Uttoxeter
Apex Dynamics UK has been praised by
Cambridge Dynamics for the ‘seamless and transparent’ implementation of Apex products into a new custom machine the specialist company built for one of its customers. The bespoke project used a series of Apex Dynamics precision planetary gearboxes and rack and pinion sets to provide the torque needed to facilitate highly accurate movement and positioning of a table axis.
Founded in 1977 as a specialist machine design company, and based in Huntingdon, Cambridge Dynamics designs and assembles high-end specialised, custom machinery and bespoke automation solutions for companies that cannot purchase machines off the shelf. The company is run by father and son team André and Andrew Becker and supplies a wide range of industry sectors, from aerospace and automotive to food and beverage, technology and general manufacturing businesses.
In this instance, Cambridge Dynamics was contracted to design and build a replacement machine by a customer which creates custom parts for companies. The machine to be replaced was built decades ago and had reached end of life. It is now being used to cut customised profiles into steel plates made for distilling and brewing processes. The 3mm stainless steel plates sit at the bottom of tanks and prevent debris from getting into finished products.
Each plate is precision engineered and tooled with hundreds of individual slits. They are placed on top of a large bed on the machine and bolted down. A rack set down either side is powered by a servo motor and gearbox and drives a cutting head down the bed. It has eight slitting saws on it and cuts slots into the plate. The bottom of each slot is opened up to create a gap so that the plate can act as a filter to prevent solid matter going through.
Having worked with Apex Dynamics UK for many years, and regularly purchasing its products, Cambridge Dynamics turned to the company to supply gearboxes and rack and pinion sets for this project. Apex’s AFR right-angled planetary gearboxes fitted the bill. Combined with the company’s Mod 2 Quality 6 high-precision helical rack and pinion set, they provided the highly accurate movement and positioning of the table axis required.
High axial and radial loadsSeveral gearboxes were needed to achieve the required torque, but Apex’s products fitted perfectly into the bespoke design. All the racks were produced to length and, although Cambridge Dynamics has purchased custom gearboxes from Apex Dynamics before, there were no modifications or customisation needed this time. The robust, lightweight Apex AFR series has a 90deg input via 100% optimised helical bevel gearing and full compatibility with standard motor adapters. It delivers high precision, high torque and quiet operation, while its high-precision taper roller bearings are capable of handling high axial and radial loads.
Alongside the AFR gearboxes, Apex Dynamics’ high-precision, low-noise rack and pinion systems are manufactured to meet Quality 4 standards. Tooled underground to ensure the best-possible temperature control and quality, the rack and pinion sets supply high-speed and very low tolerance, alongside long life and high-performance on the axis.
André Becker, Cambridge Dynamics’ managing director, said Apex Dynamics has always been ‘very helpful’ and this has been a successful project, with a very happy customer. The new machine features cutting-edge technology and all the benefits of modern safety certification and standards. It is also expected to improve cycle times by around 50%.
He added: “We use Apex Dynamics almost exclusively for rack and pinion sets and gearboxes and so we naturally approached them again when we were drawing up the specification for the new machine. We have worked with the company for many years and it is always our ‘go to’ for a solution as we have confidence in the performance of its products. I predict our strong relationship with Apex Dynamics will continue long into the future.”
Mike Gulliford, managing director of Apex Dynamics, concluded: “We are delighted to once again be the company of choice for Cambridge Dynamics. This is a good working relationship built on an understanding and, of course, a dynamic outlook.”