This academic year, NFPA supported 13 Fluid Power Clubs on university campuses across the country. The goal of this initiative is to get underclassmen introduced to and interested in fluid power, and connect students to industry professionals to learn about careers in fluid power. NFPA funds each club with up to $2,000 stipends to support the technical projects club participants work on during the school year. Here are some of the projects from this year:
- Murray State University designed t-shirts and is building a pneumatic t-shirt cannon to use during university sporting events as a recruitment effort to get more students involved in their club.
- Purdue University is working on a hydrostatic go-kart that could eventually be eligible to race in Purdue’s annual Grand Prix event. They are also exploring the ideas of a hydraulic excavator and a pneumatic drone. The Club President and Treasurer had this to say about their experience this year. “On behalf of the Purdue Fluid Power Club, we would like to start by thanking you for your most generous donation. Our members already have ambitious project ideas and applications for implementing fluid power into existing mechanical systems. We are all looking forward to the opportunities and experiences that can be offered from this student organization as well as how we can use our skills to improve the club.”
- With support from Norgren, Purdue University Northwest is collaborating with a local community college to build portable pneumatic trainers.
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham was unable to formally participate in the Vehicle Challenge this year, so FORCE America mentored them as they built their competition vehicle as an independent project.
- The University of Cincinnati took an alternative approach to the traditional Vehicle Challenge and built a pneumatic bike as an independent project with guidance and support from Norgren.
- Western Michigan University is designing a 4-wheel hydraulic powered vehicle based on EV concept. Instead of directly using the electric motor to power the vehicle transmission, they are planning to use hydraulic motors.
Universities are always looking for industry representatives and to speak to their students to guide them as they work on technical projects. There are many opportunities for NFPA members to get connected to local students through the Fluid Power Club program. To get involved, please contact Stephanie Scaccianoce at sscaccianoce@nfpa.com.
Like this post? Share it!
Recent Posts
Mark Your Calendars – Upcoming Events of 2023!
Trying to plan ahead for future travel? Use this article to lock-in these events into your calendar! Purdue University Recruitment and Networking Event April 18, 2023 Virtual Delivery Vehicle Challenge Final Competitions April 12-14, 2023 | April 26-28, 2023 Norgren; Littleton, CO | Danfoss; Ames, IA Fluid Power Forum Exhibit and Member Reception at Offshore Technology…
You’re Invited: Purdue University Recruitment and Networking Event
Byline: Kyla Olson, Workforce Program and Event Manager Tuesday, April 18th, NFPA will be hosting a two-part virtual event with Purdue University. We will begin with the Indiana Workforce Engagement Group meeting where you can expect an open discussion between NFPA staff, Purdue University faculty, and industry representatives from NFPA member companies. This is meant…
Power Partner University Murray State University Focuses Heavily on Automation and Controls within Industry- Fluid Power Forum Episode 96 Now Live
This episode features Jake Hildebrant, a Professor of Electromechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Technology at Murray State University. Listen to the Podcast Here As we all know, education plays a crucial role in developing the fluid power workforce. We invited Jake into our forum to welcome Murray State University as a first-year Power Partner University, while also learning…