The Power of the Triangle

Graham Penning, Contact Gearing shared his thoughts on our On demand Gear Geometry Course.

"I have to admit, after many years in the gear industry, getting the precise geometry right and has often been a challenge, and sometimes a bit frustrating. 

And yet who would have thought that after all this time, the BGA Gear Geometry Course would feel like a ‘Road-to-Damascus moment’? Suddenly, the Power of the Triangle made everything click into place.

It makes me wonder… has it always been this simple? And if so, why on earth didn’t I see it sooner?

If you’ve ever struggled with detailed gear geometry like I have, I can honestly say this course is well worth your time. I only wish I’d taken it years ago."

Goes to show every day is a school day, regardless of the years of experience you may have.

So if you're thinking - I need to learn more and at my own pace, or simply need a refresher - perhaps the ON DEMAND Gear Geometry course may well be just up your street!

Sign up anytime, engage in the course anywhere in the world, complete it at your own pace. And of course it's free for BGA members!

Further details below:

ON DEMAND GEAR GEOMETRY COURSE (Complete within 30 days)

Course summary

Gear geometry is thought to be complex and often considered a ‘black art’.  This on-demand course will dispel this myth and provide you with a basic knowledge of how gears work and cylindrical gear geometry.  No prior gear knowledge is required.

Who should do the course

This is applicable to gear designers, manufacturing staff, machine operators, inspectors and those who are new to the gear industry and want to understand what all the fuss is about.

What is in the course?

• Module 1 - How involute gears work An introduction to the fundamentals of cylindrical gear geometry. Covers involute tooth form, basic gear operation, and essential terminology.

• Module 2 - An introduction to BS ISO 21771 A guided overview of the ISO standard for cylindrical gear geometry. Explains the structure of the standard, key equations, and how to begin applying them confidently.

• Module 3 - Gear pairs and related geometry Explores the geometry of mating gears, including profile shift coefficients, centre distances, tooth thickness calculations, and how to interpret gear pair drawings in ISO 21771.

• Module 4 - Performance related gear geometry Examines how geometric choices influence gear performance, noise, and transmission characteristics. Builds the link between theoretical geometry and real‑world behaviour.

Learning outcomes

Designing, manufacturing and inspection processes make much more sense when you understand gear geometry.  You will be familiar with common gear terms and symbols be able to understand and be confident using gear calculations in BS ISO 21771 (which is available for BGA members via the BGA website).  You’ll be ready to develop your knowledge further in the next sessions available from the BGA looking at gear geometry that relates to gear performance.

To register: click Gear Geometry Course

Don't just take Graham's word for it. Check out our 5 ***** reviews!

"Thanks for the training , it was very Good Knowledge transfer program". Sakthivel Kuruchev, Bonfiglioli