Basic Training for Gear Manufacturing

September 8 – 12, 2025

AGMA National Training Center, Chicago, IL

Course Description

Format: In-person Course

Where: Chicago, IL – Daley

Date: September 8-12, 2025

  • Monday, September 8 – 12:00-5:00pm
  • Tuesday, September 9 – 8:00am-5:00pm
  • Wednesday, September 10 – 8:00am-5:00pm
  • Thursday, September 11 – 8:00am-5:00pm
  • Friday, September 12 – 8:00am-12:00pm

Reg. Deadline: August 29, 2025

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.

How Many CEUs Will I Earn?

As an IACET-accredited provider, AGMA offers 2.7 CEUs for this class.

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. 

Are you a member of the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA)? As an ABMA member, you receive discounts on all programs that AGMA offers. Email AGMA Education at education@agma.org for a complimentary promo code to receive member pricing on this course.

Registration Rates

Member Rates

First Registrant per Member Company
Early Bird*/Standard

$1,995/
$2,195

Additional Registrant per Member Company

$1,995

NON-MEMBER RATE

First Registrant per Non-Member Company
Early Bird*/Standard

$2,495/
2,695

Additional Registrant per Non-Member Company

*Rate ends 7/28/25

$2,495


Hotel Information

Doubletree by Hilton Chicago Midway Airport
6624 S. Cicero Ave.
Chicago,ย ILย 60638

You can book your room at the discounted rate of $184 per night. The hotel cutoff date is Aug. 18, 2025.

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

Driving Directions


Instructors

Allen Bird

Allen Bird has been involved in gear manufacturing since 1964. He began his career working for Milwaukee Gear Company as a machine repair apprentice and eventually as a journeyman.  After four years as a service engineer for Barber-Colman Co., Allen worked more 28 years at American Pfauter Ltd./Gleason Works as a service engineer.  He has installed and repaired numerous gear cutting machines and related products, and has taught many people how to cut gears and solve gear related problems.

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.

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.

COVID-19 On Site Safety

AGMA is committed to the safety of all participants, instructors, and staff. Below are the guidelines that will be followed for all in-person 2022 events.

  • Wearing masks indoors when not eating or drinking is not required but recommended.
    For locations that require masks: please follow local or state guidelines.
  • Vaccination or negative COVID test within 72 hours is not required but recommended.
    Every effort is being made to allow for social distancing during the conference. Please follow guidance on site.
  • Hand sanitizer and masks will be provided on site. Frequent hand washing on site is recommended.
  • Frequent cleaning and food safety measures are in place at the venue.
  • If you experience any COVID-19 symptoms or had recent exposure to COVID-19 prior to the start of the event, please do not attend.
  • AGMA will make COVID-19 Rapid Tests available on site should you experience symptoms while the event is taking place.

Each participant will also be required to sign the AGMA Student Commitment to Safety Agreement. 

AGMA Safety Guidelines

AGMA Student Commitment to Safety Agreement

Photo Release

From time to time AGMA uses photographs, survey answers and testimonial of AGMA events in its promotional materials. Unless this permission is revoked in writing to the AGMA, 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 code of conduct.