As the world continues to deal with social distancing, remote work and other challenges posed by COVID-19, most in-person events have been postponed or cancelled. This is no different for us at Fluid Power World. Our June Fluid Power Technology Conference (FPTC), which was slated for the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul Campus, has been cancelled and we will likely host an in-person event there next year. We are holding steady on our Detroit event in November but recognize that this may change as well.
To that end, we are launching the Fluid Power Technology Conference (FPTC) Virtual Series. This online series will include technical presentations, networking opportunities with manufacturing sponsors as well as other attendees, and a chance to learn about specific technologies and products from sponsors in place of exhibit time.
The series will be held every two weeks on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. Eastern and will continue throughout the summer and into fall and beyond.
FPTC Virtual Series kicks off at 2 p.m. on Tuesday July 7, with an opening keynote presentation from industry favorite Joe Kovach. Kovach wowed the crowd at the FPTC Cleveland last November with his presentation, “Tackling Hydraulic Challenges with Technology.” Now, fluid power engineers and system designers from around the entire globe can hear his thoughts on why hydraulics will be around for a long time, and the five challenges he says hydraulics technologies are currently facing — leaks, noise, efficiency, control, and weight.
To address these challenges numerous technologies have been recently developed with additional breakthroughs on the horizon. Clearly, the movement toward electrification has resolved some of these issues – including the use of ePumps, EHA (electro hydrostatic actuators), hybridized and integrated systems. Also, innovations in fluid connectors and hydraulic fluid technology play a key role.
Beyond this, Kovach will highlight the latest developments in pump technology, simulation, and power transmission systems that have improved overall efficiency while reducing noise. Lastly, he will discuss the use of advanced materials and additive manufacturing technologies as they work to help address weight/size issues while opening new market opportunities for hydraulics.
Most presentations will last 30 minutes, although Kovach’s is scheduled for an hour. At the end of the 30 minutes, attendees can opt to move into separate breakout rooms, where they will be able to see each other on video. In one room, attendees can ask questions of the presenter and network with each other, while the second breakout room will be reserved for a different sponsor each week. Here, they will present their technologies to attendees and take questions.
Currently, Famic is slated to present November 10, with their talk, “Using Failure Analysis Simulation Tools to Enhance System Reliability and Streamline Prototyping and Maintenance.”
Visit fluidpowertechconference.com for more details and updated schedules throughout the coming months.
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