Cylindrical Rack Gears.

What are Cylindrical Rack Gears?

Cylindrical rack gears are linear drive components shaped with a rounded, cylindrical profile, featuring precision-cut teeth along the curved surface. Like their rectangular counterparts, they form one half of a rack and pinion system, converting rotary motion into linear displacement. Their round profile is particularly advantageous in applications requiring compact integration and smooth rotational alignment during assembly.

Cylindrical rack gears are frequently used in specialist machinery, compact automation equipment and robotic assemblies where curved housings or round guide profiles are present, or where a reduced mounting footprint is preferred.

How Cylindrical Rack Gears Work

Cylindrical rack gears operate in conjunction with a spur pinion gear. As the pinion rotates, its teeth engage with those on the cylindrical rack, producing linear motion along the gear’s axis. The circular form allows for rotation-friendly mounting or hybrid applications where linear and rotational adjustments are both required.

This configuration offers a smooth and space-efficient motion transfer system. It is especially effective in situations where the rack may need to pivot slightly during operation, or where cylindrical rails simplify assembly into tubular housings or guided sleeves.

Materials Used in Cylindrical Rack Gears

Our cylindrical rack gears are available in a selection of engineering-grade materials to support a wide range of performance needs:

• Brass: Ideal for precision instruments and low-load setups, offering excellent meshing and resistance to corrosion.
• Carbon Steel: Suitable for high-load applications due to its strength and resistance to wear over long duty cycles.
• POM (Acetal): A versatile engineering plastic with excellent sliding properties, perfect for lightweight or corrosion-sensitive environments.
• Stainless Steel (A2): Preferred in environments where exposure to moisture or chemicals demands superior durability.
• Chromium Molybdenum Steel: Selected for advanced applications requiring elevated strength, shock resistance and tensile endurance.

Each material is matched to performance needs based on load, motion frequency and environmental conditions.

Sizes and Types of Cylindrical Rack Gears Available

Accu offers cylindrical rack gears in a variety of specifications to support customised linear motion solutions:

• Module (Pitch Size): Ranges from 0.3 MOD to 3 MOD, enabling selection based on torque, speed and application accuracy.
• Standard Lengths: Typically between 200mm and 508mm, with the ability to extend travel using rack gauges.
• Face Width: Offered in various tooth-width combinations for both space-sensitive and heavy-duty applications.
• Tolerances: Manufactured to h8, h12 or h13 tolerances for compatibility with high-precision mechanical assemblies.
• Profile Shape: Fully cylindrical to facilitate installation into round casings, sleeves or guide tracks.

This range gives designers the flexibility to match system geometry and mechanical performance with exacting accuracy.

FAQs

Q: Why choose a cylindrical rack gear over a rectangular one?

A: Cylindrical rack gears are ideal for installations requiring a round profile, such as integration into tubular structures or systems with radial symmetry. They can also offer easier rotational alignment in complex assemblies.

Q: Are cylindrical racks suitable for precision systems?

A: Yes. When manufactured to tight tolerances and paired with a well-matched pinion, cylindrical rack gears provide excellent repeatability and smooth linear travel, especially in guided setups.

Q: Can these be installed on curved or non-linear paths?

A: While rack gears primarily function in linear motion, cylindrical profiles can be adapted for curved or partial arc arrangements when custom-machined, although standard cylindrical racks are designed for straight travel paths.

Bespoke Cylindrical Rack Gears Manufacture.

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