AGMA Gear Industry News

The aircraft engine unit of United Technologies is hiring thousands of manufacturing employees in the U.S. as its breakthrough Geared Turbofan technology transforms the global aircraft propulsion market. Pratt & Whitney has brought on 4,500 new employees over the last 18 months at plants in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and elsewhere, and says the number of new hires will rise to 25,000 by 2025.

The FTM is the best opportunity to learn about the latest research in the gear industry. Come see why the Fall Technical Meeting (FTM) is the best opportunity to learn and share with some of the foremost experts in the gear industry. Speaking on design, analysis, manufacturing, application and gear drives, you will hear directly from the researchers about the results of their work.

The Federal Reserve reported that manufacturing production rebounded in June, up 0.2 percent, after falling in two of the three prior months. Overall, springtime production in the sector was choppier than we would have desired or expected, especially given the more robust outlook in other data sources. Yet, even with some disappointment in recent months, the longer-term trend for output among manufacturers has been quite positive.

The Federal Reserve reported that manufacturing production rebounded in June, up 0.2 percent, after falling in two of the three prior months. Overall, springtime production in the sector was choppier than expected, especially given the more robust outlook in other data sources. Yet, even with some disappointment in recent months, the longer-term trend for output among manufacturers has been quite positive. Across the past 12 months, manufacturing production has risen 1.2 percent. It was the eighth consecutive positive year-over-year reading for manufacturing output and progress from the 0.2 percent year-over-year gain in June 2016. In addition, total industrial production jumped 0.4 percent in June, up from 0.1 percent in May and rising for the fifth straight month. Industrial production has risen 2.0 percent year-over-year, matching the pace in May, with both being the best readings since January 2015.

ThyssenKrupp says it has reached a "milestone" for the digital transformation of industry and connecting the machinery of its materials services division through a new digital platform. The company’s new internet of things platform is call Toii, or toii, as the company prefers to write it. 

(Video) Robotics researchers at University of California Berkely recent unveiled a new robot that, while incredibly small, is already breaking records in the field.

Learn how to design and apply bevel gears systems from the initial concept through manufacturing and quality control and on to assembly, installation and maintenance. Engage in a practical hands-on guide to the bevel gear design, manufacture, quality control, assembly, installation rating, lubrication and, most especially, application.

A start-up called Desktop Metal has developed 3D printers that can produce metal objects safely, in smaller spaces and for a lower cost than traditional manufacturing, which requires expensive machinery, lots of floor space and risky physical labor. The company just closed a $115 million round of venture funding to deliver its first batch of machines to customers within the U.S., founder and CEO Ric Fulop said Monday. The series D investment brings Desktop Metal's total capital raised to $212 million.

Digital manufacturing company Proto Labs (NYSE: PRLB) has always been known for its rapid injection molding prototyping services. Now, the company has added a suite of capabilities designed specifically to address the on-demand manufacturing needs of the low-volume, high-mix product segment.

A reading of New York-area manufacturing cooled in July from a two-year high, according to data released Monday. The New York Fed’s Empire State manufacturing index fell to a seasonally adjusted reading of 9.8 from 19.8 in June. Economists polled by Econoday expected a reading of 15, on a scale where any figure above zero indicates improving conditions.

Scout Boats CEO Steve Potts remembers building his company’s first boat model in his garage in Summerville nearly 30 years ago. His love for boats stemmed from his teenage years in Charleston in the 1960s, when he devoted many of his nights and weekends to learning the craft of building them. Potts eventually decided to go into business for himself, launching Scout in 1989.

A boat that fuels itself is setting off around the world from Paris on a six-year journey that its designers hope will serves as a model for emissions-free energy networks of the future. Energy Observer will use its solar panels, wind turbines and a hydrogen fuel cell system to power its trip. The 5 million-euro ($5.25 million) boat heads off Saturday from Paris toward the Atlantic.

The Swiss company Noonee has made a markedly low-tech addition to the growing trend for assistive exoskeleton devices. While other exoskeletons use robotics and motors to help paralyzed users walk or warehouse workers lift with more power, Noonee’s Chairless Chair is just a minimal plastic frame, and it helps with one simple task: sitting.

The lack of a clear U.S. trade policy is forcing American manufacturers to slow growth plans, especially because of the uncertainty over how nations may respond to President Donald Trump's protectionist rhetoric, business leaders said last week during panel presentations at the Brookings Institution.

Learn to make use of steel properties in a system solution and understand the potential that different steel options can offer for their various applications. Explore how performance of the material and thus the component and system depends on how the steel is produced.

In West Virginia, young people are getting a head start on manufacturing careers thanks to a partnership between the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) and the Mountaineer Challenge Academy. The first group of Challenge Academy cadets graduated last month from an RCBI pre-apprenticeship program through Apprenticeship Works, the National Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Partnership. The pre-apprenticeship introduces disadvantaged youth to good-paying, high-skill jobs available in manufacturing, RCBI says.

Managing cost is a concern in every warehouse; in fact, warehouses represent approximately 20 percent of total logistics costs. In an effort to reduce costs and improve efficiency, many warehouses turn to automation. Other trends driving demand for automation include the rising cost of space and a constant demand for near-perfect shipping accuracy. Automation in today’s warehouses comes in many constantly changing options. Conveyors, shipping sorters, and pick-to-light systems have been used successfully in warehouses for many years. More recent trends include varied uses of robots and the philosophy of GTP (goods to person). Before investing in warehouse automation, there are a number of factors that warrant careful consideration, including processes and labor.

Jeremy Auger, a Chief Strategy Officer at D2L, an educational technology company, has asserted in a post on entrepreneur.com that the way for humans to maintain their relevance in the labor force in the face of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation developments is through ongoing, career-long retraining. His voice is added to a choir of individuals who are preaching the same message.

The power of edge computing is helping companies like GE enhance performance by performing instantaneous analysis and decision-making based on up-to-the-second operation conditions.