2021 Directory

54 www.bfpa.co.uk down the barriers between hydraulics, pneumatics and electro-mechanical technologies is a major opportunity,” he says. “Parker is in a unique position to have all these technologies in our portfolio – plus controls and fittings that cut across everything.” Durban adds that additive manufacturing is another developing area, which Parker uses for some finished products and prototypes. “As materials improve, processes will speed up and we expect acceptance of the technology to increase,” he says. Pace of change James French, Managing Director, Holmbury Group, comments that when visiting shows such as Hannover Messe and bauma he is astounded by the pace of technological change. “There are huge advancements being made within the remit of digital transformation landscape,” he says. “Within the context of Holmbury’s own products this translates to equipment such as RFID sensors to trace when and where products were installed or fitted, and how long they should be in operation before they are due for a service.” For French, a key driver for this type of technological change is the need to continually satisfy the changing demands of Holmbury’s end-user and OEM customers. “Sensor technology is the main form of smart automated technology that we use as a provider of hydraulic couplings and valves,” he explains. “However, we do see growing demand for the capabilities on offer from digital technologies for a wide range of industrial and mobile machinery. Every year, our OEM customers release new or updated standards for suppliers to adhere to. This could relate to the plating on their products or particle contamination requirements and so on. Some of our OEM customers serving the construction industry, for example, are looking to, or have already released hybrid or purely electric machinery. This drives forward technology and where our products are featured on those machines our customers are demanding even more from them, whether that’s a higher- pressure coupling, a higher flow coupling or parts that offer more durability or greater resistance to contamination.” Whatever it is, French points out that customers are always asking for more in terms of how these products can match their next-generation machines. “Therefore, we require an in-house regime whereby we are able to re-specify some of our products in order to satisfy these requirements,” he says. French adds that probably the biggest shift Holmbury has seen in its history with regard to hydraulic quick release couplings was when the construction industry moved largely from ISO A agricultural style couplings to the flat- based design. “We are now starting to see other shifts in terms of some of our OEM customers’ demands, and also within the general market, whereby our couplings are expected to connect under pressure,” says French. “Increasingly, these couplings are also expected to stay locked together and connected with no leakage even under the highest of pressure pulses or highest of flows. So, we regularly talk to OEMs about ways to implement these solutions in as efficient and cost-effective manner as possible.” French also explains that Holmbury’s portfolio has grown over the past few years off the back of some new innovations that have been driven by this type of business. For example, the company now also offers multi-couplers which are becoming increasingly popular within the construction and agriculture sectors. Raising the standards bar In terms of industry standards, the most important standard for Holmbury is ISO 16028. This is the main standard relating to flat-faced couplings, mainly around the quick release types. “That ISO standard is very well-known,” says French. “It has been established now for over 30 years and is regularly evolving by committee as demands in the marketplace from an efficiency, health & safety and eco perspective becoming ever more rigorous. We’re also very aware that within the construction sector there are regulations concerning the spillage of oil. For example, if you’re working in certain types of construction environments if you spill oil on the floor you have to dig down to certain depths to ensure the oil has been fully removed. It’s not enough just to use a spill kit. This to some extent comes back to the point about providing couplings that are able to connect under high pressures, staying connected with no leakage.” Regulations In terms of regulations that are impacting on hydraulics and pneumatics products and services, Durban makes the point that there is nothing really new. “The last review of the ISO12100 Standard regarding Machine Safety dates from 2015 and it ensures safety in machine design,” he points out. “However, with the advent of vehicle electrification and inherent safety, respect of ISO26262 for the development of new systems has become unavoidable.” Durban adds that these are just some of the drivers changing how Parker’s customers operate. “Government incentives and local factors are also key: for example, emissions reduction targets determine what equipment people can use in cities, permissible noise levels and so on,” he says. According to Durban, safety remains an important factor for all businesses, including Parker’s. “We’re constantly