Tooth Flank: Pressure Angle 14.5°, 20°, or 25°, Module 1-10 mm

Component Specifications

Definition

In rack-and-pinion systems, the tooth flank refers to the precisely machined side surfaces of the rack teeth that make contact with the pinion teeth. These surfaces are designed with specific geometric profiles (typically involute or cycloidal) to ensure smooth, efficient power transmission with minimal backlash and wear. The tooth flank's accuracy directly affects the system's precision, noise levels, and longevity.

Working Principle

The tooth flank operates on the principle of conjugate action, where the precisely shaped surfaces of rack and pinion teeth maintain continuous contact during engagement. As the pinion rotates, its teeth roll along the rack's tooth flanks, converting rotational motion into linear motion (or vice versa). The flank geometry ensures proper meshing, load distribution, and minimal sliding friction.

Materials

Typically made from hardened steel alloys (e.g., AISI 4140, 4340, or case-hardened steels), stainless steel, or sometimes engineered plastics for specific applications. Surface hardness ranges from 45-60 HRC for steel components.

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Module	1-10 mm
Hardness	45-60 HRC
Tooth Profile	Involute
Accuracy Grade	DIN 5-8 or AGMA 10-13
Pressure Angle	14.5°, 20°, or 25°
Surface Finish	Ra 0.8-3.2 μm

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Standards

ISO 53, ISO 54, DIN 867, AGMA 2015

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Rack

A linear gear component with teeth cut along its length that meshes with a pinion gear to convert rotational motion into linear motion.

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Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation

Premature wear due to improper lubrication
Pitting and spalling from excessive loads
Noise generation from profile errors
Reduced precision from flank deviations

FMEA Triads

Trigger: Inadequate surface hardness
Failure: Accelerated wear and pitting
Mitigation: Implement proper heat treatment processes and hardness testing

Trigger: Geometric profile errors
Failure: Increased noise, vibration, and reduced efficiency
Mitigation: Use precision grinding/hobbing and implement regular quality control

Trigger: Contamination in lubrication
Failure: Abrasive wear on flank surfaces
Mitigation: Implement proper filtration systems and regular maintenance schedules

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Typical Suppliers & Equivalents

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance

Profile tolerance: ±0.005-0.02 mm, Lead tolerance: ±0.01-0.03 mm/100mm

Test Method

Coordinate measuring machines (CMM), gear measuring instruments, surface roughness testers, hardness testers

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

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CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Manufacturers of Tooth Flank

Manufacturer profiles associated with Tooth Flank.

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Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between tooth flank and tooth face?

The tooth flank refers to the side surfaces of the tooth that engage with mating gear teeth, while the tooth face typically refers to the top surface. The flank is the functional contact surface for power transmission.

Why is tooth flank geometry important?

Proper flank geometry ensures efficient power transmission, minimizes noise and vibration, reduces wear, and maintains precision in motion control systems.

How is tooth flank quality measured?

Flank quality is measured through profile deviation, lead deviation, surface roughness testing, and hardness testing according to ISO/DIN standards.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records. See the editorial policy.

Preliminary Technical Classification

This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

Tooth Flank