BrochureHarmonic Drive engineers and manufactures high-precision rack and pinion gears for converting rotational movement into linear motion. We use cutting-edge technology, extensive experience and technical expertise to produce precision motion control gears that contribute to the efficient functioning of your machines.
Why Consider Our Rack and Pinion Set?
Your OEM equipment requires high-quality rack and pinion gears to perform specific functions. At Harmonic Drive, we provide two rack models — RK and JK — and three pinion-equipped gearhead models — HPG-32R, HPG-32A and HPG-50A. Our rack and pinion set is available in a kit that includes the HPG series, one of our Harmonic Planetary® gearheads with low backlash.
These components have the following features:
High Positioning Accuracy
We leverage innovative technology to maintain a low-pitch error in our racks and pinions. This reduced error allows these gears to have precise teeth for high positioning accuracy. As a result, our gear set is suitable for applications that demand high accuracy such as lifting equipment and automobile steering systems.
Low Runout Accuracy
We have maintained a low runout accuracy of our gears at 15μm or less to ensure high equipment accuracy. The minimized runout lessens backlash variation and vibrations for smooth and reliable functionality.
Low Noise and Vibration
Our helical rack and pinion gear set has a grounded finish for smooth, quiet and wear-resistant operation. This feature makes our gears ideal for medical equipment, electric cars and other applications requiring silent operation.
Rack and Pinion Gear Set Specs
Take a look at a few specifications for the rack and pinion gears.
| Helix angle: | 19.5283° |
| Rack: | Induction hardened and ground |
| Module 2 - Length: 500 mm, 1000 mm | |
| Module 3 - Length: 500 mm, 1000 mm | |
| Pinion: | Carburized and ground |
| Module 2 Number of teeth 35, 40, 45 | |
| Module 3 Number of teeth 31, 35, 40 |
Rack Ordering Codes
Use these codes when ordering your product.
| RK | 3 | - | 1000 | - | HQ | 03 | - | 1 | R | 1 | - | TYPE |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 1. | Model Name: | RK: Rack | |
| 2. | Module: | 2: 2 mm 3: 3 mm |
|
| 3. | Length: | 500: 500 mm 1000: 1000 mm |
|
| 4. | Heat treatment: | HQ: Induction hardening | |
| 5. | Accuracy code: | 03: High accuracy | |
| 6. | Installation pitch: | 1: 125 mm 2: None 3: Special |
|
| 7. | Flank Direction: | R: Right | |
| 8. | Helix Angle: | 1: 19.5283° | |
| 9. | Specifications: | Blank: Standard SP: Special |
Ordering Code - PINION EQUIPPED GEARHEAD
| HPG – 32R | - | 05 | -Z | 35 | XXXX | - | TYPE |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 1. | Gearhead: (Model name, size, design revision) |
HPG-32R HPG-32A HPG-50A |
|
| 2. | Reduction Ratio: (2-digit numbers) |
03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 15, 21, 33, 45 |
|
| 3. | Number of teeth of pinion gear: |
31, 35, 40, 45 | |
| 4. | Motor Adaptation Detail: | Motor manufacturer and model number | |
| 5. | Specifications: | Blank: Standard SP: Special BL1: Backlash 1 arc-min type, etc. |
3-Unit Combination List
Explore this detailed table of our pinion-equipped models.
| Gearhead | Speed Reducer | HPG-32R | HPG-32A | HPG-50A |
| Incorporated Gear | Helical gear | Spur gear | Spur gear | |
| Reduction Ratio | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | 3, 5, 11, 15, 21, 33, 45 | 3, 5, 11, 15, 21, 33, 45 | |
| Backlash | Standard: 3 arc-min or less/Optional: 1 arc-min or less | |||
| Pinion | Module | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Pressure Angle | 20 ° | |||
| Helix Angle | 19.5283° (19°31’42”) | |||
| Flank Direction | Left | |||
| Heat Treatment | Carburized and ground | |||
| Tooth Surface Finishing | Grinding | |||
| Gear Accuracy | JIS N5 class (equivalent to DIN Q6) | |||
| Rack | Module | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Pressure Angle | 20 ° | |||
| Helix Angle | 19.5283° (19°31’42”) | |||
| Flank Direction | Left | |||
| Heat Treatment | Carburized and ground | |||
| Tooth Surface Finishing | Grinding | |||
| Individual Pitch Deviation | L 500 mm : 6.0 μm L 1000 mm : 6.5 μm |
L 500 mm : 6.5 μm L 1000 mm : 7.0μm |
||
| Total Pitch Deviation | L 500 mm : 24 μm L 1000 mm : 32 μm |
L 500 mm : 25 μm L 1000 mm : 33 μm |
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Specifications of the HPG Rack and Pinion System
Here are the specs for the kit.
