Apex Dynamics delivers quality, low backlash and accuracy for Reekie Machining

The project used planetary gearboxes and a rack and pinion system from gearbox specialist Apex Dynamics to create a CNC machine capable of high precision operation across a large area.

Founded in 1947, Reekie Machining was established to manufacture and sell portable machining tools. Since then, the company has expanded to provide on-site machining services and specialises in CNC technology solutions for in-situ machining, including customised special projects.

Precise position control required for large-scale CNC milling and machining

Reekie Machining needed precise position control for the CNC machine across a large area. The equipment is used for milling and machining parts in-situ at a company in the shipbuilding industry. For the project in question, Reekie Machining required low backlash and high accuracy. The machine needed to be adjustable in length, from 2 m to 4.5 m for machining items such as large baseplates, so a ball screw for linear drive was not suitable. 

Apex Dynamics provided a rack and pinion system alongside planetary gearboxes from its AB range to create a rack-drive system capable of providing the level of precision Reekie Machining required. Reekie Machining had not previously configured its machines in this way because of problems associated with backlash, but the Apex Dynamics products have produced the accuracy and low backlash needed to achieve the required finish.

Apex Dynamics products create a suitable precision rack drive system

Having previously purchased gearboxes from Apex Dynamics for linear motion, this is the first rack drive system Reekie Machining has used. ​Providing highly accurate movement and positioning, high precision, low noise rack and pinion systems from Apex Dynamics are manufactured to meet Quality 4 standards. Tooled underground to ensure the best-possible temperature control and quality, they supply high speed and very low tolerance, alongside long life and high performance on the axis.

Alongside the rack and pinion system, Apex Dynamics supplied its AB planetary gearboxes to provide a full rack drive system to deliver well-coordinated high-quality transmission. The robust AB range is constructed with precision helical planetary gears hardened to 840 HV. The patented input bearing system ensures perfect concentricity to deliver low noise, high torque, low backlash and high efficiency.

High positional accuracy over a large range

Reekie Machining has achieved positional accuracy of +/-0.05 mm over a large range (2 m to 4.5 m). As the company offers an on-site machining service, it is now looking at developing its own in-house machine using a similar design.

CAD step models and resources provided by Apex Dynamics enabled Reekie Machining to easily incorporate the gearboxes and rack and pinion system into its machine design. The company has also praised Apex Dynamics’ customer service, responsiveness, and fast, accurate delivery times.

"The project has now been completed and it has all gone well, the machine works and we got the accuracy we needed. Using a rack drive system allows us to go a lot longer without compromising precision. The parts we ordered from Apex Dynamics were exactly as specified and the quality was really, really great," said David Reekie, MD of Reekie Machining.

"We anticipate working with Apex Dynamics again in the future on different types of machines, as they provide the accuracy and low backlash that we need."

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