AGMA

The American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) is a voluntary group made up of companies, consultants, and academics who share a common interest in the design, manufacturing, and use of gears, couplings, and related power transmission components and systems. Established in 1916, AGMA is driven by its members and the market, offering various programs and services to benefit the gear industry and its clients. Currently, AGMA has over 495 member companies, which include gear manufacturers from the United States, Mexico, and Canada, as well as interests from more than 30 countries worldwide. AGMA is recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to create all U.S. standards related to gearing. Additionally, AGMA serves as the Secretariat (Chairman) for Technical Committee 60 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which is responsible for developing international standards for gears. AGMA also leads several active ISO Working Groups focused on gear inspection and testing. The association was established during a time of innovation in the gear industry. In 1916, manufacturers were beginning to prioritize quiet operation, particularly for automotive timing gears, while also experimenting with different materials for gears, although they had no technical standards for non-metallic options. AGMA was formed when R.D. Nuttall Company brought together several gear manufacturers to discuss the need for these standards. The founding members included notable companies such as Cincinnati Gear Company, Earle Gear and Machine Company, Horsburgh and Scott Company, Newark Gear Cutting Machine Company, R.D. Nuttall Company, Philadelphia Gear Works, Pittsburgh Gear and Machine Company, Simonds Manufacturing Company, and Van Dorn Dutton Company. They created an executive committee, drafted a constitution, and elected officers. AGMA's first Annual Meeting took place in Pittsburgh on May 14-15, 1917.