Wishing You the Happiest of Holiday Seasons!

 

It's a pleasure working with each and every one of you all year long!

 

Here's to a healthy, happy and prosperous 2014!

 

 

Distributors, the Unsung Heroes

Ah, your loyal distributor. You know us, we're there for you, backstage, making it happen so that your customers can be happy with you.

I wanted to share another Fluid Power Engineering behind-the-scenes success story.

We are proud to call Altman Manufacturing a client. They were recently featured in Assembly Magazine for a vision project FPE and Teledyne Dalsa worked on with them.

We're not mentioned in the article at all, but we don't mind. Really! That's what a distributor does, the assist. Still, we're very proud of our talented FPE Automation Controls Division team. They were responsible for making this successful project happen. Pivotal, in fact.

Thanks, guys!

You can check out the article here, or by clicking the image on the left.

Interested in Machine Vision?

FPE is co-hosting a vision event with Teledyne Dalsa on November 19th in Weldon Spring, MO (greater St. Louis area). We'll be covering a lot of the same topics discussed in the article (vision, inSpect software, etc.) Plus, we'll host a special Q&A after the regular material is covered where you can bring your real life vision application in and discuss it with the experts.

Space is limited, but still available at the time this blog post was published. Cick here for more information.

Teledyne DALSA, in partnership with Fluid Power Engineering Company, invites you to attend a special, high-quality and information-rich vision event where you will learn about the latest industry products and gain real experience working with Teledyne DALSA systems. This seminar will include the following points and more: iNspect Express Hands-On Training BOA Nexus Smart Bridge Techniques to Solve Common Machine Vision Challenges Advanced Vision Applications Space is limited. Make your reservation today! http://www.fpeinc.com/event/dalsa/ Following the session, we’ll host a special Q&A session. We will be prepared to answer any questions about your actual application that you may have. Bring in an example from your work environment and our experts will be there to assist you. Fluid Power Engineering, Inc. This email was sent to you because your email address is on the Fluid Power Engineering mailing list. To remove yourself from the list unsubscribe. 110 Gordon Street | Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 | 847-364-7455 12951 Gravois Road, Suite 120 | Sunset Hills, MO 63127 | 314-842-0881 www.fpeinc.com

Attention: Greater St. Louis Area Customers - FPE/Teledyne Dalsa Machine Vision Event Coming Soon!

FPE and Teledyne Dalsa will be hosting one of our popular Machine Vision Events in the greater St. Louis area this November.

This event is always a favorite because it offers real, hands-on discussion about machine vision. No fluff. In fact, if we haven't covered what you came to hear, we offer a roundtable discussion with the experts following each and every event where you can bring actual application questions from your work environment and our experts will assist you.

Lunch is provided.

Click the flyer below to get all the details. Hope to see you there!

We’ll cover:

Machine vision essentials – the basics.

Use of the popular Teledyne DALSA iNspect vision software. This is the easiest point and click vision software available anywhere. So simple, as a matter of fact, that other vision companies are trying to imitate this easy-to-use software.

Machine vision lighting. We’ll show you how to use various lighting solutions in your applications. We’ll cover axial, darkfield, dome, spot and different colored lights. Lighting is critical to a successful application. It’s a topic that is often overlooked.

You will leave with iNspect demo software, a FREE six color test light, and the knowledge to better manage machine vision!

Consider a Future at FPE

Attention, outside sales representatives with experience in pneumatic and controls sales:

FPE has a rare opening in the Rockford area, due to the upcoming retirement of a very successful sales rep. who has been with the company for decades. Opportunities like this don't come up often!

Fluid Power Engineering is an amazing place to work. You'll work alongside some of the best in the business. The management team is energetic, dynamic and intent on growth. The inside staff is exceptionally talented, knowledgeable and helpful. You'll receive salary, commission, bonuses and expenses. You'll walk right into a mature, established territory.

We're looking for the right individual, with a proven track record in achieving new market share and at least three years experience. If that describes you, we'd love to talk.

Send Resumes only to: fpeinfo@fpeinc.com, attention: Sales Manager.
Fluid Power Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Great News for the Food Industry!

The New Tolomatic ERD25/30 Hygienic Design is USDA Certified!

