Motion + Power Manufacturers Alliance™

Analytical Gear Chart Interpretation
2026-06-23 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Course Description

Format: Live Online Virtual Training

Date: June 23, 2026

Tuesday, June 23 – 10:00-2:00pm CT

Analytical Gear Chart Interpretation

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.

This course is online. A webcam on your computer equipped with a microphone and speakers/headset are required for participation. Space is limited to 20-25 participants per course. Course materials will be mailed in hard copy. Please make sure to indicate your preferred mailing address in the registration process.

You will earn 4 clock hours upon completion of the course and they will be listed on your certificate of completion.

Register now

Course outline (PDF)

Registration Rates

Early Bird Registrant – $350(Deadline until 4/9/26)

Regular Registrant – $375(Deadline: 4/10/26 – 5/26/26)

Late Registrant – $390(Deadline: 5/27/26 – 6/9/26)

NON-MEMBER RATE

Early Bird Registrant – $450(Deadline until 4/9/26)

Regular Registrant – $475(Deadline: 4/10/26 – 5/26/26)

Late Registrant – $490(Deadline: 5/27/26 – 6/9/26)

Learning Objectives

Identify major gear characteristics measured and methods used

Evaluate pitch, profile and helix (Use AGMA ANSI ISO analysis methods)

Compare/contrast 2008-A88 with the current standard AGMA ANSI ISO 1328-1-B14

Understanding errors from various gear manufacturing processes:

Hobbing

Shaping

Shaving

Grinding

Understanding the relationship between inspection charts and manufacturing kinematics

Using inspection chart information to determine the root causes of errors

Who Should Attend

People relatively new to gear manufacturing/inspection; Quality control people as well as manufacturing people will benefit from better understanding how gears are measured and evaluated; Others from quoting, processing and sales also can gain knowledge of inspection reports beyond the “wiggly lines”.

Instructors

Dwight Smith

Dwight Smith, Vice President with Nidec Machine Tool America, has a wide range of experience in gear manufacturing, workholding, metrology, analysis, and project management. He has been developing and presenting Gear Basic training sessions globally since 1989. Smith serves as chairman of the AGMA Nomenclature Committee and is an instructor for the Basic Gear School for MPMA.

Photo Release

From time to time MPMA uses photographs, survey answers and testimonial of MPMA events in its promotional materials. Unless this permission is revoked in writing to the MPMA, by virtue of your attendance all attendees agree to the use of their likeness in such materials.

Cancellation and Payment Policy

Please view our cancellation policy.

Please view our late registration policy.

Please view our code of conduct.

Gear Failure Analysis
2026-06-09 08:00 - 2026-06-11 17:00
Course Description

Format: In-person Course

Where: Detroit, MI – LIFT

Date: June 9-11, 2026

Tuesday, June 9 – 8:00am-5:00pm ET

Wednesday, June 10 – 8:00am-5:00pm ET

Thursday, June 11 – 8:00am-3:00pm ET

Gear Failure Analysis

Explore gear failure analysis in this hands-on seminar where students not only see slides of failed gears but can hold and examine over 130 specimens with the same failure modes covered in the seminar. Approximately half of the course time consists of students in groups identifying failure modes on failed gears and working on a case study. Microscopes are available to examine failed specimens.

You will earn 24 clock hours upon completion of the course and they will be listed on your certificate of completion.

LIFT Disclaimer

Please note that this class will be held at the LIFT Facility in Detroit, Michigan, therefore we are subject to specific access and security regulations. As a result, attendance is limited to citizens of approved countries as determined by LIFT’s security policies. The approved country list as of November 2025 is as follows: Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, and Australia.

Individuals who are citizens of countries not included on the facility’s approved list will unfortunately not be permitted to attend this session. Participants will be required to provide citizenship information during registration to confirm eligibility for entry. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with these requirements, which are in place to ensure compliance with facility and government regulations.

Learning Objectives

Identify the primary and secondary failure modes

Use the proper nomenclature to describe the morphology of gear failure

Understand common tools and methods used in gear failure analysis

Diagnose the root causes of failure

Prescribe remedies to prevent repeat failures

Use the GEARTECH textbook and other provided resources for ongoing study of gear failure analysis

Tailor failure analysis techniques for their specific requirements

Who Should Attend

Suitable for gear engineers, users, researchers, maintenance technicians, lubricant experts, and managers.

Register now

Course outline (PDF)

Registration Rates

Member Rates

Early Bird First Registrant – $2,150(Deadline until 3/26/26)

Regular First Registrant – $2,250(Deadline: 3/27/26 – 5/12/26)

Late First Registrant – $2,300(Deadline: 5/13/26 – 5/26/26)

Additional Registrants per Company Member receive a $200 discount per person

NON-MEMBER RATE

Early Bird First Registrant – $2,650(Deadline until 3/26/26)

Regular First Registrant – $2,750(Deadline: 3/27/26 – 5/12/26)

Late First Registrant – $2,800(Deadline: 5/13/26 – 5/26/26)

Additional Registrants per Company Non-Member receive a $200 discount per person

Location

This course is taught at LIFT at 1400 Rosa Parks Blvd, Detroit, MI 48216.

Hotel Information

Discounted room rates at the Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown are available for $199 per night. The special rate is available until May 18. Book Your Room in the MPMA block.

Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown333 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

Cutoff Date: May 18, 2026

Book Hotel Room

By booking in the MPMA room block, you receive a variety of benefits, including guaranteed accommodations, better networking opportunities with your peers, special guest status at the host hotel, and flexible cancellation terms if your plans change. MPMA advises against booking hotel rooms through third party booking sites such as Hotels.com, as there may be hidden fees, limited flexibility, and fewer rewards. MPMA does not work with a housing company and only MPMA Staff will reach out to you with details regarding the room block; any other companies that reach out to you regarding room reservations may be fraudulent and are not endorsed by MPMA. If you need assistance with your accommodations or have issues with the booking link provided by MPMA, please contact events@motionpower.org.

