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!