| Gearhead Series | Module [mm] | Number of teeth of pinion gear |
Limit for linear thrust [N] |
Limit for repeated peak torque [N.m] |
Limit for momentary torque [N.m] |
Limit for transportation speed [m/min] *for reduction ratio = 5 |
Mass of pinion gear [kg] |
| Induction hardening rack | Induction hardening rack | ||||||
|
HPG-32R HPG-32A |
2 | 35 | 5400 | 200 | 400 | 280 | 1.37 |
| 40 | 5500 | 233 | 450 | 320 | 1.62 | ||
| 45 | 5600 | 267 | 500 | 360 | 1.79 | ||
| HPG-50A | 3 | 31 | 9800 | 483 | 1100 | 279 | 3.14 |
| 35 | 9900 | 551 | 1150 | 315 | 3.62 | ||
| 40 | 10000 | 636 | 1150 | 360 | 4.16 |
Rack Dimensions
Learn more about our rack dimensions below.
|
Module m [mm] |
Pitch Pt [mm] |
Length L [mm] |
Number of teeth Z |
a [mm] |
a1 [mm] |
B [mm] |
d1 [mm] |
d2 [mm] |
d3 [mm] |
hB [mm] |
C +0.8/-0.2 [mm] |
h [mm] |
H [mm] |
t [mm] |
i [mm] |
i1 [mm] |
L1 [mm] |
Mass M [kg] |
| 2 | 6.666 | 500 | 75 | 31.7 | 436.6 | 24 | 6.6 | 11 | 5.7 | 8 | 2 | 22 | 24 | 6.5 | 62.5 | 125 | 8.5 | 2.0 |
| 1000 | 150 | 936.6 | 4.1 | |||||||||||||||
| 3 | 10.000 | 500 | 50 | 35.0 | 430 | 29 | 9.0 | 14 | 7.7 | 9 | 2 | 26 | 29 | 8.9 | 62.5 | 125 | 10.3 | 2.9 |
| 1000 | 100 | 875 | 5.7 |
Installation Dimensions
Here's a guide on installation dimensions.
HPG-32
| Gearhead Series |
Module m [mm] |
Number of teeth of pinion gear Z |
Mounting distance A±0.3*1 [mm] |
Tooth tip circle diameter da [mm] |
Pitch circle diameter d [mm] |
|
HPG-32R HPG-32A |
2 | 35 | 59.7 | 79.427 | 74.272 |
| 40 | 65.0 | 90.083 | 87.883 | ||
| 45 | 70.2 | 100.373 | 95.493 |
*1: Adjustment tolerance (It is recommended to secure the adjustment mechanism.)
HPG-50
| Gearhead Series |
Module m [mm] |
Number of teeth of pinion gear Z |
Mounting distance A±0.3*1 [mm] |
Tooth tip circle diameter da [mm] |
Pitch circle diameter d [mm] |
|
HPG-50A |
3 | 31 | 7602 | 106.476 | 98.676 |
| 35 | 82.6 | 119.209 | 111.409 | ||
| 40 | 90.6 | 135.124 | 127.324 |
*1: Adjustment tolerance (It is recommended to secure the adjustment mechanism.)
Benefits of a Rack and Pinion Drive
Rack and pinion drives are popular mechanical transmission systems for high-accuracy applications. Here are the advantages they can provide to your application:
- High load-carrying capacity: The high contact ratio between the rack and pinion teeth enables them to bear large lateral and axial loads.
- Design flexibility: Rack and pinion gears can come in different designs to suit the application. Gear manufacturers can adjust the surface treatment, pitch and tooth shape depending on the use case specifications.
- Energy efficiency transfer: These gears attain higher energy efficiency transfer, lowering energy loss and making them ideal for high-speed applications.
- Environmental flexibility: Rack and pinion drives can run in environments experiencing low or high temperatures.
- Long life span: These components are durable and wear-resistant due to the specialized surface treatment process they undergo.
- Reliable synchronization: The rack and pinion gear have excellent motion synchronization that minimizes vibrations and clearance during machine operation.
- Smooth operation: High-precision rack and pinion sets are rigid and can operate smoothly and stably even when bearing large loads.
- Simple installation: OEMs can easily integrate rack and pinion gears into equipment.
Why Harmonic Drive Is Your Ideal Source for Rack and Pinion Gears
Harmonic Drive is at the forefront of gearing technology. We invented the strain wave gear in 1955 and have continually advanced our gears with evolving technology. Our committed, creative and skilled development and engineering experts deliver exceptional precision motion control components that empower machines.
We operate under strict quality standards to deliver reliable products. Our fully in-house production process observes consistency, giving you confidence that you'll always receive the same degree of quality.
Invest in a Reliable Rack and Pinion Gear Set
If you want a high-quality rack and pinion drive for your application, look no further than Harmonic Drive. We focus on producing high-performance gears for a wide range of applications and building lasting relationships with our clients. Our team will support you every step of the way by answering your questions and providing recommendations.
Talk to an expert engineer for a quote on a helical rack and pinion.
