A rack and pinion mechanism can be used to transform rotary motion into linear movement and vice versa. A circular spur gear, the pinion, meshes with a spur equipment which has teeth set in a straight line, the rack. Rack and pinion gears are used to convert rotation into linear movement. A perfect example of this is the steering system on many vehicles. The steering wheel rotates a equipment which engages the rack. As the gear turns, it slides the rack either to the proper or left, based on which way you switch the wheel.
A rack and pinion program 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, in addition to the facility to provide modifications such as for example 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 selection of accuracies, pitches, bore sizes, alternative materials and coatings.
Surface rack can be utilized for both measurement and actuation. Generally small pitches (1 mm) fit measurement as small pinion diameter provides higher linear resolutions. The larger 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; yet, in very exact applications it is best to us a non-drive section of the rack for opinions, alternatively another rack can be used. Hobbed rack are more suited to light Spur Gear Rack actuation applications where cost is an integral consideration.
You can expect three types of rack – rectangular, solid round and tubular rack. Rectangular rack are used when the application requires the rack to end up being stationary and the rack pinion provides the element of motion. Our rectangular racks are used with a electric motor, slide and carriage for example in the printing sector for the actuation of paper reducing knives in a printing press. Round rack certainly are a more flexible alternative, with regard to mounting, used for instance in XY stages. The tubular racks allow for the passage of fluids, fibre-optics, gasses etc, producing them perfect for medical and scientific applications, such as for example laboratory automation pick and place mechanisms.
Round racks are well suited for linear actuators in accurate automation applications . Tubular racks are specially useful for medical and scientific applications, where in fact the hollow shaft permits the passage of fluids, fibre optics and gases.