Instructors

TERRY KLAVES

Terry Klaves semi-retired from the Milwaukee Gear Division of Regal Beloit in 2017 after 45 years of work in the gearing industry with four different companies, positions varying from gear engineer to VP of Engineering and responsibilities including gear design, optimization, manufacturing and Quality Assurance. He has a passion for solving gearing related problems and continues to serve the gearing industry as part time consultant and trainer for AGMA, in addition, he is Chairman of the AGMA TC-60 Committee, contributing to development of ISO gearing standards. Terry graduated with a BS-Engineering in 1976 and a MS-Engineering from UW-Milwaukee in 1981 and enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for gears through formal consulting and training activities.

Lance Brown

Lance’s career started in 1992 as a mill and lathe machinist. His introduction to world of gearing began in 1997 with CGI, Inc in Carson City, Nevada. As the lead gear designer, he contributed many geared solutions to the medical (orthopedic and surgical robotics), defense, commercial/consumer, and robotics industries. He has collaborated with some of the world’s brightest minds and most talented engineers and designers to bring powerful solutions to life through advanced gear-train, and assembly design. Lance sat on several of AGMA’s (MPMA) technical committees and was a member of the Technical Division Executive Committee (TDEC). Lance’s role with MPMA as Senior Technical Instructor began on October 1st, 2025.

Photo Release

From time to time MPMA uses photographs, survey answers and testimonial of MPMA events in its promotional materials. Unless this permission is revoked in writing to the MPMA, by virtue of your attendance all attendees agree to the use of their likeness in such materials.

Cancellation and Payment Policy

Please view our cancellation policy.

Please view our late registration policy.

Please view our code of conduct.

2026 Strategic Networking & Leadership Forum
2026-06-02 14:00 - 2026-06-04 12:00 | Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown, 110 W Washington St., Indianapolis, IN, 46204, United States
The MPMA SNL Forum is a group that brings together MPMA members from across the gear industry. The goal of the SNL Forum is to provide a dynamic, educational, and collaborative event to help participants grow, both within the industry and the association. The SNL Forum offers robust, peer-focused networking opportunities to mid-level managers and next-generation executives in the gear industry, giving attendees new tools to utilize in a rapidly changing industry and economy. The event features educational opportunities in business training, thorough exposure to both leadership and technology resources, and hands-on learning with workshops and industry tours.

Hotel Information

Fundamentals of Parallel Axis Gearing
2026-06-02 08:00 - 2026-06-04 17:00
Course Description

Format: In-person Course

Where: Clearwater Beach, FL

Date: June 2-4, 2026

Tuesday, June 2 – 8:00am-5:00pm ET

Wednesday, June 3 – 8:00am-5:00pm ET

Thursday, June 4 – 8:00am-5:00pm ET

Fundamentals of Parallel Axis Gearing

Gain a solid and fundamental understanding of gear geometry, types and arrangements, and basic design principles. Starting with the basic definitions of gears, conjugate motion, and the Laws of Gearing, learn the tools needed to understand the inter-relation and coordinated motion operating within gear pairs and multi-gear trains. Basic gear system design process, gear measurement and inspection techniques will also be explained.

In addition, the fundamentals of understanding the stepwise process of working through the iterative design process required to generate a gear pair will be reviewed. Learn the steps and issues involved in design refinement and some manufacturing considerations.

An explanation of basic gear measurement techniques, how measurement equipment and test machines implement these techniques, and how to interpret the results from these basic measurements will also be covered. Finally, a brief overview of in-service failure modes and causes.

You will earn 24 clock hours upon completion of the course and they will be listed on your certificate of completion.

Learning Objectives

Develop a full appreciation for the meaning and correct use of gear nomenclature

Describe conjugacy and its relationship to transmission error

Appreciate and correctly select the basic geartrain arrangements as a function of application

Be able to describe and discuss the external factors that effect a gear pair and / or a geartrain

Describe how the applied torque manifests itself as a force on the surface of the tooth and further how this develops into stress within the body of the tooth

Be able to describe and discuss the various common manufacturing techniques for gears

Describe the measurement and inspection techniques used to qualify a gear

Develop a high-level of appreciation for various gear failure modes and causes

Who Should Attend

This course will appeal to anyone who is interested in gears, gear systems, design development or measurement and inspection techniques. More specifically, anyone responsible for the following will benefit; Mechanical power transmission system design, development, durability assessment and application; Application and development of geared systems technologies; Management of transmission designers and manufacturers; and supply of components and sub-systems to mechanical power transmission system manufacturers.

Register now

Course outline (PDF)

Registration Rates

Member Rates

Early Bird First Registrant – $2,150(Deadline until 3/19/26)

Regular First Registrant – $2,250(Deadline: 3/20/26 – 5/5/26)

Late First Registrant – $2,300(Deadline: 5/6/26 – 5/19/26)

Additional Registrants per Company Member receive a $200 discount per person

NON-MEMBER RATE

Early Bird First Registrant – $2,650(Deadline until 3/19/26)

Regular First Registrant – $2,750(Deadline: 3/20/26 – 5/5/26)

Late First Registrant – $2,800(Deadline: 5/6/26 – 5/19/26)

Additional Registrants per Company Non-Member receive a $200 discount per person

Location

Hotel Information

Sheraton Sand Key Resort1160 Gulf BlvdClearwater Beach, FL 33767

You can book your room at the discounted rate of $229 per night. The hotel cut-off date is May 11, 2026.

