Ultra-High Precision Rack & Pinion Drive Systems

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
solutions to achieve a zero-backlash drive system:

1. Split-Pinion Rack & Pinion Drive Systems

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.

The split-pinion shafts mount directly into High-Torque (HT) & High-

Performance (HP) Servo-Worm Reducers and are fixed in place by means of
a compression coupling. This provides rigid support and tight integration of
the split-pinion shaft into the reducer. The end result is a compact and
ultra-precise positioning axis drive. These reducers have backlash levels
down to one arc-minute and ratios from 4.75:1 to 52:1 (higher ratios
available with planetary-worm reducers).
2. Electrical Preload Rack & Pinion Drive Systems

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.

The High Force Planetary Drives, which can handle highly dynamic and
heavy loads, are perfect for these applications. These reducers have
backlash levels down to one arc-minute and ratios from 4:1 to 100:1.
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.