A new model for the preload degradation of linear rolling guide

Abstract The degradation of the preload gradually deteriorates the dynamic behavior of linear rolling guide (LRG) as well as the machine tool it drives. However, very few researches can be found on the preload degradation of LRG. In the present work, a preload degradation model for LRG is proposed, in which two effectiveness coefficients are introduced accounting for both the micro-contact behavior and the intermittent wear behavior between the rolling element and raceway. The preload degradation model is verified experimentally using two specially designed test benches. The preload predicted by the current model agrees better with the experimental results than that obtained by previous studies. The numerical simulation results show that the rate of preload loss of the linear rolling guide increases with the increase of the external load F V , running speed V C and fractal parameter G , and the decrease of the fractal parameter D , and their effects on the rate of preload loss can be ranked from strongest to weakest as V C , D , F V and G .