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Planetary gearbox

APEX Dynamics GL / GLS planetary gearbox

Apex Dynamics AGV planetary with a rotating housing so a drive wheel or pulley can mount directly over it; GLS takes shaft input for belt drive.

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Pricing and availability

Get pricing, sourcing and replacement support

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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Spec builder

Configure APEX Dynamics GL / GLS

Select every part you need and answer the questions an applications engineer would ask. Our engineers use your specification to come back with the right products, pricing and lead times. You see your summary before we ask for any details.

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  1. 1Products
  2. 2Performance
  3. 3Environment
  4. 4Volumes
  5. 5Your spec
Step 1 of 5

What are you specifying?

Select everything you need. A motor, drive and gearbox can be specified together as one axis.

1 selected: Gearbox or harmonic drive

Key specifications

Ingress protectionIP65
Speed (max)7,000 rpm
Ratio2–90:1
Backlash (max)3 arcmin
Sizes082, 100, 132
Efficiency>=97% 1-stage, >=94% 2-stage
Radial load (max)7,200 N

Series ranges as published; individual models vary. The full datasheet, drawings and CAD models are available on request.

APEX Dynamics GL / GLS 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.

Planetary gearbox

Wanshsin WSH

2 published figures compared; engineering check required

High-rigidity Wanshsin inline planetary with three backlash classes down to super-precision, for machine tools, automation and AGVs.

Published maximumGL / GLSWSH
Rated torque—2,400 Nm
Peak torque—7,200 Nm
Ratio (max)90:1100:1 meets or exceeds
Backlash (lower is better)3 arcmin1.5 arcmin meets or exceeds
Planetary gearbox

Wanshsin WTH

2 published figures compared; engineering check required

Wanshsin inline planetary designed for high radial loads, offered in three precision classes.

Published maximumGL / GLSWTH
Rated torque—2,050 Nm
Peak torque—6,150 Nm
Ratio (max)90:1100:1 meets or exceeds
Backlash (lower is better)3 arcmin1.5 arcmin meets or exceeds
Planetary gearbox

Wanshsin WAE

Limited published data: 1 figure compared

High-precision round-flange planetary with high input speed capability and near-zero backlash, aimed at robotics and CNC.

Published maximumGL / GLSWAE
Ratio (max)90:1—
Backlash (lower is better)3 arcmin2 arcmin meets or exceeds

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.

APEX Dynamics GL / GLS model codes

Published model codes in the GL / GLS range. Search this page for your part number, or send it to us for availability, pricing and lead time.

Options

  • GL hub input
  • GLS shaft input for belt/pulley

Typical applications

AGVsDrive wheels

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 GL / GLS

Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right GL / GLS 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 GL / GLS: frequently asked questions

Can you help replace APEX Dynamics GL / GLS 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 GL / GLS?

Apex Dynamics AGV planetary with a rotating housing so a drive wheel or pulley can mount directly over it; GLS takes shaft input for belt drive. Published series figures include speed 7,000 rpm, ratio 2:1, ratio 90:1, backlash 3 arcmin. It is available through our supply network, and our engineers can confirm the right variant for your application.

What model codes are in the APEX Dynamics GL / GLS range?

The GL / GLS range includes GL082, GL100, GL132, GLS082, GLS100, GLS132. The table on this page lists each published model code with its key figures. Send us the code you use, or the one you need to replace, and our engineers will confirm availability, lead time or the closest equivalent.

Who makes the APEX Dynamics GL / GLS?

The APEX Dynamics GL / GLS 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 speed of the APEX Dynamics GL / GLS?

The published series maximum speed is 7,000 rpm. Individual models and sizes in the GL / GLS 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 GL / GLS?

We can assess suitable replacement options. On published figures, Wanshsin WSH and Wanshsin WTH 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.

  1. Tell us what you needSend a part number, or configure the application, quantities and timing.
  2. An engineer reviews itWe check the specification and find the original part, a checked equivalent or a complete axis.
  3. Receive your quotationProducts, pricing, lead time and compatibility notes in one reply.
  4. Order and deliveryWhen you are happy, the order is placed and delivery and after-sales support are arranged.