Rack Gears.

What are Rack Gears?

Rack gears are linear gear components featuring straight or helical teeth along one side of a bar. They serve as one half of a gear mechanism and are designed to convert rotary motion into linear displacement when paired with a spur pinion gear. This mechanism is fundamental in applications requiring precise linear motion derived from rotational input.

Commonly employed in engineering systems, rack and pinion gear systems are integral to machinery such as CNC routers, automotive steering assemblies, valve actuators and stage equipment, where controlled linear motion is essential.

How Rack Gears Work

Rack gears operate by meshing with a rotating pinion gear. As the pinion turns, its teeth engage with those on the rack, driving it linearly. The direction and speed of the rack's movement depend on the pinion's rotation. This setup allows for the efficient translation of rotational motion into linear displacement, essential in various mechanical systems.

This mechanism offers a direct and efficient method for motion conversion, providing advantages such as simplicity, compactness and responsiveness over alternative systems like lead screws or belt drives.

Materials Rack Gears Are Made From

Accu's rack gears are manufactured from various materials, each selected based on the application's specific requirements for strength, durability and environmental resistance:

• Brass: Offers excellent machinability and corrosion resistance, suitable for low-load applications.
• Carbon Steel: Provides high strength and wear resistance, ideal for heavy-duty applications.
• POM (Acetal): A thermoplastic known for low friction and good dimensional stability, used in applications requiring lightweight and corrosion-resistant components.
• Stainless Steel (A2): Combines strength with superior corrosion resistance, making it suitable for harsh environments.
• Chromium Molybdenum Steel: Known for its toughness and high tensile strength, used in high-stress applications.

Sizes and Types of Rack Gears Available

Accu offers a diverse range of rack gears to meet various engineering needs:

• Pitch (Module): Available from 0.3 MOD to 3 MOD, accommodating different load and precision requirements.
• Length: Standard lengths range from 200mm to 508mm, with options for custom lengths upon request. You can use a rack gear gauge to link up multiple racks.
• Face Width: Options from 3mm to 30mm, allowing for selection based on load-bearing needs and mating pinion width.
• Tolerances: Manufactured to h8, h12, and h13 tolerances, ensuring compatibility with various precision requirements.

• Profiles: A choice between rectangular or cylindrical profiles.

These specifications enable engineers to select rack gears that align precisely with their application's mechanical and spatial constraints.

FAQs

Q: Where are rack gears used?

A: Rack gears are utilised in numerous applications, including CNC machinery for precise tool movement, automotive steering systems for translating steering wheel rotation into wheel movement, and industrial automation systems for controlled linear motion.

Q: How do rack gears differ from other linear motion systems?

A: Unlike belt or screw-driven systems, rack gears provide direct mechanical engagement, resulting in higher load capacities and more precise linear motion, especially over longer distances.

Q: Can rack gears be used in both horizontal and vertical orientations?

A: Yes, rack gears are versatile and can operate effectively in both orientations, provided they are properly supported and aligned to handle the application's specific load and motion requirements.

Bespoke Rack Gears Manufacture.

High precision, bespoke manufacture of Rack Gears to customer specification. State of the art facilities specialising in both small batch prototyping and large scale manufacture.