As the 37th America’s Cup gets underway in Barcelona, Spain, sail racing fans worldwide are looking forward to cheering on their favorite contenders for the coveted America’s Cup. The America's Cup is a sailing competition and the oldest international competition still operating in any sport. America's Cup match races are held between two sailing yachts: one from the yacht club that currently holds the trophy and the other from the yacht club that is challenging for the cup.

A lot has changed in the 173 years that the race was first run. The first race in 1851 when the schooner ‘America’ crossed the Atlantic from New York to challenging the best of the British fleet in speed trials, the vessel stood as a representation of American yachting ingenuity. The ‘America’ was a sensation, winning a race around the Isle of Wight in the Royal Yacht Squadron’s Annual Regatta on 22nd August for what was then known as the £100 Cup. In the same spirt of ingenuity, the technology of the current

Introduction: In the world of linear motion systems, selecting the right technology is crucial to achieve precise and reliable movement. While various options exist, precision rack and pinion stands out as a superior choice for numerous applications. In this article, we will explore the advantages of precision rack and pinion systems over other linear motion technologies such as ball screws, linear motors, belt driven actuators, hydraulic actuators, and pneumatic actuators. We highlight their exceptional accuracy, efficiency, versatility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. High Positioinal Accuracy and Repeatability: Precision rack and pinion systems offer exceptional accuracy and repeatability. The meshing of the rack and pinion gears ensures precise linear motion, resulting in high positioning accuracy. Minimal backlash allows for reliable and repeatable movement, making precision rack and pinion systems suitable for applications that demand tight tolerances and precise positioning

The accuracy of a servo gearbox is given most commonly as backlash.  Since a gearbox is a rotational device, this number is given in angular units.  The typical unit of measure of precision gearboxes is arc-minutes. One arc-minute is 1/60^th of a degree.  The backlash of a gearbox is measured by locking the input – driven or motor side, loading the output in one direction, then loading in the opposite direction and measuring the displacement.  The load used to perform the test is not arbitrary.  The typical value is 1-2% of nominal torque capability.  In this range, torsional windup of loading the components in the gearbox is minimized, so that purely backlash is measured.  This gives the value of lost motion when there is a reversal of torque in the operation. 

Contributing factors to Backlash

When considering backlash in a gearbox, we need to examine the accuracy of the individual gears that comprise the gearbox.  T

Are you looking for a cross reference for an existing gearbox? Whether you need a replacement for a down machine or you want to experience the benefits of the worlds most productive servo gearbox manufacturer, this is the place to start. Our direct Competitive Interchange Tool allows you to find a direct dimensional drop-in to match your existing gearbox. We manufacture a wide variety of direct replacements for many manufacturers on the market. In addition to being direct replacements, our products have specifications that match or exceed our competitors. A build to stock manufacturing philosophy, allows us to deliver quickly and provide a highly competitive cost through quantities of scale. Our production method also insulates our manufacturing from supply chain disruptions - we have complete control of the manufacturing process and stock large volume of raw material for our products. To get a direct interchange, the manufacturer and model number of the existing gearbox can be selected

Designing for continuous applications can be challenging. In this white paper, we outline what constitutes a continuous application for servo gearboxes, how to size for continuous applications and the pitfalls that can lead to premature failure of your system.

Download the white paper here.

fric•tion

/'frikSH(e)n/

noun

     the resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another. "a lubrication system that reduces friction"

When designing your machine, you always strive to ensure the components you choose have the best balance of cost and longevity. That longevity is extended when scheduled maintenance events are performed by the end user, on time. Not following the maintenance procedures can, and often times, results in premature component failure, increasing the machine total cost of ownership.

Lubrication is the number one way engineers ensure the longevity of c

The New GL Series servo gearbox from Apex Dynamics is designed as a gear reducer for servo driven automated guided vehicles.

Warehouse automation has grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade.  A stock retrieval system is no longer a simple out and back operation.  With the advent of industry 4.0, systems have become more intelligent, and with that intelligence, more efficient.  Automated guided carts have become an integral part of that solution that employ precisely tuned computer controlled motors to drive them with speed, efficiency and with agility.

Nothing compares to a servo motor for accomplishing these goals.  The servo motor, however, needs a little help to get

The NEW AFX Series

Apex Dynamics USA is proud  to announce, for immediate release, the AFX/AFXR series gearboxes.  The AFX is a heavy duty drop in for our flagship AF series products.  With the same stainless steel construction, and patented technologies the AFX is designed with lower internal friction.  This makes for better performance in high speed, continuous applications.  All the while providing a long service life, low nois

In recent weeks, we have seen competitors lead times grow to astronomical durations.  Customers - machine builders and end users - have reported quoted lead times of 16, 18, even 30 weeks!

A global steel supply shortage, spurred by a graphite electrode shortage, has tightened supply.  The tightened

Apex Lead Times Remain Unchanged

supply has brought Just-in-time / Lean manufacturers to a standstill.

Electric arc furnaces use the graphite electrodes to convert massive amounts of electricity into the heat necessary for melting scrap steel to molten phase.  Graphite is the only material able to withstand the

The ATEX directive, if you are not familiar, is the EU directives that describe what equipment and work environment is allowed in the presence of an explosive atmosphere.  The ATEX equipment directive 94/9/EC covers equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

For ignition to occur, there must be three things present.  First a sufficient amount of flammable or combustible substance.  Secondly, air or oxygen, the fuel that allows things to burn.  Third, an ignition source.  The ignition source is typically a spark or a hot enough surface for conditions.

The directive provides a classification based on the equipment group and the equipment category.  Equipment Groups are divided into two - group I, which are mines and group II, which are above ground.  Equipment Categories further describes the equipment protection with  atmospheric conditions and protectio