Fluid-Aire Dynamics supports the Technology & Manufacturing Association with reliable compressed air and objective data insights for its state-of-the-art training center.
The Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) in Schaumburg, Illinois, is shaping the future of manufacturing through hands-on apprenticeship programs and technical training. Their modern training center relies on compressed air to power CNC machines, robotics, and 3D printers used by students every day. When TMA needed to confirm that their system could keep up with expanding programs, Fluid-Aire Dynamics provided an objective, data-driven assessment — proving that the existing system continues to deliver reliable, efficient performance.
“We wouldn’t have been able to run an effective hands-on CNC training program or apprenticeship program without that compressor. It’s really the heartbeat, the lifeblood of what we do in that training center.” — Patrick Osborne, President & CEO, Technology & Manufacturing Association
The Challenge: Reliable Air for Hands-On Training and Growth
TMA is a member-based association representing more than 800 small and mid-sized manufacturers, primarily in the greater Chicagoland area. The organization helps members stay competitive through advocacy, networking and workforce development, including a nationally recognized apprenticeship program that trains the next generation of skilled machinists, engineers and manufacturing leaders.
At the heart of TMA’s training center are ten CNC machines, along with robotic arms and 3D printers — all powered by compressed air. When TMA expanded its training capabilities with additional technology, leadership wanted to ensure the existing compressor system could handle the increased demand. “We were either looking to expand or move the system,” Osborne explains. “It was the perfect time to evaluate whether it still met our needs.”
The Solution: Data Logging and Objective System Analysis
Fluid-Aire Dynamics originally installed a PneuTech rotary screw air compressor for TMA several years ago, following a referral from member companies. The system quickly proved essential to daily operations and became a showpiece for students and visitors alike. “The compressor and piping are part of what makes our training center look so professional,” says Osborne. “We actually get questions about it all the time.”
To verify that the system could support new robotics and additive manufacturing equipment, Fluid-Aire Dynamics conducted a comprehensive data logging study. The test measured air demand across the training center to determine whether the compressor was being over- or underutilized.
The results were clear: TMA’s compressor was perfectly sized for current and projected usage. There was no need to upgrade or add another unit — a finding Osborne appreciated. “Fluid-Aire didn’t try to sell us something we didn’t need. They simply gave us accurate, objective data about how our system was performing,” he says.
Results: Reliable Performance, Cost Efficiency, and Trust
The data logging study confirmed what TMA already knew from experience: their PneuTech compressor delivers reliable performance day in and day out. With minimal hours on the unit and plenty of capacity to support growth, TMA can focus on training instead of worrying about air supply.
Beyond the technical results, the project reinforced a long-standing relationship built on trust. “We’ve worked with Fluid-Aire for about a decade now,” says Osborne. “They’ve always been professional, responsive and dependable. Whatever we need, they take care of it.”
TMA also sees value in sharing what they’ve learned with their members. “We wanted to use our experience as a test case,” Osborne explains. “Many of our members face similar questions about efficiency and system sizing. Having real data helps them make better decisions.”
