There is much going on in the world of hydraulic, pneumatic and electric motion systems, from technology introductions and industry advancements to new trends and industry leaders. Each week the Power & Motion team collects the latest industry news to help keep our readers up to date on what's happening in the fluid power and electric motion control sectors as well as the industries they serve.
Registration Open for NFPA Annual Conference
The National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) has announced registration is now open for its 2024 Annual Conference, a members-only event offering opportunities to connect with executives in the fluid power industry.
In addition to the even'ts many networking opportunities, there will be presentations on topics important to the hydraulics and pneumatics sector including artificial intelligence (AI), tips for leadership and culture initiatives within an organization as well as the association's next economic update.
Once again the NFPA Foundation Golf Fundraiser will be held as part of the event, offering networking opportunities and the chance to help raise money for the association's various workforce initiatives. New for the 2024 event will be a Cornhole Tournament for those not into golfing but wanting a chance to network with others in the industry.
The conference takes place February 27-29 at the Waldor Astoria in Orlando, FL. Members interested in attending can register on NFPA's website.
READ MORE: NFPA Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge Provides Real-World Engineering Experience
Concentric Electric Water Pump to be Used on Fuel Cell Bus
Concentric AB has received an orders from a global bus OEM to deliver its 600W electric water pump. The pump will be used on an electric bus equipped with a range extender and small on-board fuel cell.
The range extender technology will enable the bus to charge overnight and provide a full day of travel, a range of about 400 km in city traffic. Concentric's electric coolant pump will be used to cool the bus' fuel cell system. Watch Concentric's video below to learn more about its electric water pump design.
“We are extremely proud of this new business in a revolutionary technology application. The decision of
this strategic customer for the Concentric pump was made because of its innovative design and proven
durability for the global truck and bus market,” said Martin Kunz, President & CEO Concentric AB, in the company's press release announcing the order.
ZAPI GROUP Future of Electrification Event Returns in 2024
ZAPI GROUP, a developer of various electrification related technologies, will host its Future of Electrification event once again in 2024. The 2-day virtual event is set take place February 7-8 and will once again bring together a range of experts who will speak on developing electric solutions for the industrial and commercial vehicle sectors.
During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the latest electrification technologies and trends as well as the geopolitical and regulatory factors which are helping drive the transition to electric-powered vehicles.
Among the presentations will be a keynote from futurist Stefan Hyttfors titled "Electrification as the Catalyst for a New Era" and a special presentation about the future of motor sport with Formula E’s Maserati MSG Racing Team. Additional presentations will be given by leaders from companies including Flux Power, Trojan Battery, Stafl Systems and Inventus Power.
Power & Motion's editor will be among the session moderators as well to help bring insights from the fluid power and electronic motion control space to the event.
The Future of Electrification 2024 is free to attend; registration is now open on the event's website.
Motion Names New VP for Automation Intelligence Group
Motion Industries Inc. announces the naming of Mike Esposito to the position of Group Vice President, Motion Automation Intelligence. Esposito joined the company when Motion completed its acquisition of Kaman Distribution Group in January 2022, and most recently served as Director of Motion Automation Intelligence’s Engineering Assembly Solutions (EAS).
He brings to the role over 25 years of experience in the industrial automation and manufacturing space. As Group Vice President of Motion Automation Intelligence, Esposito will be responsible for the leading the division's team as well as developing and implementing multi-year strategic business and marketing plans.
Esposito is a graduate of Bridgewater State College (Master of Science in Technology Management – Summa Cum Laude) and New England Institute of Technology (Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering Technology – Summa Cum Laude).
“We are thrilled to have Mike at the helm of our automation group. With his diverse yet relevant background and technical expertise, he possesses a unique insight into the industry’s needs and operations. In addition, Mike’s leadership skills and deep passion for automation will certainly spur Motion Automation Intelligence to new heights,” said Joe Limbaugh, Motion’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, in the press release announcing Esposito's appointment.
igus Partner for Recycled Plastic Opens First HydroPRS Plant
British company Mura Technology has begun commissioning its plastics recycling plant known as the Hydrothermal Plastic Recycling Solution (HydroPRS). igus is an investor in the facility, having so far contriubted €5 million into the project so far to support Mura from the startup phase into commercializing the technology.
Thought to be the world's first HydroPRS plant, it enables plastic waste to be turned back into oil in as little as 30 minutes using only pressure, heat and water. The plant uses supercritical water (water at high temperature and high pressure) to turn products made from multi-layer mixed plastics, previously considered inseparable, into virgin-equivalent, recycled hydrocarbon feedstocks, explained igus in its press release announcing the commissioning of the new facility. This will help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that would otherwise go into landfills.
As a developer of plastics-based solutions, igus felt it necessary to invest in such a technology to benefit the industry and its own sustainability efforts.
"This technology is a real game changer in plastics recycling," said igus CEO Frank Blase in the company's press release. "We are proud to be accompanying Mura on this journey as the first partner."
A soft opening of the facility was held October 26; it will go into operation in 2024. It will have a capacity of 20,000 tons per year – with plans to increase this to over three times this initial size in the future.
