Actuation technology specialist Bimba Manufacturing provides pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric actuators; valves; fittings; air preparation; and a variety of safety and production solutions.
Looking at its transportation hydraulics and pneumatics businesses, Marketing Director Tom Wood says, “In general, the commercial truck segment is flat. But there has been growth in the agriculture market. To improve yield and land utilization, the agriculture sector has added capabilities that are enhancing efficiency and lowering operating costs.”
The biggest challenge the University Park, Illinois, company faces is meeting the extreme temperature requirements of some customers. With some agricultural and off-highway equipment, hydraulics and pneumatics have to operate in temperatures as low as -58°F (-50°C).
“The No. 2 challenge is air quality, which can exacerbate the temperature considerations, as for example, when water vapor crystalizes in the air lines,” Wood says.
Other concerns include corrosion resistance, ergonomics, safety, and price.
Bimba Manufacturing
www.bimba.com
Bimba brands
Bimba provides actuators and other equipment through five distinct brands.
TRD – Pneumatic and hydraulic cylinder manufacturing. With primary manufacturing in Illinois, TRD ships 95% of its products to customers in less than three days.
Mead – Designs and manufactures pneumatic automation systems. The division offers a range of standard products, and engineers routinely design custom systems and components.
MFD – Globally sourced pneumatic equipment. Tested to meet the demands of the North American industrial market, MFD products are backed by Bimba quality standards, service, and technical support.
Pneumadyne – Directional control valves, fittings, manifolds, air nozzles, and custom products. Bimba employees design and manufacture the components and fluid control systems in the U.S.
Acro – Fluid control systems for medical devices and bioprocessing. Bimba’s most recent acquisition has more than 30 years of experience in design, testing, and manufacturing.
NFPA member profiles
Today’s Motor Vehicles plans to profile one member of the National Fluid Power Association in each issue. To nominate your company, a supplier, or a customer, contact editor Robert Schoenberger at 216.393.0271 or rschoenberger@gie.net.
NFPA events
March 11-12, 2015: NFPA Annual Conference, The Grand Del Mar, San Diego, California – This is the one time when all task force members, board members, committee members, council members, and future leaders come together to decide on initiatives, shape the direction of their projects, and vote on key decisions. The conference also provides opportunities for networking with leaders in our industry. This event is for NFPA members only. http://bit.ly/1Ajch4X
Aug. 10-12, 2015: NFPA Industry & Economic Outlook Conference (IEOC), Westin Chicago North Shore in Wheeling, Illinois – The IEOC features industry experts that share analyses and hard data. Conference content examines industry economics, market forecasts, and technology breakthroughs likely to impact the fluid power supply chain. Open to NFPA members and non-members, the conference provides many networking opportunities. http://bit.ly/R71p7x
About the NFPA
With more than 350 member companies, the NFPA provides a forum for the fluid power industry’s channel partners – manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, customers, and educators. Its U.S. and multinational members work cooperatively in advancing hydraulic and pneumatic technology through the association’s many programs and initiatives. www.nfpa.com