New thermoplastic rack from Nexen opens up new motion control applications

Rack and pinions are linear actuators that play a critical role in a wide range of linear motion control applications. The Versa Rack is ideal for many picking, part-marking and gantry-based automation systems as well as conveyers and CNC routers typically used for cutting wood, composites and plastic, which can generate large volumes of chips that can interfere with the lubrication of steel racks. Made of self-lubricating polymer, the Versa Rack is able to run at full speed without additional lubrication. It can easily withstand washdown, outdoors operation even in coastal climates with salty air, and other challenges, making it an economical option for usage in dirty environments, clean rooms, and food and pharmaceutical production.

The Versa Rack features backlash less than 3.2 micrometers (µm) and positional accuracy of +/- 580 µm, depending on the pinion selected. It can be used with any of Nexen’s pinions – lowest costs can be obtained with Nexen’s Value Pinion while higher performance is available with any of Nexen’s premium pinions. The Versa Rack withstands loads of 500 to 1200 Newtons depending on pinion size. The speed rating of value pinions and thermoplastic racks is 480 to 750 rpms and 2 m/s. 

Nexen produces roller pinion systems, industrial brakes, clutches, torque limiters, overload protection devices and control systems. The company is headquartered in the USA, with their European office based in Wemmel, Belgium. Nexen holds 120 US and international patents. The products are available from over 40 sales offices and more than 1,500 distributor outlets worldwide.