Gear Rack For Rack Actuator

A gear rack for rack actuator is a linear gear element that converts the rotary motion of a pinion gear into straight-line motion. In a rack actuator system, the pinion — mounted on the actuator motor shaft — rolls along the rack's tooth profile, pushing or pulling the load in a straight line. This is the mechanism used in window openers, greenhouse ventilation systems, smoke control dampers, elevator doors, and any application where an electric motor needs to produce linear travel without a lead screw or belt.

The 2.0mm module defines the tooth size and pitch. Smaller module numbers mean finer teeth and lower torque capacity; larger module numbers mean coarser teeth and higher torque. 2.0mm is the standard for medium-duty actuator systems — it transmits enough force for a commercial window sash or a rooftop smoke vent while keeping the rack profile thin enough to fit inside the actuator housing. The 2.0mm tooth thickness matches the pinion face width, ensuring full tooth contact under load.

Curved racks are used where the actuator follows an arc — for example, a bottom-hung window that swings outward, or a roof hatch that pivots on a hinge. Straight racks are used on sliding windows, sliding doors, and horizontal actuation. Raydafon supplies both profiles from the same material and with the same tooth geometry, so the same pinion works with either rack version.

The table below lists all eight standard rack models. Each model number encodes the length, the tooth type (R or P), the module (2.0), and the profile (C for curved, S for straight). For a replacement or OEM application, confirm the required length, curvature and pinion tooth count against the actuator assembly drawing before ordering.

The pinion gear is the driving element that rolls along the rack. Raydafon supplies four standard pinions matched to the 2.0mm rack module. A-type pinions mount in one orientation; B-type pinions mount in the reverse orientation. The N suffix indicates a natural finish; the C suffix indicates a coated finish for corrosion resistance in humid or outdoor environments.

Six design characteristics separate this gear rack from a commodity linear drive component. Each one is measurable in actuator service.

The 2.0mm module rack and pinion set is specified wherever a medium-duty actuator needs to convert rotary motor motion into linear travel. The applications below are the ones most often quoted on a Raydafon gear rack enquiry.

A common procurement question is whether to specify a curved rack or a straight rack for a given actuator. The comparison below uses the same 2.0mm module and 2.0mm thickness for both profiles.

To confirm the correct rack and pinion combination and issue a wholesale or OEM quotation, Raydafon needs the five items below. For a replacement unit, the original rack model number, length or a dimensioned drawing is usually sufficient.