FEATURE GEARS & GEARBOXES HOW PLANETARY GEARBOXE
Apex Dynamics UK is an expert in planetary gearboxes and other servo gearbox technologies, with its solutions incorporated into countless industrial applications – tiny cogs driving massive machines with incredible precision. Mike Gulliford, Apex Dynamics, examines why planetary gearboxes are the unsung heroes in mechanics
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espite evolving over many years, planetary gearbox systems are still based on the same principles of epicyclic gearing that
have been used for centuries. However, huge progress has been made in materials and manufacturing. Automation drives gears rather than manual labour, and computer-aided design allows us to create intricate designs that were previously impossible. Apex Dynamics is proud to be part of this human journey of motion control, building and shaping our world. From keeping robot assembly lines
moving to helping rovers explore other planets, the company is committed to ensuring its products reach new levels of sophistication and accuracy as machines become more compact, efficient and reliable, and automation and robotics continue to push the boundaries of what is possible through engineering.
PLANETARY GEARS: UNSUNG HEROES IN MECHANICS Planetary gearboxes are unsung heroes in the world of mechanics, revolutionising motion control. Although hidden, they are pivotal in countless industry applications, providing high torque density, high performance, high efficiency, compact size and low noise. Inside, a universe of planetary gears that
resembles our solar system works in harmony – a central ‘sun’ gear, the orbiting ‘planet’ gears and the encompassing ‘ring’ gear that meshes with the planet gears – performing a choreographed dance. Planetary gearboxes deliver high torque output because the load is shared among multiple planet gears, improving durability and lifespan. They are known for their high power density, compact size and excellent efficiency, combined with the ability to handle a wide range of speeds and torques, and provide smooth operation. The precision of these gears is essential for the efficiency and high performance of planetary gearboxes, with around 75% of the torque transmitted in a planetary gearbox through the ring gear. We lead the way in high-precision gearboxes and our gears are manufactured using
44 DESIGN SOLUTIONS JUNE 2025
ENDLESS APPLICATIONS FOR PLANETARY GEARS Planetary gearboxes are ideal for scenarios where high force and precise motion control is needed in a small space. They are very flexible and suitable for anything that needs precision rotation, efficient power transmission and torque. This includes high-precision fields such as robotics, aerospace and CNC machines for accurate positioning and torque handling. As a result, they are used in settings as varied
as: conveyors, mixers, automotive transmission, packaging, printing and textile machinery, agricultural machinery, construction equipment, MRI and CT scanners to control smoothness of
sophisticated processes, with metals treated to endure relentless forces and each tooth shaped with utmost accuracy to enhance power and performance. Our planetary gearboxes are made from materials that provide strength, durability, and resistance to wear.
mechanisms, positioning satellite antenna and solar panels, differential systems in AWD and 4WD vehicles, factory production lines and wind power. In fact planetary gearboxes are shaping our
world in ways we often overlook, and are even found in the home, in products such as smart blinds or motorised furniture.
CUSTOMISED SOLUTIONS Planetary gearbox technology forms the core of our product range. We work with our customers to develop specialised applications, modifying the gear ratios, materials, size, lubrication systems, and mounting configurations to meet the unique requirements of a particular application. Custom designed gearboxes can provide optimal performance and integrate seamlessly into mechanical systems without the need to adjust the design. At Apex Dynamics UK we
are dedicated to excellence in customer service, working
closely with our customers to deliver tailored solutions to their design and engineering needs.
GEARBOX SOLUTIONS Our inline and right-angle helical planetary gearboxes are constructed with
precision helical planetary gears hardened to 840 HV and an internal gear that is machined directly into the gearbox housing. Apex’s patented input bearing system ensures perfect concentricity and patented input and output sealing, with a wide range of ratios available. We also offer custom configurations alongside other servo products such as couplings, right-angle gearboxes, and rack and pinion systems. Our extensive range of gearboxes suits a vast
range of different applications. For example, our popular AF Series is specifically designed to handle high axial and radial loads and output torque ranges from 14 Nm – 2000 Nm, while our recently-launched GV/GVR Series has been specifically designed for AGVs, with high torque, high driving transmission and minimised gearbox length for optimised space arrangement inside mobile automation machines. The high- performance, high-efficiency, MGO/MGOK series
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