Emerging technology work at AGMA has a focused purpose: to provide information that is gear-centric on new technologies that may affect this industry in the future. AGMA has four committees that meet regularly on the topics of 3D Printing, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Electric Vehicle Technology, and Robotics & Automation. Outputs for these committees vary but include white papers, surveys, in-person events, speakers, and our signature monthly webinar series. These committees have grown to include more than 100 direct committee participants, and we encourage you to interact with these committees as you are able, either by direct committee participation or by checking out some of the work.
Our 3D Printing Committee has followed the development of metal printing over the last five years with interest. We have watched it move from a new technology to one that has been embraced across several sectors in manufacturing. We see our industry finding use through prototyping, molds, tools, fixtures, and more. This year, we were able to go back to tour the Rapid show floor. We are grateful to Desktop Metal who, not only provided a great speaker for the AGMA SRN event, but also, with the help of its customer, Azoth, provided in-depth discussions with the committee. DM3D’s president & COO, Dr. Bhaskar Dutta, headlined our August webinar, which is still available for free viewing on the AGMA website. In 2023, we are looking forward to again leading our third tour for gear manufacturers at Rapid+TCT, May 3 in Chicago, Illinois. Registration will be available in late January. In addition, the committee will continue to investigate materials development and is looking at 3D applications in the machine tool sector. Watch for some interesting webinar topics later in the year.
Robot and automation application companies have been able to take advantage of computer advancements to bring their solutions to the rest of manufacturing in a more affordable way. The AGMA committee sees the need for solutions specific to the low-volume, high-mix environment found in small- and mid-sized gear manufacturers. We work to engage with those building new solutions for these spaces. In October’s webinar, Charles G. Gales, manager of Automation for Weldon, discussed using simulation software to optimize integration projects. In 2023, we will come out of the gate with another relevant webinar from #HowToRobot, an online solution that works to partner manufacturers with the right integrators. The AGMA Robotics & Automation Committee also understands this exploding market is rife with possibilities for gear manufacturers to get new business. One of our committee members, Dr. Pablo Lopez Garcia, presented a paper at the AGMA FTM on his work with next-generation robotics. We will be working to provide more information in this area in 2023.
The IIoT Committee sees cybersecurity as one of the biggest threats to manufacturing. We work to bring speakers to our events that provide more insights to help our members in this area and in the related CMMC 2.0 (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) compliance for those in the DoD supply chain. We also continue to bring new IIoT solutions to AGMA members. Webinars in 2022 included Nikola Labs (March) a new predictive-maintenance solution for large gearboxes — measuring machine health through vibration analysis. May’s webinar hosted Akshat Thirani, CEO of Amper, a solution specifically developed for the small- to medium-sized manufacturer. And we just hosted Russ Waddell, community lead at Tulip, in December. A lot continues to happen in this space, and the committee works to bring relevant information to the wider AGMA community.
Electric vehicles are fundamentally changing the automotive supply chain. The AGMA emerging technology committee focused on this topic is watching this space from a variety of angles. If you have not read the 2021 paper produced by the committee, it is still worth a read. In 2023, the committee will work to update this paper through a series of targeted, topical, online meetings. More information will be available on the AGMA website. Our webinars in 2022 in this space dealt with interesting topics including Jim English, president of Tool-X, discussing developments in nanotechnology and how some of these lubricants are being used by the gear industry. And in June, we talked advanced machine tool technology with Gleason. Again, all our webinars are free to view on the AGMA website.
Suffice it to say we are staying busy in emerging tech. But we are not stopping. This year, watch for some possible new areas to explore for gear manufacturers. Aerospace, including space technology and developments with eVTOLs, provides some interesting things to watch and discuss. Advanced technology for AMRs and AVGs in the robotics sector is of interest as are the different vehicles being tested in the electric vehicle space. We hope to continue to deliver quality information for you and your companies. Please take advantage of this AGMA benefit.
Upcoming Training Opportunities
Analytical Gear Chart Interpretation
January 19, 2023 | Virtual Course
This course is an introduction to the methodology of analytical gear inspection and the evaluation and interpretation of the resulting data. The application of this information to identify and correct manufacturing errors will begin to be explored. Additionally, it reviews chart interpretation and applies inspection data to understand the causes and cures of manufacturing errors. Many chart examples are used to understand cause and effect.
Involute Spline Design & Rating
January 24-25, 2023 | Virtual Course
This course will address both geometry and rating of involute splines of various types. The types of spline joints and their applications will be discussed. Spline configuration variations, including half depth, full depth, and special function designs, will be addressed. Both fixed and flexible spline configurations will be examined in terms of usage and design. Lubrication methods, including grease, oil bath, and flowing oil, as well as coatings appropriate for various spline applications, are examined. Shear and compressive stress rating methods are discussed with analyses methodology presented in both equation and graphical methodology via various rating charts.
Bevel Gear Systems Design
February 7-9, 14-16, 2023 | Virtual Course
Learn how to design and apply bevel gears systems from the initial concept through manufacturing and quality control and on to assembly, installation, and maintenance. Engage in a practical hands-on guide to the bevel-gear design, manufacture, quality control, assembly, installation rating, lubrication, and, most especially, application.
Gearbox CSI: Forensic Analysis of Gear & Bearing Failures – Useful Tools for Optimizing Gear Design
February 28-March 2, 2023 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A good understanding of individual failure modes and the failure scenarios that led to the actual system failure is an essential skill to designing gear/bearing systems that will operate properly for their full design life. In this course, we will define and explain the nature of many gear and bearing failures and we will also discuss and describe various actual failure scenarios. In addition, a detailed primer on bearing technology prefaces the failure scenario discussions. You will gain a better understanding of various types of gears and bearings. Learn about the limitation and capabilities of rolling element bearings and the gears they support. Grasp an understanding of how to properly apply the best gear-bearing combination to any gearbox from simple to complex.
2023 AGMA/ABMA Annual Meeting
The 2023 AGMA/ABMA Annual Meeting will be at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, near Orlando. Join your peers for a three-day event that will allow you to get out of the office, gain a fresh perspective, and hear from subject matter experts while networking at one of Disney’s luxurious resorts. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to connect with other top-level executives and share your perspective on how to drive the industry forward.
More info: www.agma.org/events/agma-abma-annual-meeting
Join an AGMA Technical Committee
Shape the gear standards of tomorrow, today. Join more than 300 of your gear industry colleagues by volunteering on at least one of AGMA’s 23 technical committees. The expert knowledge in AGMA’s current catalog of more than 100 documents boosts American and worldwide business. AGMA technical committees are also your vehicle to participate in development of more than 50 ISO gear standards, as many AGMA committees have a secondary function as technical advisory groups to ISO.
To join a committee, you need to be a member of AGMA and email us your interest at tech@agma.org.
Calendar of Events
January 17 — Gear Accuracy Committee — WebEx
January 18 — Bevel Gearing Committee — WebEx
January 19 — Nomenclature Committee — WebEx
January 19 — Analytical Gear Chart Interpretation — Winter Online Virtual Course
January 24-25 — Involute Spline Design & Rating — Online Virtual Course
January 26 — Helical Enclosed Drives High Speed Units Committee — WebEx
February 2 — Flexible Couplings Committee — WebEx
February 7-9 — Bevel Gear Systems Design — Part 1 Online Virtual Course
February 14-16 — Bevel Gear Systems Design — Part 2 Online Virtual Course
February 16 — Aerospace Gearing Committee — WebEx
February 21 — Bevel Gearing Committee — WebEx
February 21-22 — Enclosed Drives for Industrial Applications Committee — Chicago, Illinois
February 28 — Wormgearing Committee — WebEx
February 28-March 2 — Gearbox CSI — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 2 — Gear Accuracy Committee — WebEx
March 7 — Loaded Tooth Contact Analysis — Online Virtual Course
March 9 — Metallurgy and Materials Committee — WebEx
