Atlanta Drive Systems, Inc. offers a complete range of zero-backlash rack and 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 utilize 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 utilize 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. These drives are suitable for a wide range of applications, including traveling gantries and columns, milling machines and material feel axis drives. Industries served include material handling, automation, aerospace, woodworking, machine tool and robotics.