Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/229047
HYDRAULICS BY R ANCE HERREN, IFPS Become an I Expert through Certification In today's highly competitive manufacturing and service environment, machine and equipment uptime is critical. More often than not, it is a determinant of a company's success and survivability. Downtime is the death knell of profitability. Perhaps the most important people in this metric are the mechanics and technicians. The wide range of skills required from the individual to keep a machine operational or to get it running after a breakdown is significant. This person must have an understanding of mechanics, hydraulics, pneumatics, and increasingly, electric and electronic controls. That is a tall order by any standard. Some of the best engineers are those who have an extensive background or started their careers in troubleshooting and repair. They have seen what works, what doesn't and what to do about it. They have a keen understanding of what it means to design and package an energy-efficient and safe system for minimal maintenance, reduced downtime and repair with the 60 November - December 2013 | www.machinerylubrication.com fewest tools. They understand firsthand the need for and the value of proper and thorough documentation. In other words, the engineer designs, the test technician tests and troubleshoots, and the mechanic fixes. All of these skill sets are critical. In the context of the overall success of the project, none is exclusive or more important than the other. Experts must be knowledgeable in the many aspects of fluid power: hydraulic, pneumatic, and basic electric and electronic controls. Becoming a well-rounded fluid power expert does not end at a particular destination; it is a continuing, career-long journey. It requires the self-challenge to constantly seek out the opportunity to learn by engaging others with more or different knowledge and skills than your own. It demands stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking on the challenges that others may avoid. It involves extra time and effort that perhaps you would rather spend doing something else. You must read from textbooks, fluid power periodicals and component manufacturer catalogs to gain knowledge of the types of hydraulic and pneumatic hardware in the marketplace, how they work and how they do not. To gain additional knowledge, consider taking a community-college course or attending a technical seminar in a discipline