Hotel Information

By booking in the MPMA room block, you receive a variety of benefits, including guaranteed accommodations, better networking opportunities with your peers, special guest status at the host hotel, and flexible cancellation terms if your plans change. MPMA advises against booking hotel rooms through third party booking sites such as Hotels.com, as there may be hidden fees, limited flexibility, and fewer rewards. MPMA does not work with a housing company and only MPMA Staff will reach out to you with details regarding the room block; any other companies that reach out to you regarding room reservations may be fraudulent and are not endorsed by MPMA. If you need assistance with your accommodations or have issues with the booking link provided by MPMA, please contact events@motionpower.org.

Instructors

William “Mark” McVea, PhD, P.E.

Dr. William Mark McVea, P.E., is currently President and Principal Engineer of KBE+, Inc. where he and his team design and develop complete powertrains for automotive and off-highway vehicles. His experience includes positions within the mechanical drive and powertrain industry. Chief Technology Officer for an industry leader in the design and development of patented powertrain engineering technology used primarily in the automotive industry; Professor of Vehicle Dynamics and Powertrain Sciences in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the Rochester Institute of Technology; adjunct professor at Purdue University in their Automotive Sciences Department; and was manager of the CAE group within a tier-one powertrain supplier to global automotive markets, a consulting engineer in vehicle dynamics, and a project manager of traction systems for off-highway vehicles as well. In addition, he has extensive publication on transmission systems, automated design assistant systems, knowledge systems and knowledge-based engineering in general. He also holds or is listed as co-inventor on numerous patents related to mechanical power transmissions. Mark holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology, a PhD in Design Engineering from Purdue University and is a licensed Professional Engineer.

Photo Release

From time to time MPMA uses photographs, survey answers and testimonial of MPMA events in its promotional materials. Unless this permission is revoked in writing to the MPMA, by virtue of your attendance all attendees agree to the use of their likeness in such materials.

Cancellation and Payment Policy

Please view our cancellation policy.

Please view our late registration policy.

Please view our code of conduct.

EV Automotive Transmission System Design
2026-05-19 08:00 - 2026-05-21 17:00
Course Description

Format: In-person Course

Where: Schaumburg, IL

Date: May 19-21, 2026

Tuesday, May 19 – 8:00am-5:00pm CT

Wednesday, May 20 – 8:00am-5:00pm CT

Thursday, May 21 – 8:00am-5:00pm CT

EV Automotive Transmission System Design

This course will cover all aspects of gearbox concept, development, design, and through the initial stages of analysis as related to product requirements. We will review all the most common EV transaxle architectures, power flow and layout and the ‘whys’ of packaging as such. Independent of the architecture and / or layout, there are many similarities in the functional and operational requirements of an EV transaxle gearbox. We will work through all of those and develop a workable set of requirements that will then be used as the design basis. From a high-level point of view the ‘Big’ difference between transaxles for EVs (Electric Vehicles) and transmissions designed for more traditional Manual Transmissions (MTs) and / or Automatic Transmissions (ATs) is the lack of the ‘noisy’ internal combustion engine or ICE motor. An internal combustion engine driving into a typical gearbox provides a great deal of NVH masking. Thus, we obviously need to design quieter gearboxes to reduce the potential of observed gearbox NVH, now potentially unmasked by the lack of the ICE signature and magnitude. However, and moreover, the signature from an ICE is much different than from the electric motor. The new input signature, frequency, and magnitude, cause a shift to higher frequencies and generally lower magnitudes of vibrational energies. That in turn becomes a more significant consideration in terms of gear design and application. We will discuss this and more throughout the course.

You will earn 24 clock hours upon completion of the course and they will be listed on your certificate of completion.

Learning Objectives

A brief and initial overview of common gear design techniques and best practices,

Understand the design challenges and constraints an electric motor presents to gear development,

Extend our understanding of beneficial effects and uses of gear microgeometry to the new EV application,

Incorporate design and application considerations of bearings, shafts, and seals to development and integration of EV transaxles,

Appreciate the new, more expansive requirements for the lubricant and coolant,

Discuss added application requirements and their effect on design and development,

Summarize design and development requirements as a function of the additional constraints presented by the EV driveline.

Register now

Course outline (PDF)

Registration Rates

Member Rates

Early Bird First Registrant – $2,150(Deadline until 3/5/26)

Regular First Registrant – $2,250(Deadline: 3/6/26 – 4/21/26)

Late First Registrant – $2,300(Deadline: 4/22/26 – 5/5/26)

Additional Registrants per Company Member receive a $200 discount per person

NON-MEMBER RATE

Early Bird First Registrant – $2,650(Deadline until 3/5/26)

Regular First Registrant – $2,750(Deadline: 3/6/26 – 4/21/26)

Late First Registrant – $2,800(Deadline: 4/22/26 – 5/5/26)

Additional Registrants per Company Non-Member receive a $200 discount per person

Hotel Information

Chicago Marriott Schaumburg50 N Martingale Rd.Schaumburg, IL 60173

You can book your room at the discounted rate of $149 per night. The hotel cut-off date is April 17, 2026.

Who Should Attend

This course will appeal to all involved in gear design, application, and analysis. Individuals more focused on actual EV gearbox design should gain value from the unique perspective brought to gear design specific to EV transaxles. We will discuss the specific and nuanced design details and development considerations related to the needs of an EV transaxle.

Hotel Information

By booking in the MPMA room block, you receive a variety of benefits, including guaranteed accommodations, better networking opportunities with your peers, special guest status at the host hotel, and flexible cancellation terms if your plans change. MPMA advises against booking hotel rooms through third party booking sites such as Hotels.com, as there may be hidden fees, limited flexibility, and fewer rewards. MPMA does not work with a housing company and only MPMA Staff will reach out to you with details regarding the room block; any other companies that reach out to you regarding room reservations may be fraudulent and are not endorsed by MPMA. If you need assistance with your accommodations or have issues with the booking link provided by MPMA, please contact events@motionpower.org.

