Rectangular Rack Gears.

What are Rectangular Rack Gears?

Rectangular rack gears are linear motion components distinguished by their straight-edged rectangular profile and evenly spaced teeth cut along one face. Designed to work in conjunction with a spur gear, they convert rotary motion into precise linear travel. Their shape offers improved stability and easier mounting in flat-bed applications where spatial alignment and rigidity are key.

Used extensively in mechanical automation and motion control systems, rectangular rack gears are a vital component in equipment such as CNC machines, robotic arms, sliding actuators and industrial transport platforms, where precise, guided linear movement is required.

How Rectangular Rack Gears Work

Rectangular rack gears function by engaging with a rotating pinion. As the pinion turns, it drives the teeth on the rack, producing linear movement along the length of the gear. This direct mechanical interface enables accurate and efficient transfer of rotational input into controlled linear displacement.

The rectangular cross-section ensures secure mounting and consistent engagement, especially when installed in parallel guide tracks or machined channels. Compared to alternatives like belt drives or lead screws, rectangular rack gears offer a compact, backlash-minimising solution with excellent load-bearing capabilities.

Materials Used in Rectangular Rack Gears

At Accu, rectangular rack gears are manufactured from carefully selected materials to ensure optimal performance across a variety of operating conditions:

• Brass: Offers excellent engagement and corrosion resistance for lighter-duty applications requiring smooth engagement.
• Carbon Steel: High strength and wear resistance make it suitable for demanding mechanical systems.
• POM (Acetal): Lightweight, low-friction plastic ideal for applications where corrosion resistance and quiet operation are important.
• Stainless Steel (A2): A durable choice for harsh or outdoor environments due to its superior resistance to corrosion.
• Chromium Molybdenum Steel: Engineered for high-stress and high-load applications, delivering exceptional toughness and fatigue strength.

Sizes and Types of Rectangular Rack Gears Available

Rectangular rack gears from Accu are available in a broad range of specifications to suit diverse engineering requirements:

• Module (Pitch Size): Offered from 0.3 MOD to 3 MOD for compatibility with various torque and precision demands.
• Standard Lengths: Typically between 200mm and 508mm, with extension possible using rack gear gauges for seamless connection.
• Face Widths: Ranges from 3mm to 30mm to suit different load-bearing capacities and gear mesh requirements.
• Manufacturing Tolerances: Available in h8, h12, and h13 grades to match specific precision needs and ensure smooth gear engagement.
• Profile Shape: Precisely machined with a rectangular cross-section for stability and easy integration into linear assemblies.
  
  

These specifications give engineers full control over performance and compatibility within constrained mechanical layouts or precision-guided systems.

FAQs

Q: What’s the advantage of a rectangular profile in rack gears?

A: Rectangular profiles offer improved mounting stability, easier alignment, and reduced flex compared to cylindrical versions, particularly in horizontal or supported rail systems.

Q: Can rectangular rack gears be used in heavy-duty machinery?

A: Yes. When manufactured from high-strength materials like carbon steel or chromium molybdenum steel, rectangular rack gears provide robust performance under substantial mechanical loads.

Q: Are these gears suitable for vertical installation?

A: Absolutely. With correct support and alignment, rectangular rack gears perform reliably in both horizontal and vertical orientations, making them suitable for lifting mechanisms, gantries and Z-axis drives.

Bespoke Rectangular Rack Gears Manufacture.

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