A Study on the Effect of Abrasive Filament Tool on Performance of Sliding Guideways for Machine Tools

Abstract

Sliding guideways for machine tools require smooth, consistent surface texture for optimal performance. An excessively smooth surface causes adhesion between the moving components, while a rough surface accelerates wear. Conventional guideway fabrication uses large, expensive grinding machines. To reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining functional performance, cubic boron nitride (CBN) milling followed by abrasive surface polishing has been proposed. This study investigates the use of an abrasive filament tool to correlate the effect of polishing with lubricated static/dynamic friction coefficients. The results are compared with the sliding performance of milled and ground hardened grey cast iron samples. It was found that polishing had the largest effect on surfaces that were previously milled at higher feed rates and, if realized by industry, could increase productivity.