Of the 137 respondents to our annual gear-industry survey, the message was clear: tariffs are the defining challenge of 2026. But the frustration runs deeper than the duties themselves. Manufacturers can absorb cost increases; they can’t absorb chaos. When rules shift weekly and exemptions evaporate overnight, planning becomes guesswork. One respondent captured the exhaustion: “In 2025, they were all over the place, without warning, up and down. Terribly disorganized.” Yet within this turbulence, distinct currents run strong. Defense and aerospace work has surged. Oil and gas, buoyed by loosened regulations, is “very active” according to multiple respondents, with mobile power units and gas compression driving demand. Overhaul and repair business is booming—when new equipment becomes expensive or hard to source, companies keep existing machines running longer, and that means gears.


This study systematically evaluates how material selection, progressive wear, and grease lubrication affect the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance of polymer gears, providing new insights for designing quieter, more optimized transmission systems.
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This paper examines the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs), highlighting the distinct gear design requirements for each and presenting a comparative case study of gearbox configurations in a 14-ton commercial vehicle.
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The paper examines how optimizing asymmetric gear tooth geometry through Direct Gear Design can improve load capacity, efficiency, and compactness in EV gearboxes, surpassing the performance limits of conventional symmetric gears.
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This paper will review the development process, current research status, characteristics, functions, and measurement methods of TE. It will analyze the difficulties and core issues existing in the basic theory of TE, clarify the limitations and deficiencies of TE, and explore ways to overcome the shortcomings of TE.
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When grinding steel parts, the surface of the part can "burn" if too much heat is applied in a short time. Grinding burn refers to all those structural changes in edge zones of steel parts that are caused by grinding processes in steels due to the thermal energy introduced. Grinding burn can mainly occur in the form of tempering zones or new hardening zones.

For precision measuring, skilled machinists, toolmakers, and inspectors must have accurate tools and gages, produced from quality materials, carefully manufactured, and rigidly inspected, to ensure lasting dependability. Gages have evolved throughout the years beginning with mechanical, then electronic models, and now convenient wireless electronic versions have come on the scene. Each type has an important place in today’s quality control and inspection processes.

Since I have had the privilege of visiting numerous gear plants and research centers in the U.S., as well as 170 in 33 countries, and I closely watch the progression of technology, I wanted to share my observations about some technological advancements. For the purpose of this article, I will focus on three key areas: Robotics, Machine Tools, and Heat Treating.
Join Kevin Meister and Troy Kirby from Productive Robotics, for a practical look at moving from hand deburring to cobot-automated in their own facility and many others.
Discover four diagnostic enhancement tools that move RX® endothermic gas atmosphere generator operations from preventative to predictive maintenance. Learn how monitoring dew point by retort, comparing equal flow, tracking tube performance, and measuring outlet temperatures prevent costly failures while ensuring consistent, high-quality carrier gas production.
Discover how SECO/WARWICK’s PIT-LPC furnace cuts cycle times by 60%, doubles throughput, and eliminates CO₂ emissions. Learn how vacuum carburizing redefines performance, safety, and sustainability in large-part heat treatment.
Spiroid Gearing delivers precision gearing for advanced mechanical systems engineered to handle extreme torque and complex motion requirements. With unique right-angle gear solutions, our technology enhances efficiency, reliability, and design flexibility. This empowers engineers to push boundaries in aerospace, defense, robotics, and industrial applications where performance and durability are non-negotiable.
CNC Gear Machine Tools: The Strategic Case for Re-controlling AND Re-building Versus New
At American Precision Gear, quality isn’t just a priority — it’s the foundation of everything they do. The shop specializes in high-precision miniature gears for aerospace, defense, and medical applications, where the strictest tolerances are non-negotiable. Helios Gear Products partnered with American Precision Gear to integrate the MZ 1000 D-Drive into their production.

The Motion + Power Manufacturers Alliance (MPMA) and the Alliance for Innovative Energy, LLC, managing and operating contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their collaboration on advancing standards for gear and bearing design and manufacturing.

Seco releases the 335.18 disc milling cutter, a robust and customizable slotting solution engineered for real-world manufacturing. With over 70 standard variants and full customization via MyDesign, the 335.18 delivers stable, cost-efficient performance for any industry, machine, or material enabling manufacturers to achieve precision and reliability in every slotting operation.
Jun 15, 2026 - Jun 18, 2026

This event (Reno, NV) offers attendees learning sessions and case studies on the latest industrial lubrication and oil analysis technologies. The comprehensive conference schedule covers every facet of the machinery lubrication industry and includes workshops on topics such as employee performance, lubrication fundamentals, condition-based maintenance and planning.
Jun 1, 2026 - Jun 4, 2026
Mar 17, 2026 - Mar 18, 2026
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