A rack and pinion system is utilized to transform rotary movement into linear motion and vice versa. A round spur equipment, the pinion, meshes with a spur equipment which has teeth set in a straight range, the rack. Rack and pinion gears are used to convert rotation into linear movement. A perfect example of this is the steering program on many vehicles. The steering wheel rotates a gear which engages the rack. As the apparatus turns, it slides the rack either to the right or left, based on which way you change 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 manufactured from ground, hardened stainless steel or ground stainless steel 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 and brass racks are also obtainable. 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 utilized for both measurement and actuation. In general small Spur Gear Rack pitches (1 mm) fit measurement as small pinion diameter provides higher linear resolutions. The larger pitches (2 mm and 2.5 mm) enable a higher load capacity. For most applications the rack can be utilized for both the opinions and the actuation; however in very specific applications it is advisable to us a non-drive section of the rack for feedback, alternatively another rack may be used. Hobbed rack are more suitable for light actuation applications where cost is an integral consideration.
You can expect three types of rack – rectangular, solid circular 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 in combination with a engine, slide and carriage for instance in the printing industry for the actuation of paper cutting knives in a printing press. Circular rack certainly are a more flexible alternative, in regards to to mounting, used for instance in XY stages. The tubular racks allow for the passage of liquids, fibre-optics, gasses etc, producing them perfect for medical and scientific applications, such as laboratory automation choose 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 permits the passage of fluids, fibre optics and gases.