National Fluid Power Association
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The National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) is a 501(c)6 trade association founded in 1953.
This is an organization of business concerns and individuals that are collectively involved in general industry machine applications involving HYDRAULIC(oil) & PNEUMATIC(air) SYSTEMS in the United States. The application of this technology is sometimes referred to collectively as "Force & Motion Control" Systems. Their mission is to serve as a forum to advance fluid power technology, strengthen the fluid power industry, and foster members' success.
Members include manufacturers of fluid power systems and components, fluid power distributors, suppliers to the fluid power industry, fluid power customers, and educators and researchers.
Fluid power is energy transmitted and controlled by means of a pressurized fluid, either liquid (hydraulics) or compressed air or gas (pneumatics). Fluid power is used to generate and control the force and motion needed for a wide array of applications.
Some major applications of hydraulics are as systems within construction machinery, agriculatural machinery, heavy trucks and mining equipment, as well as industrial metalworking equipment, material handling machinery, assembly equipment and plastics manufacturing machinery. Some common applications of pneumatic systems cane be found in packaging machinery, food processing machinery, semiconductor manufacturing and medical devices, among many others. Both hydraulics and pneumatics are used for the motion control, starting and stopping power needed in many familiar amusement park rides, as well as in commercial and military aircraft.
A typical fluid power system includes the following components:
*Hydraulic pump or air compressor, which converts mechanical power to fluid power;
- Cylinder or motor, which converts fluid power to linear or rotary mechanical power;
- Valves, which control the direction, pressure and rate of fluid flow within the syetem;
- Filters, regulators and lubricators, which maintain cleanliness of the fluid;
- Manifolds, hose, tubing, fittings and couplings, which conduct the fluid between components;
- Sealing devices, which help contain the fluid and prevent leaks;
- Reservoirs and accumulators, which store the fluid or fluid energy;
- Instruments, such as pressure switches, gauges, flow meters, sensors and other electronic devices that monitor and control the performance of a fluid power system.
The National Fluid Power Association supports the fluid power industry by developing technical standards for components and systems, serving as a source of industry production and market data, and sponsoring and promoting research and education in fluid power.
