STLE Annual Meeting Education Courses

The 2025 STLE Annual Meeting & Exhibition features 11 industry-specific education courses offered on Sunday, May 18, Wednesday, May 21, and Thursday, May 22. The schedule is designed to give attendees more flexibility when planning their conference attendance. All full day courses will start at 8 am and end by 5 pm. The half day course will run from 1-4 pm. Fees for each course vary; see registration page for additional information. If you have questions regarding these courses, please contact Susan Luers, sluers@stle.org or 224-985-0015.

Please note only digital books will be available for each course.
ANNUAL MEETING COURSE SCHEDULE

Sunday, May 18, 2025

Artificial Intelligence-Machine Learning

This course is split into 2 parts. 

Part 1: Introduction to Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Tribology. This section covers key terminologies related to AI/ML, a detailed introduction to unsupervised and supervised learning models, and an exploration of the data pipeline specific to tribology. It will also introduce how physics-based machine learning can enhance fundamental understanding and simplify the analysis of complex tribological systems.

Part 2: Applications and Case Studies. This section will focus on the practical application of ML/AI to tribology through real-world case studies. Participants will engage in hands-on practice examples, learning how to handle data and run machine learning models using  Python. Attendees may choose to actively code during the course (instructions will be provided) or observe the live demonstrations during the active learning sessions. Due to the course's interactive nature, enrollment will be limited to 30 participants to ensure maximum engagement and personalized learning. The program will start at 8 AM with Sign-in and Introductions and finish at 5 PM. will include hands-on activities with the following curriculum: designing and organizing databases for use in tribology; orchestrating data for machine learning: the data pipeline in tribology; the use of physics-based machine learning—advancing fundamental understating and simplifying the calculations of complex tribological systems; and application of machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI) to tribology (case studies). Each attendee will be strongly encouraged to propose a problem that they think would be soluble by ML/AI approaches. A downloadable PowerPoint template will be available to make your suggestions and the case studies will be selected from these suggestions. Because of the interactive nature of the course, enrollment will be limited to 30 attendees.  With that, those enrolled will be asked to submit ideas for an ML/AI problem or issue to the instructors by April 19th through an Email sent to them in March. 
 
Who should attend: Those from industry who want to learn whether to use machine learning and how to accomplish this, and for tribology students wanting to learn how to incorporate it into their research. The prerequisite for the course is an understanding of the basic principles of tribology, but a knowledge of MATLAB programming would be useful.
Advanced Lubrication 301

Advanced Lubrication 301 covers the molecular structures and chemistries of lubricant additive types. Additives examined will include antioxidants, rust inhibitors, detergents, dispersants, antiwear additives, extreme pressure additives, friction modifiers and rheology and viscosity modifiers.

Who should attend: Engineers and scientists early/mid-career who want to brush up on their knowledge of lubricant additives.  Lubricant additives provide several performance functions in the engine, transmission, gear, and electric vehicle systems. 
Basic Lubrication 101 

Basic Lubrication 101 is primarily for the person entering the lubrication field who needs a broad introduction to the field of lubrication, lubrication principles and lubricating materials. This course is also for individuals not directly involved but who need a broad overview of lubricants and basic lubricating components. This course does not require a formal scientific degree or background, although many technical terms and concepts are covered. Experienced people attend the course to be kept up to date on the latest developments, especially in those areas not directly related to their job function or area of expertise. Thus, Basic Lubrication 101 is usually attended by a broad cross section of people such as technical, technical service, sales, marketing, manufacturing, maintenance and managers who in some way are involved in the industry.

Who should attend: Lubricant Sales , Additive Sales, Lubricant/ Additive marketing, Lubricant Formulator or Manufacturer, Academia, Base Stock Sales or Manufacturer, Original equipment Manufacturer, Testing equipment Manufacturer, Lubricant Governing Associations.
Electric Vehicles 101 

The Electric Vehicle (EV) course provide an introduction to hardware, tribology, lubrication, thermal management and testing related to EV. The course starts with an overview of hybrid, fully battery and fuel cell electric vehicles. It covers the driveline systems of hybrid and full electric units. Then talk about lubricant, tribology and thermal management challenges and requirements for EV. Finally, talk about established test methods for EV fluid evaluation.
 
Who should attend: Students, engineers and scientists early/mid-career who are new to the electric vehicle industry or would like to brush up on fundamental knowledge of EV technologies and test methods. 
Metalworking Fluids 115: Metal Removing Fluids 

This course covers the key concepts needed to better understand how metalworking fluids are prepared, used and maintained.  Students will be informed about the reasons for using metal removal fluids and their functions.  The chemistry of metal removal fluids, insight into the need to control microbial contamination and importance of adopting a health and safety program in a facility that machines metal are covered.  Key topics include measures needed to understand and control metal removal fluid failure. 
 
