Introducing a new location for 2011.  NFPA continues its Regional Meeting series on Thursday, December 8, 2011, at the convenient InterContinental Chicago O’Hare, 5300 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL.  This property is centrally located for those in the Chicago area, and within minutes of O’Hare, for attendees flying in. Click here for the hotel web site.

Always free and scheduled to fit within your busy workday, NFPA Regional Meetings are a casual yet effective way to meet other fluid power colleagues.  The 2011 Chicago regional program will begin at 11:00 and finish by 1:30 pm. 

  Scott Brave

We are very excited about the 2011 program which features two noteworthy presentations.  First, we welcome back Scott Brave of the Chicago branch of the Federal Reserve Bank, who will share an economic update with a Midwest manufacturing focus.  Scott has become familiar with our member companies and can address the markets in their regions.

Next, Matt Kennedy, Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Strategic Partnership Office will discuss the US Foreign Commercial Services New Market Export Initiative Program.  This program was established to provide resources for small to medium sized businesses interested in either beginning to export their products or explore more export markets.  NFPA will be partnering with the U.S. Department of Commerce to give our member companies access to the resources of this program.  This is the kick-off for this initiative and we will have more details posted on the website after the regional meeting.

Plus, for those who would have questions about NFPA’s Market Information Services, Eric Armstrong, NFPA’s Economic and Statistical Services Manager, will be on hand to talk one-on-one with any interested parties prior to the main luncheon program.  Anyone interested in sitting down with Eric, please contact him directly at (414) 778-3372 or earmstrong@nfpa.com.  He will be available from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

We encourage all representatives of NFPA member companies (regardless of geographic location) to not only attend, but also invite guests—customers, suppliers or distributors. These events are open to non-members.

Registration is open.  Questions?  Contact Leslie Miller at (414) 778-3369 or lmiller@nfpa.com.

Your support is needed to help us raise an additional $10,000.

The NFPA Education and Technology Foundation's new program is designed to assist in establishing and maintaining fluid power laboratories at qualifying educational institutions. Join the growing number of companies that have already pledged financial or material support: Alro Steel, Bimba Manufacturing, Caterpillar, Deltrol Fluid Products, Dura-Bar, Eaton Corporation, Enfield Technologies, HUSCO International, Motion Industries, Parker Hannifin, Poclain Hydraulics, ROSS Controls, Sauer Danfoss, Sun Hydraulics and Wojanis Supply Company. The Foundation’s goal this first year is to award $100,000 to one school committed to using the lab to engage more students in learning about fluid power. To date, the Foundation has received $40,000 in pledges—and one member company has agreed to match funds up to the first $50,000.

All NFPA members are invited to make donations or provide parts and equipment for the laboratory program.  For further information on how your company can get involved, contact Carrie Tateman Schwartz at ctschwartz@nfpa.com or (414) 778-3347.

A monthly round-up of the MAPI resources available to NFPA members through NFPA's membership in MAPI.

Issues in the Brief

Manufacturing Only Halfway Back from the "Great Recession"—Pace of Recovery Varies by Industry
For manufacturing, the recession was more severe and the recovery more prolonged than for the general economy. Manufacturing is still struggling in the mid-recovery phase of the cycle and is only about one-half recovered; MAPI does not expect a full manufacturing recovery until the second quarter of 2014. This Issues in Brief displays comparisons of the recession's severity for 39 manufacturing industries relative to the strength of the recovery. A key finding is that the pace of recovery varies significantly by industry.

What Does the Economic Slowdown Portend for Commodity Prices?
In this Issues in Brief, MAPI Economic Consultant Jeremy Leonard examines recent developments in commodity prices in light of a faltering economic recovery in the industrialized world. Crude oil and nonferrous metals prices, which had risen fairly steadily from the trough of the recession until early 2011, fell by about 10 percent on average through August 2011. Based on a model of commodity prices developed by MAPI, this trend is likely to continue despite relatively robust growth in China. Although Chinese demand for commodities has driven the secular rise in prices since 2004, fluctuations around that trend are heavily influenced by economic prospects in the industrialized world and can be substantial.

Potential Default by Greece Would Adversely Impact U.S. Manufacturers
In a recent MAPI publication, I argued that "economic contraction is very likely to materialize [in Europe] if major banks become insolvent or if the sovereign debt crisis continues to fester." Such a moment has arrived. The prospect of a second recession in Europe is very real given the absence of any substantive agreement among policymakers in the European Monetary Union and the European Central Bank on how to help Greece stave off default.

