can nominate an individual, living or deceased, who demonstrated excellence within their 25-plus year fluid power career –one nomination per category (living or deceased) per person.

A panel of judges will review applications and select inductees. The inductees will be announced on June 19, Fluid Power Professionals Day. Inductees will be honored during the IFPS awards dinner in New Orleans.

IFPS Releases Mechanic Training Modules

»THIS ONLINE AT-YOUR-OWN-PACE training module takes the IHM and MHM study manuals and brings them to life! The mechanic training modules heavily emphasize maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting hydraulic systems. These modules also include the basic principles of fluid power and the operation and construction of the most common hydraulic components found in the system.

These modules are a great tool for someone preparing for an IHM or MHM certification tests, someone looking to boost their skills, and even makes an excellent onboarding tool for entry-level mechanics!

Our IHM and MHM certification study manuals were transformed from traditional black/white print into a full color, animated, interactive online learning platform!

• Schematics are color coded and animated

• Contains ISO 1219 symbology

• Full-color graphics

• Chapter review questions - interactive (you’ll know immediately if you’ve grasped the chapter information)

• Voice-over for text for auditory learners

• Three additional online pre-tests

• Safety and Energy Tips throughout

Cost is $349. Multiple-user pricing for five or more!

E-mail sales@ifps.org for details.

IFPS Releases Math Training Modules

»A RECENT STUDY found that more than 68% of participants cited a lack of confidence as the biggest stumbling block to a student’s ability to succeed in math. If math is a stumbling block for you, or if you are preparing to take a certification test, this online at-your-own-pace training module transforms the IFPS math book into an interactive learning tool!

Dan Helgerson, CFPAI, will teach fundamental fluid power math skills and build on that foundation to explain the calculation of more complicated formulas. Each section includes step-by-step video instructions on how to solve complex fluid power math problems.

1. Welcome to the Fluid Power Math Workshop

2. Understanding the Order of Operations –PEMDAS

3. Units used in IFPS Fluid Power Math Equations

4. Math Basics

5. Circles

6. Various Math Equations

7. Fluid Power Formulae

8. Calculating, Volumetric, Mechanical and Overall Efficiency

9. How to Size and Select a Fluid Power Cylinder

Outline

10. Calculating Fluid Velocity

11. Detailed Explanation and the Importance Triangles in Fluid Power

12. Understanding Reaction Forces

13. Jib Boom Calculations

14. Understanding Toggles

15. Misc. Reservoir Equations

16. Understanding Compressed Air

17. Coefficient of Velocity

18. Sizing Accumulators

19. Coefficient of Friction

20. Understanding Cartridge Elements

21. Electric Formulae - Ohm's

Cost is $199. Multiple-user pricing for five or more!

E-mail sales@ifps.org for details.