What is a Gear Rack?
A gear rack is a linear gear component featuring teeth machined along a flat or cylindrical bar, meshing with pinion gears to convert rotary motion into precise linear displacement. Yantong Tech manufactures gear racks with controlled tooth form, consistent pitch accuracy, and verified straightness, ensuring smooth motion transfer and repeatable positioning in CNC machine tools, laser cutting tables, automated storage systems, and industrial gantry applications.
- Ground or milled tooth profiles achieve DIN 6–9 accuracy for consistent mesh engagement and minimal backlash
- Induction hardening or through-hardening provides HRC 50–60 surface hardness for extended wear resistance and fatigue life
- Straightness and parallelism controlled to ±0.05 mm/m for accurate multi-rack jointing and alignment
- Standard lengths 500–3000 mm with precision-machined end faces for seamless segment connection in long-travel axes
Core Characteristics and Performance Advantages
Engineering features that enable high-speed linear travel, repeatable positioning, and long-term reliability
Controlled Tooth Accuracy
Milled or ground tooth profiles maintain involute form, pitch consistency, and tooth thickness tolerance to DIN 6–9, ensuring uniform load distribution and minimizing velocity ripple across the entire travel range.
Surface Hardening for Wear Resistance
Induction hardening achieves HRC 50–60 surface hardness while maintaining ductile core properties; hardness distribution verified per drawing to confirm freedom from grinding cracks or excessive brittleness.
Precision Straightness Control
Straightness and parallelism held to ±0.05 mm/m enable accurate alignment when joining multiple rack segments, preventing binding or uneven mesh engagement during long-axis travel.
Technical Specifications and Manufacturing Range
Comprehensive parameter overview for engineering evaluation and system design integration
| Item | Specification Range | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 500 mm – 3000 mm | Custom lengths and segmented racks available |
| Module | m1 – m12 | Spur or helical teeth available |
| Tooth Height | Per DIN 867 or customer drawing | Full-depth or stub teeth configurable |
| Pitch Accuracy | DIN 6 – DIN 9 | Inspection report available |
| Straightness | ±0.05 mm/m | Measured along pitch line |
| Materials | C45 / 42CrMo4 / S45C / S50C | Material composition customizable |
| Heat Treatment | Induction Hardening / Through-Hardening / Nitriding | Enhances wear resistance and fatigue life |
| Surface Hardness | HRC 50–60 (Induction Hardened) HRC 45–50 (Through-Hardened) |
Dependent on material and process |
| Surface Roughness | Ra 0.8 – 3.2 μm | Achieved after milling or grinding |
| Mounting Holes | Standard or custom hole patterns | Countersunk or threaded holes available |
Custom Manufacturing Capability for Gear Racks
Four core competencies supporting CNC machine builders, automation integrators, and precision motion control systems
Design & Engineering Capability
Rack-pinion geometry calculation, tooth modification for smooth mesh transition, straightness tolerance analysis, and reverse engineering from worn racks for replacement production.
Precision Machining
CNC milling or gear planing for tooth cutting; finish grinding for high-accuracy profiles; straightness and flatness verification on CMM to ensure dimensional stability across multiple segments.
Material & Heat Treatment Options
Standard carbon steels (C45, S45C) with induction hardening or through-hardening; hardness pattern and case depth validated per drawing; material traceability reports provided with shipment.
Testing & Technical Support
Full dimensional and tooth profile data archived; CMM and gear measurement center reports; remote technical consultation for installation, alignment guidance, and performance feedback.
Manufacturing Process: From Raw Bar Stock to Verified Gear Rack
Six controlled stages ensuring dimensional consistency, straightness accuracy, and full traceability
Raw Material Preparation
Incoming steel bar stock (C45, 42CrMo4, or customer-specified grade) validated with mill certificates; chemical composition and initial hardness verified before release to machining. Material lot numbers recorded for batch traceability.
Rough Machining & Face Milling
CNC milling establishes flat reference surfaces, mounting hole patterns, and overall length to near-final dimensions. First-piece inspection confirms toolpath accuracy before batch production, ensuring dimensional consistency across all racks in the lot.
Tooth Cutting (Milling or Planing)
CNC gear milling cutter or rack planer machines teeth per involute profile; module, pressure angle, and tooth height controlled to drawing specification. In-process checks monitor pitch accuracy and tooth thickness distribution along the entire rack length.