Harnessing the Power of Value-Based Pricing
Pricing is one of the most powerful tools that companies have at their disposal to impact profitability. Improving pricing by 1 percent delivers significantly higher margins than similar adjustments in cost of goods sold; volume; or selling, general, and administrative expenses. Companies with strong execution of value-based pricing enjoy operating profits 24 percent higher than average, and more than 30 percent higher than companies with cost-driven pricing strategies. This Issues in Brief provides an overview of best practices for running an effective pricing organization and for getting the most out of a value-based pricing program.

Economic Review

China’s Economic Growth in 2011 – On Track for a Soft Landing
presented by Yingying Xu, Ph.D., Economist at the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI
Yingying Xu discusses recent economic developments in China and explains why the nation is on track for a soft (rather than hard) landing. She describes how consumer spending, investment, and exports have contributed to China's growth. This strong growth, however, has led to the adverse side effects of rising inflation and residential property speculation, generating worries among officials of overheating and instability. Dr. Xu also discusses how authorities have tightened monetary policy and the prospects for additional tightening. China's economic growth rate and the pace of growth in industrial production are expected to decelerate in 2012. Unlike prospects in advanced economies, though, the landing in China will likely be very soft.  The audiovisual presentation takes approximately 10 minutes to view.

Economic Report

U.S. Industrial Outlook: Shocks Hit Manufacturing in Spring 2011, Renewed Growth Expected in Summer and Fall
In light of the weak start to 2011, there are rising risks of another recession. Economic growth has stalled and the U.S. economy is only one or two more shocks from another recession. The large gains and losses in the stock market, aggravated by Standard & Poor's downgrading of U.S. government debt, are distressing. MAPI has reduced its forecast for 2011 inflation-adjusted economic growth from 2.7 percent to 1.6 percent, but we are not yet convinced that a recession is in the cards. We do believe, however, that economic growth will be relatively slow and that there is much more risk on the downside than the upside. Our modeling finds the risk of a recession is about 40 percent at this time. The 60 percent probability is that GDP will grow a modest 2.1 percent in 2012.

Quick Point

Analysis on Durable Goods: Continuing Uncertainties in U.S. and Global Economies
Cliff Waldman, Economist, offers analysis on the August 2011 durable goods report.
"The August report on demand for long-lasting manufactured goods well reflects the mix of uncertainties in the U.S. and global economic climates. A 1.1 percent increase in new orders for nondefense capital goods, excluding aircraft, a proxy for business equipment spending, suggests that—while sluggish—capital spending has been strong enough to keep a troubled U.S. economy from sliding into what could be a difficult and damaging new recession," Waldman said. "It was especially encouraging to see at least a modest degree of energy in capital investment during a month that featured many assaults on business and consumer confidence, from a debilitating debate on the U.S. debt ceiling to suggestions that the Eurozone sovereign debt quagmire was spinning out of policymakers' control.

"Nonetheless, the August report shows that manufacturing activity is clearly moderating as global economic growth slows," he added. "Total new orders for durable goods fell by 0.1 percent, with and without the volatile transportation component. And there was notable weakness in primary metals, fabricated metals, and machinery demand, all of which are industry sectors that produce integral components of a wide range of manufacturing supply chains.

"Earlier in this tepid U.S. economic recovery, the manufacturing sector was able to buck the trend of general economic weakness because of a sharp rebound in inventory accumulation and a faster than expected recovery in the growth of the emerging markets that have become increasingly important for U.S. manufacturing profitability," he noted. "But as the inventory swing abates and as global growth slows, the factory sector is facing much the same risks as the rest of the economy, from the burden of housing and labor market difficulties to the threats posed by an increasingly difficult financial and economic crisis in the Eurozone." 

Notice
Available for NFPA member companies’ exclusive, confidential, internal use only. No one may make or distribute copies or reuse all or any part of this report without the written permission of NFPA.

Disclaimer
This report is made available by NFPA as a service to the fluid power industry and contains information provided by companies in the industry. NFPA does not recommend or endorse any particular use of this report. NFPA, its directors, members and employees are not responsible for errors or omissions in the report or for loss arising from its use and disclaim all warranties and guarantees, express or implied, with respect to the information in this report.

Andrew Duguay, Institute for Trend Research (ITR)
Thursday, October 20th, 10:00 am Central

Register HERE.

