Stainless steel gearboxes can be used directly in food zones

Apex Dynamics UK has introduced a new stainless-steel range of helical economy gearboxes with high torque capacity which are available in both in-line (AES) and right-angle formats (AERS). They are newly available from Moore International.

The compact design is easy to install and provides high efficiency in application, offering every single stage ratio from 3 to 10. In addition, the low noise AES and AERS corrosion resistant gearboxes are designed to operate in washdown conditions and can be used directly in food zones.

Moore International, a distributor for Apex Dynamics UK, based in Poole, has seen a significant interest in the stainless-steel versions, not least because of the 5-year warranty provided to customers. Mark Moore, CEO of Moore International, commented: “Customers in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, medical and packaging industries, amongst others, are looking for 24/7 reliability along with designs that are compatible with hygienic and sterile conditions.

“The fact that these precision gearboxes offer NSF – H1 food grade grease as standard, are IP67 rated, as well as ATEX certified which means they be used in hazardous environments, gives our customers the necessary assurances. The 5-year warranty underpins that assurance.”

As both companies are members of the PPMA, they have good insight into the present and future requirements of machine manufacturers who serve these processing industries and who require high standards of regulatory compliance, as well as optimum efficiency in production.

With working temperature ranging from -10°C to +90°C, these units can work in cold rooms as well as in high humidity areas. The gearboxes are lubricated for life so maintenance is minimal and the stainless steel body is ergonomically designed to minimise food traps. The seals are designed to resist chemical ingress through wash downs.

The internals of the gearbox consist of high setting gear performance which is designed to ease off the tooth profile and crowns the lead of each tooth. This optimises the gear mesh alignment and overlap to achieve maximum tooth surface contact. In addition, the heat treatment process is optimised by plasma nitriding, thus giving superior wear-resistance.

Both the AE and the AER versions come in seven sizes with body diameters ranging from 50mm to 235mm.

Moore International can provide CAD drawings for each gearbox, as well as assisting customers in the selection by use of Apex Dynamics’ own design tool software, which pre-selects the optimum gearbox to the customers preferred brand of servo motor.

Moore adds: “Our association with Apex Dynamics further strengthens our position as a leading provider of mechanical motion transfer products to sit alongside our linear and screw technology products. This gives our customers more opportunity to reduce suppliers as well as benefit from acknowledged service capabilities and technical support.”