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Rack and Roller Pinion Systems for Linear Motion Control: Advantages and Applications
Jan 9, 2023
In automation, the key to successful system integration lies in choosing the right motion control method, whether that is ball screws or multi-axis gantry robot systems. Key factors to consider include speed, load, precision level, and durability, which can help optimize manufacturing capabilities against cost. Below, we discuss some of the advantages of rack and roller pinion systems over other linear actuators, and where they are most suitable.
Rack and Roller pinion systems consist of a pinion, supported by needle bearings, attached to a trochoid-toothed rack that converts rotational movement into linear movement. The needle bearings allow for zero backlash, resulting in silent operation, longer durability, and higher precision. Compared to other linear actuators, high quality rack and roller pinion systems can support significantly higher load capacities and provide greater speeds with little to no friction for a longer life span.
Rack and roller pinions are widely used in gantry robot systems to provide flexibility in design and movement.
What are the advantages of Rack and Roller Pinions?
Unlimited Length and Angle Options
Unlike ball screws, rack and roller pinion systems are free from length and angle limitations. This is due to the flexibility in manufacturing different guide rails, as well as the support mechanism for rotational movement throughout the rack. As a result, they can be integrated into a linear system of any length, at any angle, by aligning the racks with a connecting jig.
Durability
Rack and roller pinion systems are extremely durable due to their unique structure. As opposed to traditional rack and pinion systems, the pinions in rack and roller pinion systems use roller bearings that allow the pinions to be tangent with the trochoidal rack teeth, eliminating backlash and friction. While backlash is critical in precise operations such as in semiconductors and robotics, accumulated friction can cause wear and tear on pinions, resulting in extended downtime. Our patented tooth design is a key reason why our lubrication-free rack and roller pinions provide longer lifetime with precise linear motion.
Customizability
Depending on the application, rack and roller pinions can be coated with black oxide, raydent, or even plastic for easier maintenance and corrosion resistance. Black oxide or raydent treatment are the preferred choice for applications where oil or water resistance is crucial, such as wastewater management, painting, and powder coating lines. Companies in the food and beverage industry often choose plastic coatings, as they are low-cost and require minimal maintenance.
Where are Rack and Roller Pinion systems used?
CNC cutting machines
Rack and roller pinions are widely used in linear actuator systems for high precision cutting machines such as plasma and laser cutting machines, to guide the tool through the workpiece.
Robot Transfer UnitÂ
Rack and roller pinions are ideal for integration into robot transfer units due to their flexible lengths and zero backlash. Their superior positioning accuracy is critical in helping the robot arm operate precisely. Our rack and roller pinion system also has a static load capacity of 21000 N, which ensures the durability of the transfer unit.
Material Handling
In material handling, rack and roller pinions ensure safe transportation of products and efficiency in transporting heavy loads. Depending on the product, the system must also be able to operate in a clean room, where no lubrication and dust are allowed to ensure product quality. We make rack and roller pinon systems for clean rooms that have a maximum speed of 3 m/s and dynamic load capacity of 21000N.
In summary, rack and roller pinions have distinctive strengths as linear actuators for machine parts and for system integration. We offer custom systems for a wide range of applications.
Learn more about our rack and roller pinion systems and how they are used in gantry robots, or contact us to speak with a specialist.