I stated my opinion back on the 2nd or 3rd page. I do believe there is a need for a separate degree program for fluid power engineers. I also think it may need to be a masters level or above with a foundation in mechanical engineering. This would make it a degree requiring 6 years or more but the I think the multiple disciplines required would necessitate such.

C1ay;

AMEN

Now, What will it take to make it happen?

It seems all the NEGATIVES have been posted, I want to hear the POSITIVES!

I stongly believe the lack of literature or Teachers is not the deterrent. Books and Professors would be forthcoming when there is a need for them.

My thoughts have been and still are that Industry is not asking for trained Fluid Power persons so why would schools be producing someone trained in a discipline that no one is seeking.

And, Industry is not asking for trained Fluid Power persons because they think that Fluid Power is part of the Mechanical Engineeers baliwick. However, the Mechanical Engineer may get a semester or two of Fluid Power and learn about how great that way of transmitting energy is, then on their first job that requires any hydraulics or pneumatics they find it is not as simple as they were led to believe. Then they find out the Fluid Power salesman or distributor can bail them out and off they go.

Mechanial Enineers are not dumb just not trained. I have worked with many for years and find they pick up the nuances of Fluid Power quickly. However, they lose any knowledge they gain quickly since "Use it or Lose it" never fails to work.

Fluid Power has been a great experience for me since I started selling for Miller Fluid Power in 1966. Not that I had any sales experience but I did have a mechanical aptitude and quickly found designing circuits was the road to sales success.

Fortunately my lack of training in Mechanical and Electrical disciplines was not a problem since there was trained persons for these fields alost everywhere. They worked out the mechanical and electrical areas and depended on me or someone from another distributor to do the Fluid Power part. As far as I can tell nothing has changed for Fluid Power since day one and from the feedback on this and other forums a change is not looming on the horizon. In fact I don't even see a horizon.

It still does not deter me from rattling cages every chance I get even if others do not agree. We are all going to pass on and I for one want to see Fluid Power implementation changed for future generations and a continued growth in the discipline.

Maybe trained Fluid Power persons is not the answer but I have not witnessed any viable alternatives on this or other forum's so far.

Take a loo at this web site for a take on Fluid Power Engineers and Maintenence persons by panels at the last National Fluid powe Association {NFPA} Meeting.

http://www.nfpa.com/Pdf/Roundtable_Notes.pdf

I wonder if anything will come of this Round table Discussion at the Hational Fluid Power Assocaition meeting in 8/07

http://www.nfpa.com/Pdf/Roundtable_Notes.pdf

Looked like some good points were made by the attendees.