NFPA’s Economic Update webcast will help members gain critical insight into the economic risks and opportunities facing their organizations.

Mr. Duguay will provide insights into the latest economic developments and future trends for the U.S. and global economy and its effects on the fluid power industry.  This valuable webcast presentation will investigate the current and future state of the U.S. and global economy, the short term outlook for the fluid power industry, and what to expect from a number of our industry’s most popular customer markets.  Get the answers to these questions and more!

All you need is a computer with an Internet connection and a phone.  All NFPA members can attend, so feel free to forward this to others in your company.

If you have any questions or experience any problems, please contact Eric Armstrong at (414) 778-3372 or e-mail earmstrong@nfpa.com.

Your customers want to save energy and money with fluid power.  One great way to help them do that is to register them for the Energy Efficient Hydraulics and Pneumatics Conference scheduled for November 15-17, 2011 at the Sheraton Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel in Rosemont, Illinois.

Anyone responsible for designing and/or maintaining hydraulic and pneumatic systems in industrial settings or mobile applications will be interested in attending. Register here.

Hear Eric Lanke, NFPA Executive Director, talk about the conference:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nby1VsPG6Ec

This first-ever event is sponsored by the International Fluid Power Society, the FPDA Motion and Control Network, and NFPA. To read more about the conference, see a preliminary schedule of events and learn about sponsorship opportunities, click here.

NFPA members have a new and unique opportunity to connect with their customers in the industrial sectors at the inaugural Industrial Automation North America (IANA) Tradeshow, held in parallel with IMTS 2012 on September 10-15, 2012 at McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois.

Be part of the IFPE Fluid Power Zone 
As an NFPA member, you have the opportunity to exhibit in a dedicated display area showcasing the latest products, technologies, trends, and services for hydraulics and pneumatics at IANA 2012. Hosted by NFPA, the IFPE Fluid Power Zone is an excellent platform to attract key buyers from around the world. NFPA members receive a 10% discount off the standard booth price to exhibit in the zone. 

NFPA members already signed up to exhibit are:
    Bosch Rexroth Corporation
    Donaldson Company, Inc.
    MTS
    Shaeffler Group USA, Inc.
    Stauff Corporation
    Wandfluh of America, Inc.

Learn more

• Click here for a PDF of the show brochure.
• Additional information can be found online at www.ia-na.com.
• Contact Aryan Zandieh, Hannover Fairs USA, Inc., at (312) 924-1688 or e-mail him at azandieh@hfusa.com.

The International Fluid Power Exhibition (IFPEX), NEC Birmingham is coming back to the UK.

IFPEX 2012, a bi-annual event scheduled for April 17-19, 2012, will again be fully supported by the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA).  According to the BFPA, “IFPEX remains the only exhibition in the UK totally focused on hydraulics and pneumatics.” All fluid power system manufacturers, OEMs and distributors are encouraged to participate.

IFPEX 2012 is being held at an even larger hall, with direct access to the popular MACH (Machine Tools) exhibition, Air-Tech (Compressed Air & Generators) and Drives & Controls Power Transmission, Motion Control and Automation. In addition, the 2012 co-location sees the launch of the Plant & Asset Management Exhibition. The synergy of these shows makes IFPEX a must-visit event for everyone involved in fluid power.

A 10% discount is available to NFPA members.  Show details can be found at www.ifpex-expo.com.  The NFPA exhibit booking form can be found here. 

By Kim A. Stelson, CCEFP Director.

Noise—it’s an all too familiar problem to the fluid power industry. Besides negatively affecting hearing and impairing effective communication, excessive noise can increase mechanical fatigue and reduce component life. In short, excessive noise detracts from the attractiveness of existing fluid power products and can be an entry barrier for this technology into new markets and applications.

Acceptable sound power levels for new compact devices will require a much lower coupling coefficient (estimates shown in red) between system and radiated sound power.

Solutions are on the horizon, however, based on research aimed at improving noise control in fluid power systems by passive means.  A research team led by Georgia Tech Professor Ken Cunefare, with funding provided through the Engineering Research Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power (CCEFP), is seeking solutions to the reduction of noise and vibration by integrating engineered compliant materials into existing components and technologies. The use of these materials is also expected to help reduce the size of noise control devices for fluid power. Their work has significant impact for the fluid power industry as it strives to comply with regulatory requirements, answer to designers’ priorities for noise and size reduction, and meet customer expectations.

