AVOIDING SLOW MOTION WILL KEEP MANUFACTURERS IN TOP GEAR
During these unprecedented times food and drink manufacturers in the UK not only need automated processes to boost productivity and speed to market so that they can remain competitive, but they also require production machinery that is ultra-reliable and can operate at the required capacity, says APEX Dynamics a leading supplier of high-precision servo gearboxes.
The coronavirus pandemic has led to a different way of working for manufacturers, with enforced social distancing measures implemented in the workplace area to create safe spacing impacting on operations, exacerbated by staff that have been furloughed or affected by the virus taking time off.
Manufacturers need to decide when working with a supplier what their capabilities are and how they are structured for the ‘new normal’. APEX Dynamics’ UK Sales Manager, Andrew Parsons, doesn’t think requirements have changed from reliable delivery, quality product, competitive costing and great service, but the current situation may have repercussions for how suppliers can now perform.
He said: “Automation is a key area for being able to handle social distancing and production capacity – highly automated processes that require less close operator interaction. A reliable motion control system is critical for keeping production lines operating to maximum effect by reducing the amount of time lost for manual intervention.
“Reliable deliveries and service are more important than ever, but APEX Dynamics has remained unchanged in the crisis, still offering three-week deliveries on all standard products and the only five-year warranty in the industry, with video conferencing available to discuss applications.”
APEX Dynamics has patents for its gearboxes that offer unique advantages, such as the bearing mounted sun gear, planet carrier design, input and output sealing with hi-tech ball burnished surfaces and Teflon-coated Viton seals allowing high efficiency and low heat.
“Optimum design, lubrication and sizing is key to ensuring the lifetime of gearboxes is as long as possible. Special cut channels on the planet gears allow lubrication to flow to the needle bearings during rotation increasing circulation through the bearing, reducing heat build-up and increasing life.”
Reducing backlash to a perfect zero has been the holy grail for precision gearbox manufacturers and, whilst some companies may claim this level of perfection, it is in actual fact an impossible goal. However, it is possible to supply precision-built gearboxes that can keep operating to maximum effect by ensuring extremely close-tolerance alignment of components in a motion control system.
Today’s current climate presents huge challenges for manufacturers and suppliers alike. Highly reliable automated processes require less close operator interaction, which will be key to manufacturing at the required capacity during and after social distancing.
Find out more at https://www.apexdynauk.com
