October 2020 Association Watch

IFPS Annual Meeting recap

The IFPS recently held its 2020 AnnualMeeting like most other organizations – virtually!

Meeting virtually was not the same as meeting in person. Still, the board of directors, education, marketing, membership, and certification committee members worked on projects to help IFPS members and to educate and certify professionals in the industry.

Projects for 2021 will include:

• Upgraded Mobile Hydraulic Mechanic certification is in its final stages of development. Keep your eyes out for an upgrade to the MHM certification program developed for today’s mobile hydraulic mechanics. Areas of the Study Manual that were added and improved include:

• Principles of operation explained for commonly found components within a mobile hydraulic system — pumps, valves, actuators, and accessories

• Color-coded cutaway illustrations of hydraulic components to aid in understanding operation

• Symbology updated to conform to ISO 1219 standard

• Expanded content on troubleshooting to include decision-tree aids

• Detailed content on pressure, flow, and directional control valves

• Improved graphics throughout and many real-life photos to assist in visualization

• Basic hydraulic calculations useful in troubleshooting

• Safety tips

• Basic principles of electrohydraulic control — open loop and closed loop

• Electrohydraulic valves

• Sensors used in electrohydraulic systems

• Mentorship Program — a subcommittee was formed to explore mentorship opportunities and investigate the prospect of a Mentorship Program. Any IFPS member may join in this exploration.

• Non-technical / Associate Certification — a subcommittee was formed to begin writing a study manual for a non-specialist certification for those who communicate fluid power information, such as product part numbers, standard options, promotions, and available services. Fluid Power Associate certification will require a written test. This Certification will be geared toward inside sales, customer service, parts personnel, clerical and support staff, and entry-level positions. Candidates could have no or minimal fluid power knowledge/ experience; however, prior basic hydraulic/ pneumatic education/training is recommended. This subcommittee is seeking active certified professionals to volunteer for technical writing.

• Fluid Power Symbols Library — a subcommittee was formed to investigate the possibility of offering the fluid power symbols library to members.

Contact akayser@ifps.org to get involved on a committee or a shorter-term subcommittee (both meet via conference call a few times per year.)

NAHAD’s Fabrication Guides Are Live on NAHAD Academy

The Association for Hose and Accessories Distribution has announcedits Hose Assembly Fabrication Guides have been converted to a series of interactive coursesnow available on its e-Learning platform, NAHAD Academy. Newly updated and convenientlyaccessible via an online learning experience, these courses are designed to support employees’knowledge and use of proper methods and techniques for hose fabrication. Upon successfullycompleting the course material and learning assessment, employees will be certified for up tothree years in hose fabrication best practices.

“NAHAD members deserve not only the best industry training, but also state of the art and conveniently accessible applications, handbooks, and e-learning programs to further their education and CE requirements,” said Molly Alton Mullins, NAHAD Executive Vice President.

“NAHAD offers its members many educational opportunities, including Regional Training. This, combined with the power of NAHAD Academy and the recently re-released Fabrication Guides and courses, affords members anytime, anywhere access to quality and relevant digital training.” NAHAD’s Hose Assembly Fabrication Guides and courses cover industry regulations and requirements for the assembly and application of composite, hydraulic, corrugated, industrial, and fluoropolymer hose types. Three of five courses are available today, with Industrial expected in early October and fluoropolymer to follow soon. NAHAD will also provide Spanish translations for Hydraulic and Industrial Fabrication courses later in October.

“We are excited about the long-awaited update and release of the Fabrication Guides and courses on NAHAD Academy,” said Joanna Truitt, NAHAD Director of Training, and the Hose Safety Institute. “They truly are a great addition to our existing course material and professional development learning tracks.” FPW

NAHAD | nahad.org

NFPA and Purdue University host first Power Partner Event

On September 11, NFPA and Purdue University hosted avirtual Meet the Students/Industry Connection Event. Studentsenrolled in Purdue University’s Mechanical Engineering andElectrical and Computer Engineering degree programs were invitedto participate and learn about the fluid power supply chain andcareer opportunities presented by NFPA member companies. TenNFPA member companies participated as industry panelists todiscuss what their companies do, specific fluid power technologies,and opportunities for internships and jobs.

The event also included presentations regarding the industry as a whole, Purdue University’s involvement in fluid power, and tours of their facilities:

NFPA’s President/CEO Eric Lanke gave a presentation on the state of the U.S. Fluid Power Industry to give students a better understanding of the diverse use and impact of fluid power technologies.

Dr. Jose Garcia-Bravo, Assistant Professor of the School of Engineering Technology, provided an overview of Purdue University’s research in fluid power and involvement with NFPA.

Dr. Andrea Vacca, Professor of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and the School of Mechanical Engineering, was featured in a video touring Purdue University’s state-of-the-art Maha Fluid Power Research Center, the largest academic laboratory in the United States entirely dedicated to research in fluid power.

Dr. Lizhi Shang, Assistant Professor of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and the School of Mechanical Engineering, gave a live tour of Purdue’s testing rigs.

NFPA | nfpa.com