A rack and pinion system can be used to transform rotary movement into linear movement and vice versa. A circular spur gear, the pinion, meshes with a spur equipment which has teeth set in a straight line, the rack. Rack and pinion gears are accustomed to convert rotation into linear movement. A perfect example of this is actually the steering program on many cars. The steering wheel rotates a equipment which engages the rack. As the apparatus turns, it slides the rack either to the right or left, depending on which way you turn the wheel.
A rack and pinion system gives the ability to transfer rotary to linear movement, 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 provide modifications such as flats, journals or custom ends. Hobbed stainless and brass racks are also obtainable. The rack pinions are basic or anti-backlash, also with a selection of accuracies, pitches, bore sizes, alternative components and coatings.
Ground rack can be used for both measurement and actuation. In general the smaller pitches (1 mm) fit measurement as small pinion diameter gives higher linear resolutions. The larger pitches (2 mm and 2.5 mm) enable a higher load capacity. For some applications the rack can be used for both the opinions and the actuation; however in very precise applications it is best to us a non-drive section of the rack for opinions, alternatively a separate rack can be used. Hobbed rack are more suitable for light actuation applications where cost is an integral consideration.
You can expect three types of rack – rectangular, solid round and Spur Gear Rack tubular rack. Rectangular rack are used when the application needs the rack to end up being stationary and the rack pinion provides the element of movement. Our rectangular racks are used in combination with a electric motor, slide and carriage for instance in the printing sector for the actuation of paper reducing knives in 
a printing press. Round rack certainly are a more flexible alternative, with regard to mounting, utilized for instance in XY stages. The tubular racks enable the passage of liquids, fibre-optics, gasses etc, making them ideal for medical and scientific applications, such as for example laboratory automation choose and place mechanisms.
Round racks are perfect for linear actuators in accurate automation applications . Tubular racks are especially useful for medical and scientific applications, where the hollow shaft allows for the passage of fluids, fibre optics and gases.