When you talk with Jared Lyford, director of operations at Forest City Gear and the newly appointed president of the Rock River Valley Tooling & Machining Association (RRVTMA), it becomes clear very quickly: workforce development isn’t a program for him. It’s a calling—and one shaped by lived experience.




High-performance plastic gears are increasingly replacing metal gears in several applications due to the many advantages they exhibit. The main ones are lower weight, no need for lubrication, cheaper mass production, significantly better noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) behavior and chemical/corrosion resistance. Most plastic gears are produced by injection molding, which enables great design flexibility, e.g., joining several machine elements into one molded part, while gear geometry modifications like enlarged root rounding or altered profile shapes are also possible (Ref. 1).
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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 study explores the failure mode morphology of FZG-A test gears. It aims to examine the orphologies of scuffing, scoring, scratches, and polishing using high-magnification light optical microscopy (LOM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images.
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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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The toothed belt and pulley system known by the designation T, which has been selected as an example within this paper, was developed in the 1950s and standardized first in DIN 7721 (1977) and then in ISO 17396:2014. In this case study, the authors check if a single hob can properly cut T5 profile pulleys with 25 and 30 teeth—and if
so, define the range of the number of teeth covered by this hob.

Cylindrical grinding is an essential machining process in precision manufacturing, ensuring that components meet stringent tolerances with superior surface finishes. Optimizing this process involves a strategic approach to wheel selection, process automation, in-process measurement and machine maintenance. This article explores key technical factors that influence the efficiency and accuracy of cylindrical grinding operations.

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.
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
Setting up an in-house heat treating operation allows businesses throughout many industries to harness this powerful technology and create better-quality metal parts. In this article, Surface Combustion discusses the biggest cost considerations involved in purchasing in-house heat treating technology and investment strategies to ensure you maximize your ROI.
GEARBOX INNOVATIONS: Gearboxes are found everywhere from robotics to agriculture, but getting peak performance from your gearbox requires some serious expertise. Join us to explore how Simmerring® seals are revolutionizing gearbox design and performance.

Solar Atmospheres of Michigan Inc. has earned Nadcap 18-Month Merit Status for heat treating and brazing—an honor awarded only to organizations that consistently demonstrate the highest levels of quality, process control, and specification compliance. With this achievement, every Solar Atmospheres location nationwide now holds Nadcap merit status.

Quaker Houghton has announced the launch of three new hardware within its QH Fluid Intelligence platform, significantly expanding the company’s portfolio of automated fluid management solutions. The new QH Fluidcontrol XMS 100 & 200 systems deliver automated monitoring and control of fluid parameters with accuracy that far exceeds traditional hardware, while the QH Fluidmonitor GQ provides precision monitoring for demanding grinding applications.
Feb 10, 2026 - Feb 12, 2026

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