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ATLANTA - Ultra-High Precision Rack & Pinion Drive Systems
These advanced Rack & Pinion Drive Systems are engineered for applications requiring ultra-precise positioning and repeatability in various industrial processes. Through innovative dual-pinion setups, these systems efficiently eliminate backlash, ensuring maintained positioning accuracy during acceleration, deceleration, and directional changes. The system configuration includes options such as split-pinion arrangements, offering fully adjustable preload settings via axial spring packs. This configuration directly integrates into High-Torque and High-Performance Servo-Worm Reducers. Alternatively, dual-pinion electrical preload systems utilize a master/slave configuration with motor controllers to remove backlash electronically. These systems, coupled with automatic lubrication, afford a robust solution for high-precision applications like traveling gantries, CNC machines, and material handling axes. With precision levels varying with rack choices, rack pitch errors are minimized, setting new standards in drive accuracy and reliability. Gearbox ratios range broadly, accommodating a vast array of load and torque demands.
For rack & pinion applications requiring ultra-precise positioning and repeatability, the system backlash can be eliminated by using two pinions - one to drive the axis and one to "preload" the axis to remove the backlash. Positioning accuracy is maintained during acceleration and deceleration, as well as during changes in direction of travel. We have several different different solutions to achieve a zero-backlash drive system:
Split-Pinions
The simplest zero-backlash drive system utilizes a split-pinion, which consists of two pinion halves and an axial spring pack. The pinion halves mesh with opposite tooth flanks on the same rack, eliminating the backlash.
One pinion half drives the axis while the second pinion half is "preloaded" to remove the backlash. The preload setting of the second pinion half is fully adjustable on the machine by turning the axial spring pack at the end of the pinion shaft.
Dual-Pinion Electrical Preload
Another method to remove the backlash at the rack & pinion is to use two motor/reducer assemblies with dual pinions operating on the same rack in a master/slave setup.
One pinion drives the axis (the "master") while the second pinion is "preloaded" to remove the backlash (the "slave"). The preload is created electronically with a special motor controller; these systems can also be set up to drive together during cycle times when backlash is not critical.
Dual-pinion gearboxes using only one motor are also possible, please consult the factory.
Our Automatic Lubrication Systems are highly recommended for use with these drives, providing continuous grease lubrication to the rack & pinion tooth flanks to preserve the quality and lifetime of the gearing.
These drives are perfect for precise positioning applications, such as traveling gantries and columns, milling machines, CNC routers and material feel axis drives. Two reducers/motors can also be used to eliminate the axis backlash by electrical preload.