Rack and Pinion?

I am currently building a .491/2 Smartrap and still haven't decided if I will be using belts or rack/pinion. It is my second Smartrap and have decided to make all axis approximately 50mm longer than BOM dimensions.

I printed several 80mm racks from STLs from a previous smartrap version in github. Although they printed nicely, they don't seem to fit together that nicely. Perhaps when I string them together on a threaded rod and compressed them with nuts, they will fit better?

Are there advantages to the rack and pinion over belt?

Is the printer movement over the rack seams smooth?

How many segments are needed for a standard Smartrap?

Thanks!

hi,

For having used all three systems in production ( fishing line , R&P and belts), i have to say now i prefer belts for accuracy and simplicity of assembly ( especially with the last version where you just fit in ) . Fishing line was great because of the price and precision but need some maintenance , R&P are great but a little hard to adjust .. a little too far and you have backslash, too near and you see waves on your object (transfert of forces). I must admit i forgot the subject of driving axes since i've put GT2 .
I switched also because they became available everywhere and very cheap. Smartrap need two pieces of around 50cm.

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