Many already know that AGMA is an association of companies, consultants, and academicians with a direct interest in all things gears, couplings, and power transmission components. Some are equally aware that AGMA hosts an exceptional Gear Expo every two years, holds an annual Fall Technical Meeting showcasing work of some of the industry’s best gear experts, and is growing the AGMA Foundation every year to provide more student scholarships and encourage young engineers to pursue their dreams. What you might not already know is that AGMA has 23 active technical committees that are always looking for new individuals with a broad range of experience and expertise to contribute to the development of AGMA Standards.
The future of the gear industry is only as strong as the members that get involved to grow and improve it. From aerospace to cutting tools and mill gearing to wind turbines, there is a technical committee for everyone in the gear business. By volunteering to be part of a technical committee, your company taps into a vast network of knowledge. Committee membership connects you to more than 200 other active AGMA member companies that are developing standards for the industry.
“The non-technical benefits to the committees are the relationships you build. You have a chance to get involved with experts who are available and happy to talk with you,” said Allen Willison, president of A&J Engineering and chairman of the AGMA Computer Programming Committee. “Sometimes, you have competitors in the group, but, when coming up with a program or understanding a standard, it is all about the effort versus anything happening in the marketplace. Building those relationships and learning from each other is one of the best benefits that I see from being on the AGMA committees.”
Joining a technical committee is a unique way to develop a network of peers to achieve better insights into the work you perform and the markets you serve every day. In addition, anyone who joins has the opportunity to learn from the experts and will be able to study various technical subjects that relate to gear design, manufacture, and operation, which are important to career development and your company’s future. The best part? No experience is needed. All types of gear-related employees are welcome to join. No one should feel intimidated, because all new committee members start off as an observer; over time, they will gain the confidence to participate more freely and bring some unique ideas to the table, and then in turn, back to your company. Due to the vast locations of members, most meetings are held via web conferencing, which makes the time commitment more efficient for busy schedules.
“Companies that support AGMA technical committees will receive an employee that has been exposed to very specific technical information for both well proven concepts as well as information on the cutting edge of gear and gear unit design, manufacture, and failure,” said Todd Praneis, director of Product Development at Cotta Transmission Co. and chairman of the AGMA Technical Division Executive Committee. “Their employee will gain industry contacts that may help find the right resource to help solve a problem or improve a product or process. Young engineers may believe that the information in a standard is ‘handed down from On High,’ but by being involved in a committee, one will learn the origin and gain a deeper knowledge of the subject material.”
You could make an impact both in the United States and around the world. Many of our technical committees also act as a technical advisory group (TAG) to their ISO counterpart working groups (WG) for the development of ISO standards. This type of international relationship building is very beneficial for each company that wants to grow with the industry.
“We highly encourage all of our members to be a part of the technical committees, not only for the benefit of their own company and employees, but also for the benefit of the industry itself,” said Amir Aboutaleb, Technical Division vice president of AGMA. “We know there is a need for younger engineers to take over the responsibilities and direction of the standards through these committees, and what better way to get started now when our experienced members can pass on their knowledge?”
To find out more about AGMA technical committees, visit the technical committees page under the Standards tab on agma.org, or email tech@agma.org.
Gear Expo Networking Events
Gear Expo 2017
Gear Expo and ASM Heat Treating Society Networking Reception
Tuesday, October 24 | 5 – 6 p.m.
The first day of Gear Expo is always exciting and busy. AGMA and ASM Heat Treating Society want to welcome all those who have worked so hard to exhibit and attend Gear Expo 2017. All are encouraged to meet in the exhibit hall for a beverage and a chance to mingle. This will be a great way to connect with new peers and discuss the upcoming events for the following days. This event is free for all Gear Expo and education program attendees.
Taste of Columbus Reception
Wednesday, October 25 | 7 – 9:30 p.m.
Columbus’ North Market
(short walk from Convention Center)
Sign up for the event when you register for Gear Expo.
$75 for members
$95 for non-members
AGMA and ASM will co-host an exciting new joint networking event at Ohio’s North Market. The evening has been set up for Gear Expo exhibitors and attendees to bring guests and potential business leads to enjoy the food and entertainment Columbus has to offer while continuing the industry conversations outside of the EXPO.
There will be more than a dozen vendors lined up to serve people as they stroll through the 100-year-old historic market. Some participating food artisans include: The Fish Guys, Little Eater, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, and A Taste of Belgium. In addition to the magnificent food, Watershed Distillery and Middle West Spirits will have bourbon tastings and fresh-rolled cigars at the cigar-rolling station. The food and spirits will be topped off with entertainment provided by Lieutenant Dan’s New Legs, a popular band from Columbus that will be sure to have the crowd on their feet.
