Open Access
ARTICLE
Abstract
Linear rolling ball guideway is a key component of many machines.
However, due to the point contact between the ball and the groove, stiffness of
linear guideway is the major factor which affects the rigidity and precision of machines. Preload in the guideway can increase the stiffness of linear guideway and
thus reduces the position deviation under an external load. The purpose of this
study is to develop FEA and compare the results with experimental results to prove
the correctness of the FEA model. This model can be used to predict the stiffness
of linear guideway with 4 rows of rolling ball, face–to-face arrangement and 45
degrees angular-contact for different preload. The results of this study are (1) set
up numerical simulation model (2) carry out an experiment to measure the stiffness
and compare it with the numerical result (3) stiffness that provide by upper of 2
rows of rolling ball under downward load, not distributed from 4 rows equally (4)
deflection and contact angle change induced by ball rotating and compression under downward load. This study is useful for establishing the stiffness on different
sizes and arrangement of linear guideway.
Keywords
Cite This Article
Shaw, D., Su, W. (2011). Study of Stiffness of a Linear Guideway by FEA and Experiment.
Structural Longevity, 5(3), 129–138. https://doi.org/10.3970/sl.2011.005.129