Instructors

William “Mark” McVea, PhD, P.E.

Dr. William Mark McVea, P.E., is currently President and Principal Engineer of KBE+, Inc. where he and his team design and develop complete powertrains for automotive and off-highway vehicles. His experience includes positions within the mechanical drive and powertrain industry. Chief Technology Officer for an industry leader in the design and development of patented powertrain engineering technology used primarily in the automotive industry; Professor of Vehicle Dynamics and Powertrain Sciences in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the Rochester Institute of Technology; adjunct professor at Purdue University in their Automotive Sciences Department; and was manager of the CAE group within a tier-one powertrain supplier to global automotive markets, a consulting engineer in vehicle dynamics, and a project manager of traction systems for off-highway vehicles as well. In addition, he has extensive publication on transmission systems, automated design assistant systems, knowledge systems and knowledge-based engineering in general. He also holds or is listed as co-inventor on numerous patents related to mechanical power transmissions. Mark holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology, a PhD in Design Engineering from Purdue University and is a licensed Professional Engineer.

Photo Release

From time to time MPMA uses photographs, survey answers and testimonial of MPMA events in its promotional materials. Unless this permission is revoked in writing to the MPMA, by virtue of your attendance all attendees agree to the use of their likeness in such materials.

Cancellation and Payment Policy

Please view our cancellation policy.

Please view our late registration policy.

Please view our code of conduct.

Advanced Concepts of Bearing Technology
2026-05-18 08:00 - 2026-05-21 17:00
Course Description

Format: In-person Course

Where: Schaumburg, IL

Date: May 18-21, 2026

Monday, May 18 – 8:00am-5:00pm CT

Tuesday, May 19 – 8:00am-5:00pm CT

Wednesday, May 20 – 8:00am-5:00pm CT

Thursday, May 21 – 8:00am-5:00pm CT

Advanced Concepts of Bearing Technology

This course builds on the foundations of the Essential Course and challenges the experienced engineer in areas such as internal loading and Hertzian stresses, failure initiation criteria, friction & wear, and fatigue life calculation methods. This is an exceptional course for engineers with 2-3 years work experience in rolling element bearings or past attendees of the Essential Concepts of Bearing Technology. A general knowledge of the basic bearing types and terminology is required.

You will earn 32 clock hours upon completion of the course and they will be listed on your certificate of completion.

Learning Objectives

Understand how bearing internal designs affect rolling element loading and life.

Understand the different contact stresses and fatigue causing stress.

Understand how lubricant film thicknesses are formed and characterized.

Understand the role of surface finish and friction in the contact zones.

Understand bearing deflections, stiffness and preloading.

Understand the statistical nature of bearing failures.

Understand advanced life calculations in standards.”

Who Should Attend

This course is intended for those with several years of bearing knowledge involving the design, application, selection and use of rolling element bearings. A basic knowledge of the bearing types, tolerances, part numbers, bearing terminology and load calculations are required. A technical degree or training is suggested.

Register now

Course outline (PDF)

Registration Rates

Member Rates

Early Bird First Registrant – $2,550(Deadline until 3/4/26)

Regular First Registrant – $2,650(Deadline: 3/5/26 – 4/20/26)

Late First Registrant – $2,700(Deadline: 4/21/26 – 5/4/26)

Additional Registrants per Company Member receive a $200 discount per person

NON-MEMBER RATE

Early Bird First Registrant – $2,850(Deadline until 3/4/26)

Regular First Registrant – $2,950(Deadline: 3/5/26 – 4/20/26)

Late First Registrant – $3,000(Deadline: 4/21/26 – 5/4/26)

Additional Registrants per Company Non-Member receive a $200 discount per person

Hotel Information

Chicago Marriott Schaumburg50 N Martingale Rd.Schaumburg, IL 60173

You can book your room at the discounted rate of $149 per night. The hotel cut-off date is May 1, 2026.

Hotel Information

By booking in the MPMA room block, you receive a variety of benefits, including guaranteed accommodations, better networking opportunities with your peers, special guest status at the host hotel, and flexible cancellation terms if your plans change. MPMA advises against booking hotel rooms through third party booking sites such as Hotels.com, as there may be hidden fees, limited flexibility, and fewer rewards. MPMA does not work with a housing company and only MPMA Staff will reach out to you with details regarding the room block; any other companies that reach out to you regarding room reservations may be fraudulent and are not endorsed by MPMA. If you need assistance with your accommodations or have issues with the booking link provided by MPMA, please contact events@motionpower.org.

Instructors

Dr. Tim Ovaert

Dr. Tim Ovaert is currently a professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Notre Dame. In addition to teaching mechanical engineering design, reliability engineering, and tribology, he conducts research on materials characterization, materials for tribological applications, and manufacturing.

Tim Ovaert received his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois-Urbana and his Master of Engineering Management and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University. His industry experience includes serving as Plant Engineer at the DuraBar Division of Wells Manufacturing Company. Previously.He has served as a technical consultant to more than twenty-five medium to Fortune 100 companies. He was named a National Young Investigator by the National Science Foundation, and is the recipient of the Ralph R. Teetor Award from the Society of Automotive Engineers, and the Burt L. Newkirk Award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Ovaert has served as an associate editor for the ASME Trans., Journal of Tribology, and as the Chair of the ASME/STLE International Joint Tribology Conference. He is the author and/or co-author of over 120 technical publications, and is a Fellow of the ASME.

