Zero backlash standard rack & pinion drives that utilizing a split- and dual-pinion arrangement are now available from Atlanta Drive Systems. According to the company’s press release, these drives can maintain positional accuracy during acceleration, deceleration and for direction of travel reversals. One pinion drives the axis and the other engages the opposite tooth flank and takes up the backlash. Mechanically-loaded split pinion drives utilize an axial spring to load one pinion half against the other. Electrically pre-loaded dual pinion drives utilize two motors, each driving one pinion, which are loaded against each other by means of a special motor controller. These drives are designed for the machine tool, material handling, automoation, aerospace and robotics industries.