Course Description
Format: In-person Course
Where: Chicago, IL – Daley
Date: April 13-17, 2026
- Monday, April 13 – 12:00-5:00pm CT
- Tuesday, April 14 – 8:00am-5:00pm CT
- Wednesday, April 15 – 8:00am-5:00pm CT
- Thursday, April 16 – 8:00am-5:00pm CT
- Friday, April 17 – 8:00am-12:00pm CT
Basic Training for Gear Manufacturing
Learn the fundamentals of gear manufacturing in this hands-on course. Gain an understanding of gearing and nomenclature, principles of inspection, gear manufacturing methods, and hobbing and shaping. Utilizing manual machines, develop a deeper breadth of perspective and understanding of the process and physics of making a gear as well as the ability to apply this knowledge in working with CNC equipment commonly in use.
This course is taught at the AGMA National Training Center.
You will earn 30 clock hours upon completion of the course and they will be listed on your certificate of completion.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate understanding of the evolution, history, and function of gears.
- Show and describe 14 gear tooth features.
- Describe six typical gear characteristics that are measured.
- Demonstrate knowledge of gauging vs. measurement.
- Utilize and describe a variety of analysis methods.
- Troubleshoot many of their own problems, because they fully understand the process.
Who Should Attend
Although the Basic Course is designed primarily for newer employees with at least six months’ experience in setup or machine operation, it has proved beneficial to quality control managers, sales representatives, management, and executives.
Hotel Information
Discounted room rates at the DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Midway Airport are available for $184 per night. The special rate is available until March 13. Book Your Room in the MPMA block.
DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Midway Airport
6624 S. Cicero Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60638
Cutoff Date: March 13, 2026
By booking in the MPMA room block, you receive a variety of benefits, including guaranteed accommodations, better networking opportunities with your peers, special guest status at the host hotel, and flexible cancellation terms if your plans change. MPMA advises against booking hotel rooms through third party booking sites such as Hotels.com, as there may be hidden fees, limited flexibility, and fewer rewards. MPMA does not work with a housing company and only MPMA Staff will reach out to you with details regarding the room block; any other companies that reach out to you regarding room reservations may be fraudulent and are not endorsed by MPMA. If you need assistance with your accommodations or have issues with the booking link provided by MPMA, please contact events@motionpower.org.
Registration Rates
Member Rates
Early Bird First Registrant – $1,995
(Deadline until 1/30/26)
Regular First Registrant – $2,195
(Deadline: 1/31/26 – 3/16/26)
Late First Registrant – $2,295
(Deadline: 3/17/26 – 3/30/26)
Additional Registrants per Company Member receive a $200 discount per person
NON-MEMBER RATE
Early Bird First Registrant – $2,495
(Deadline until 1/30/26)
Regular First Registrant – $2,695
(Deadline: 1/31/26 – 3/16/26)
Late First Registrant – $2,795
(Deadline: 3/17/26 – 3/30/26)
Additional Registrants per Company Non-Member receive a $200 discount per person
Location
This course is taught at the AGMA National Training Center at 7500 S. Pulaski Rd. Building 300, Chicago, IL 60652.
This is a single-story building at ground level.
Instructors
Peter Grossi
Peter Grossi has been involved in gear manufacturing since 1977. He has more than 13 years of experience in gear cutting machine operations, including Large Gear hobbers, Fellows Shapers, and Gleason Straight & Spiral Bevel Gear cutting machines. Grossi also has more than 26 years of experience in gear manufacturing management, including supervision of gear cutting machine operations, gear grinding machine operations, & quality assurance. He has worked with a variety of companies in the industry, including: Brad Foote Gear Works, Arrow Gear Co. Philadelphia Gear Corp, and AGMA.
Dwight Smith
Dwight Smith, Vice President with Nidec Machine Tool America, has a wide range of experience in gear manufacturing, workholding, metrology, analysis, and project management. He has been developing and presenting Gear Basic training sessions globally since 1989. Smith serves as chairman of the AGMA Nomenclature Committee and is an instructor for the Basic Gear School for AGMA.
Robert Wasilewski
Robert Wasilewski has over forty six years experience with the Arrow Gear Company. Starting as a Manufacturing Engineer, promoted to Design Engineer, then Sr. Project Engineer and finally Engineering Manager.
His experience is in the Design and Manufacture of High Performance Bevel and Cylindrical gears and gearboxes. Applications included Aircraft Engines, Helicopters, Machine Tools, Printing Press, Robots, Medical, Vehicles and Agriculture. He has been the Chairman of the AGMA Bevel Gearing Committee since 1990.
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.