New BGA Training Course a Success at Mini Gears

Gears are the heart of many machines, from cars to factory equipment. Understanding how gears are designed and made is key for engineers who want to improve performance or solve problems. A few weeks ago, the British Gear Association (BGA) held a new in-person Gear Course with BGA Member Mini Gears Stockport. This course gave participants a rare chance to learn gear design and manufacturing from the ground up.

Thank you to all of our colleagues at Mini Gears for supporting this training course and their commitment to training the next generation of Gear Engineers in the UK.

Learning Basic Gear Design Principles

Under the tutorage of Gear expert Martyn English the course started with the fundamentals of gear design. Participants explored how gear teeth are shaped to transfer power smoothly and efficiently. This foundation is crucial because even small design changes can affect how a gear performs under stress or wear over time. The training helped attendees grasp why gears have specific shapes and sizes, and how these choices impact their function.

Hands-On Experience with Gear Cutting Machines

Theory alone does not give the full picture. The course included practical sessions using two key machines:

• Maxicut 2A shaping machine: Participants saw how gear teeth are cut by shaping, a process where a cutter moves back and forth to form each tooth.

• Sykes H150 hobbing machine: This machine uses a rotating hob to cut gear teeth continuously, a common industrial method.

  
  

Working directly with these machines helped attendees understand the physical process behind gear manufacturing. They could see how precision and technique affect the final product, which is hard to learn from books or videos.

Measuring Gears for Quality and Accuracy

After cutting, measuring gear teeth is essential to ensure they meet design specifications. The course covered gear measurement techniques, showing how to check tooth size, spacing, and alignment. Accurate measurement helps prevent issues like noise, vibration, or premature wear in gears once they are in use.

Why This Course Matters for Engineers

Modern gear manufacturing often relies on automated machines and software. While these tools speed up production, they can hide the details of how gears work. This course strips away that complexity and focuses on first principles. Engineers who understand gear cutting and measurement by hand can:

• Troubleshoot gear problems more effectively

• Communicate clearly with manufacturing teams

• Design gears that perform better in real-world conditions

  
  

Register Now for the June Course

Following great feedback from Mini Gears delegates, we are now very excited to offer this course to a wider audience. The next session runs from June 1st to 4th. Whether you are an engineer, technician, or gear enthusiast, this hands-on training will deepen your knowledge and skills in gear design and manufacturing.

Take this opportunity to learn from expert Martyn English and gain practical experience that will benefit your career and projects. Click here for full details and to register your place.