Analysis of Measured Friction of Rolling Balls in Raceway Grooves

Abstract

Friction in linear guideways has an influence on the motion accuracy of machine tool drives. As feedback control has a lag to the friction change in reverse motion, a feedforward compensation is generally used in friction models. However, it is difficult to estimate the friction of rolling balls in raceway grooves because it involves both stick and differential slip characteristics. In this paper, a measurement method is presented using an analytical procedure to clarify micro stick and slip factors in rolling friction. In the measurement test, four balls and two raceway grooves are used to measure the friction force under dry and lubricated conditions. The locomotive bristle model is then applied to identify the stick and slip parameters, which are then compared between the various conditions of lubrication.