A rack and pinion mechanism is utilized to transform rotary movement into linear motion and vice versa. A circular spur equipment, the pinion, meshes with a spur gear which has teeth set in a straight collection, the rack. Rack and pinion gears are accustomed to convert rotation into linear movement. An ideal example of this is actually the steering program on many cars. The tyre rotates a gear which engages the rack. As the apparatus turns, it slides the rack either to the right or left, depending on which way you switch the wheel.
A rack and pinion system gives the capability to transfer rotary to linear motion, with all the accuracy expected of a geared program.

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

Floor rack can be used for both measurement and actuation. In general the smaller pitches (1 mm) match measurement as the smaller pinion diameter provides higher linear resolutions. The larger pitches (2 mm and 2.5 mm) enable an increased load capacity. For some applications the rack can be utilized for both the feedback and the actuation; however in very exact applications it is advisable to us a non-drive portion of the rack for feedback, alternatively a separate rack may be used. Hobbed rack are more suitable for light actuation applications where cost is an integral consideration.

We offer three types of rack – rectangular, solid round and tubular rack. Rectangular rack are utilized when the application needs the rack to be stationary and the rack pinion supplies the element of movement. Our rectangular racks are used with a engine, slide and carriage for instance in the printing industry for the actuation of paper reducing knives in a printing press. Circular rack are a more flexible alternative, with regard to mounting, utilized for instance in XY levels. The tubular racks enable the passage of liquids, fibre-optics, gasses etc, making them well suited for medical and scientific applications, such as laboratory automation choose and place mechanisms.
Round racks are ideal for linear actuators in accurate automation applications . Tubular racks are especially useful for medical and scientific applications, where in fact the hollow shaft allows for the passage of liquids, fibre optics and gases.