A rack and pinion mechanism is used to transform rotary movement into linear motion and vice versa. A circular spur equipment, the pinion, meshes with a spur gear which has teeth occur a straight line, the rack. Rack and pinion gears are accustomed to convert rotation into linear motion. An ideal example of this is the steering system on many cars. 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 convert the wheel.
A rack and pinion program gives the ability to transfer rotary to linear motion, with all the accuracy expected of a geared program.

The racks are produced from ground, hardened stainless or ground stainless steel and available with a selection of accuracies, pitches, and lengths, in addition to the facility to supply modifications such as flats, journals or custom ends. Hobbed stainless and brass racks are also obtainable. The rack pinions are simple or anti-backlash, also with a choice of accuracies, pitches, bore sizes, alternative components and coatings.

Floor rack can be utilized for both measurement and actuation. Generally the smaller pitches (1 mm) match measurement as the smaller pinion diameter provides higher linear resolutions. The bigger pitches (2 mm and 2.5 mm) allow for a higher load capacity. For some applications the rack can be used for both the opinions and the actuation; however in very exact applications it is best to us a non-drive portion of the rack for feedback, alternatively another rack can be used. Hobbed rack are more suited to light Spur Gear Rack actuation applications where cost is a key consideration.

We offer three types of rack – rectangular, solid circular and tubular rack. Rectangular rack are used when the application requires the rack to become stationary and the rack pinion supplies the element of motion. Our rectangular racks are used with a motor, slide and carriage for instance in the printing industry for the actuation of paper slicing knives in a printing press. Circular rack are a more versatile alternative, with regard to mounting, utilized for example in XY phases. The tubular racks allow for the passage of fluids, fibre-optics, gasses etc, making them perfect for medical and scientific applications, such as laboratory automation choose and place mechanisms.
Round racks are ideal 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.