Tolomatic has added two new larger sizes to the ERD product line with hygienic designs that have been officially certified by the USDA for maximum protection against food contamination in the food and beverage processing industry. In addition to the round body with smooth edges, welded joints and PTFE self-lubricating seals with either IP67 or IP69K options, these actuators increase the force capacity of the ERD family to 4,500 lbf (20.03 kN).

Would you like to set up a demo, or just get more information? Contact your FPE Solution Specialist for details.

Winner: 2013 Bimba Top Sales Performance Award

Fluid Power Engineering is the proud recipient of the Bimba Top Sales Performance Award for 2013! FPE is thrilled to count this among its latest achievements in a long and successful partnership with Bimba Manufacturing. It's an honor to receive this award. We'd like to thank our loyal customers -- without your continued support, this would not have been possible. We pride ourselves on being your premier source for Bimba products in the Chicagoland, greater Illinois and Quad Cities region. Thank you!

Sad News

Richard Bardos 1932-2013 August 21, 2013 The co-founder of Fluid Power Engineering, Dick Bardos, passed away today after a short illness. He had recently celebrated his 81st birthday. Originally from Michigan, Dick moved to the Chicago area in 1963 to start Fluid Power Engineering with his original partner, Jim Murphy. Together, they built FPE. Over the decades, they nurtured the company with their talented direction as it became an industry leader in the region it serves. Later, Jim retired and Dick took over his share of the business to become the sole owner. After many golden years filled with sailing and other endeavors, Jim passed away in 2009, around a month prior to his ninetieth birthday. Dick eventually moved into semi-retirement as his son, David and daughter Lori took over everyday operations. Dick and his lovely wife Ruthe split their time between Naples, Florida and their home in Illinois. For the past several years, they have enjoyed an active life filled with golf, family and friends. Meanwhile, Dick remained involved and engaged in the business. His sage advice and exceptional business sense was genuinely appreciated by everyone at FPE. Those who had the pleasure and good fortune of working with Dick will remember him as highly intelligent, caring and (of course) very witty. His sense of humor will not be forgotten. Dick was a respected and likeable figurehead, and it was always such a pleasure to interact with him. I can say it was a tremendous honor to have known him and worked with him. There are no words to describe the loss of Dick Bardos. He left a legacy that will always live on here at his company and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Dick is survived by his wife Ruthe Bardos, his daughter Lori Wolff (FPE's Vice President/Controller) and her husband Jerry, his son David (President of FPE) and his wife Lori, his daughter Sally Nowak and her husband Ed (Value-added Services Project Manager at FPE), and seven grandchildren; Joey (Solution Specialist at FPE), Sean (Client Care Representative at FPE), Paula, Jamie,  Dan, Mark and Ryan.  Arrangements are still being made and will be shared as that information becomes available. Official announcements will also be provided by friends and family that will likely be more accurate and detailed than this (very un-official) blog post.

Update: David Bardos has announced this evening that Services will be held Friday, August 23rd at 12 p.m. The Chapel 195 North Buffalo Grove Road Buffalo Grove, IL (1 Block North of Lake Cook Rd) Interment at Shalom Memorial Park View Larger Map

Piab appears in a Dodge SRT Viper Commercial

Check out this extended commercial for Dodge SRT Viper! You'll briefly catch Piab Duraflex cups and PMAT handling in a scene at the plant.



Missed Piab? Hint: look at 0:44

Join FPE and Teledyne Dalsa for a Special Machine Vision Event on Wednesday, July 31, 2013

From the Fluid Power Engineering Automation Control Division:

An event co-sponsored by FPE & Teledyne Dalsa with content you can really use. You will leave with iNspect demo software, a FREE six color test light, and the knowledge to better manage machine vision. Oh, and lunch is on us! Date: Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Time: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm We’ll cover: Machine vision essentials – the basics. Use of the popular Teledyne DALSA iNspect vision software. This is the easiest point and click vision software available anywhere. So simple, as a matter of fact, that other vision companies are trying to imitate this easy-to-use software. Machine vision lighting. We’ll show you how to use various lighting solutions in your applications. We’ll cover axial, darkfield, dome, spot and different colored lights. Lighting is critical to a successful application. It’s a topic that is often overlooked. If that didn't create enough value for you... By the time we're midway through the session, we're pretty sure you'll be very satisfied with what you've heard. But if we do leave any questions unanswered, we're going to put you in the driver's seat. We’ll be setting aside time to answer any questions about the actual application that you may have. Bring in an example from your work environment and our experts will cover your topic. Cost: $50.00 Lunch will be provided. You can sign up by visiting the Fluid Power Engineering website, or by calling your FPE solution specialist: 847-364-7455. You'll be glad you joined us.

