This Week in Power & Motion: Technical Services Supplying Shell Thermal Fluid for Electric Vehicles

There is much going on in the world of hydraulics, pneumatics and electronics motion systems, from technology introductions and industry advancements to new trends and industry leaders. Each week the Power & Motion team collects some of the latest industry news to help keep our readers up to date on what's happening in the fluid power and motion control sectors as well as the industries they serve.

NFPA Education Partners in Need of Project Ideas

The National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) and its education partners are looking for industry members to provide suggestions for hands-on student projects. The association reports its education partners are continually looking for projects to give students at the high school, technical college and university levels real-world fluid power-related experiences.

NFPA cites a Wiley report which indicates 81% of students say it is important to participate in company-led projects mimicking real-world work, but there are only about 30% of institutions which currently offer those type of projects.

NFPA encourages members and others from the fluid power industry to reach out with ideas or to get connected with students and instructors on a project.

AMR Manufacturer Expands Operations to Meet Market Growth

Autonomous mobile robot (AMR) manufacturer Locus Robotics has broken ground on its new global headquarters located in Wilmington, MA. The company is expanding its operations to meet growing market demand for automation solutions like AMR.

The new facility will encompass 200,000 sq. ft. (18,580 sq. m) and be a hub for Locus Robotics' growing operations. It will house the company's engineering, manufacturing and operations teams. There will also be space allotted for future expansion and growth.

Use of AMR is on the rise in various manufacturing, warehousing and other operations to help move goods, aiding with the labor shortages these industries are facing.

"We're thrilled to break ground on our new headquarters in Wilmington," said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics, in the company's press release announcing the new facility ground breaking. "This is a significant milestone that reflects our robust growth trajectory and our dedication to revolutionizing the warehouse automation sector with cutting-edge, AI-driven robotics solutions."

A rendering of the new Locus Robotics headquarters being built to help the company meet growing market demand for autonomous mobile robots.

Poclain Hydraulics Receives Supplier Award

Poclain Hydraulics has received a supplier award from construction equipment manufacturer Dynapac in India. The company was awarded the Dynapac Outstanding Performance Award, recognizing its support as a supplier to the OEM.

Poclain was one of 45 suppliers recognized for its efforts to meet Dynapac's requirements for quality, reliability and delivery.

The two companies have worked together for about 10 years. In 2016, Dynapac was the first to use Poclain's MS18 hydraulic motors offering the speed and torque necessary for mobile machinery like that developed by Dynapac.

Currently, Poclain's products are used in soil compactors, mini compactors, walk behind rollers and other construction equipment from Dynapac.

igus 3D Printing Tool Calculates Service Life

igus' online 3D printing tool now offers users the ability to calculate the service life their printed parts. Users can simply upload their file and within seconds the predicted service life of the part can be calculated.

Understanding the potential service life of a 3D printed part can help customers better select the right materials and product design for their applications. Service life calculations are based on in-house testing conducted by igus. The company says its testing has demonstrated 3D printed parts made with its iglide plain bearing plastic are compatible with those made from conventional plastics while also offering a longer service life.

"We have now integrated the service life calculation into the 3D printing service because knowing component longevity in advance, in addition to pricing, makes selecting the right material easier," said Tom Krause, Head of Business Unit Additive Manufacturing, in igus' press release announcing availability of the calculation ability in the online tool. "All users need to do is click on their part's sliding surface with a mouse and enter some application specs. The 3D printing service automatically estimates a service life."

The igus online 3D printing service now enables users to calculate the service life of their printed parts.

Cratos Launches First Line of Hydraulic Hammers

Cratos Equipment, a manufacturer of battery-powered demolition equipment, has introduced its first line of hydraulic hammers. Three sizes of micro hammers are included in the new line for machines ranging from 0.6-6.0 tons.

The hydraulic hammers feature a working flow range of 10-62 lpm. According to the company, the hammers are designed to fit a wide range of machines and offer two hose routing options. Additional features include standard idle blow protection and an internal pressure adjusting valve for a wider range of oil flow.

As the hydraulic hammers are small in size, they will fit well with Cratos Equipment's battery powered machines as the will help to minimize wear and tear as well as prevent too much weight from being added to a machine.

Technical Services Offering EV Thermal Fluid

Technical Services, a developer and supplier of thermal management solutions, has signed an agreement to be a key supplier of the Shell E-Thermal Fluid E5 M. Developed by Shell and battery manufacturer Kreisel Electric — who has been working with John Deere on its electrification efforts — the fluid helps to ensure proper temperature management for electric vehicle components.

Thermal management is an especially important aspect to take into consideration for electric vehicles because of the additional heat generated by batteries and other electronic components. By offering the Shell fluid, Technical Services can now provide customers with both the necessary components, systems and fluids for optimized thermal management.

The Shell E-Thermal Fluid enables battery immersion cooling by effectively controlling the temperature of each individual battery cell, even during fast-charging or rapid acceleration explained Technical Services in its press release announcing its new supply agreement for the fluid. Shell's thermal fluid can stabilize battery cells to ensure safety and improve performance. It can be used with batteries, electric motors, inverters and faster chargers. The fluid is also the recommended option for the Kreisel electric high-voltage battery system.

Watch our video interview with Andrew McMahon, managing director of Technical Services, to learn more about the company's technology and the importance of cooling systems in high-voltage electric power systems.