Design World has launched Technology Tuesdays Podcasts in 2015, and the latest episode focuses on the business of fluid power and industrial distribution. Click below to listen to Design World Editorial Director Paul J. Heney chat with Danfoss Vice President of R&D Jeff Herrin. They discuss everything from the integration of electronics into hydraulic components to […]
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What manufacturing can learn from Thailand
Earlier this month, I was part of a journalist delegation to Thailand, the Southeast Asian country that’s probably known more for tourism than industrial engineering prowess. But after a week of touring manufacturing facilities that included such international heavyweights as Caterpillar and Nissan, I left with a new mindset for how industry needs to succeed […]
Some thoughts on pressure reducing valves
When I was wet behind the ears in my hydraulic career, I was confused by the myriad pressure valves available to hydraulics. I came from a car wash background, where unloading valves are used to regulate the pressure of a piston pump. On the day in class where we discussed pressure valves, I had a […]
Q&A with igus’ CEO, Frank Blase
I had the pleasure of touring the international headquarters of igus just after the Hannover Fair this year, and also was able to sit with company CEO Frank Blase. The facility is enormous, yet intelligently designed—it doesn’t feel like a manufacturing plant, due to the light that comes in through strangely organic looking skylights. Walk […]
5 hydraulic equipment mistakes you might be making
A guest blog from Terry Stookey of Reliable Hydraulics Inc. When dealing with hydraulic equipment, there are many intricate pieces that impact the effectiveness of these machines. There are many components of hydraulic equipment, and it is important that they all run smoothly. Here are five mistakes you may be making and how to correct them. 1. Changing […]
A pre-Hannover chat with Bosch Rexroth’s Dr. Karl Tragl
In advance of next week’s Hannover Fair, being held in Germany, I spoke with Dr. Karl Tragl, president of the executive board of Bosch Rexroth AG, about his company’s current activities, his views on the state of industry, and Bosch Rexroth’s future plans. Here is Design World’s exclusive interview with this well-known and respected industry leader. […]
3 exciting things to expect at next month’s Hannover Fair
It’s a mere 40 days until the opening of the planet’s biggest industrial tradeshow, the Hannover Fair. It seems to me that a lot of companies in there fluid power industry use Hannover as a place to launch new products. Here are three things I’m particularly interested in seeing: 1. RFID pressure transmitters. I had […]
Dean Kamen—Leadership in Engineering
By Paul J. Heney • Editorial Director America’s favorite inventor is moving forward with some exciting new projects, after some critical lessons learned. What makes a true engineering leader? Is it outright technical brilliance? Tenacity? Or creativity in tackling and executing projects? Maybe it’s passion. Or the desire to give back to future generations. Well, […]
Industry 4.0 to be focus of 2015 Hannover Fair
On Tuesday, representatives of Hannover Messe, along with dignitaries that included the Indian ambassador to Germany, Vijay Gokhale, gave a sneak peak of this year’s Hannover Fair, the world’s largest industrial trade show, scheduled for April 13-17 in Hannover, Germany. The preview, held in Berlin, included more than 40 exhibitors, many of them in the […]
Dean Kamen speaks out on science vs politics
Design World spoke with master inventor Dean Kamen (of FIRST and Segway fame) and he’s the star of our “Leadership in Engineering” January cover story. As a preview of that article, here’s an online extra from our conversation with Kamen. * * * * * * * Kamen, who is a huge proponent of STEM […]