Apex Dynamics‘ new PFII gearbox provided high-tech machinery manufacturing partner Tuinte with the high input torque, product specification and fast delivery time required to provide smooth operation of an off-shore cable-winding application.
The newly-released PFII precision planetary gearbox from Apex Dynamics was selected by Tuinte for a demanding off-shore cable-winding system. The high-tech machinery manufacturing partner to OEMs required more torque for the loading arm adjustment mechanism to deliver smooth operation.
After discovering there was insufficient torque margin on the spindle system used to adjust the winding machine’s loading arm, Tuinte approached Apex Dynamics. The company was able to provide a gearbox from its brand new PFII compact planetary gearbox range within three weeks that met all Tuinte’s requirements for torque, accuracy, and compatibility.
Tuinte requires additional torque for winding system
Based in the Netherlands, Tuinte has years of experience in mechanical engineering, component production and assembly, and a strong reputation for precision and quality. The company delivers high-tech solutions for OEMs and first-tier suppliers in sectors including aerospace & defence, semiconductors, life sciences, high-end food and energy.
Developed by Tuinte, the winding system allows various cables to be fed through in a controlled manner to a rotating basket. Height adjustment of the loading arm is performed via a spindle with a worm gear drive controlled by a servo motor. However, initial field testing of the machine found the available torque margin for loading arm adjustment was insufficient, reducing the efficiency of the spindle system and requiring more torque for smooth operation.
PFII series delivers precision, torque and easy installation in one compact device
Just a week before Tuinte got in touch about a planetary gearbox to solve its torque challenge, Apex Dynamics had launched its PFII compact planetary gearbox. The straight gearbox series has a hollow input and output shaft and could provide the desired 3:1 gear ratio to triple the input torque on the worm gearbox and reduce speed to enhance efficiency. The PFII met all Tuinte’s requirements for mounting and compatibility with the worm gearbox already in use within the system. The worm gearbox used by Tuinte had a 20 mm stub shaft, which is exactly the diameter of the hollow shaft of the PFII090.
Designed for applications that combine precision torque with the need for a compact device, the Apex Dynamics PFII range of coaxial gearboxes have a low maintenance design and achieve high efficiency due optimised tooth geometry in a small footprint. The input and output shafts are hollow, and the radial clamping ring coupling on the output shaft makes the gearbox easy to install. Available gear ratios from 3:1 to 1000:1 contribute to nominal torques of up to 228 Nm, making the PFII a powerful solution in the medium-end planetary gearbox segment.
PFII gearbox delivered to Tuinte ahead of schedule within weeks of launch
In addition to perfectly meeting Tuinte’s design specifications, Apex Dynamics Netherlands was also able to deliver the gearbox a week ahead of schedule. Tuinte requested an expedited three-week timeline to allow for more extensive testing, and Apex Dynamics prioritised the order to deliver it a week earlier than initially planned. The PFII gearbox shipped to Tuinte just five weeks after the launch of the new range and, as a result, Tuinte was able to serve its customer within the deadline with a system that met all requirements.
“This project with Tuinte demonstrates the quality of Apex Dynamics products, our commitment to continuous innovation, and our strong customer service. The close communication between our two companies transformed a technical challenge into a joint success, and we are proud to have been able to demonstrate our proactive approach and ability to deliver at pace. In addition to the outstanding patented designs of our growing range of precision servo gearboxes, we offer a five-year warranty, 2-3 week lead times, guaranteed delivery and ATEX as standard.” said Mike Gulliford, Apex Dynamics UK Managing Director.
About Apex Dynamics UK
Apex Dynamics is a global leader in servo gearbox technologies, offering a wide range of planetary and other precision gearboxes which can be delivered with an industry-leading two-three weeks delivery time. The company has the largest range of drop-in replacements and ratios as well as a ‘converter app’ which makes it easy to change to Apex Dynamics from a competitor’s product. All Apex Dynamics servo gearbox and rack and pinion products are covered by a 5-year warranty which is unique for servo drive technology. To learn more, visit www.apexdynauk.com.
About Tuinte
Tuinte is a high-tech manufacturing partner and knowledge centre for mechanical engineering, component production, and assembly. One-stop shopping: designing, producing, improving, and maintaining (sub)systems, machines, and modules, supported by excellent project management. They meet the high precision and quality requirements expected in high-tech industries such as Aerospace & Defence, Semiconductors, High-end Food, Energy, and Consumer Goods. Tuinte utilizes modern technologies in CNC milling and turning, sheet metal and construction work, cleanroom assembly, welding robots, and certified welding techniques.
