There have been several discussions on this forum about the state of fluid power education, and it's good to see one major player is working to enhance the state of education in the industry, by offering fluid power instructors a chance to expand their own knowledge.

Eaton Corp's Hydraulic Operations' Training Services, Eden Prairie, Minn., is sponsoring a free Fluid Power Instructor Symposium July 8-11 at its Maumee, Ohio facility. The Instructor Symposium is an annual event to recognize the contributions made to the industry by those involved in hydraulics training and provide an opportunity for instructors to be exposed to the latest training methodologies and hydraulics technologies.

“Educators are the key to ensuring that students entering the fluid power industry are well prepared for the careers they have chosen,” explained Tom Blansett, manager – Training Services, Eaton. “This event recognizes and rewards their efforts while giving them an opportunity to interact with Eaton’s latest products and technologies. The symposium is valuable for everyone who teaches fluid power related subjects, and we particularly encourage those working at vocational technical colleges and universities to attend.”

Among the topics covered at Eaton’s Instructor Symposium are:
• Closed circuit transmission sizing
• Open circuit pump: torque limiting control
• Leaks: causes and cures
• Hose routing and failure analysis
• Hose assembly (lab)
• Controller area network (CAN): basic primer
• Computer based training (CBT) demonstration
• Counterbalance valves
• Proportional amplifier tuning and troubleshooting (lab)
• Cavitation and aeration (lab)
• New fluid power trainer demonstration
• Gerotor/Geroler: application considerations
• Steering controls primer (lab)
• Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control concepts

Symposium space is limited, and pre-registration is required. For information, or to register, contact David Riggenbach, training coordinator, by calling (800) 413-8809, or via email at hydraulicstraining@eaton.com.