Fluctuation of Lubricant Film Thickness at Table Slideways of Surface Grinding Machines

Abstract

The accuracy of straight line motion of machine tool tables is influenced by not only the geometry of guideways, but also the thickness of lubricant films. In this paper, the behaviors of surface grinding machine tables and model sliders due to lubricant films are investigated experimentally. The theoretical consideration for such behaviors is made on the basis of hydrodynamic lubrication theory. Further, the influence of the table behavior on the accuracy of finished workpieces is shown. It is shown that the film thickness increases at the leading edge of a table and decreases at the trailing edge as the table advances and that the finished workpiece becomes concave.