Introducing the Murr Modlink MSDD Interface System

The Modlink MSDD interface system makes it easy to access controls in the cabinet when the time comes for in-plant or machinery diagnostics and servicing. With Modlink the cabinet can remain closed and the components inside can continue to operate with their required level of protection. This helps you maintain compliance with all necessary safety regulations. Simply snap the appropriate GFCI circuit breaker into the frame. Then, if the switch trips, it can be reset without having to open the cabinet. Available in both a single and double frame size with a choice of cover (transparent, silver or fiberglass reinforced gray), Modlink MSDD is suitable for applications in a wide variety of environments. The covers come with a choice of locking mechanism, either a 3mm double-bit key or a knob. Both help the cover and frame meet IP65 requirements thus making the insert resistant to dirt, dust and humidity. The newly redesigned cover has a spring mechanism that lifts an open lid 30°. This allows you to see at a glance that it is open and reminds you to close it when finished. The modular system is based on a two parts: frames and inserts. With over 4000 combinations of frames and inserts, Modlink allows manufacturers to react to country specific requirements without having to rework the size of the housing each time. The cutout dimensions, which have remained the same even though the frame has a new look, are standard across the product line no matter which insert you choose for your application. This makes it easy for both designers and installers to work with Modlink MSDD.

Click here to read the official press release New Features and Frames = More Options FPE has the Modlink tabletop demo in-house now! Interested in seeing it? Let us know. We'll bring it to you!

Outstanding Distributor Achievement Award

Fluid Power Engineering is pleased to announce the receipt of the Outstanding Distributor Achievement Award for 2013 from Carlo Gavazzi!



Left to Right: Mike Meurer from Innovonics, Fluid Power Engineering's Ed Hess and Scott Massie, Bob Sturkey from Carlo Gavazzi and Dave Bardos, President of Fluid Power Engineering.

Fluid Power Engineering President David Bardos, Sales Manager Scott Massie and Automation Controls Division Manager Ed Hess were at FPE Elk Grove Village today to accept the award, along with a rebate check for "dedication, efforts and sales achievement".

Mike Meurer from Innovonics and Bob Sturkey from Carlo Gavazzi presented the award. On behalf of FPE, we'd like to thank Mike, Bob and everyone at Carlo Gavazzi for this recognition. We would also like to thank Jomy Vadakumpadam and Tom Mathew in FPE's Automation Controls Division for their efforts so far this year. They worked closely with our Solution Specialists to make sure the products met our client's needs. And speaking of Solution Specialists, a well-deserved shout-out goes to Greg Bannister, Art Gesell and Ed Kowalski for exceptional Carlo Gavazzi sales so far this year. Without the effort of everyone involved, this Carlo Gavazzi sales success could not have been achieved.

PHD Series GRV Compact Precision Angular Pneumatic Gripper

PHD's new angular pneumatic grippers received a product review from Design World Magazine Editorial Director Paul Heney. Check out the video!



The Series GRV is a compact, rugged precision gripper available in four sizes that can support large moment capacities and long tooling lengths. The combination of design and features makes the GRV a superior choice for a wide variety of automation applications. A slim design allows ample space for "stacking" grippers in a confined area.

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Video transcript:
Published on May 30, 2013 by Design World Magazine

Today, we're looking at PHD Inc.'s new Series GRV Compact Precision Angular Pneumatic Gripper. If it looks somewhat familiar to you, that's because this product is modeled after the company's existing Series GRA Parallel Grippers. This gripper is, as the name implies, compact in size and precise, but it's also rugged. The GRV is offered in 4 different sizes, and it can support large moment capacities and long tooling lengths.

The GRV can be used in a wide variety of automation applications. And the slim design allows plenty space if you want to stack several grippers in a confined area.

This gripper's robust construction means you can expect a long operating life. You can see there are precision dowel pin holes here, that helps in accurate alignment of tooling and gripper mounting.

Internal flow control is standard, which means that no external flow control is required. The units are supplied "switch-ready," for easy integration of optional magnetic position sensing switches. A teachable two-position switch allows multiple positions on small grippers within the profile of the gripper.