Heat Treatment (Induction Hardening or Through-Hardening)
Racks undergo induction hardening along tooth flanks to achieve HRC 50–60 surface hardness with controlled depth, or through-hardening for HRC 45–50 throughout. Heat treatment cycles documented; hardness distribution verified on production samples and test coupons.
Finish Grinding & Straightness Correction
CNC surface grinding (for precision grades) corrects distortion from heat treatment and achieves final straightness tolerance (±0.05 mm/m). Mounting faces and end faces ground or milled to final flatness; edges deburred to prevent handling damage.
Final Inspection & Documentation
Gear measurement center records pitch accuracy, tooth profile form, and straightness data; CMM verifies mounting hole positions and overall dimensions; surface hardness measured at multiple locations. Inspection certificate, material traceability, and heat treatment report prepared for shipment.
Quality Control and Inspection System
Five-stage verification protocol ensuring batch consistency and full traceability from material to shipment
Raw Material Verification
Mill certificates validated against order specification; chemical composition spot-checked via spectrometer; hardness measured to confirm annealing condition. Material accepted only when documentation and test results meet requirements.
Machining Accuracy Check
First-piece inspection after each setup confirms dimensional compliance; in-process sampling monitors mounting hole positions, overall length, straightness, and pitch spacing. Statistical process control (SPC) applied to critical dimensions for high-volume runs.
Tooth Profile & Pitch Inspection
Gear measurement center captures tooth profile deviation, pitch variation, and cumulative pitch error. Data compared to DIN 867 or customer-specified tolerance class; out-of-tolerance racks segregated and corrected or scrapped.
Hardness & Surface Treatment Test
Surface hardness (Rockwell C scale) measured at multiple locations along tooth flanks; hardening depth verified via microhardness traverse on sectioned samples or non-destructive eddy current testing. Heat treatment report includes furnace cycle data and test results for traceability.
Final 100% Inspection
Every gear rack subjected to visual inspection for grinding burns, surface defects, and edge quality; dimensional spot-checks confirm mounting hole tolerance, straightness, and end face perpendicularity. Full inspection data archived by batch number.
Applications and Industry Integration
Gear racks delivering precise linear motion, high-speed travel, and reliable positioning across six core sectors
Certifications and Quality Standards
Recognized quality systems and compliance documentation supporting international procurement requirements
ISO 9001:2015
IATF 16949 Methods
Material Traceability (EN 10204 3.1)
RoHS / REACH Compliance
Material Selection and Heat Treatment Process
Material composition and heat treatment directly determine gear rack durability, wear resistance, and service life. Yantong Tech applies controlled induction hardening, through-hardening, or nitriding to achieve specified surface hardness and core properties, with full process documentation for quality assurance.
Design and Engineering Collaboration
Manufacturing engineers supporting rack-pinion geometry optimization, tolerance analysis, and reverse engineering for OEM replacement
- Rack-pinion geometry calculation and module/tooth height optimization based on travel distance, load requirements, and speed range constraints
- CAD/CAM-based tooth profile design and tolerance control; straightness and parallelism analysis for multi-rack alignment and jointing accuracy
- Reverse engineering from worn racks for OEM replacement; dimensional measurement, material identification, and heat treatment replication with manufacturability recommendations
- Technical drawing verification and export documentation support; dimensional clarification and mounting hole pattern analysis to ensure installation fit and function
What Our Clients Say
Trusted by CNC machine builders and automation integrators across three continents
We needed precision gear racks for our gantry laser cutting tables with tight straightness tolerance and verified pitch accuracy. Yantong Tech provided full inspection data, held dimensions consistently across three batches, and responded quickly to our alignment questions. That consistency is critical for us.
Our CNC router design required long-travel racks with multiple segments jointed end-to-end. Yantong's engineering team understood our straightness and end-face parallelism requirements and delivered racks that aligned perfectly. Lead time was competitive and communication was clear throughout the project.
We replaced worn racks in our automated storage system with reverse-engineered parts from Yantong Tech. They measured our samples, confirmed the module and heat treatment, and matched the mounting hole pattern exactly. The replacement racks fit perfectly and have been running smoothly for over eighteen months. Reliable service.
