#Product Trends
Limitless linear movement
Gear racks are, on average, among the more inexpensive linear drive elements which are frequently utilised when rail stretches cover a distance of more than two metres. A specific advantage in using them is their high level of rigidity, which remains consistent across the entire length. Thanks to this, an almost unlimited amount of axial force can be transferred with gear racks. For clarification purposes, even module 12 has been proven to accommodate 480,000 N; Schneeberger, however, is able to grind up to module size 20.
In order to meet the multifaceted requirements of the user, the company, which operates on an international level, provides both straight and helical-toothed products which are available with metric or module/pitch in various sizes and rail lengths (one-piece lengths of up to three metres) as standard products.
Furthermore, the Swiss linear technology innovation leader produces customised gear racks which are coordinated to the respective application. As a result, the user can choose whether they require a milled or ground model.
The quality of the product varies accordingly; surface quality of up to Ra=0.3 µm is possible, and in terms of tooth quality, Schneeberger produces gear racks from Q 11 to Q 4. The latter corresponds to an individual pitch deviation of 3 µm from tooth to tooth. With regard to surface hardness, the user can also choose between soft, tempered, nitrided, fully hardened, inductive-hardened or case-hardened.
The uses for Schneeberger gear racks in practice are just as multifaceted as the product range. Their use in standard machine tools operating in dirty working environments, for example, is equally as common as their application in precision measuring machines.