Current Isssue: Sept/Oct 2008

Fresh Air

A Roadmap for Discovering the Latest Developments in Fluid Power Technology Tom Grasson, Associate Publisher/Editorial Director Earlier this year, at the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) 2008 Annual Conference, one of the speakers commented that "if you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there." continue reading

Industry Report

In 2005, fluid power product manufacturers, including aerospace, had shipments of $12,686.0 million, an increaes of 9.4% from $11,596.1 million reported in 2004.

Hydraulic and pneumatic valves increased 10.7% to $3,118.3 million in 2005, from $2,817.7 million in 2004. Fittings and assemblies for tubing and hose, excluding plumbers' brass goods, increased 9.2% to $2,818.2 million in 2005, from $2,580.9 million in 2004. Hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, actuators, accumulators, cushions and non-vehicular shock absorbers increased by 11.8% to $3,508.0 million in 2005, frm $3,137.0 million in 2004. Compressed air and gas dryers and lubricators decreased 3.9% to $67.4 million in 2005, from $70.2 million in 2004. Filters of hydraulic and pneumatic systems increased 0.8% to $550.1 million in 2005, from $545.6 million in 2004. Hydraulic and pneumatic pumps, motors and hydrostatic transmillion components increased 7.4% to $2,625.0 million in 2005, from $2,444.6 million in 2004.

For the complete details visit census.gov/mcd.

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Latest News

MISUMI SPONSORS STUDENT ROBOT COMPETITIONS
Misumi has been a major force in the mechanical and factory automation markets for over 45 years. Through its product innovations, combined with its unmatched CAD Configurator and online ordering system technologies, Misumi has changed the landscape for machine and assembly system design engineers worldwide. You'll find Misumi products onboard a growing number of machines and systems in myriad industries, owing to the upsides of this unique company's business model. Not surprisingly, the company's annual sales topped the $1 billion dollar mark, several years ago.

Technology Producers to Congress: Reduce Business Taxes, Extend Bonus Depreciation to Give Relief to Economy
AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology is urging Congress to ease tax burdens on American manufacturing in its effort to strengthen the American economy - including extending the temporary expensing provisions that Congress offered businesses that expire at the end of the year.

OMAC Symposium Features Book Author as Keynote Speaker
The 2nd annual OMAC (Organization for Machine Automation and Control) integration and interoperability symposium is quickly approaching. The December 3 - 4, 2008 event, hosted by Okuma America Corporation, will be held at Partners in THINC in Charlotte, North Carolina. Featured as keynote speaker is In Pursuit of the Perfect Plant co-author Vivek Bapat, Vice President, Suite Solutions Marketing, Product, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing Solutions for SAP.

Emerging Technologies

SQUIGGLE motor - MRI-safe miniature motor New Scale Technologies, Inc. Tiny, high-precision SQUIGGLE motor generates no magnetic fields and can be made of non-ferrous materials for use in and around MRI equipment. It enables a new class of micro research tools, valves, and implantable or wearable drug pumps. continue reading

Miniature Ballscrews Steinmeyer Inc. Seven diameters make up Steinmeyer's line of miniature ballscrews from 3 to 16 mm. Other standard diameters are 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 mm. All have ground ball nuts and come with or without preload. continue reading

Foundation Fieldbus Cables Turck Inc. Foundation fieldbus cables are rated for open wiring and eliminate the need for conduit, armor cable, struts, angles, or channels. continue reading