Effect of preload of linear guides on dynamic characteristics of a vertical column–spindle system

Realization on the dynamic characteristics of the column–spindle system is of importance for enhancing the structural performance of a vertical milling machine. Generally, the spindle head is fed under linear guide mechanism through a ball-screw driver. To assess the dynamic characteristics of a vertical column–spindle system under the influence of a linear guide, this study developed a finite element model integrated with the modeling of linear components with the implementation of contact stiffness at the rolling interface. Both the finite element simulations and the vibration tests reveal that the preload of a linear guide greatly affects the vibration behavior associated with a spindle head, and the dynamic stiffness of the spindle head could be enhanced by increasing the preload of the linear guide. Current results clearly indicate that the simulations agree well with the experimental measurements. This also confirms that the proposed model can be successfully applied to evaluate the dynamics characteristics of machine tool systems of various configurations.