A rack and pinion mechanism is utilized to transform rotary movement into linear motion and vice versa. A circular spur gear, the pinion, meshes with a spur gear which has teeth occur a straight series, the rack. Rack and pinion gears are accustomed to convert rotation into linear movement. An ideal example of this is actually the steering system on many vehicles. The steering wheel rotates a gear which engages the rack. As the gear turns, it slides the rack either to the right or left, based on which way you convert 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 steel or ground stainless 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 steel and brass racks are also obtainable. The rack pinions are simple or anti-backlash, also with a choice of accuracies, pitches, bore sizes, alternative components and coatings.

Ground rack can be utilized for both measurement and actuation. In general the smaller pitches (1 mm) match measurement as small pinion diameter gives higher linear resolutions. The bigger pitches (2 mm and 2.5 mm) allow for an increased load capacity. For some applications the rack can be utilized for both the feedback and the actuation; however in very precise applications it is best to us a non-drive portion of the rack for opinions, alternatively another rack can 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 needs the rack to become stationary and the rack pinion provides the element of movement. Our rectangular racks are used with a engine, slide and carriage for instance in the printing market for the actuation of paper slicing knives in a printing press. Round rack are a more versatile alternative, in regards to to mounting, utilized for instance in XY levels. The tubular racks enable the Spur Gear Rack passage of fluids, fibre-optics, gasses etc, producing them ideal for medical and scientific applications, such as laboratory automation pick and place mechanisms.
Round racks are perfect for linear actuators in accurate automation applications . Tubular racks are specially useful for medical and scientific applications, where in fact the hollow shaft allows for the passage of fluids, fibre optics and gases.