A rack and pinion system can be used 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 range, the rack. Rack and pinion gears are used to convert rotation into linear movement. An ideal example of this is actually the steering system 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 produced from ground, hardened stainless or ground stainless and available with a choice 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 offered. The rack pinions are basic 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 small Spur Gear Rack pitches (1 mm) suit measurement as small pinion diameter provides higher linear resolutions. The larger 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; however in very precise applications it is best to us a non-drive section of the rack for feedback, alternatively another rack can be used. Hobbed rack are more suitable for light actuation applications where price is an integral consideration.
You can expect three types of rack – rectangular, solid circular and tubular rack. Rectangular rack are utilized when the application requires the rack to end up being stationary and the rack pinion supplies the element of movement. Our rectangular racks are used in combination with a electric motor, slide and carriage for instance in the printing industry for the actuation of paper slicing knives in a printing press. Round rack are a more versatile alternative, in regards to to mounting, used for 
instance in XY levels. The tubular racks enable the passage of fluids, 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.