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.

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

A Precision Rotary Flange Output - Right Angle Hypoid Gear Technology

The New KH Series offers a ISO 9409 rotary output flange in a compact, accurate right angle configuration.  The Hypoid Gearing, as mentioned in the KF Series release post, is a right angle gear design between a spiral bevel and worm gear.

KH Series Hypoid Right Angle Gearbox

Constructed of carbon steel cast and forged aluminum housings, the KH Series has a high strength to weigt ratio. The ISO 9409 rotating flange output is ideal for mounting p

Apex Dynamics releases the new  High Precision Hypoid  KF Series right angle servo gearbox.  

KF Series High Precision Right Angle Hypoid Gearbox

Designed for tight spaces and accurate positioning applications, the KF Series turns the corner with a hardened and precision ground hypoid gear.

A hypoid gear is a cross between a spiral (or helical) bevel gear and a worm gear.  The advantages of the hypoid over a bevel gear are higher ratio capability, higher accuracy and more compact design. The

PDR Series Right Angle Planetary Gearbox

The new PD series planetary gearbox is a precision rotary flange output servo compatible speed reducer.  The PD series is an more economical version of the high performance AD Series.  Based on)the PII Series gearbox design, the PD series is a straight cut planetary gear design that offers a rotary flange for turn tables, end effectors, tool changers and robotic arms, at a more cost effective level.

The PD Series features carbon steel construction (flange and housing) with aluminum motor flange adapters.  The PDR Series is a