Planetary gearbox
APEX Dynamics AD / ADR / ADS planetary gearbox
Apex Dynamics high-precision helical planetary with a one-piece stainless planet cage and very short length; ADS adds a keyed input shaft for belt pulley or coupling drive.
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Pricing and availability
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Need APEX Dynamics parts, a replacement or a suitable alternative? Send us a part number, or tell us what the machine needs to do. Our UK engineers will come back with the right product, pricing, lead time and delivery, whether that is the original part, a checked alternative or a complete axis.
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- 1Products
- 2Performance
- 3Environment
- 4Volumes
- 5Your spec
What are you specifying?
Select everything you need. A motor, drive and gearbox can be specified together as one axis.
Key specifications
| Backlash (max) | 1 arcmin |
|---|---|
| Length min | 70 |
Series ranges as published; individual models vary. The full datasheet, drawings and CAD models are available on request.
APEX Dynamics AD / ADR / ADS replacement and alternative options
Use these supply-network options as a starting point for an engineering check. We can also help source the original APEX Dynamics part. Published series figures do not establish an exact-model or drop-in replacement: confirm ratings, fit, interfaces and approvals for your application.
Hollow-shaft rotary platform reducer with helical gears and crossed roller bearing for low-backlash, high-load indexing.
| Published maximum | AD / ADR / ADS | WTN |
|---|---|---|
| Backlash (lower is better) | 1 arcmin | 0.5 arcmin meets or exceeds |
Economy spur-gear planetary in round (WPL) or square (WPF) flange formats, for general duty where precision is not critical.
Helical planetary with integrated output shaft, full needle-bearing planets, one-piece carrier and square flange; gears hardened to HRC62.
Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.
Options
- AD inline
- ADR right-angle
- ADS keyed input shaft
Typical applications
What a planetary gearbox is
A planetary gearbox reduces speed and multiplies torque using a central sun gear driven by the motor, several planet gears on a carrier, and an outer ring gear. Load is shared between the planets, so the gearbox is compact, coaxial and torque-dense. A single stage typically gives ratios of about 3:1 to 10:1, and stages are combined for higher ratios. Precision servo planetaries use ground helical or spur gears, preloaded output bearings and a motor adapter flange, with backlash typically a few arcminutes or less.
When engineers choose a planetary gearbox
Choose a planetary gearbox for most servo and stepper axes that need more torque, lower reflected inertia or a better inertia match. It is efficient, typically above 95% per stage, stiff and widely available in standard frames. The trade-offs are backlash, which is low but not zero, and limited single-stage ratio. For zero backlash in a compact joint, a strain-wave gear suits better. For very high shock loads, a cycloidal reducer may be more robust.
How to specify the APEX Dynamics AD / ADR / ADS
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right AD / ADR / ADS variant:
- Ratio and output speed (:1, rpm)
- Nominal and peak output torque (Nm)
- Emergency stop torque (Nm)
- Backlash (arcmin) and torsional stiffness (Nm/arcmin)
- Radial and axial output loads (N)
- Motor flange, shaft diameter and length (mm)
- Duty cycle, mounting orientation and lubrication
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sizing on motor torque times ratio without checking acceleration torque and service factors
- Ignoring the input speed limit at high motor speeds
- Mounting a pulley or pinion that overloads the output bearing
- Forgetting the gearbox efficiency and heat in continuous duty
APEX Dynamics AD / ADR / ADS: frequently asked questions
Can you help replace APEX Dynamics AD / ADR / ADS or source the original?
Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including supply-network options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.
What is the APEX Dynamics AD / ADR / ADS?
Apex Dynamics high-precision helical planetary with a one-piece stainless planet cage and very short length; ADS adds a keyed input shaft for belt pulley or coupling drive. Published series figures include backlash 1 arcmin. It is available through our supply network, and our engineers can confirm the right variant for your application.
Who makes the APEX Dynamics AD / ADR / ADS?
The APEX Dynamics AD / ADR / ADS is made by APEX Dynamics (APEX Dynamics, Inc.) available through our supply network. Send us your requirement for pricing, lead time, datasheets and CAD.
What is the backlash of the APEX Dynamics AD / ADR / ADS?
The published series maximum backlash is 1 arcmin. Individual models and sizes in the AD / ADR / ADS range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.
Is there an alternative to the APEX Dynamics AD / ADR / ADS?
We can assess suitable replacement options. On published figures, Wanshsin WTN and Wanshsin WPL / WPF are options to assess from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
How do I choose a planetary gearbox ratio?
Start from the load speed and motor speed range, then check inertia matching and torque. A ratio that brings the reflected load inertia close to the motor inertia improves dynamics. Then confirm peak output torque during acceleration is within the gearbox rating and that input speed stays under the limit.
What backlash does a precision planetary gearbox have?
Precision servo planetary gearboxes typically have backlash from below one arcminute to several arcminutes, depending on grade and stages. Lower backlash costs more. For most positioning axes, a few arcminutes is fine; for robot joints or optics, strain-wave or zero-backlash designs are used.
Further reading: How to select a planetary gearbox · Harmonic vs planetary vs cycloidal · Gearboxes and harmonic drives
Often compared with
Engineers specifying this series often compare it with:
Other planetary gearbox series
Engineer support
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How it works
From enquiry to delivery
Send a part number or describe the application. Our engineers take it from there: the right product, a clear quotation, and delivery and support arranged.
- 01Tell us what you needSend a part number, or configure the application, quantities and timing.
- 02An engineer reviews itWe check the specification and find the original part, a checked equivalent or a complete axis.
- 03Receive your quotationProducts, pricing, lead time and compatibility notes in one reply.
- 04Order and deliveryWhen you are happy, the order is placed and delivery and after-sales support are arranged.