A rack is generally used for
converting rotational motion into linear motion. It is a flat bar onto
which the teeth of a pinion gear are engaged. It is a kind of gear whose
axis is at infinity. These gears are designed to accommodate a wide
variety of applications.
Materials Used
A variety of materials are used keeping in mind the application. Some
popularly used materials are :
- Plastic
- Brass
- Steel
- Cast Iron
These gears ensure quieter and smoother operation. The mechanism
provides less backlash and greater steering feel.
Use of Rack Gear
The gear is commonly used in steering mechanism of cars. Other
important applications of rack gears include :
- Construction equipment
- Machine tools
- Conveyors
- Material handling
- Roller feeds