There are cleanroom fluoro-elastomer seals and lube options, as well as manifold porting and multiple mounting locations.

For more information on this new gripper including product animations and a catalog, you can visit the company's website, at www.phdinc.com/grv.

Bimba Advantage

Advantage: Centaur (Medium Duty "Repairable")

The Centaur series is a Round Line repairable cylinder designed to match tie-rod performance.  The rugged design is ideal for transportation, clean room applications, packaging, or any application where tie-rods are not desirable due to cleanliness and/or envelop considerations.  The Centaur offers unique features such as: Teflon seals for reduced friction and low breakaway.  Multiple mounting styles of front face flush mount, threaded rod guide, trunnion, and side mounts fit into a wide variety of application. Permanent lubrication for long maintenance free life. Standard bumpers reduce cylinder noise at end of stroke. Bore sizes range from 1-1/8" to 3".

Tolomatic iPad App now available at the Apple App Store

Tolomatic iPad App now available at the Apple App Store
	Downloading the Tolomatic iPad App just got easier. Now you can download it right from the Apple App Store. ● It's FREE and available to everyone ● Easy-to-install ● Instant access to all product information ● Always up-to-date To download, just follow this link from your iPad: http://ow.ly/jYLzk or click the iPad App link under Quick Links on the home page of www.tolomatic.com.
Already have the Tolomatic app installed on your iPad? We recommend deleting the version of the app you have and reinstalling the new version from the Apple App Store. To conform to Apple's space limitations for submitted applications, the new version includes limited content with the download and will sync all the files after the installation process. Depending on your connection, this will take a few minutes to complete.
The FREE Tolomatic iPad App contains this and more:   The FREE Tolomatic iPad App contains this and more: Product Information Contact Tolomatic via: Product Selection Application Examples Application Worksheets Direct link to Sizeit.Tolomatic.com Features & Benefits In-App Sketch Tool Presentations 3D Models User Manuals Parts & Service Sheets White Papers

Omron Improves Tension Control Application

Omron offers state-of-the-art industrial automation products for wide range of industries.

Check out this fascinating video that highlights winding and tension control. Impressive!


Visit FPE's website and click the Omron logo for more information about the NJ Series Controllers that Fluid Power Engineering is proud to offer.

New Product Announcement from PHD

PHD introduces the new Series GRV Compact Precision Angular Pneumatic Gripper.

Series GRV Compact Precision Angular Pneumatic Gripper
New from PHD Inc. Contact FPE for pricing.

The Series GRV is a compact, rugged precision gripper available in four sizes that can support large moment capacities and long tooling lengths. The combination of design and features makes the GRV a superior choice for a wide variety of automation applications. A slim design allows ample space for “stacking” grippers in a confined area.

The Series GRV Gripper features:
 
>> robust construction to ensure long operating life
>> precision dowel pin holes to ensure the accurate alignment of tooling and gripper mounting
>> standard internal flow control, with no external flow control required
>> “switch-ready” for easy integration of optional magnetic position sensing switches
>> a teachable two-position switch that allows multiple positions on small grippers within the profile of the gripper

Other benefits include cleanroom fluoro-elastomer seals and lube options, manifold porting, multiple mounting locations, and PHD’s superior delivery.

The Series GRV Angular Gripper is available now at Fluid Power Engineering. Contact FPE for ordering information/pricing.

FPE is proud to offer you the latest in product advancements! If you are working with a supplier that doesn't... you may be missing opportunities to enhance your company's productivity, save money and become more competitive in your field. Why not give FPE a call or drop us a line today to see how we can help?  

Award Winning Service x 2

Recognition from a top client...

FPE's Steve Kocmond proudly accepts the Gold Supplier Award.

CONGRATULATIONS to FPE's Steve Kocmond, Barry Allen and the rest of the team. For several years in a row now, Fluid Power Engineering has been the proud recipient of the Gold Supplier Award at one of our best clients. Last night, Steve accepted the award once again on FPE's behalf.

We work hard to provide a level of service that meets such high standards, and we're honored to be recognized in this way.

... and from our top supplier.