Dan Snyder

Dan Snyder has over 50 years experience in the bearing field. He has extensive experience with the design, application, life and performance analysis, lubrication, testing and failure analysis of rolling element bearings.

Mr. Snyder was a registered professional engineer and the author of various technical publications and industry trade publication articles. He has worked on various ISO Working Groups for rolling bearings and currently is a member of the ABMA’s Technical Adversary Groups for ISO (TAG) and ANSI (B3).. He is also a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Society of Tribology and Lubrication Engineers.

Mr. Snyder has worked for the Timken Company and SKF USA Inc. and has had his own consulting business, Bearing and Lubes Consulting, LLC, since retiring from SKF as Director of Application Engineering. He has been an instructor and consultant for ABMA courses for several years.

Lavern (Vern) D. Wedeven

Vern Wedeven is president of Wedeven Associates, Inc., Edgmont, PA a specialty, high tech, entrepreneurial company devoted to tribology research and development. He and his associates have developed specialized tribology test machines, test methodologies and analysis tools that link fundamental principles of tribology to service applications. Wedeven Associates Machine (WAM) technology provides tribology research capability for major bearing companies, military laboratories and research institutes. He is involved in major research projects and consulting that serve aerospace and other industries.

Vern Wedeven is a graduate of Calvin College (BS), University of Michigan (BSME) and Imperial College, London, Ph.D. Previous employment includes NASA Glenn Res Ctr., NASA Hdqts and SKF-America. He is the author of over seventy technical papers in the area of tribology and several chapters in reference books. He holds three patents and is the recipient of several awards from STLE, ASME and SAE.

Brian Werner

Brian Werner holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University and a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. He spent 40 years at The Timken Company. He was a Senior Specialist and the last 14 years he spent in the Product Development group. He had worked in Application Engineering, Design Engineering, and Thermal Treatment groups.

Brian was awarded 6 patents and of those, 4 are related to bearing retainers and 2 related to split bearing. He is a member of ASME as well as the Canton Joint Engineering Council. In the council, he coordinates the annual Engineer For a Day event where local high school students and engineers are paired and spend a day together.

Photo Release

From time to time MPMA uses photographs, survey answers and testimonial of MPMA events in its promotional materials. Unless this permission is revoked in writing to the MPMA, by virtue of your attendance all attendees agree to the use of their likeness in such materials.

Cancellation and Payment Policy

Please view our cancellation policy.

Please view our late registration policy.

Please view our code of conduct.

Accuracy & Nomenclature Committee
2026-05-14 10:00 - 12:00
Subject:

ISO TAG activity, project management

Location:

Virtual

AGMA 936 - Axx WG
2026-05-13 10:00 - 12:00
Subject:

PM gear rating

Location:

Virtual

A Practical Approach to Managing Gear Noise
2026-05-12 10:00 - 2026-05-13 14:00
Course Description

Format: Live Online

Date: May 12-13, 2026

Tuesday, May 12 – 10:00am-2:00pm CT

Wednesday, May 13 – 10:00am-2:00pm CT

A Practical Approach to Managing Gear Noise

A Practical Approach for Managing Gear Noise” combines theory with practical testing and simulation techniques used to manage gear noise. Topics focus on insights into the mechanisms for both whine and rattle, the two most common categories of gear “noise”. The course presents clear explanations relating subjective evaluations of audible noise to objective actions, including troubleshooting and countermeasures. Concepts are supported with a number of sound and movie files. Technical papers supporting certain concepts are cited for the students’ further study.

You will earn 8 clock hours upon completion of the course and they will be listed on your certificate of completion.

Learning Objectives

Explanation of the underlying physics of gear noise generation mechanisms for whine and rattle

Exposure to vibration and sound instrumentation and testing techniques used to characterize whine and rattle

Introductions to advanced simulation tools for understanding the underlying physics of gear whine and rattle, with insight into troubleshooting and countermeasures.

Development of a strategy for setting gearbox sound and vibration target levels

Register now

Course outline (PDF)

Registration Rates

Member Rates

Early Bird Registrant – $600(Deadline until 2/28/26)

Regular Registrant – $650(Deadline: 3/1/26 – 4/14/26)

Late Registrant – $675(Deadline: 4/15/26 – 4/28/26)

NON-MEMBER RATE

Early Bird Registrant – $700(Deadline until 2/28/26)

Regular Registrant – $750(Deadline: 4/1/26 – 4/14/26)

Late Registrant – $775(Deadline: 4/15/26 – 4/28/26)

Who Should Attend

This course is intended for those with several years of bearing knowledge involving the design, application, selection and use of rolling element bearings. A basic knowledge of the bearing types, tolerances, part numbers, bearing terminology and load calculations are required. A technical degree or training is suggested.

Instructors

Robert White

Bob White PhD, PE is a Drivetrain NVH engineer with 37 years of experience. For 31 of those years he worked at John Deere’s Product Engineering Center in drivetrain development, touching nearly every transmission and axle produced by Deere. He specialized in making dynamic measurements and is especially known for his work in mitigating gear noise. He continues to do drivetrain problem solving through his company, White Noise, LLC. Bob is a member of the AGMA Sound & Vibration committee. Contact him at RobertWhite@WhiteNoiseUSA.com.

Photo Release

From time to time MPMA uses photographs, survey answers and testimonial of MPMA events in its promotional materials. Unless this permission is revoked in writing to the MPMA, by virtue of your attendance all attendees agree to the use of their likeness in such materials.

Cancellation and Payment Policy

Please view our cancellation policy.

Please view our late registration policy.

Please view our code of conduct.

