Apex Dynamics unveils first couplings range at PPMA 2024

(See Apex Dynamics at Machine Building North, 10 April 2025, on stand 52)

Malcolm Hillary, Apex Dynamics UK Northern Region Sales Manager, demonstrated how planetary gearboxes are increasingly shaping, building and facilitating movement all around us by providing much greater torque in a small footprint for enhanced precision.

Describing them as "the hidden heroes of modern engineering", he explained planetary gears are part of the future of motion control, with common applications including mobile robots, performance cars, renewable energy generation, aircraft engines and control systems.

Malcolm Hillary stated: "Planetary gearboxes are more than just gears and mechanics - they're a brilliant orchestration of precision and efficiency.

"The unique design of planetary gearboxes enables them to handle incredibly high torque loads while maintaining a compact design, even under extreme environmental conditions. As technology has advanced, so too have planetary gearboxes. They are now more compact, efficient, and reliable than ever before. Future advancements are expected to deliver even more tailored, robust, sustainable, precise, and versatile gearboxes."

New zero backlash precision couplings

Apex Dynamics UK has expanded its extensive range of more than 50 gearboxes and rack and pinion systems to include a new product offering: precision couplings. Introduced at PPMA by Apex Dynamics General Manager Andrew Parsons, they come in a variety of input and output options and provide zero backlash shaft-to-shaft connection.

With both disc and elastomer variants available, Apex Dynamics developed the couplings in response to demand. Customers often struggle to get couplings needed for a project, either because the size and range of couplings needed is not available, or because delivery times are poor.

Apex Dynamics UK can now supply the right size and quality of coupling, machined to the right specifications within its guaranteed 2-3 weeks delivery time. The couplings have easy axial installation and are bored to order; customised by Apex Dynamics to meet customers' individual needs.

Each backlash free range has high torsional rigidity, making them suitable for high torque and high-speed applications. Both ranges also feature permissible eccentric angle, shock absorption for motor high gain and high frequency reciprocating.

The high precision solid disc couplings have a laminate disc that allows for flex in case of misalignment properties between mating devices. Apex Dynamics disc couplings are ideal for encoders and direct drive applications, with multiple choices of hubs for input and output shafts.

For scenarios that require a more economical solution that allows for dampening and flex within the machine, the zero backlash, low inertia elastomer couplings have more torsional play to absorb vibrations within the machine. Variations include servo/stepper motor, spindle drive, input and output sleeve types.

MG and MGH high precision planetary gearboxes

The MG and MGH ranges were new to PPMA and deliver low wear over the lifetime of the product, alongside much higher torque capacity and higher radial load. The MG gearboxes have a wide radial range, while the MGH product has four planets, providing higher torque performance and additional ratio options.

They have been developed in response to greater demand for more load on the output phase as customers increasingly use planetary gearboxes to control pulleys, wheels, tables, turntables, rotating discs and bigger machines.

Available in both inline and right-angle variants, the MG and MGH ranges are optimised for rack and pinion systems, which makes them an ideal combination for applications that apply high radial load onto the gearbox or require high precision, such as CNC machines.

Both the couplings range and the MG and MGH ranges of planetary gearboxes come with Apex's guaranteed 2-3 week delivery times, five-year warranty and ATEX as standard.

Andrew Parsons added, "We are delighted to appear again at PPMA with a stronger product offering than ever before and have seen huge interest from the market in our first-ever range of couplings. With more than 50 high performance gearbox ranges in our portfolio, alongside our rack and pinion systems and expert team, we can provide the precise, tailored solution required for even the most complex applications."