Who should attend: Engineers, scientists, and other personnel that are early/mid-career involved in Metal Forming formulating, manufacturing, technical service, shop floor services, coolant service, sales, and marketing.   This course is a great introduction for base oil suppliers, additive suppliers, independent lubricant manufacturers, academia, original equipment manufactures, and testing equipment manufacturers, or others with an interest in learning about the basics of Metal removal processes and lubricants. 
Rolling Element Bearings and Their Lubrication (in partnership with ABMA)

STLE in cooperation with ABMA technical experts is offering this course on rolling element bearings and their lubrication. It includes a basic overview of rolling bearing types and precision, the fatigue life and prediction criteria, bearing friction and surface traction, oil and grease lubrication regimes and the influences of internal kinematics.  Lubrication of linear type bearings and applications appropriate for the many of today’s mechatronic systems developments are included. The program will start at 8:00 A.M. with sign in and introductions, and finish at 5:00 P.M.  Lunch will be provided.
 
Who should attend: Engineers and scientists, early/mid-career involved in lubricating grease sales and marketing, lubricating grease manufacturing, base oils supplies or academia who want to brush up on their knowledge of lubricating greases. Users such as original equipment Manufacturer, grease testing equipment Manufacturer and others with an interest in learning about the basics of lubricating greases. 

Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Advanced Lubrication 302

Advanced Lubrication 302 goes more in-depth on lubrication regimes, wear and wear mechanisms, as well as lubricant failure analysis. This course includes a series of lubricant failure analysis case studies on automotive engines, gears and bearings.

Who should attend: Maintenance engineers, lubrication engineers, lubricant designers, technical sales, mechanical engineers or anyone interested in taking the plunge into advanced tribological concepts.  
Basic Lubrication 102

Basic Lubrication 102 is an overview of equipment systems (gears, bearings, seals, compressors and engines) and their lubrication requirements, including a module on grease. Like Basic Lubrication 101, this course does not require a formal scientific degree or background, although many technical terms and concepts related to the use of lubricants in various mechanical devices are covered. This course is intended for a diverse group, including people involved in technical service, sales, marketing, manufacturing, maintenance and managers who want to know more about how lubricants work in service. This course assumes fundamental knowledge of lubricants and lubrication principles, as presented in the Basic Lubrication 101 course.
 
Who should attend: Lubricant and additives sales and marketing, lubricant formulators and manufacturers, academia, base stock manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers, testing equipment manufacturers, lubricant technicians and maintenance personnel. 
Metalworking Fluids 200

MWF 200 is a new intermediate course offered to those STLE Members who have taken one of the "100" level basic courses such as MWF 105 (Introduction to Metal Forming Fluids) and MWF 115 (Introduction to Metal Removal Fluids). This course builds on the content introduced in those basic courses by focusing on seven important additive types used in metalworking fluids. Those types are boundary lubricity additives, extreme pressure additives, emulsifiers, corrosion inhbitors and metal deactivators, pH reserve alkalinity boosters and amines, biocides, and antifoams/defoamers. Details on the chemistry of these additives used in these seven important types will be provided including how they are produced and specific types within each additive category. Modules will also include content on how best to use these additives in metalworking fluid applications. An eighth module will present information on a series of other additives that are also used in metalworking fluids including detgergents, dispersants, odor controls, dyes, coupling agents, antimist, and thickeners.

 
Who should attend:  Metalworking Fluid Formulators, MWF Compounders - Tech Service and Laboratory Personnel, Technical Sales and Marketing Personnel, Health & Safety or Environmental Affairs personnel, Individuals who have taken STLE 105/115 level education courses or the STLE Metalworking Fluid Management Course.  
Sustainability: Biolubricants and Biofuels

This course will be an overview of current progress in developing and using biofuels and biolubricants. The course elements will include an introduction to energy and alternative fuels; basic chemistry of biofuels and biolubes; general performance requirements; overviews of market progress; niche markets; sustainability; and governmental and regulatory drivers. Products currently in various stages of commercialization will be discussed. Information on European, U.S., and OEM views will be included. The course will primarily focus on biolubricants and include a general overview of alternative transportation fuels. Biofuel feedstocks, production, and quality issues will be covered. An outstanding list of speakers with first-hand knowledge in these areas will teach the course.

Who should attend:  Students, Engineers, Scientists, Lubricant formulators, Users early/mid-career
Thursday, May 22, 2025

Electric Vehicles 202
Course Chair: Carlos Sanchez, Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)

 The Electric Vehicle (EV) 202 course will discuss more advanced topics related to electric vehicle research and development. This course will cover current trends of EV technology and testing, fluid development, and tribological challenges.
Who should attend: Engineers and scientists early/mid-career who are familiar with or are currently working on electric vehicle technology and research.