Image

First Annual Michigan NFPA Fluid Power Challenge is a Success

April 20, 2015
On March 26th the NFPA, Macomb Community College, Master Pneumatic and many other sponsors hosted 163 middle school students at the first annual Michigan Fluid Power Challenge. The Challenge began 6 weeks ago with a Workshop Day where teams  learned some basics of fluid power by constructing from balsa wood, cardboard and syringes a pneumatic lifter mechanism.

On March 26th the NFPA, Macomb Community College, Master Pneumatic and many other sponsors hosted 163 middle school students at the first annual Michigan Fluid Power Challenge. The Challenge began 6 weeks ago with a Workshop Day where teams  learned some basics of fluid power by constructing from balsa wood, cardboard and syringes a pneumatic lifter mechanism. Click here to see the gallery!

During the next six weeks they worked in the classroom to build two more mechanisms, a rotator and a clamp, then designed their own fluid power device to prototype. Teams came together again on Challenge Day to reconstruct their prototype and compete in a timed event to pick up a weighted object placing it into a destination area. The teams were scored in a number of areas including portfolios with drawings, design, teamwork and total points.

This first event was an enormous success. Teachers commented on the appropriateness of the Fluid Power Challenge to their STEM requirements for the classroom. They asked to “Sign us up for next year”! The volunteers and judges were equally impressed also asking to be included next year.

For further information or to hold your own event visit NFPA Fluid Power Challenge at:http://www.nfpafoundation.org/fpchallenge/index.aspx

Continue Reading

Handbook Simplifies Advanced Aspects of Mobile Hydraulic Controls

May 10, 2017
Author Brendan Casey lays out his hydraulics know-how that he acquired over 27 years in a simple handbook made for people that want to improve their skills in troubleshooting ...

The Impacts of Electrification on Fluid Power Systems

May 15, 2023
Electrification presents challenges as well as opportunities to re-evaluate and improve upon the design of hydraulics and pneumatics.

Sponsored Recommendations

MONITORING RELAYS — TYPES AND APPLICATIONS

May 15, 2024
Production equipment is expensive and needs to be protected against input abnormalities such as voltage, current, frequency, and phase to stay online and in operation for the ...

Circuit Protection Devices & Busbars

March 13, 2024
With experienced Product Engineers and Customer Service personnel, Altech provides solutions to your most pressing application challenges. All with one thought in mind - to ensure...

All-In-One DC-UPS Power Solutions

March 13, 2024
Introducing the All-In-One DC-UPS, a versatile solution combining multiple functionalities in a single device. Serving as a power supply, battery charger, battery care module,...

Motor Disconnect Switches

March 13, 2024
With experienced Product Engineers and Customer Service personnel, Altech provides solutions to your most pressing application challenges. All with one thought in mind - to ensure...