Flexible Gear Rack Injection Molding Plastic Rack and Pinion

A flexible gear rack, also known as a flexible rack and pinion system, is a mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear motion using a flexible rack instead of a rigid one.

Parameters of Flexible Gear Rack

The gear rack is used to change the rotary motion into linear motion. The rack is a product with a linear tooth shape cut on one side of the bar billet or bar, and the pinion refers to a cylindrical gear meshed with the rack. There are many ways to use gears. The figure shows that the pinion and rack rotate and drive on the parallel shaft.
HZPT has many series of stock standard racks. When the straight-line distance of the rack is very long or multiple racks need to be connected for use, we need to select the rack series with the tooth shape butt joint processing at the end of the rack, which we call the "end machined rack." In the production process of the rack, cutting, heat treatment, and other processing reasons will cause the deformation of the rack, so it is necessary to use a press to correct the deformation.
As a mechanical element that converts rotary motion into linear motion, gear and rack are often compared with ball screws. The advantages of the rack and pinion system are its simple mechanical structure, strong bearing capacity, and unlimited length. One of the most significant disadvantages is the backlash. The advantage of a ball screw is high precision and low backlash, while the disadvantage is that the transmission length is limited due to deflection.

Notes
① the allowable torque value is the reference value calculated under service conditions.
② When the flexible rack is bent into a circular arc, if the number of teeth of the pinion is 20, the minimum bending radius of the outer and inner teeth is r=150mm. In addition, the tooth pitch error and tooth profile error increase, so it can no longer mesh under the average center distance. Please use it after adjustment.
③ Flexible rack is not suitable for use when positioning accuracy is required
④ For dimensional accuracy, please refer to the table of allowable tolerances of formed product dimensions. The tolerance of the whole length is ± 10mm.
[precautions for follow-up processing] ① please contact customer service before follow-up processing. "Follow up processing precautions," pay attention to safety. The "gear workshop" of the company undertakes the follow-up processing business.

Application of Flexible Gear Rack

Electric curtains	Automatic door
Electric shade	Motorized Antenna

The product is used in:
Precision machine tools, machining centers, laser engraving, woodworking machinery, packaging machinery, food machinery, printing machinery, paper machinery, automation equipment, engineering machinery, packaging machinery, textile machinery, embroidery machines, glass manufacturing devices, automobile manufacturing devices, blanket machinery, ceramic tile machinery, optical instruments, electronic industry, wood-based panel machinery, positioning and bearing devices, plastic machinery, inspection devices, fans, conveying (manufacturing and conveying) devices Cleaning machines, semiconductor manufacturing devices, liquid crystal panel manufacturing devices, medical devices, optical platforms, robots, semiconductors, computer peripherals, optical fiber conveying devices, inspection devices, exposure devices, positioning and bearing devices, testing instruments, etc.

1. Robotics: Flexible gear racks are used in robotic systems for precise and controlled linear motion. They enable robots to perform tasks such as pick-and-place operations, assembly, and material handling. The rack's flexibility allows the robot to navigate curved or non-linear paths.

2. Automation Systems: Flexible gear racks play a vital role in automation systems that require linear motion, such as conveyor systems, packaging equipment, and transfer systems. They enable the movement of components, products, or materials along specific paths with accuracy and reliability.

3. CNC Machines: Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines, including CNC routers, mills, and lathes, utilize flexible gear racks for the linear movement of the cutting tool or workpiece. The flexibility of the rack allows for precise positioning and contouring of the tool or workpiece during machining operations.

4. Medical Equipment: Flexible gear racks are used in medical devices and equipment for applications such as patient positioning systems, robotic-assisted surgery, and diagnostic imaging. They provide smooth and controlled linear motion for accurate and precise positioning of medical instruments or imaging devices.

5. Industrial Machinery: Flexible gear racks find application in various industrial machinery, including printing presses, material handling equipment, and packaging machinery. They enable precise linear motion for tasks such as feeding, cutting, stacking, and packaging of materials or products.

6. Automotive Systems: Flexible gear racks are utilized in automotive applications such as steering systems, seat adjustments, and sliding doors. They provide smooth and controlled linear motion for these systems, ensuring accurate positioning and ease of operation.

7. Aerospace and Defense: In the aerospace and defense industries, flexible gear racks are used in applications like aircraft wing flap systems, missile guidance systems, and satellite mechanisms. They enable accurate and reliable linear motion in critical aerospace and defense systems.

8. Entertainment and Stage Systems: Flexible gear racks move scenery, lighting fixtures, and other stage elements in stage and entertainment systems. They allow for precise and dynamic linear motion, contributing to captivating and synchronized performances.

How does Flexible Gear Rack work?

1. Structure: A flexible gear rack consists of a flexible strip or belt with teeth along its length. The teeth are typically made of a durable material such as reinforced polymer or steel. The flexible rack is designed to have some degree of flexibility and bending capability.

2. Pinion Gear: The flexible rack engages with a pinion gear, which is a small gear with teeth that mesh with the teeth of the rack. The pinion gear is typically mounted on a rotary actuator, such as a motor or handwheel, which provides the rotational motion.

3. Meshing and Motion: As the pinion gear rotates, its teeth engage with the teeth of the flexible rack. The meshing action between the pinion gear and the flexible rack causes the rack to bend and follow the contour of the pinion gear's teeth. This bending action translates the rotational motion of the pinion gear into linear motion along the length of the flexible rack.

4. Linear Motion: The linear motion of the flexible rack can be utilized to move or actuate other components or mechanisms in the system. By controlling the rotation of the pinion gear, the position and speed of the linear motion can be adjusted.

5. Flexibility and Adaptability: The rack's flexible nature allows it to accommodate curved or non-linear paths, making it suitable for applications with complex motion requirements. The rack's flexibility also helps to compensate for any misalignment or slight variations in the gear system.

Gear Rack Manufacturer

Ever-power has been a professional manufacturer of gate hardware since its establishment in 2010. Our products are mainly used for sliding, swing, cantilever, wooden, and industrial doors. For example, sliding door wheels, nylon rollers, brackets, door latches, guide wheels, ground tracks, hinges, door stops, etc. We have been working in this industry for more than ten years. We have rapidly developed based on quality standards, perfect services, delivery, and continuous innovation. Our products have covered more than 40 countries and regions, such as Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, the United States, Argentina, India, and so on. They have always received a good reputation from customers.

Related products

Ever-power is an influential gear manufacturer located in Shenzhen, China, covering an area of more than 2000 square meters, with 30 skilled employees. Unique products include spur gears, helical gears, worm gears, bevel gears, racks, pinion gears, timing pulleys, sprockets, etc. Since its establishment in 2010, we have always adhered to the "exquisite technology, high-quality quality, honest service" policy and exceeded customers' requirements for various products.
Ever-power continues to expand production capacity, improve production technology, optimize quality management, and improve equipment. Currently, the company has more than 30 sets of advanced processing and testing equipment, such as grinding machines, gear shapers, milling machines, CNC lathes, surface grinders, cylindrical grinders, gear testing centers, etc. It produces 20000 pieces of various gear parts every month, with the tooth profile accuracy reaching iso/din six standards. Ever-power's parts are widely used in automobile, automobile, and other industries, as well as electronics, textile, printing, packaging machinery, medical equipment, papermaking, household appliances, shipbuilding, coal mining, wind power, chemical industry, and other industries.