This new column is designed to provide information on the forward-thinking tech that is being reviewed and discussed in AGMA emerging technology committees. What should we be watching in the specific topic areas we cover? How will that impact the future of the gear industry? What are people discussing, specifically in the manufacturing space? I hope to be able to provide some of these answers in the coming issues.

AGMA hosted an EV Town Hall last month during their Motion + Power Technology Expo (MPT Expo). This event was planned to explicitly ask the question, “Is industry ready to roll up its sleeves and start the process of sharing common outcomes that will serve as the building blocks for standards for electric vehicle technology?” Spoiler Alert: The answer was a resounding, yes. And the discussion uncovered some key issues, and perhaps a surprise or two, that will help AGMA leverage its 107 years of experience in this space to start to frame future discussions for electric vehicle standards development.

JEOL’s JAM-5200EBM Metal 3D Printer, a production-ready Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (EB-PBF) additive manufacturing solution, has demonstrated the ability to meet the rigorous AMS7032 operational qualification (OQ) standards while achieving the AMS7011 material requirements for Ti-6Al-4V alloy with post-deposition hot isostatic pressing (HIP). JEOL’s is the first EB-PBF machine known to meet the requirements of AMS7011 since they were first established on another EB-PBF manufacturer’s model.

On August 23, 2023, India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission made a successful landing on the southern part of the moon near the crater Manzinus. We were able to catch up with Mushtaq Jamal, vice president of engineering and business development at Bevel Gears India Pvt Ltd (BGI), to discuss BGI's role in this monumental achievement for India. 

In manufacturing, there are many aspects of a company that contributes to success. However, there is one characteristic that rises to the very top of the prioritized list. This is the ability to be competitive.

Tool-X is a nanofluid that changes the characteristics of existing metalworking fluids by ‘manipulating’ speeds, feeds and metal removal rates using nanotechnology. The science behind Tool-X can potentially change metal cutting dynamics, improve surface finishes and extend tool life. The backstory of this technology is just as fascinating as its production results.

Gear Technology’s annual State-of-the-Gear-Industry survey polls gear manufacturers about the latest trends and opinions relating to the overall health of the gear industry. As in years past, the survey was conducted anonymously, with invitations sent by e-mail to gear industry companies — primarily in North America, but also including some respondents from around the world. Nearly 200 individuals responded to the survey.