AGMA 951 - Axx WG
2026-05-12 10:00 - 12:00
Subject:

Gear surface texture measurement

Location:

Virtual

Leveraging AI Tools While Staying CMMC Compliant
2026-05-06 13:00 - 14:00
2026 ET Webinar Series

Derrich Phillips | Lead CMMC Certified Assessor & Founder, Aspire Cyber

With over 20 years of cybersecurity experience and roles at Lockheed Martin and Bank of America, Derrich Phillips is one of the defense industry’s most trusted voices on CMMC compliance. As a Lead CMMC Certified Assessor and founder of the CMMC Professionals Network, he has guided hundreds of manufacturers and defense contractors through the certification process.

In this webinar, Derrich will cover critical 2026 deadlines — including mandatory third-party assessments launching November 2026 — common compliance gaps in manufacturing environments, and how to responsibly leverage AI tools without jeopardizing your CMMC certification. Walk away with clear, actionable steps to protect your DoD contracts and stay audit-ready.

Register

Derrich Phillips, LCCA, CMMC PI, CISSP, CCSPPresident & Founder As a Lead CMMC Certified Assessor (CCA) and CMMC Provisional Instructor (PI), Derrich is on a mission to help organizations get CMMC certified fast without breaking the bank. He is dedicated to transforming complex CMMC compliance into practical, actionable, and affordable strategies for organizations.Derrich’s two decades in cybersecurity, spanning roles as a Cyber Network Defender in the U.S. Army and leadership positions at Lockheed Martin, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, and Bank of America, have forged his unique approach. He understands the real-world challenges and applies that insight to simplify CMMC.As the Founder and President of Aspire Cyber, Derrich ensures clients receive step-by-step guidance that minimizes burden and maximizes security.Derrich also established the CMMC Professionals Network (CPN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to delivering accessible, hands-on CMMC training to all, and hosts the CMMC Proof Podcast. Both initiatives are focused on providing actionable insights that make CMMC compliance more efficient and cost-effective.His goal is to give organizations the clarity and confidence to achieve CMMC certification swiftly, allowing them to focus on growth, not just compliance.

Metallurgy & Materials Committee
2026-05-06 10:00 - 12:00

AGMA 1010 - Gxx WG
2026-05-05 10:00 - 12:00
Subject:

Gear wear and failure

Location:

Virtual

Technical Division Executive Committee
2026-04-28 00:00 - 2026-04-30 23:59
Subject:

Standards management, FTM

Location:

Chicago, IL

2026 MPMA Annual Meeting
2026-04-23 13:30 - 2026-04-25 16:00 | Sunseeker Resort, 5500 Sunseeker Way, Charlotte Harbor, FL, 33980, United States
Join MPMA for this Member-exclusive event

April 23-25, 2026Sunseeker Resort5500 Sunseeker WayCharlotte Harbor, FL 33980

AGMA 9102-Dxx Working Group
2026-04-23 10:00 - 12:00
Subject:

Coupling bores and keyways

Location:

Virtual

AGMA 949-Axx Working Group
2026-04-22 10:00 - 12:00
Subject:

Gearbox repair

Location:

Virtual

AGMA 6122-Exx Working Group
2026-04-21 10:00 - 12:00
Subject:

Wormgear design

Location:

Virtual

ABMA 602-Axx
2026-04-16 14:00 - 16:00
Subject:

Bearing testing

Location:

Virtual

Wind Turbine Gear Committee
2026-04-15 12:00 - 14:00
Subject:

ISO 61400-4-1, -2, -3 status

Location:

Virtual

Lubrication Committee
2026-04-14 10:00 - 12:00
Subject:

ISO TAG activity, reaffirmations

Location:

Virtual

Aerospace Gearing Committee
2026-04-14 00:00 - 2026-04-15 23:59
Subject:

AGMA 926-Dxx gear materials

Location:

Indianapolis IN

Basic Training for Gear Manufacturing
2026-04-13 12:00 - 2026-04-17 12:00
Course Description

Format: In-person Course

Where: Chicago, IL – Daley

Date: April 13-17, 2026

Monday, April 13 – 12:00-5:00 pm CT

Tuesday, April 14 – 8:00 am-5:00 pm CT

Wednesday, April 15 – 8:00 am-5:00 pm CT

Thursday, April 16 – 8:00 am-5:00 pm CT

Friday, April 17 – 8:00 am-12:00 pm CT

Basic Training for Gear Manufacturing

Learn the fundamentals of gear manufacturing in this hands-on course. Gain an understanding of gearing and nomenclature, principles of inspection, gear manufacturing methods, and hobbing and shaping. Utilizing manual machines, develop a deeper breadth of perspective and understanding of the process and physics of making a gear as well as the ability to apply this knowledge in working with CNC equipment commonly in use.

This course is taught at the AGMA National Training Center.

You will earn 30 clock hours upon completion of the course and they will be listed on your certificate of completion.

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate understanding of the evolution, history, and function of gears.

Show and describe 14 gear tooth features.

Describe six typical gear characteristics that are measured.

Demonstrate knowledge of gauging vs. measurement.

Utilize and describe a variety of analysis methods.

Troubleshoot many of their own problems, because they fully understand the process.

Who Should Attend

Although the Basic Course is designed primarily for newer employees with at least six months’ experience in setup or machine operation, it has proved beneficial to quality control managers, sales representatives, management, and executives.

Hotel Information

Discounted room rates at the DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Midway Airport are available for $184 per night. The special rate is available until March 13. Book Your Room in the MPMA block.

DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Midway Airport6624 S. Cicero Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60638

Cutoff Date: March 13, 2026

Book Hotel Room

By booking in the MPMA room block, you receive a variety of benefits, including guaranteed accommodations, better networking opportunities with your peers, special guest status at the host hotel, and flexible cancellation terms if your plans change. MPMA advises against booking hotel rooms through third party booking sites such as Hotels.com, as there may be hidden fees, limited flexibility, and fewer rewards. MPMA does not work with a housing company and only MPMA Staff will reach out to you with details regarding the room block; any other companies that reach out to you regarding room reservations may be fraudulent and are not endorsed by MPMA. If you need assistance with your accommodations or have issues with the booking link provided by MPMA, please contact events@motionpower.org.

Register now

Course outline (PDF)

Registration Rates

Member Rates

Early Bird First Registrant – $1,995(Deadline until 1/30/26)

Regular First Registrant – $2,195(Deadline: 1/31/26 – 3/16/26)

Late First Registrant – $2,295(Deadline: 3/17/26 – 3/30/26)

Additional Registrants per Company Member receive a $200 discount per person

NON-MEMBER RATE

Early Bird First Registrant – $2,495(Deadline until 1/30/26)

Regular First Registrant – $2,695(Deadline: 1/31/26 – 3/16/26)

Late First Registrant – $2,795(Deadline: 3/17/26 – 3/30/26)

Additional Registrants per Company Non-Member receive a $200 discount per person

Location

This course is taught at the AGMA National Training Center at 7500 S. Pulaski Rd. Building 300, Chicago, IL 60652.

This is a single-story building at ground level.

Driving Directions

Instructors

Peter Grossi

Peter Grossi has been involved in gear manufacturing since 1977. He has more than 13 years of experience in gear cutting machine operations, including Large Gear hobbers, Fellows Shapers, and Gleason Straight & Spiral Bevel Gear cutting machines. Grossi also has more than 26 years of experience in gear manufacturing management, including supervision of gear cutting machine operations, gear grinding machine operations, & quality assurance. He has worked with a variety of companies in the industry, including: Brad Foote Gear Works, Arrow Gear Co. Philadelphia Gear Corp, and AGMA.

Dwight Smith

Dwight Smith, Vice President with Nidec Machine Tool America, has a wide range of experience in gear manufacturing, workholding, metrology, analysis, and project management. He has been developing and presenting Gear Basic training sessions globally since 1989. Smith serves as chairman of the AGMA Nomenclature Committee and is an instructor for the Basic Gear School for AGMA.

Robert Wasilewski

Robert Wasilewski has over forty six years experience with the Arrow Gear Company. Starting as a Manufacturing Engineer, promoted to Design Engineer, then Sr. Project Engineer and finally Engineering Manager.

His experience is in the Design and Manufacture of High Performance Bevel and Cylindrical gears and gearboxes. Applications included Aircraft Engines, Helicopters, Machine Tools, Printing Press, Robots, Medical, Vehicles and Agriculture. He has been the Chairman of the AGMA Bevel Gearing Committee since 1990.

Photo Release

From time to time MPMA uses photographs, survey answers and testimonial of MPMA events in its promotional materials. Unless this permission is revoked in writing to the MPMA, by virtue of your attendance all attendees agree to the use of their likeness in such materials.

Cancellation and Payment Policy

Please view our cancellation policy.

Please view our late registration policy.

Please view our code of conduct.

AGMA 908-Cxx Working Group
2026-04-09 10:00 - 12:00
Subject:

Gear J-factor

Location:

Virtual

AGMA 924-Axx WG (was 2104-Dxx)
2026-04-08 10:00 - 12:00
Subject:

Gear materials and heat treatment

Location:

Virtual

Sound & Vibration Committee
2026-04-07 14:00 - 16:00
Subject:

AGMA 919-2 condition monitoring, AGMA 6000 reaffirmation

Location:

Virtual

Gear Applications Committee
2026-04-02 10:00 - 12:00

Taming Tooth Deflection
2026-03-26 10:00 - 14:00
Course Description

Format: Live Online Course

Date: March 26, 2025

Thursday, March 26 – 10:00am-2:00pm CT

Taming Tooth Deflection

Tooth deflections under load can cause involute interference which leads to very high tooth surface loads in regions of high sliding and low tooth curvature radius. These conditions loads can produce scoring, spalling and wear failures. Proper profile modifications applied to both members of the mesh eliminate the deleterious effects of the deflection induced involute interference and allow the gear set to yield its maximum inherent load carrying capacity. Proper profile modifications also allow a gear set to operate with lower noise and vibration levels.

Course Rationale/Students Course Designed to Serve

When designing external or internal spur or helical gears that are subject to moderate to high loads an often neglected or inadequately addressed factor is the deflection of the teeth under load. Deflections are even more important where gear mesh noise is important. In this course we will discuss both tooth deflections and the optimum methodology for applying appropriate profile modifications to ensure that maximum load capacity combined with minimized gear mesh noise are simultaneously achieved.

Learning Objectives

Learn how teeth deflect, what involute interference really is, the potential consequences of inadequate profile modifications, and the differences between tip relief, flank relief and fully modified profiles

Calculate tooth deflections under load and, most especially, how to modify a gear set properly to completely eliminate involute interference

Examine the optimum drawing definitions for profile modifications and how to interpret involute inspection charts to determine if the drawing required profile modifications have actually been produced on the gear set

This course is online. A webcam on your computer equipped with a microphone and speakers/headset are required for participation. Space is limited to 20-25 participants per course. Course materials will be mailed in hard copy. Please make sure to indicate your preferred mailing address in the registration process.

Register Now

Course Outline (PDF)

Registration Rates

Member Rates

Early Bird Registrant – $350(Deadline until 1/12/26)

Regular Registrant – $375(Deadline: 1/13/26 – 2/26/26)

Late Registrant – $390(Deadline: 2/27/26 – 3/12/26)

NON-MEMBER RATE

Early Bird Registrant – $450(Deadline until 1/12/25)

Regular Registrant – $475(Deadline: 1/13/26 – 2/26/26)

Late Registrant – $490(Deadline: 2/27/26 – 3/12/26)

You will earn 3 clock hours upon completion of the course and they will be listed on your certificate of completion.

