Machine builders rarely select a geared motor simply by looking at power and output speed, writes Apex Dynamics. In practice, the right solution depends on a combination of torque, ratio, mounting arrangement, available space, supply voltage, duty requirements and the mechanical configuration of the machine.
It is this application-led approach that Apex Dynamics is bringing to the compact geared motor market with its SGM range of compact AC and DC motors and geared motors.
The range represents a significant extension of the Apex Dynamics offering, taking the company beyond its established position in precision servo gearboxes, rack and pinion systems and related motion-control products. More importantly, it brings the same emphasis on product choice, technical support, availability and customer service to a much wider range of lower-power machine applications.
The SGM series has been developed for applications ranging from small conveyors and sealing and filling machines to label heads, checkweighers and vision systems. It is particularly suited to lower-torque applications requiring DC, single-phase AC or three-phase AC power.
A comprehensive range rather than a single solution
One of the strengths of Apex Dynamics’ established precision gearbox business is the breadth of its offering. The company has more than 50 ranges of precision gearboxes, together with rack and pinion systems and couplings, and an extensive selection of drop-in replacements and ratios.
A similar philosophy is evident in the SGM programme. Rather than offering a limited selection of standard geared motors, the range gives machine designers considerable freedom to configure a solution around the application.
The K Series AC motors are available with single-phase and three-phase voltage options and power ratings from 6W to 200W. Features include a sealed motor shaft to protect against dust, water and other contamination ingress, an engineered housing for efficient heat dissipation and an optimised motor design to maximise speed-torque characteristics. Brake and forced-cooling options are available, with compact sizes starting from just 60mm square.
For applications better suited to DC operation, the GDM Series provides multiple DC voltage options and a wider power range from 10W to 400W. These motors similarly incorporate sealed shafts and engineered heat-dissipation characteristics, with sizes beginning at 55mm diameter. Brake and tacho feedback options further increase the scope for matching the motor to the application.
Gearbox flexibility to suit the machine
Selecting the motor is only part of the equation. The gearbox configuration can be equally important, particularly when designers are trying to reduce machine dimensions or fit a drive into a restricted area.
The SGM programme therefore includes the G Series gearbox range, using high-precision helical gears in aluminium housings and matched to the motor helical shafts. Inline gearboxes provide ratios from 3:1 to 500:1, while right-angle configurations extend the available ratio range from 5:1 to 2500:1.
Mechanical configurations include inline, right-angle solid-shaft and right-angle hollow-shaft designs, together with options covering shaft and bore diameter and through-hole or screw-hole mounting.
For the machine builder, this flexibility is valuable. Instead of redesigning a machine around a motor and gearbox, the objective is to select a geared-motor configuration that fits the machine.
From components to application support
The expansion into compact geared motors also reflects a wider development in the Apex Dynamics proposition.
The company’s traditional expertise has centred on precision transmission products where correct specification is critical. Selecting a servo gearbox, for example, involves much more than identifying nominal torque. Ratio, acceleration, inertia, radial and axial loads, duty cycle, mounting and motor characteristics all have to be considered.
Apex is bringing that same technically orientated approach to compact AC and DC geared motors.
This is relevant because apparently simple applications can present very different requirements. A small conveyor may need high starting torque and continuous operation. A labelling mechanism may place greater emphasis on compact dimensions and controlled speed. A filling machine may require a right-angle drive because of restricted installation space, while another application may benefit from a hollow-shaft arrangement.
The breadth of the SGM range allows these factors to be considered during selection rather than forcing the customer towards a one-size-fits-all product.
Choice without unnecessary complexity
A broad product range only creates an advantage if customers can navigate it easily.
The SGM system has therefore been structured around configurable motor and gearbox combinations. AC motors can be specified by frame size, motor type, power, shaft configuration, voltage and accessories. DC motors offer choices covering housing diameter, motor length, power, voltage, speed, flange, frame, shaft and accessories.
For OEM machine builders, this can also assist machine standardisation. Different versions of a machine may require different voltages, powers, ratios or mechanical arrangements, yet these can potentially be sourced from the same product family.
Extending the Apex service philosophy
Ultimately, the SGM range is about more than adding another product category.
Apex Dynamics has built its UK proposition around reducing the technical and commercial risks associated with specifying motion-control products. Within its established precision gearbox range, this includes extensive product choice, application support, a large range of replacement options, rapid delivery commitments and a five-year warranty on its servo gearbox and rack-and-pinion products.
The compact AC and DC geared motor range enables Apex to apply the same customer-focused philosophy to another important area of machine design.
For customers already using Apex precision gearboxes, rack and pinion systems or couplings, it also provides an opportunity to source more of their mechanical drive requirements from a supplier already familiar with their machines and applications.
Machine builders increasingly need suppliers that can do more than provide individual components. They need responsive technical support, broad product choice and suppliers prepared to help identify the most appropriate and cost-effective solution.
With AC and DC alternatives, power ratings extending to 400W, extensive ratios and multiple mechanical configurations, the SGM range gives Apex Dynamics the product breadth to meet that requirement.
The proposition is simple: the application may be smaller and the motor less powerful, but the level of technical support and service behind it should be every bit as comprehensive.
Learn more https://apexdynauk.com/
For more motors news: https://designsolutionsmag.co.uk/category/drives-controls-motors/
