A rack and pinion system is used to transform rotary movement into linear movement and vice versa. A round spur gear, the pinion, meshes with a spur equipment which has teeth occur a straight range, the rack. Rack and pinion gears are accustomed to convert rotation into linear motion. A perfect example of this is 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, depending on which way you switch the wheel.
A rack and pinion system gives the ability to transfer rotary to linear motion, with all the precision expected of a geared program.

The racks are manufactured from ground, hardened stainless or Spur Gear Rack ground stainless steel and available with a selection of accuracies, pitches, and lengths, in addition to the facility to provide modifications such as flats, journals or custom ends. Hobbed stainless steel and brass racks are also available. The rack pinions are simple or anti-backlash, also with a choice of accuracies, pitches, bore sizes, alternative components and coatings.

Surface rack can be utilized for both measurement and actuation. Generally small pitches (1 mm) match measurement as small pinion diameter provides higher linear resolutions. The larger pitches (2 mm and 2.5 mm) enable an increased load capacity. For most applications the rack can be utilized for both the opinions and the actuation; yet, in very precise applications it is advisable to us a non-drive section of the rack for feedback, alternatively another rack may be used. Hobbed rack are more suited to light actuation applications where price is an integral consideration.

We offer three types of rack – rectangular, solid circular and tubular rack. Rectangular rack are used when the application needs the rack to end up being stationary and the rack pinion provides the element of motion. Our rectangular racks are used in combination with a motor, slide and carriage for instance in the printing sector for the actuation of paper trimming knives in a printing press. Round rack certainly are a more versatile alternative, in regards to to mounting, utilized for example in XY stages. The tubular racks allow for 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 especially useful for medical and scientific applications, where in fact the hollow shaft allows for the passage of fluids, fibre optics and gases.