Industry Tour
When you register for Gear Expo 2017, you can sign up for a free guided tour around the show floor that will give you a personal introduction to 10 of the exhibiting companies. You will have one-on-one conversations that will provide information on the latest technologies from some of the top companies in the industry.
The tours are one hour on Tuesday and Wednesday. This new service is the best way to meet the experts from AGMA’s Gear Expo 2017 and ASM’s Heat Treat 2017 and enhance your show experience.
For more information about Gear Expo’s networking events, please visit: www.gearexpo.com/networking-opportunities
Gear Expo Solutions Center — Keynote Speakers
Free education sessions will be available in the Solutions Center on the show floor. Come listen to the latest innovations coming out of the drive technology industry. These sessions can help you solve your manufacturing predicaments and can provide you with an ROI that will more than pay for your trip. The complete list of presenters is available on the Gear Expo website (www.gearexpo.com) or download the free Gear Expo app through the Apple or Android stores.
Each day there will be a special keynote presentation from 1 – 2 p.m
Paul Boris, COO of Vuzix
Boris is an expert in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and how manufacturers now have the ability, even with minor investment, to have IIoT projects in their factories that can provide actionable results. He will discuss IIoT in his presentation: The Industrial IoT is Here — and Manufacturers at ALL Levels Can Implement and Find ROI Quickly. Boris first spoke to the AGMA audience during an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) panel at this year’s Annual Meeting. Due to the popularity of his presentation, AGMA recognized the companies at Gear Expo would appreciate the innovative energy Boris has and would benefit from the direct impact of his knowledge.
Mark Johnson, Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Office at the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Dr. Johnson, director of the Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), is focused on creating a fertile innovation environment for advanced manufacturing and enabling vigorous development in the United States of new energy-efficient manufacturing processes and materials technologies. Johnson will address the needs for the industry of the future and discuss key enabling technologies that will help achieve these goals. He will highlight ways in which the Department of Energy and the AMO are helping support innovation in the field of advanced manufacturing while continuing stewardship for energy efficient manufacturing processes and materials technologies.
Jay Rogers, CEO and Co-Founder of Local Motors
John “Jay” Rogers is the CEO and co-founder of Local Motors, a technology company that uses a co-creating community to design, develop, and build Olli, the world’s first self-driving cognitive vehicle. Local Motors is redefining the development of connected hardware by pairing micro-manufacturing with the open-source technology community. It is the first company to use direct digital manufacturing (DDM), debuting the world’s first 3D-printed car, the Strati, in September 2014. This type of innovation works well with Gear Expo’s drive technology focus and AGMA’s strategy of bringing emerging technology to the gear industry. In addition, the Gear Expo attendees represent a variety of industries including industrial applications and automotive. They come from around the United States, international manufacturing hubs, and emerging markets to conduct profitable business transactions and learn about the innovations to streamline their operations. Rogers will be able to appeal to many of the attendees on different levels.
For more information about the Gear Expo Keynote Speakers, please visit: www.gearexpo.com/keynote-speakers
Fall Technical Meeting
October 22-24
AGMA’s Fall Technical Meeting is a three-day conference that covers the gear industry’s latest research and technical developments. Presentation topics include design, analysis, manufacturing and application of gears, gear drives, and related products, as well as associated processes and procedures.
Papers will be presented in these sessions:
- Session I — Efficiency, Lubrication, Noise and Vibration
- Session II — Manufacturing, Inspection and Quality Control
- Session III — Application, Design and Rating
- Session IV — Materials and Heat Treat
- Session V — Gear Wear and Failure
For complete information, visit: www.agma.org/events/2017-fall-technical-meeting
Gear Expo Education Classes
October 24–26
Registration now open for the following classes:
- Basics of Gearing
- October 24, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Why Bearings are Damaged
- October 24, 1 – 4 p.m.
- Taming Tooth Deflections: The Case for Profile Modifications
- October 24, 8 a.m. – noon.
- Reverse Gear System Engineering October 25, 1 – 5 p.m.
- High Profile Contact Ratio Gearing October 25, 8 a.m. – noon.
- Gearbox Field Inspection
- October 25, 8 a.m. – noon.
- How to Read and Interpret a Gear Inspection Report
- October 26, 8 a.m. – noon.
- Materials Selection & Heat Treatment of Gears
- October 26, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For complete information, visit: www.gearexpo.com/education