It was also announced this morning that Steve Kocmond is recipient of the Mac Distributor of the Month award for March 2013! Steve helped a different client overcome some challenges with valves and wiring in their plant, and was able to streamline a previously time-consuming process by suggesting a
37 Series circuit bar® pre-wired by FPE that uses just one cord set. The result? Time and cost elimiated for the client. That's our biggest reward of all!

Fluid Power Engineering Now Offering piCHIP by Piab

piCHIP

Piab announced that they have expanded the range of COAX® integration products they offer. piCHIP is a new family of surface mount cartridge integration units, which Piab says will simplify the integration “preparation” versus preparing for a traditional cartridge integration. The concept of the product resembles Piab's existing Chip/MINI pump plates (MINI pumps without the connection part). As a first step, we're told it will be introduced for the MICRO cartridges, but soon expanded for larger cartridges as well. piCHIP will be available with one cartridge or two cartridges placed on top of each other.

Click here to view the piCCHIP data sheet.

New Release from Teledyne Dalsa: The BOA Nexus Smart Bridge

Hot off the presses from Teledyne Dalsa



Fluid Power Engineering is pleased to offer
the Teledyne Dalsa BOA Nexus Smart Bridge

April 4, 2013

Teledyne Dalsa just introduced a brand new complementary device for Teledyne's DALSA BOA smart cameras. The BOA NEXUS Smart Bridge works with existing BOA camera systems to expand their information sharing and monitoring capabilities.  

FPE takes pride in offering you the latest technology. That's why we're happy to add the BOA Nexus Smart Bridge to the complete line of Teledyne Dalsa products we carry.

View the official announcement here.

For more information, Give FPE a call: 847-364-7455.

This just in from PHD Inc. - Series KG Impact Sensor

To kick off 2013, PHD is excited to release a new impact sensor! The Series KG Impact Sensor and Programmer  provides predictive maintenance and monitoring of equipment performance. Be sure you check out this new product! Also, be sure to take a look at our accompanying interactive animations featuring the Series KG Sensor and Programmer and see how they can help your plant avoid downtime and costly machine crashes. To your continued automation success! The PHD Team

Product Spotlight

The new PHD Series KG Impact Sensor easily attaches to and monitors any piece of equipment that has motion. Featuring single-axis/bi-directional sensitivity, the sensor attaches to the moving part of a machine or device and monitors impact. A PLC can interpret the signal to warn of erratic operation or shut down a system to prevent catastrophic failure. Using the KG Programmer, the KG Impact Sensor can measure an impact and relay that value to the user. A single programmer has the ability to service an unlimited number of impact sensors throughout an entire plant. PHD Series KG Impact Sensor Uses: Predictive maintenance device Detects change in impact force Can help to reduce unanticipated downtime Minimizes unnecessary preventive maintenance Productivity tripwire Flags appropriate personnel of machine crash Indicates when machine has crashed Stops production of bad parts Benchmarking Measures impact (programmer required) Counts impacts or extreme vibration (<400hz) Monitors centripetal forces Visit phdinc.com/kg for complete product information!

Animation Spotlight

Have you ever experienced product loss or production downtime due to damage caused by excessive impact of a fluid power actuator or other mechanical device? Have you ever wished there was an inexpensive way to monitor and safeguard your equipment? Take a look at PHD's latest animation to learn how we can help with this exciting new device.

Three highly interactive animations effectively demonstrate:   Overview of Series KG Sensor Applications Series KG Sensor Signal Examples Sensor Programming Process Check out PHD's learn.phdinc.com/kg site to see these and other exciting and informative product demonstrations!

Award Winning

And the Mac Valves Distributor of the Month Award for January 2013 goes to... Fluid Power Engineering - x2!

It's an exceptional day here at FPE. For the first time since Mac Valves began awarding a Distributor of the Month in the mid 1980s, FPE is the recipient of TWO separate Mac Distributor of the Month awards in the same month. During the month of January, FPE's Scott Porter and Scott Nielsen both received this prestigious award. FPE's Joe Judge also deserves an assist and a mention, since the award won By Scott Porter was an indirect result of Joe's success a few months back.

We're not sure if a distributor has ever won two awards in the same month, but if so, it's exceedingly rare.

The recipients of this award retrofit machines or come up with alternative solutions for manufacturing plants. Their solutions can eliminate a wide range of problems, increase efficiency and save FPE's clients big money.

Congratulations to Scott Nielsen, Scott Porter and Joe Judge!!!