A rack and pinion system gives the ability to transfer rotary to linear motion, with all the accuracy expected of a geared system.
The racks are manufactured from ground, hardened stainless steel or ground stainless steel and available with a choice of accuracies, pitches, and lengths, plus 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 plain or anti-backlash, also with a choice of accuracies, pitches, bore sizes, alternative materials and coatings.
Ground rack can be used for both measurement and actuation. In general the smaller pitches (1 mm) suit measurement as the smaller pinion diameter gives higher linear resolutions. The larger pitches (2 mm and 2.5 mm) allow for a higher load capacity. For most applications the rack can be used 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 a separate rack can be used. Hobbed rack are more suited to light actuation applications where cost is a key consideration.
Precision Rectangular Racks
Rectangular rack 1 mm to 2.5 mm circular pitch and 0.3 to 1.0 module, available in lengths up to 500 mm.
• Precision ground rack hardened – manufactured from grade 316 stainless steel, hardened to 34-45 HRc
Click here to see catalogue page.
• Precision hobbed rack soft – manufactured from grade 304 stainless steel