A rack and pinion mechanism is utilized to transform rotary motion 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 movement. An ideal example of this is the steering program on many cars. 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 turn the wheel.
A rack and pinion system gives the ability to transfer rotary to linear movement, with all the accuracy expected of a geared system.

The racks are manufactured from ground, hardened stainless or 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 and brass racks are also obtainable. The rack pinions are plain or anti-backlash, also with a choice of accuracies, pitches, bore sizes, alternative components and coatings.

Floor rack can be used for both measurement and actuation. In general the smaller pitches (1 mm) fit measurement as the smaller pinion diameter gives 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 used for both the feedback and the actuation; however in very exact applications it is advisable to us a non-drive portion 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.

We offer three types of rack – rectangular, solid circular and tubular rack. Rectangular rack are utilized when the application requires the rack to be stationary and the rack pinion Spur Gear Rack supplies the element of motion. Our rectangular racks are used with a engine, slide and carriage for example in the printing market 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 instance in XY levels. The tubular racks allow for the passage of liquids, fibre-optics, gasses etc, making 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 the hollow shaft allows for the passage of fluids, fibre optics and gases.