Shape the Standards That Drive Power Transmission Manufacturing
The Motion + Power Manufacturers Alliance (MPMA) technical committees bring together engineers, manufacturers, and technical specialists to develop the standards that guide mechanical power transmission manufacturing. Through collaboration and shared expertise, committee members address critical technical issues and advance innovation across gears, bearings, and other power transmission components.
MPMA committees and working groups hold more than 100 meetings each year, advancing active standards projects across gears, bearings, and other power transmission components. These collaborations give members the opportunity to contribute technical leadership, strengthen professional connections, and help define the future of the industry.
Technical Committees
MPMA technical committees focus on specific technical disciplines within mechanical power transmission manufacturing. These committees guide standards development, coordinate project working groups, and contribute expertise to both domestic and international standards initiatives.
Accuracy and Nomenclature Committee
Develops classification systems for gear quality, measurement, inspection, terminology, and fine-pitch/face gear design. Establishes a common industry language and serves as U.S. TAG to ISO WG 2 and WG 4.
Subtopics: Accuracy, Nomenclature, Fine Pitch
Bevel Gearing Committee
Evaluates materials, design, manufacturing, accuracy, and application of bevel and hypoid gears. Serves as U.S. TAG to ISO WG 13.
Flexible Couplings Committee
Develops standards for torque-transmitting mechanical connectors and misalignment accommodation.
Lubrication Committee
Establishes guidelines for lubrication of open and enclosed gear sets and minimum lubricant performance. Serves as U.S. TAG to ISO WG 12.
Spline Committee
Develops standards for spline design, rating, inspection, and maintenance.
Aerospace Gearing Committee
Addresses design and application requirements for gears and geared systems used in aircraft, rockets, and missiles.
Cutting Tools Committee
Standardizes tools used to produce gear teeth, including hobs and cutters.
Gear Applications Committee
Evaluates design and application of gear drives (spur, helical, bevel, planetary) across industries. Serves as U.S. TAG for ISO thermal rating (WG 6) and ISO TC 14.
Subtopics: Enclosed drives, Epicyclic, Marine, Mill Gearing, Vehicle, Electric Vehicle (EV), Gearbox Repair
Metallurgy and Materials Committee
Develops standards for gear materials, heat treatment, plastic and powder metal gearing. Serves as U.S. TAG to ISO WG 14.
Subtopics: Plastics, Powdered Metal
Wind Turbine Gear Committee
Develops standards for gears used in wind energy systems. Serves as U.S. TAG to the ISO/IEC wind energy joint working group.
Bearing Technical Committee
Develops and maintains American National Standards for bearings and supports U.S. participation in ISO TC 4. Standards cover design, manufacturing, materials, lubrication, performance, and failure.
Cylindrical Gear Rating Committee
Establishes strength and durability ratings for spur and helical gears. Serves as U.S. TAG to ISO WG 6.
High-Speed Units Committee
Develops standards for enclosed gear drives operating above 35 m/s or 4500 rpm for critical applications.
Sound and Vibration Committee
Develops specifications for sound, vibration, and condition monitoring of gear drives; liaison to ISO TC 43.
Wormgearing Committee
Develops standards for cylindrical and globoidal worm gearing, including design, rating, and inspection. Serves as U.S. TAG to ISO WG 7.
Participation at a Glance:
- Committees hold approximately 2–3 hours of meetings per month, mostly virtual.
- Occasional in-person meetings at member companies or accessible locations.
- No prior standards development experience required.
- Members gain professional development, networking, and opportunities to influence global standards.
Next Steps:
Learn more about the benefits of participation, join a technical committee, or inquire about active standards projects: