If you could venture back in time to speak with someone at the 2008 IFPE show, you’d have a hard time summarizing all the issues that the U.S. economy—and manufacturing in general—have been through since then. But as the triennial fluid power and motion control show readies for a March 22-26 run in Las Vegas, things are looking decidedly upbeat.

Melissa Magestro, the IFPE Show Director, explained that sales may still be down, especially in the construction sector, but exhibitors are looking towards the show as a way to build momentum in the industry.

“IFPE exhibitors’ products are used in so many diverse applications that they were not as hard hit with the recession. However, the exhibitors recognize that this is a prime opportunity to get in front of customers, especially global customers, with new product launches for future business,” she said.

SHOW HOURS

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ recently released construction equipment business outlook survey predicts overall business in the U.S. to gain 12.7% in 2011 and 14.8% in 2012, followed by 2013 growth of 13.0%. Industry business to the rest of the world is anticipated to grow 11.8% in 2011, 12.5% in 2012, and then 11.2% in 2013.

“While this rebound is welcome, you have to remember our industry was down 30% to 50% in the recession, so there is a long way to go. Although business is improving, it will take years to recover the sales losses of 2008-2009,” said AEM President Dennis Slater in the report.

IFPE runs concurrently with the CONEXPO/CON-AGG shows, which together make up one of the largest industrial tradeshows in North America. More than 2000 exhibitors are taking a total of 2.2 million sq-ft of exhibit space at the Las Vegas Convention Center to showcase their latest innovations and technologies. Product concentration areas will make it easy for show visitors to locate the specific products and exhibitors that match their interest.

International groups are also organizing individual show exhibit pavilions. IFPE 2011 will have pavilions from China, Italy and Taiwan, while CONEXPO-CON/AGG will have pavilions from China, Finland, Germany, Italy, Korea, Spain and the U.K.

Get your learning on
At IFPE 2011, the 52nd National Conference on Fluid Power will be the cornerstone of expanded education. The conference focus is on new technologies and methodologies within the fluid power industry related to improved analysis, design, manufacturing and performance of fluid power components and systems for mobile and industrial markets. Proceedings will be published and available at the conference. Pre-registration is $75 or on-site registration is $85.

The conference includes new sessions from the Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power, and additional education sessions are being provided by the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. IFPE 2011 will also feature an Innovations Theater on the show floor, where experts in the field will present real-world solutions for current and future design applications. And the Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power is also co-locating its annual meeting with IFPE 2011. To see Design World’s series of video previews for the IFPE Conference, please visit video.designworldonline.com, keyword: IFPE.

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Companies to Watch

Behringer Corp., Booth S-13947
Behringer is the U.S. master distributor for Mahle and Roetelmann high-pressure valves. Mahle is a manufacturer of hydraulic filter and portable filtration units, as well as water, coolant, dust collection and mist eliminator filtration systems.

Bosch Rexroth Corp., Booth S-13115
Bosch Rexroth focuses on developing efficient hydraulic and electronic components, systems and technologies for the entire range of mobile and industrial applications. The company offers engineering expertise as well as customer-driven solutions.

Continental Hydraulics, Booth S-13107
Continental Hydraulics produces a broad line of hydraulic pumps, hydraulic valves and hydraulic power units. The company also specializes in special-order hydraulic products with rapid response time, helping to shorten the time-to-market cycle.

ContiTECH North America, Booth S-14516
ContiTech AG specializes in plastics technology in the non-tire rubber sector. The company is a division of Continental AG and develops and produces functional parts, components and systems for the automotive industry and other industries.

ifm efector, Booth S-13753
ifm efector manufactures controls for mobile systems, including programmable controllers, I/O modules, HMI displays, CMOS-based camera systems and sensors. The booth will feature Bob Basic, ifm’s new modular system for mobile applications.

Kawasaki Precision Machinery (U.S.A.), Inc., Booth S-13407
Kawasaki manufactures a wide variety of hydraulic products for mobile, industrial, marine, and other applications. Products include axial piston pumps, remote control valves, swing motors, and STAFFA high-torque motors.

Lynch Fluid Controls, Booth S-13849
Lynch Fluid Controls designs and manufactures hydraulic motion control manifolds and integrated hydraulic and pneumatic systems. The company provides solutions for aerospace, military, mining, logging, industrial and mobile equipment.

Parker Hannifin Corp., Booth S-13415
Parker Hannifin is a diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems providing precision-engineering solutions for a wide variety of commercial, mobile and industrial markets.

R+W Coupling Technology, Booth S-14017
R+W is a global manufacturer of mechanical torque limiters and flexible shaft couplings to protect machine driveline components from overload, vibration and misalignment.

Simrit, Booth S-13657
Simrit provides sealing solutions in the off-highway equipment. The company has a range of sealing components for hydraulic systems. Simrit’s U641 and UH05 urethanes offer temperature capabilities of 110° C and 120°C, respectively, while proprietary TODI-based Disogrin polyurethanes provide outstanding hydrolysis, heat and wear resistance.

Smalley Steel Ring Co., Booth S-13558
Smalley Steel Ring is a manufacturer of Spirolox retaining rings, constant section rings, and wave springs. Spirolox rings are interchangeable with snap rings and require no special tooling for removal. Wave springs reduce heights by 50%, with equal force/deflection as standard coil springs and fit in tight radial/axial spaces.

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Filed Under: Fluid power, Hydraulic equipment + components, Motors (direct-drive) + frameless motors

 

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