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

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

Surface rack can be utilized for both measurement and actuation. In general the smaller pitches (1 mm) suit measurement as the smaller pinion diameter gives higher linear resolutions. The bigger pitches (2 mm and 2.5 mm) enable an increased load capacity. For some applications the rack can be used for both the opinions and the actuation; however in very precise applications it is best to us a non-drive section of the rack for opinions, alternatively a separate rack may be used. Hobbed rack are more suited to light actuation applications where cost is a key consideration.

You can expect three types of rack – rectangular, solid round and tubular rack. Rectangular rack are utilized when the application requires the rack to end up being stationary and the rack pinion provides the element of motion. Our rectangular racks are used with a engine, slide and carriage for instance in the printing sector for the actuation of paper cutting knives in a printing press. Round rack are a more versatile alternative, in regards to to Spur Gear Rack mounting, used for example in XY levels. The tubular racks allow for the passage of fluids, fibre-optics, gasses etc, producing them perfect for medical and scientific applications, such as for example laboratory automation choose and place mechanisms.
Round racks are well suited 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.