Gear Manufacturing Part I: Resources

Gears are among the oldest mechanical components that are still relevant today. The automobile industry, the aerospace sector, industrial machinery, EV industry right down to the very things that keep us on time, the clock. So, it can be said that gears help everything stay in motion.

Whether you are a gear manufacturer or a user, an engineer or a buyer, a newbie, or a seasoned pro there is a lot to know about gears. So where do you start? Fear not because we have put together an insider’ guide to the top resources for the gear industry to help navigate the complexities.

Top Gear Association: AGMA – American Gear Manufacturing Association                                 

AGMA is the most comprehensive resource for the gear industry, so it is a very fitting choice to kick off our list. Perhaps the most important aspect of what AGMA does for the gear industry is to set gearing standards. AGMA standards address nearly all the critical gearing topics from load capacity and lubrication to accuracy and inspection.

AGMA offers a whole lot more for their members and non-members, including events and training opportunities, publications, industry news and products. As a member of AGMA, we can attest to the value AGMA brings to our industry and its valuable resources. If you want to learn more visit AGMA’s website.

Top Expo in the Gear Industry: Motion + Power Technology Expo                                                     

Formally known as Gear Expo, the Motion + Power Technology Expo is held every two years and is produced by AGMA. This event gives professionals in the gear industry an opportunity to come together to learn the latest industry advancements and see firsthand technology, products, and services related to the gear industry. Attendees and exhibitors include experts in gear design, manufacturing, application engineering, and gear buyers.

In addition to being able to network and gather information from exhibiting companies at the show, the Motion + Power Technology Expo also offers a variety of educational opportunities. The courses cover a range of gearing topics in detail and usually fill up quickly. There is no better way to learn about technical gearing topics than directly from industry leaders at the show.

This year’s show is taking place from October 17 through the 19th in Detroit, Michigan.

Top Gear Publications

Gear Solutions Magazine, Gear Technology Magazine and Power Transmission Engineering are the top reads in the gear industry.

Gear Solutions puts an emphasis on new and emerging technologies and advancements. Their monthly publication contains technical articles, company profiles, Q&As, features, columns, product information, and industry news. The editorial content is produced by both their editorial staff as well as industry and academic experts. Topics include emerging technologies, processes, materials, and R&D.

Gear Solutions utilizes all sorts of technology to reach their audience. It is no surprise that they were the first to develop a mobile app for the gear manufacturing industry. You can also find them on twitter and Facebook and subscribe to their publication in either print or digital format or read their current issue any time online. No matter how you choose to connect, they are certainly a key publication to follow.

Gear Technology Magazine is known as “the Gear industry’s Information Source.” The publication includes technical articles, industry news, product information, design, inspection processing and use. Gear Technology is written for engineers and manufacturers in the gear industry. Articles cover every phase of the gear life cycle from design, manufacturing, heat treating and inspection to end use. The publication is free and what’s more their website is a great resource and has a robust archive dating back to 1984. Search any topic relating to gears and you will most likely be able to find insightful information.

Power Transmission Engineering (PTE) is part of the Gear Technology family of technical publications. PTE is the only magazine that specifically targets buyers of mechanical components, such as gears, bearings, motors, drives, as well as motion control components. PTE helps design engineers and machinery manufacturers stay current on technical information, new products, best practices, new ideas, industry news and current events. Published eight times a year, PTE provides a wealth of information in either print or digital formats.

Sharing the Knowledge

As a leader in precision gear manufacturing with over 100 years of experience our team at Gear Motions is here to help and answer any question you may have about gear manufacturing or simply have a conversation about what’s going on in the industry. Over the next several weeks we will share more insights so be sure to check out Gearing News, for our latest blog posts.