Fluid-borne noise is generated by numerous components within hydraulic systems, most significantly by pumps, and can couple to structures, causing vibration and air-borne noise. The high speed of sound in hydraulic fluid, along with the low fundamental frequencies of pumps, results in wavelengths of fluid-borne noise that are much longer than the practical size of common noise control components.  The current technology for reducing fluid-borne noise involves both the use of pressurized, gas-filled bladders for adding compliance to fluid power systems, and integrated design features that address such noise sources as cavitation and structural vibration. Pressurized bladders are used in commercially-available in-line silencers (one such silencer is used as a benchmark in this research) and in accumulators which act as low-pass filters.  In contrast, the research approach in this project is unique in its application of a voided, engineered, compliant lining to noise control devices for fluid power systems.

Such a lining has already been put to the test. The research team has constructed a prototype silencer that incorporates a voided polymer lining, which has the same basic effect as a pressurized liner. In experimental tests, the prototype silencer exhibits 25 dB of transmission loss from 200-3000 Hz, and performs comparably to a similarly-sized commercial bladder-style silencer.  The team has also constructed other noise control devices that incorporate this lining: a Helmholtz resonator, a tuning coil, and a Quincke tube. The prototype Helmholtz resonator with the voided lining is two orders of magnitude smaller than an unlined resonator of the same resonance frequency. To facilitate their work, the team has constructed a test rig for measuring the acoustic performance of hydraulic two-port devices. The test rig has the capability of measuring the transmission loss of two-port hydraulic components including, but not limited to, silencers, accumulators, hoses, branch resonators, and valves.

Professor Cunefare and his team are interested in working with companies who may have applications in mind for their research findings. For further information, see www.ccefp.org, project 3B.1, or e-mail Dr. Stelson, CCEFP Director (kstelson@umn.edu) or Dr. Cunefare (ken.cunefare@me.gatech.edu).
 

The latest progress on International and Industry Standards

Attica Hydraulic Exchange, Inc. was visited recently by U.S. Congressman Hansen Clarke to get a first-hand look at how this Michigan business is adding high-paying jobs in the advanced manufacturing sector.

ZSI, Inc. has relocated its World Headquarters to a new and much larger facility that’s still located in Canton Michigan.

Holmbury Inc., provides hydraulic components for original equipment manufacturers and the general market through distribution. Specializing in hydraulic quick disconnect couplings, the company also offers ball and check valves plus engineered solutions for industrial and mobile hydraulic applications. Member since 9/13/2011.

Magnetek Mobile Hydraulic, provides innovative, cost-effective, custom-engineered wireless controls complete with hydraulic interface controls. These radio controls are designed to specifications, reducing internal engineering and manufacturing costs, improving time to market, and enhancing equipment performance. Magnetek offers plug-and-play hydraulic control packages designed specifically for mobile hydraulic systems that are manufactured and tested on their panel assembly line. Member since 10/4/2011.

Thank you to all of the member companies and individuals that have supported the NFPA Education and Technology Foundation.  To view a current list of donors click here.

Energy Efficient Hydraulics and Pneumatics Conference (EEHPC)
November 15-17, 2011
Sheraton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel in Rosemont, Illinois

The EEHPC is hosted by the International Fluid Power Society (IFPS), the FPDA Motion and Control Network (FPDA), and the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA).
 

ISO/TC 131 working group meetings (accumulators, pneumatic reliability, graphic symbols, circuit diagrams, hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, ports and stud ends, flange connections, hydraulic quick-action couplings, tube and hose connections, hydraulic valves, pneumatic valves, FRLs)
December 5 - 9, 2011
Scottsdale, Arizonia

2012 NFPA Annual Conference
March 6 - 10, 2012
The Mauna Lani Bay, Kohala Coast, Hawaii

IFPEX 2012
April 17-19, 2012
NEC Birmingham, United Kingdom
10% NFPA Member Discount Available to Exhibitors

Industrial Automation North America (IANA)
September 10-15, 2012
McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois

Be part of the "IFPE Fluid Power Zone" a NEW and unique tradeshow designed to assist you in reaching your industrial automation customer market. Special NFPA member only discounts are available.

AG CONNECT Expo 2013
January 29-31, 2013
Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City, Missouri

SAVE THE DATE

2013 NFPA Annual Conference
March 5-8, 2013
Montelucia Resort and Spa, Scottsdale, Arizona

2014 IFPE
March 18-22, 2014
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada