Classification of Machine Tool Guideways—Linear Guideways
Milling of Copper and Aluminum Metal Parts
New guideway systems enable machine tools to achieve high rapid feed rates; rapid feed is a characteristic of linear guideways when the spindle speed remains constant. Like plane guideways, linear guideways consist of two basic components: a fixed component that provides guidance and a moving component. To ensure the machine tool
’
s accuracy, a slight amount of scraping on the bed or column is essential; generally, installation is relatively simple. Linear guides use rolling steel balls instead of an intermediate medium between the moving and stationary components. Because rolling steel balls are suitable for high-speed motion, have a low coefficient of friction, and offer high responsiveness, they meet the operational requirements of moving parts such as machine tool tool holders and slides. After prolonged operation, the steel balls begin to wear, and the preload applied to them begins to weaken, leading to a decrease in the motion accuracy of the machine tool
’
s working components. To maintain the initial accuracy, it is necessary to replace the guide rail brackets or even the guide rails themselves. If the guide rail system is already under preload and the system
’
s accuracy has been lost, the only solution is to replace the rolling elements.
