When we started the emerging technology committee work in 2017, we laid out a very straightforward directive for ourselves: provide relevant information on five specific topics to the AGMA members that will help them understand these technologies to make informed decisions for their own businesses. Well, I believe we have put forth a good start in the last 20 months. If you have not been watching closely, this article will provide a nice overview on our recent activities and will offer you, personally, many ways to plug in with these efforts at AGMA.
Subcommittees
In October 2018, we held our second face-to-face meeting where, thanks to five volunteer chairs, we were able to establish subcommittees that were tasked to do a deeper dive into 3D printing of metal, electric drive technology, the industrial Internet of Things (IoT), new materials, and robotics and automation. Each committee works to find expert presenters, relevant research, case studies, and important new articles to pass along to the membership. These committees also have become active forums for information exchange. We are bringing experts in their respective technology together with gear manufacturers and suppliers to the industry and having some interesting discussions and, in some cases, interesting discoveries for both sides.
The output of this work takes a variety of forms for your consumption. Our most established endeavors have been to bring presenters to AGMA events, the Emerging Technology Pavilion at the trade show, and to provide curated news on the AGMA website. More recent work includes the publication of our first white paper, partnerships with other associations, and a track (eight speakers) in the new Motion + Power Technology Conference this October.
Motion + Power Technology Expo
We have worked to have emerging tech presenters at the last three AGMA/ABMA Annual Meetings, and Strategic Resource Networking events. And we now have a larger part to play in the Fall Technical Meeting and the Motion + Power Technology Expo & Conference. At the 2019 Annual Meeting, we had Jack Shaw talking blockchain for manufacturing and Alberto Moen, VP at Veo Robotics, discussing the possible uncaging of industrial robots in factory settings. Following on the heels of having John Bennett, CTO and VP at Meritor, talking electric drive technology at the 2018 event last October, this year’s SRN will have speakers on IIoT and generative software from Siemens. Join us May 7-8, at MxD (formerly DMDII) for hands-on displays on the smart factory floor and a tour of transportation research at Argonne National Laboratory along with tours of IMS Global Gear and Precision-Arrow Group.
White paper
Our white paper debuted at the recent Annual Meeting. Justin Michaud, CEO of REM Surface Engineering, Chairman of AGMA 3D Printing Subcommittee; and Bill Bennett, Metallurgist, Ellwood National Forge, Chairman of AGMA New Materials Subcommittee; and their committee members worked with Kirk Rogers, Ph.D., of The Barnes Group Advisors LLC to author a white paper on the current state of 3D printing of metal specific to gear production. The white paper discusses the advancements both on the industrial machines and on the development of new materials for 3D printing metal. But it shines the focus on where all of this is relative to printing gears.
The white paper is free for AGMA members on the website and available for non-members for $99. Rogers will be available during a webinar later this month for your questions on the paper, and he is leading a tour of metal printing on the RAPID+TCT show floor in Detroit, May 20-22. We welcome your participation there. You can find details on the AGMA website.
New conference
In the spirit of trying new things in emerging technology, we have created a new conference that we are tying to the M+PT Expo. The Conference will feature 16 speakers in two main tracks: Business and Emerging Technology. Our committees have worked to find speakers who can deliver informative presentations that the committee members want to hear. And with a full-conference price of only $295, I can attest that this is worth your attention and participation. A complete list of presenters and registration is available on the MPT website: motionpowerexpo.com.
We have been busy working hard to bring you relevant emerging technology information. So, come to the website and read the news, join a committee, and attend an event to get the most out of what we are providing. In addition, please reach out to me directly with any questions or join me and AGMA on Twitter (@MaryEllenAGMA and @agma) and LinkedIn (@Mary Ellen and @American Gear Manufacturers Association). We would love to have your perspective on this exciting development.
Upcoming Courses
Gearbox System Design
April 23-25, 2019 | Charlotte, North Carolina
This course focuses the supporting elements of a gearbox that allow gears and bearings to do their jobs most efficiently. Learn about seals, lubrication, lubricants, housings, breathers, and other details that go into designing gearbox systems.
Steels for Gear Application
May 20-22, 2019 | Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
Gain a basic understanding of steel and its properties. Learn to make use of steel properties in an application and understand the potential that different steel and heat-treatment options can offer. Explore how performance of the material depends on how the steel is produced.
Gear Failure Analysis
June 12-14, 2019 | St. Louis, Missouri
Explore gear-failure analysis in this hands-on seminar where students not only see slides of failed gears but can hold and examine those same field samples close up. Experience the use of a microscope and take your own contact pattern from field samples.
Online Education
Don’t have the ability to come to one of AGMA’s fantastic face-to-face courses? We understand that you are busy, and that is why we offer online education to meet your schedule. Now you can grow your gear knowledge, get the same quality AGMA education, and save money on travel by learning directly at your own computer.
AGMA’s online education courses include:
- Gear Failure Analysis.
- Gearbox CSI: Gears Only.
- Detailed Gear Design–Beyond Simple Service Factors.
- Fundamentals of Gearing.
- Hobbing.
- Parallel Gear Inspection.
Join AGMA and IHS Markit for the U.S. Economic and Gear Industry Outlook
May 14, 2019 | 2-3:30 p.m.
Financial markets enter the new year facing increased volatility, but will that slow growth? Economic data has been mostly good, especially jobs numbers. A slowdown does not imply that a recession is on the horizon. Hear the latest economic data affecting the gearing industry.
AGMA’s economists from IHS Economics will review current market conditions and present their outlook for the general economy, key sectors, mechanical power transmission, and the user markets for your products.
The AGMA 2019 Strategic Resources Network
The AGMA Strategic Resources Network (SRN) is a group that brings together AGMA members at all stages in their gear industry careers. The goal of the SRN is to provide a dynamic, educational, and collaborative forum to help participants grow, both within the industry and the association.
The 2019 SRN event is packed with expert presentations, panel discussions, and tours at the following:
- MxD (formerly DMDII).
- IMS Global Gear & Machining.
- Precision Arrow Gear Group.
- Argonne National Laboratory.
- Become an exhibitor at the MPT Expo and see your ROI in three days.
“The cost of a face-to-face contact with a prospect at an exposition is $142. The cost of a face-to-face sales call at a prospect’s office is $259.” (CEIR) What are you waiting for? Let AGMA save you time and money; sign up to exhibit at Motion + Power Technology Expo and see the benefits to having the entire spectrum of the power transmission industry under one roof. We bring the customer directly to you!
Call for more information
- Motion + Power Technology Expo Exhibit Sales
- Christine von Steiger
- 703-706-8252
- Fax: 703-706-8234
- E-mail: AGMASales@ntpshow.com
