A rack and pinion system is used to transform rotary movement into linear movement and vice versa. A circular spur equipment, the pinion, meshes with a spur equipment which has teeth occur a straight line, the rack. Rack and pinion gears are accustomed to convert rotation into linear motion. A perfect example of this is actually the steering program on many vehicles. The tyre rotates a equipment which engages the rack. As the apparatus turns, it slides the rack either to the right or left, based on which way you convert the wheel.
A rack and pinion program gives the capability to transfer rotary to linear motion, with all the accuracy expected of a geared system.

The racks are produced from ground, hardened stainless or ground stainless steel and available with a choice of accuracies, pitches, and lengths, in addition to the facility to supply modifications such as flats, journals or custom ends. Hobbed stainless and brass racks are also offered. The rack pinions are plain or anti-backlash, also with a selection of accuracies, pitches, bore sizes, alternative materials and coatings.

Ground rack can be used for both measurement and actuation. Generally the smaller pitches (1 mm) match measurement as the smaller pinion diameter gives higher linear resolutions. The bigger pitches (2 mm and 2.5 mm) enable a higher load capacity. For some applications the rack can be utilized for both the feedback and the actuation; yet, in very precise applications it is advisable to us a non-drive portion of the rack for feedback, alternatively a separate rack can be used. Hobbed rack are more suitable for light actuation applications where cost is a key consideration.

You can expect three types of rack – rectangular, solid circular and tubular rack. Spur Gear Rack rectangular rack are utilized when the application needs the rack to end up being stationary and the rack pinion provides the element of movement. Our rectangular racks are used in combination with a motor, slide and carriage for instance in the printing market for the actuation of paper reducing knives in a printing press. Circular rack certainly are a more versatile alternative, with regard to mounting, utilized for example in XY stages. The tubular racks enable the passage of liquids, fibre-optics, gasses etc, producing them well suited for medical and scientific applications, such as for example laboratory automation choose and place mechanisms.
Round racks are ideal for linear actuators in accurate automation applications . Tubular racks are specially useful for medical and scientific applications, where in fact the hollow shaft permits the passage of liquids, fibre optics and gases.