Why Engineers and Procurement Teams Choose Yantong Tech for Gear Racks
Four core competencies supporting linear motion system reliability, predictable delivery, and long-term partnership
Proven Manufacturing Capability
96-person team with dedicated CNC machining, induction hardening facilities, and gear measurement centers; module range m1–m12, length up to 3000 mm, DIN 6–9 accuracy achievable through controlled process.
Full Traceability & Documentation
Material certificates (EN 10204 3.1), heat treatment cycle reports, gear measurement data, and straightness verification results archived by batch; ISO 9001 quality system with documented corrective action and continuous improvement process.
Engineering-Focused Communication
Manufacturing engineers with rack-pinion design background engage directly with customer technical teams; drawing clarification, tolerance analysis, and manufacturability feedback provided before quotation to avoid misunderstanding.
Realistic Pricing & Delivery
Quotations based on actual drawing complexity, material specification, and heat treatment requirements; lead time commitments honored through rolling safety stock for standard modules and milestone tracking for custom lengths.
Packaging and Export Logistics
Protection protocol ensuring rack integrity from factory to your receiving dock
Corrosion Prevention & Sealed Protection
Gear rack surfaces are coated with rust-preventive oil or VCI wrapping based on transit duration and environment, and each rack is sealed or bundled for moisture control from factory handling to overseas delivery.
Tooth Surface and Impact Protection
Tooth edges along the rack length are protected using plastic guards or strip-type cushioning, and racks are firmly bundled with internal blocking to prevent shifting and impact during transport and handling.
Reinforced Crating & Export-Ready Loading
Gear racks are secured with heavy-duty strapping on reinforced pallets or in plywood crates, with proper bracing and forklift access for safe loading according to export logistics requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gear Racks
Quick answers to common technical and commercial inquiries
Technical Questions
Commercial Questions
How to Start Cooperation with Yantong Tech
A transparent seven-step process from inquiry to ongoing technical support
Send Your Drawing / Specification
Submit technical drawings (PDF, DWG, STEP) or samples via email. Include specifications for module, length, material, heat treatment, straightness tolerance, and any special mounting hole patterns. Our engineering team reviews for manufacturability within 24 hours.
Initial Contact
Drawing review and feasibility confirmation
Technical Clarification
Engineering dialogue and tolerance verification
Technical Review & Proposal
Our manufacturing engineers discuss drawing details, clarify straightness and pitch tolerances, and recommend process approach (milling vs. grinding, heat treatment method). Any manufacturability concerns or improvement suggestions communicated before quotation.
Quotation & Lead Time Confirmation
Detailed quotation provided with breakdown of material, machining, heat treatment, and inspection costs. Lead time estimated based on current production schedule. Payment terms and shipping arrangements confirmed.
Commercial Agreement
Transparent pricing and delivery commitment
Manufacturing Phase
Process control and milestone tracking
Production & Machining
Manufacturing executed per documented process plan. First-piece inspection, in-process checks, and heat treatment validation performed at each stage. Production milestones updated for customer visibility on lead time status.
Inspection & Quality Documentation
Final 100% inspection including gear measurement, straightness verification, hardness testing, and visual examination. Inspection certificates, material traceability, and heat treatment reports compiled for customer approval before shipment.
Quality Assurance
Full documentation and traceability package
Logistics & Delivery
Protected packaging and export documentation
Packaging & Shipping
Racks packed per export standards (anti-rust coating, foam protection, plywood crates with steel reinforcement). Export documentation prepared for customs clearance. Tracking information provided upon shipment dispatch.
Technical Consultation & After-sales Follow-up
Remote technical support available for installation guidance, alignment questions, and performance feedback. Quality issues addressed through root cause analysis and corrective action. Long-term partnership built on continuous improvement and mutual trust.
Ongoing Support
Technical consultation and continuous improvement
Ready to Source High-Quality Gear Racks?
Send your drawing and receive an engineering reply within 24 hours — no obligation, just transparent technical dialogue.
- Precision manufacturing: Module m1–m12, length up to 3000 mm, DIN 6–9 accuracy
- Controlled heat treatment: Induction hardening, through-hardening, or nitriding with full process documentation
- Complete traceability: Material certificates, gear measurement data, and heat treatment reports by batch
- Engineering support: Reverse engineering, straightness analysis, and tolerance optimization
- ISO 9001 certified with IATF 16949 methods for automotive-level quality assurance