Rack and Pinion Gear Machining
A rack and pinion gear is basically a linear actuator that consists of a circular gear (which acts as the pinion) which engages a linear gear (the rack) operating to translate rotational motion into linear motion. Driving the pinion into rotation causes the rack to be driven linearly or driving the rack linearly will cause the pinion to be driven rotationally. Rack and pinion drives can use both straight and helical gears.
Types of variations
- Straight teeth have the tooth axis parallel to the axis of rotation.
- Straight teeth that run parallel to the axis of the gear.
- Load movement or transfer is manual or walk-behind.
Rack and pinion drives are used in machine tools to provide linear motion of slides, gantries, etc. Lead or ball screws are preferred for shorter motions, but racks and pinions provide and economical way for obtaining long runs.
Application
- Car Steering
- Railways
- Stairlifts
- Actuators