At the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, so-called mechanics were tasked with devising the precise methods that would make mass production possible. The result was the first generation of machine tools, which in turn required improved tooling and production methods. The demand/response dialectic - known as the "chain of innovation" - remains operative in the present day and has in fact been especially energized by new technologies - even in traditional, mature industries. In the gear making industry, the leading edge is represented by those shops involved in prototype development. One example is Delta Research Corporation of Livonia, Michigan, active since 1952 in the manufacture of prototype transmissions and gear components for the automotive, aerospace, defense, mining, and other industries. And with the acquisition of its sister company, Delta Gear, the company has combined prototyping with production capabilities and today produces over 1.5 million gears per year.
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