DS-JUN26-PG36+37_Layout 1 15/06/2026 13:37 Page 1
FEATURE GEARS & GEARBOXES
when Planetary gea r Pinion systems meet c
Precision planetary gearboxes and rack and pinion systems from Apex Dynamics have delivered the quality, accuracy and low backlash required for an adjustable machine used for in-situ milling and machining
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stablished in 1947 to manufacture and sell portable machining tools, Reekie Machining has gone on to provide on-site
machining services and specialises in CNC technology solutions for in-situ machining, including customised special projects. The company needed precise position
control for a CNC machine, which is used for milling and machining parts in-situ at a company in the shipbuilding industry, across a large area. For this application, low backlash and high accuracy was essential. Furthermore, the machine needed to be adjustable from 2m to 4.5m in length for machining items such as large baseplates. As such, a ball screw for linear drive was not suitable. To meet the application demands, the
company therefore turned to Apex Dynamics for planetary gearboxes and a rack and pinion system.
the right solution For this application, Apex Dynamics provided a rack and pinion system in addition to planetary gearboxes from its AB range to create a rack- drive system capable of providing the level of precision required. Reekie Machining had not previously configured its machines in this way because of problems associated with backlash, but the Apex Dynamics products provided the accuracy and low backlash needed to achieve the required finish. Although the company had previously
purchased gearboxes from Apex Dynamics for linear motion, this is the first rack drive system Reekie Machining has used. The rack and pinion systems from Apex Dynamics are manufactured to meet Quality Standards 4, and provide highly accurate movement and positioning, high precision, and low noise. Tooled underground to ensure the best-possible temperature
control and quality, they supply high speed and very low tolerance, alongside long life and high performance on the axis. The AB planetary gearboxes, meanwhile,
provide a full rack drive system to deliver well- coordinated high-quality transmission. The robust AB range is constructed with precision helical planetary gears hardened to 840 HV; and the patented input bearing system ensures perfect concentricity to deliver low noise, high torque, low backlash and high efficiency.
Positional accuracy Reekie Machining has achieved positional accuracy of ±0.05mm over a large range (2m to 4.5m). As the company offers an on-site machining service, it is now looking at developing its own in-house machine using a similar design. CAD step models and resources provided by Apex Dynamics enabled Reekie Machining
3 DESIGN SOLUTIONS JUNE 2026 6
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