Who Should Attend

When designing external or internal spur or helical gears that are subject to moderate to high loads an often neglected or inadequately addressed factor is the deflection of the teeth under load. Deflections are even more important where gear mesh noise is important. In this course we will discuss both tooth deflections and the optimum methodology for applying appropriate profile modifications to ensure that maximum load capacity combined with minimized gear mesh noise are simultaneously achieved.

Instructors

Raymond J. Drago, P.E.

Raymond J. Drago is Chief Engineer of Drive Systems Technology, Inc. (DST), a mechanical power transmission consulting organization that he founded in 1976. Mr. Drago also worked for the Boeing Company – Helicopters Division until his retirement after 37 years of service. Currently Mr. Drago is involved in the analysis, design, manufacture, assembly, and testing of many gear systems. In his role with DST, Mr. Drago is active in all areas of mechanical power transmission, including the design and analysis of drive systems in a very diverse field of application from heart pumps to very large mining & mill gears. He has used his 58 years of gear technology experience to prepare and deliver more than 150 Technical Papers and 385 courses dealing with various aspects of gear design and analysis.

I started working at Boeing in 1967 and continued until my retirement in 2004. I started Drive Systems Technology in 1976 as a part time activity while still working at Boeing (with Boeing’s knowledge and approval, under strict guidelines) which eventually grew to the point where I retired early from Boeing in order to pursue DST as a full-time activity.

Photo Release

From time to time MPMA uses photographs, survey answers and testimonial of MPMA events in its promotional materials. Unless this permission is revoked in writing to the MPMA, by virtue of your attendance all attendees agree to the use of their likeness in such materials.

Cancellation and Payment Policy

Please view our cancellation policy.

Please view our late registration policy.

Please view our code of conduct.

High Profile Contact Ratio Gearing
2026-03-24 10:00 - 14:00
Course Description

Format: Live Online Course

Date: March 24, 2026

Tuesday, March 24 – 10:00am-2:00pm ET

High Profile Contact Ratio Gearing

High Profile Contact Ratio (HCR) gears, both spur and helical, have been shown to provide significant reductions in gear mesh frequency noise and vibration levels and, depending on the specific configuration, improved load capacity as well. The design of HCR gears is, however, far from a simple task and must be carefully accomplished. In addition, HCR gears are not appropriate for every circumstance.

In this seminar we will learn just what HCR gears are and under what circumstances they can be used to advantage. Similarly, we will learn when HCR gears are not appropriate and why. We will cover the detailed tooth geometry changes that are required to effectively achieve optimum performance and benefit. We will learn how the load distribution along the involute profile changes when the contact ratio increases above two.

Because of the longer, more slender teeth on a HCR gear the heat treatment and profile modifications that are required for good performance are distinctly different from those for a standard contact ratio gear. The load capacity rating of HCR gears requires the application of modified AGMA analyses as the AGMA Standards specifically do NOT address gears with profile contact ratios greater than 2.0 thus we will also cover the changes required to successfully rate HCR gears.

This course is online. A webcam on your computer equipped with a microphone and speakers/headset are required for participation. Space is limited to 20-25 participants per course. Course materials will be mailed in hard copy. Please make sure to indicate your preferred mailing address in the registration process.

Register Now

Course Outline (PDF)

Registration Rates

Member Rates

Early Bird Registrant – $350(Deadline until 1/10/26)

Regular Registrant – $375(Deadline: 1/11/26 – 2/24/26)

Late Registrant – $390(Deadline: 2/25/26 – 3/10/26)

NON-MEMBER RATE

Early Bird Registrant – $450(Deadline until 1/10/25)

Regular Registrant – $475(Deadline: 1/11/26 – 2/24/26)

Late Registrant – $490(Deadline: 2/25/26 – 3/10/26)

You will earn 3 clock hours upon completion of the course and they will be listed on your certificate of completion.

Who Should Attend

Engineers who are interested in designing gears which exhibit both increased load capacity and lower gear system noise levels.

Instructors

Raymond J. Drago, P.E.

Raymond J. Drago is Chief Engineer of Drive Systems Technology, Inc. (DST), a mechanical power transmission consulting organization that he founded in 1976. Mr. Drago also worked for the Boeing Company – Helicopters Division until his retirement after 37 years of service. Currently Mr. Drago is involved in the analysis, design, manufacture, assembly, and testing of many gear systems. In his role with DST, Mr. Drago is active in all areas of mechanical power transmission, including the design and analysis of drive systems in a very diverse field of application from heart pumps to very large mining & mill gears. He has used his 58 years of gear technology experience to prepare and deliver more than 150 Technical Papers and 385 courses dealing with various aspects of gear design and analysis.

I started working at Boeing in 1967 and continued until my retirement in 2004. I started Drive Systems Technology in 1976 as a part time activity while still working at Boeing (with Boeing’s knowledge and approval, under strict guidelines) which eventually grew to the point where I retired early from Boeing in order to pursue DST as a full-time activity.

Photo Release

From time to time MPMA uses photographs, survey answers and testimonial of MPMA events in its promotional materials. Unless this permission is revoked in writing to the MPMA, by virtue of your attendance all attendees agree to the use of their likeness in such materials.

Cancellation and Payment Policy

Please view our cancellation policy.

Please view our late registration policy.

Please view our code of conduct.

Gearbox Repair
2026-03-05 10:00 - 12:00
Committee / Working Group:

AGMA 949-Axx WG

Meeting Type:

Virtual – Link coming soon
