If you are a true gear geek, you are probably aware of AGMA’s Fall Technical Meeting (FTM). However, we have true gear geeks attending the FTM for the first time each year, and we are thrilled to see that!

So, what is an FTM? At its heart, it’s a very technical conference on anything related to gearing and power transmission. The current single-track format, peer-reviewed papers, and unpublished content requirement provide a unique opportunity to hear the latest and greatest work from across the world on materials, heat treatment, gearing applications, design and rating, efficiency, noise and vibration, manufacturing, inspection and quality control.

More than that, the FTM provides many opportunities to network with other gear geeks! Whether it’s chatting over coffee during breaks, in-depth conversations at lunches, or casual introductions at networking events, you will find plenty of chances to get together with others in this industry.

This year we have plenty to offer in the way of programming.

Our authors will cover many topics including:

• Durability and performance rating procedures for plastic gears
• Design meth­ods of system tolerances for cost-efficient optimization of the excitation behavior
• Gear involute deviations under press-fit conditions
• The influence of nonlinear cumulative damage in gear lifetime analysis
• Influence of material removal rate on residual stress
• Nanocomposite coatings for gears
• Plus, many more!

We will have approximately 30 papers presented over the 2-1/2 day event. As always, we will have a Q&A period at the end of each session for the audience to get more specific information from the author.

This year, we are working with our friends at the local chapter of the Society of Mechanical Engineers (SME) for a special Heat-Treating Seminar to be planned for immediately before the FTM. They are planning for three experts to talk about heat treatment of gearing. Keep an eye on the AGMA website agma.org for information on this event.

A must-attend is our networking event. You can see how we “gear geeks” can have a lot of fun! From bowling and axe throwing in the past, this year will be no different with our networking reception held at Dave and Busters. It’s always nice to get together in a casual atmosphere and unwind with your peers.

I’m excited to see you in Chicago on October 7–9, 2024. Please keep up to date with the FTM by visiting our page: agma.org/event/2024-fall-technical-meeting-ftm/