Hydraulics & Pneumatics September 2022

HYDRAULICS Uniflex has launched the EM 120, which is able to cut hoses up to 3˝ R 15 cleanly and quickly. It is claimed to be the first fully electric hose cutting machine for hydraulic and industrial hoses with an outer diameter of up to 135 mm. The hose is pre-bent and locked in place while the blade cuts upwards through the hose. All that is required is to enter the diameter via IPC for Industry 4.0 or IoT. The machine recognises the different hoses and regulates the feed independently. The result is an optimised flat cut without tear marks. Uniflex recommends the use of the UVC 100 extraction and filtration system for the operation of the EM 120. A 2-year warranty is offered for the best return on investment. www.uniflex-hydraulics.com/en 22 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS September 2022 www.hpmag.co.uk In an industry that remains largely male dominated, the stories of Jess Craddock and Kirsty Allsop are highly encouraging. Working in the area of hydraulics, both are mobile service technicians (MSTs) who work in a wide variety of industries, helping to keep the heart of UK industry beating. Kirsty Allsop has worked at Pirtek UK and Ireland for three years but has a long history in the fluid power industry, working in gas and hydraulics for almost 10 years. From a young age, she knew she wanted to be involved with building engines and studied motor vehicles at college. From there, Allsop worked in a body shop and discovered a passion for both making and fixing things related to engines. So, when the job at Pirtek was advertised it was an easy decision to make. “I do a lot of heavy plant work and it’s really rewarding,” she says. “Yes, it can be difficult work – sometimes in situations that are not particularly pleasant to work in. However, fixing things is my passion and almost every type of industry involves hydraulics somewhere, so it’s a great way to learn about a very broad range of engines.” Keeping calm in pressured environments Allsop comments: “Ultimately, being able to do my job isn’t about being a man or a woman; it’s about knowing how to be a good technician and keeping calm in pressured environments. If you can do all that then there is nothing that you cannot achieve.” Jess Craddock has been in the job for less than 12 months but being the only woman on her team operating out of Ellesmere Port doesn’t faze her. She previously worked in a factory as a fuel fitter for Airbus. So, does being a woman create challenges on site? “Not at all,” exclaims Craddock. “It’s a great talking point with many of my customers and I believe that it has become the foundation of many of the great business relationships I now have.” MSTs in the hydraulics industry need to be efficient at problem solving, able to think on their feet and capable of establishing a sound rapport with customers. These are all qualities that Allsop and Craddock have proven themselves to have. www.pirtek.co.uk Shortening the gender gap in the hydraulics industry Perfect cuts in 7 seconds up to 3" R 15 with the Uniflex EM 120 Jess Craddock.