Course Description
Format: Live Online Virtual Training
Date: September 1-2, 2026
- Tuesday, September 1 – 10:00am-2:00pm CT
- Wednesday, September 2 – 10:00am-2:00pm CT
How to Read a Gear Interpretation Report
This new and expanded one-day online course is intended to provide you with a thorough understanding of the attributes of a gear and its design are critical to ensure the required operation and function of the gear system as expected. The features and attributes of importance to function of the gear system will be discussed and explained in terms of how to measure and inspect them. We will cover measurement techniques and inspection interpretations as a precursor to the operation of a Gear Measurement Machine (GMM). We will also explore the differences and similarities between a GMM and Coordinate Measurement Machine (CMM).
Building on the objectives of measurement and inspection techniques, we will transition to reading and interpreting a typical gear inspection report. Specifically, we will look at the contents and meaning of the information contained within the gear charts on the drawings, as well as the techniques used by the gear measurement system to assess gear quality. An explanation of basic gear measurement techniques, how measurement equipment and test machines implement these techniques, and how to interpret the results from these basic measurements will be covered. We will also discuss how to interpret the results and what corrective actions may be considered if the quality of a particular gear is unsatisfactory.
You will earn 8 clock hours upon completion of the course and they will be listed on your certificate of completion.
Registration Rates
MEMBER RATE
Early Bird First Registrant – $600
(Deadline until 6/18/26)
Regular First Registrant – $650
(Deadline: 6/19/26 – 8/4/26)
Late First Registrant – $675
(Deadline: 8/5/26 – 8/18/26)
NON-MEMBER RATE
Early Bird First Registrant – $700
(Deadline until 6/18/26)
Regular First Registrant – $750
(Deadline: 6/19/26 – 8/4/26)
Late First Registrant – $775
(Deadline: 8/5/26 – 8/18/26)
Learning Objectives
- Describe the measurement and inspection techniques used to qualify a gear
- Explain the major contributing factors to gear quality
- Describe in detail the practical gear measurement and inspection techniques
- Categorize the common tools and equipment used to measure and inspect gears
- Discuss some of the new and automated gear design systems
Who Should Attend
This course can be for anyone working with or interested in learning about gear charts. Prior to attending this course it would be helpful if you were familiar and conversant with the AGMA Nomenclature standard and the Fundamentals of Gearing resource, both of which are readily available to anyone and free to MPMA members.
Instructor
William “Mark” McVea, PhD, P.E.
Dr. William Mark McVea, P.E., is currently President and Principal Engineer of KBE+, Inc. where he and his team design and develop complete powertrains for automotive and off-highway vehicles. His experience includes positions within the mechanical drive and powertrain industry. Chief Technology Officer for an industry leader in the design and development of patented powertrain engineering technology used primarily in the automotive industry; Professor of Vehicle Dynamics and Powertrain Sciences in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the Rochester Institute of Technology; adjunct professor at Purdue University in their Automotive Sciences Department; and was manager of the CAE group within a tier-one powertrain supplier to global automotive markets, a consulting engineer in vehicle dynamics, and a project manager of traction systems for off-highway vehicles as well. In addition, he has extensive publication on transmission systems, automated design assistant systems, knowledge systems and knowledge-based engineering in general. He also holds or is listed as co-inventor on numerous patents related to mechanical power transmissions. Mark holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology, a PhD in Design Engineering from Purdue University and is a licensed Professional Engineer.
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.