Columnist Brian K. Langenberg surveys the industrial economic landscape to let you know what is up, what is down, and what is coming next.

Hannover Messe 2012 generated enough buzz that the 5,000 exhibitors “will have their work cut out for them,” according to Dr. Wolfram von Fritsch, chairman of the managing board of Deutsche Messe. “Green technologies are a viable business model with the power to drive growth around the world.

Defined in rudimentary terms, an electric motor is a device that uses electricity to create mechanical force. But in 1834, when our story takes place, most people would have trouble understanding the ramifications. That was the year that one of the earliest DC electric motors was invented—by a blacksmith.

Seal design engineers and end users are continually seeking improved sealing systems and materials. This paper describes the potential of a new thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material to deliver improvements in pressure, speed and temperature capability, which are presented as comparisons to proven industry standard materials. Performance is demonstrated by virtue of test bench results of seals made from MDI-, PPDI- and NDI-based materials.

The complete Industry News section from the June 2012 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

Our April 2012 launch of this column highlighted several key themes; we will re-state each and highlight developments, relying on our monitoring of 75 key global industrial companies and ongoing fieldwork.

The complete Industry News section from the April 2012 issue of Power Transmission Engineering

A new preventive maintenance program at a leading New England Ivy League university demonstrates how the push for more sustainable "green" building management has led to a growing awareness of a chronic, widespread problem with HVAC motors—electrical bearing damage and failure.

The National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) is an organization consisting of manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and educators working together to strengthen the fluid power market. Its mission is to serve as a forum where all fluid power channel partners can advance fluid power technology and successfully compete in the global industrial market.

S.S. White Provides Twisting, Turning Power Transmission with Flexible Shafts