Apex Dynamics UK has been praised by Cambridge Dynamics for the “seamless and transparent” implementation of its products into a new custom machine the specialist company produced 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, Cambridgeshire, Cambridge Dynamics both 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 & beverage, technology and general manufacturing businesses.
Performance gearboxes and rack and pinion sets needed for precise machining
Cambridge Dynamics was contracted to design and build a replacement machine by its customer, which creates custom parts for companies. The machine to be replaced was built decades ago and had reached end of life. It is used to cut customized 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 8 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.
Cambridge Dynamics turns once again to Apex for performance gearboxes
Having worked together for years and regularly purchasing products from Apex Dynamics UK, Cambridge Dynamics naturally turned to the company to supply gearboxes and rack and pinion sets for the custom 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. Several gearboxes were needed to achieve the required torque. 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 90° 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.
Praise for “very helpful” Apex Dynamics team
Cambridge Dynamics reports that the implementation process was “seamless and transparent” and the company has never had any problems with delivery and installation of Apex Dynamics products. André Becker, Cambridge Dynamics Managing Director added Apex Dynamics has always been “very helpful” and this has been a very good and successful project, with the customer happy and the machine signed off easily.
The new machine is replacing the customer’s previous machine with much more modern technology and all the benefits of modern safety certification and standards. It is also expected to improve cycle times by around 50% in comparison with the old device.
André Becker, Cambridge Dynamics Managing Director, says, “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 spec for the new machine. We have worked with them for many years and always go to them when we need a solution as we have confidence in the performance of their products. I predict our strong relationship with Apex Dynamics will continue long into the future.”
Mike Gulliford, Managing Director of Apex Dynamics, adds, “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!”
