Peter Robson of Sun Hydraulics gave a talk titled ‘The Sun QD Manifold Design’, during which he introduced delegates to the company’s automated manifold design programme. The programme enables individuals to design a manifold with all the required CAD drawings and manufacturing information within a short time span. The presentation by Sauer-Danfoss’ Donald MacLennan, titled ‘Work Function Control’, looked at the theme of optimisation of engine speed and pump displacements to reduce fuel consumption.

 

‘Total life costs’

Robert Nell of Shell UK Oil Products looked at ‘Hydraulic Oil Quality and Energy Efficiency’. His presentation considered ‘total life costs’ of hydraulic oils compared with initial costs; the importance of energy efficiency and the current fluids available; plus the issues associated with the use of bio-degradable fluids.

 

Doug Harris of Pall Europe spoke to delegates about ‘Enabling a Greener Future’. He looked at the environmental impact of fluid cleanliness control and covered topics including fluid life extension, increased use of synthetic oils and waste reduction/minimisation initiatives.

 

The presentation of Husco International’s Mark Jervis was titled ‘Machine Understanding Enables Practical Innovation’. He spoke about Husco’s focus on developing an in-depth machine understanding, and how it has allowed the company to develop a number of valve solutions that have significantly improved cost and efficiency for customers.

 

Exhibition

In the exhibition area representatives from a number of companies, training bodies and associations spoke with delegates about their latest products, services and initiatives. Those featured included: The British Fluid Power Association (BFPA), Pall Corporation, Parker Hydac, Eaton, Bosch Rexroth, Witham, Webtec, Sun Hydraulics, Husco International, Sauer Danfoss, Terex, Poclain Hydraulics, DCA – The Fluid Power Partnership, MP Filtri, EnerMech, European Filter Solutions, Balluff, National Construction College, North Nottinghamshire College/North Notts Create, Sparrows Training, Shell, Yuken Hydraulics, Rotary Power, Sunfab, Stauff, Hy-Pro Filtration and Ashton Seals.

 

Best practice

NFPC director John Savage, said of the event: “We were delighted both by the Industry Open Day’s high attendance figures and the number of participating companies, education and training establishments and trade bodies that exhibited. Many representatives from these organisations also gave interesting and informative presentations during the day. The interest in the event is an encouraging reflection of the interest and enthusiasm of our industry in both sourcing and getting the best from quality state-of-the-art fluid power equipment and related products, as well as a keenness in staff training in order to facilitate user best practice within their organisations.”