Course Description
Format: Live Online Virtual Training
Date: July 16, 2026
- Thursday, July 16 – 10:00-2:00pm CT
Loaded Tooth Contact Analysis Theory
Evaluation of loaded tooth contact and development of tooth modifications using commercially available software to improve and apply a realistic load distribution factor Km in gear rating calculations. Two real life gearing examples will be presented in the course, one will have a cantilever mounted pinion, the other a shaft pinion straddled non-symmetrically by bearings. Both examples demonstrate component deflections under load which significantly reduce tooth mesh contact which is then corrected with developed helix and profile modifications. Other gear performance optimization tools will also be presented, Material and Heat Treatment Selection, Profile Shift, Isotropic Finishing, Shot Peening, Accuracy. These design tools along with LTCA are commonly applied by gear designers to optimize design reliability and calculated rating safety factors.
This course is online. A webcam on your computer equipped with a microphone and speakers/headset are required for participation. Space is limited to 20-25 participants per course. Course materials will be mailed in hard copy. Please make sure to indicate your preferred mailing address in the registration process.
Registration Rates
Early Bird First Registrant – $350
(Deadline until 5/2/26)
Regular First Registrant – $375
(Deadline: 5/3/26 – 6/18/26)
Late First Registrant – $390
(Deadline: 6/19/26 – 7/2/26)
NON-MEMBER RATE
Early Bird First Registrant – $450
(Deadline until 5/2/26)
Regular First Registrant – $475
(Deadline: 5/3/26 – 6/18/26)
Late First Registrant – $490
(Deadline: 6/19/26 – 7/2/26)
You will earn 4 clock hours upon completion of the course and they will be listed on your certificate of completion.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the need for contact analysis and describe the theory behind the contact analysis process.
- Model the loaded gear mesh shafts, bearings and gear geometry in commercially available dedicated gearing “FEA” software to calculate magnitude and direction of tooth deflections and deformations.
- Develop tooth profile and helix modifications that compensate for tooth deflections, reducing transmission error and optimizing power density.
- Describe the tools and processes of contact analysis.
- Review cantilever pinion example of contact analysis and corrective action.
- Review non-symmetrical bearing mounted shaft pinion example of contact analysis and corrective action.
- Present contact analysis Do’s and Don’ts.
- Review other gear performance optimization tools.
Who Should Attend
This course would be of interest to high level gear grind operators, inspectors and quality assurance people who need to better understand why and how gear designs are optimized and how to interpret non-standard gear geometry. They can also gain insight on how improper finishing techniques can contribute to pre-mature gear failures. Entry level gear designers, process and manufacturing engineers can develop a basic understanding of gear geometry terms and variables. Gear manufacturing project managers can develop a better understanding of time required to design and optimize a gearset that is cost effective and meets or exceeds application expectations.
Instructors
Terry Klaves
Terry Klaves semi-retired from the Milwaukee Gear Division of Regal Beloit in 2017 after 45 years of work in the gearing industry with four different companies, positions varying from gear engineer to VP of Engineering and responsibilities including gear design, optimization, manufacturing and Quality Assurance. He has a passion for solving gearing related problems and continues to serve the gearing industry as part time consultant and trainer for AGMA, in addition, he is Chairman of the AGMA TC-60 Committee, contributing to development of ISO gearing standards. Terry graduated with a BS-Engineering in 1976 and a MS-Engineering from UW-Milwaukee in 1981 and enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for gears through formal consulting and training activities.
Photo Release
From time to time MPMA uses photographs, survey answers and testimonial of MPMA events in its promotional materials. Unless this permission is revoked in writing to the MPMA, by virtue of your attendance all attendees agree to the use of their likeness in such materials.
Cancellation and Payment Policy
Please view our cancellation policy.
Please view our late registration policy.
Please view our code of conduct.