Feature

Gearbox design slashes downtime and boosts flexibility of converting machine

A collaborative solution developed by Apex Dynamics UK with its customer CA Group has created the additional flexibility needed in the gearbox setup of a converting machine, to prevent parts failure and reduce maintenance downtime dramatically.

31/01/2024 15:35:22

CA Group has a converting machine for the manufacture of steel sections for cladding, which contains a series of 20 spiral bevel gearboxes from Apex Dynamics. CA Group’s maintenance team identified a problem with the previous set-up, as the gearboxes were connected by a solid shaft all the way through, which did not allow for any flexibility of movement.

This flaw in the overall design meant that seals were under strain and often began to leak, leading to high failure rates.

Additionally, if a gearbox failed or a seal blew out, it would result in five to six hours of downtime to repair the machine, because of the difficulty of accessing the gearboxes to change them.

Read the full article in DPA's February issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.