Zero-Backlash Rack & Pinion Drive Systems from ATLANTA Drive Systems
March 9, 2011 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Linear Drives
Farmingdale, NJ – ATLANTA Drive Systems, Inc. offers a complete range of Zero-Backlash Rack & Pinion Drive Systems that eliminate all axis backlash, providing ultra-precise positioning and repeatability. Positioning accuracy is maintained during acceleration and deceleration, as well as during changes in direction of travel. 
The axis backlash is eliminated by using two pinions; one to drive the axis and the other to engage the opposite tooth flank and take up the backlash. Mechanically preloaded systems use a split-pinion, which consists of two pinion halves and an axial preload pack. The pinions halves mesh with opposite tooth flanks on the same rack. The preload setting is fully adjustable on the machine by turning the axial spring pack at the end of the pinion shaft.
Electrically preloaded systems 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 drives are ideal for a wide range of applications, including traveling gantries and columns and milling machines, among others, in industries such as material handling, automation, aerospace, woodworking, machine tool and robotics.
EXCEL-A-BELT Miniature Drive Belt System
Something new in the miniature drive belt system from NBK. After years of testing, NBK’s system offers a unique arched tooth profile with zero backlash which enables the system to run longer, cleaner, and quieter than common drive belts in use today.
The key to the new tooth profile, which allows for high accuracy positioning and precise rotation transmission, is that it provides a rolling action between the belt and the specially formed drive sprocket. As the belt tooth enters and leaves the sprocket it does so in a rocking motion which reduces wear and contaminates from belt or sprocket tooth abrasion.
The drive sprockets have bore sizes ranging from 3-25mm and PD’s of 17-54mm and come standard for shaft clamping. Four belt widths of 3, 4, 6, and 9mm are available. Excel-A-Belt miniature drive system is perfectly suited for use with motors of 10-1,000W.
