A rack and pinion mechanism is used to transform rotary motion into linear motion and vice versa. A round spur 
equipment, the pinion, meshes with a spur equipment which has teeth occur a straight collection, the rack. Rack and pinion gears are used to convert rotation into linear motion. An ideal example of this is actually 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 proper or left, based on which way you turn the wheel.
A rack and pinion system gives the ability to transfer rotary to linear motion, with all the accuracy expected of a geared program.
The racks are manufactured from ground, hardened stainless or ground stainless steel and available with a choice 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 available. The rack pinions are basic or anti-backlash, also with a choice of accuracies, pitches, bore sizes, alternative materials and coatings.
Surface rack can be used for both measurement and actuation. Generally small pitches (1 mm) fit measurement as small 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 specific 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 price is a key consideration.
You can expect three types of rack – rectangular, solid round and tubular rack. Rectangular rack are utilized when the application needs the rack to become stationary and the rack pinion supplies the element of movement. Our rectangular racks are used with a motor, slide and carriage for example in the printing market for the actuation of paper trimming knives in a printing press. Circular rack certainly are a more versatile alternative, with regard to mounting, used for example in XY levels. The tubular racks enable the passage of fluids, fibre-optics, gasses etc, making them ideal for medical and scientific applications, such as laboratory automation choose and place mechanisms.
Round racks are well suited for linear actuators in accurate automation applications . Tubular racks are specially Spur Gear Rack useful for medical and scientific applications, where the hollow shaft allows for the passage of fluids, fibre optics and gases.